JP7042438B2 - Communication equipment, communication systems, and lighting control systems - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates generally to communication devices, communication systems, and lighting control systems, and more particularly to communication devices, communication systems, and lighting control systems capable of communicating with a plurality of terminals.

Conventionally, a load control system that wirelessly controls a lighting load is known, and is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1. The load control system described in Patent Document 1 includes a wireless communication device, a wireless adapter device, and a load control device. The wireless communication device transmits a control command to the wireless adapter device via a LAN (Local Area Network) cable. When the wireless adapter device receives a control command from the wireless communication device, the wireless adapter device transmits the control command corresponding to the control command to the load control device as a wireless signal. Upon receiving the radio signal, the load control device turns on or off the lighting load by turning on or off the switch element in response to the control command.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-134791

In a communication system such as the load control system described in Patent Document 1, in addition to the load control device (first terminal) that receives control commands by wireless communication, the load control device (second terminal) that receives control commands by wired communication. May be further provided. In this case, there is a problem that it is difficult to improve the efficiency between the control of the first terminal and the control of the second terminal.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above points, and is a communication device, a communication system, and a communication system capable of improving the efficiency of the control of the first terminal that performs wireless communication and the control of the second terminal that performs wired communication. It is intended to provide a lighting control system.

The communication device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a communication unit. The communication unit communicates with a first slave unit that wirelessly communicates with one or more first terminals and a second slave unit that performs wired communication with one or more second terminals different from the first terminal. .. When the communication unit transmits a signal for controlling each of the first terminal and the second terminal within a predetermined period, the communication unit sends a first control signal for controlling the first terminal to the first slave unit. After transmitting to, a second control signal for controlling the second terminal is transmitted to the second slave unit. The control target of each of the one or more first terminals and the one or more second terminals is a lighting fixture.
The communication device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a communication unit. The communication unit communicates with a first slave unit that wirelessly communicates with one or more first terminals and a second slave unit that performs wired communication with one or more second terminals different from the first terminal. .. When the communication unit transmits a signal for controlling each of the first terminal and the second terminal within a predetermined period, the communication unit sends a first control signal for controlling the first terminal to the first slave unit. After transmitting to, a second control signal for controlling the second terminal is transmitted to the second slave unit. The communication unit transmits the second control signal to the second handset during wireless communication between the first handset and the one or more first terminals.
The communication device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a communication unit. The communication unit communicates with a first slave unit that wirelessly communicates with one or more first terminals and a second slave unit that performs wired communication with one or more second terminals different from the first terminal. .. When the communication unit transmits a signal for controlling each of the first terminal and the second terminal within a predetermined period, the communication unit sends a first control signal for controlling the first terminal to the first slave unit. After transmitting to, a second control signal for controlling the second terminal is transmitted to the second slave unit. The communication unit transmits the second control signal to the second handset within the time required for wireless communication between the first handset and the one or more first terminals.
The communication device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a communication unit. The communication unit communicates with a first slave unit that wirelessly communicates with one or more first terminals and a second slave unit that performs wired communication with one or more second terminals different from the first terminal. .. When the communication unit transmits a signal for controlling each of the first terminal and the second terminal within a predetermined period, the communication unit sends a first control signal for controlling the first terminal to the first slave unit. After transmitting to, a second control signal for controlling the second terminal is transmitted to the second slave unit. When there are a plurality of the first slave units, the communication unit may perform wireless communication of two or more of the plurality of wireless communication times required for the wireless communication of the plurality of first slave units with the one or more first terminals. The transmission process of transmitting the second control signal to the second slave unit is divided and executed according to the time.

The communication system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the above-mentioned communication device, the first slave unit for receiving the first control signal, and the second slave unit for receiving the second control signal.

The lighting control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the above-mentioned communication device, the first slave unit for receiving the first control signal, and the second slave unit for receiving the second control signal. .. The control target of each of the one or more first terminals and the one or more second terminals is a lighting fixture.

The present disclosure has an advantage that the efficiency of the control of the first terminal that performs wireless communication and the control of the second terminal that performs wired communication can be improved.

FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram showing a control operation of a communication device and a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the same communication device and communication system. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing a monitoring operation of the same communication device and communication system. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the communication device and the communication system according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the communication device and the communication system according to the second modification of the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the communication device and the communication system according to the third modification of the embodiment of the present disclosure.

(1) Overview Hereinafter, the communication device 1 and the communication system 10 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The communication system 10 of the present embodiment is a system used in a facility such as an office building, a store, a hospital, a school, or a factory, and for controlling a controlled object such as a lighting fixture 4 installed in the facility. .. In the present embodiment, a case where the communication system 10 is used in the lighting control system 100 for controlling the lighting fixture 4 will be described as an example.

As shown in FIG. 2, the communication system 10 includes a communication device 1, a plurality of wireless units (first slave units) 21 (wireless units 211, ..., 21n (“n” is a natural number)), and a wired unit (first handset). It is equipped with a two-slave unit) 22. The plurality of wireless units 21 and the wired unit 22 are configured to be able to communicate with the communication device 1, respectively. That is, the communication device 1 includes a plurality of wireless units 21, a wired unit 22, and a communication unit 11 that communicates with each other. In the present embodiment, the communication unit 11 is configured to perform wired communication with a plurality of wireless units 21 and wired units 22, respectively.

The plurality of wireless units 21 are configured to perform wireless communication with one or more first terminals 31 under their control. Further, the wired unit 22 is configured to perform wired communication with one or more second terminals 32 under its own control. The one or more first terminals 31 under the control of any wireless unit 21 are different from the one or more first terminals 31 under the control of the other wireless units 21. Further, the one or more second terminals 32 under the control of the wired unit 22 are different from the one or more first terminals 31 under the control of each of the plurality of wireless units 21.

Each of the first terminal 31 and the second terminal 32 is integrally configured with the lighting fixture 4 to be controlled. Alternatively, each of the first terminal 31 and the second terminal 32 may be separate from the lighting fixture 4 to be controlled. In this case, each of the first terminal 31 and the second terminal 32 is electrically connected to the luminaire 4 or a relay provided on the power supply path to the luminaire 4.

The first terminal 31 controls, for example, on / off, dimming, or toning of the lighting fixture 4 according to the first control message (message) M1 transmitted from the communication device 1 via the wireless unit 21. Has a function. The "telegram" here is a set of data transmitted or received between devices, which is described according to a predetermined format. Similarly, the second terminal 32 controls, for example, on / off, dimming, or toning of the lighting fixture 4 according to the second control message M2 transmitted from the communication device 1 via the wired unit 22. Has a function. That is, the first control message (first control signal) M1 is a signal for controlling the first terminal 31. Further, the second control message (second control signal) M2 is a signal for controlling the second terminal 32.

Then, when the communication unit 11 of the communication device 1 transmits the first control message M1 and the second control message M2 within the predetermined period T0, the communication unit 11 transmits the first control message M1 to the wireless unit 21 and then the second control message. M2 is transmitted to the wired unit 22. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the control of the first terminal 31 and the control of the first terminal 31 are compared with the case where the control of the first terminal 31 that performs wireless communication and the control of the second terminal 32 that performs wired communication are performed in a disorderly manner. There is an advantage that the efficiency with the control of the two terminals 32 can be improved.

(2) Details Hereinafter, the configurations of the communication device 1 and the communication system 10 of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. As described above, the communication system 10 of the present embodiment includes a communication device 1, a plurality of wireless units 21 capable of communicating with the communication device 1, and a wired unit 22 capable of communicating with the communication device 1. I have.

The communication device 1 is wiredly connected to a plurality of wireless units 21 and a wired unit 22 by a two-wire signal line L1. The communication device 1 has a communication unit 11 and a communication control unit 12.

The communication unit 11 is a communication interface for communicating with a plurality of wireless units 21 and wired units 22. The communication unit 11 is configured to be able to transmit and receive a telegram in both directions by wired communication between the plurality of wireless units 21 and the wired unit 22. In the present embodiment, a message is transmitted and received between the communication unit 11 and the plurality of wireless units 21 by, for example, a transmission signal composed of a bipolar (± 24V) time-division multiplex signal. Specifically, the communication unit 11 outputs a transmission signal including a telegram to the signal line L1. As a result, a telegram is transmitted from the communication unit 11 to the plurality of wireless units 21 and the wired unit 22. Further, each of the plurality of wireless units 21 and the wired unit 22 returns the telegram as a current mode signal during the return period of the transmission signal. As a result, a telegram is transmitted from each of the plurality of wireless units 21 and the wired unit 22 to the communication unit 11. The "current mode signal" here is a signal represented by a current change caused by switching between a state in which the line of the signal line L1 is open and a state in which a low impedance element is connected between the lines.

The communication control unit 12 controls the communication unit 11. The communication control unit 12 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer whose main configuration is a processor and a memory. That is, the communication control unit 12 is realized by a computer system having a processor and a memory. Then, when the processor executes an appropriate program, the computer system functions as the communication control unit 12. The program may be pre-recorded in a memory, may be recorded in a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, and provided through a telecommunication line such as the Internet, or through a wireless signal from the wireless unit 21. May be good.

The wireless unit 21 is configured to be able to transmit and receive telegrams in both directions by wireless communication with one or more first terminals 31. That is, the wireless unit 21 transmits and receives a telegram by wire communication with the communication device 1, and transmits and receives a telegram by wireless communication with the first terminal 31. As a result, the wireless unit 21 can relay (transfer) the telegram received from the communication device 1 by the wired communication to the first terminal 31 by the wireless communication. Further, the wireless unit 21 can relay (transfer) a telegram received by wireless communication from the first terminal 31 to the communication device 1 by wire communication. In the present embodiment, the communication method between the wireless unit 21 and the first terminal 31 is, for example, wireless communication such as a low power radio (specified low power radio) that does not require a license or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Is. For this type of low-power radio, specifications such as frequency band and antenna power to be used are specified in each country according to the application. In Japan, low-power radios that use radio waves in the 920 MHz band or 420 MHz band are specified.

The wired unit 22 is configured to be able to transmit and receive telegrams in both directions by wired communication with one or more second terminals 32. That is, the wired unit 22 transmits and receives a telegram by wired communication both with the communication device 1 and with the second terminal 32. As a result, the wired unit 22 can relay (transfer) the telegram received from the communication device 1 by the wired communication to the second terminal 32 by the wireless communication. Further, the wired unit 22 can relay (transfer) the telegram received from the second terminal 32 by the wired communication to the communication device 1 by the wired communication.

The wireless unit 21 and the wired unit 22 each have a first communication unit 201, a second communication unit 202, and a control unit 203.

The first communication unit 201 is a communication interface for communicating with the communication device 1, and is connected to the communication device 1 by the signal line L1. The first communication unit 201 transmits and receives a message in both directions by wire communication with the communication device 1 using a transmission signal.

The second communication unit 202 is a communication interface for communicating with one or more first terminals 31 or one or more second terminals 32. In the wireless unit 21, the second communication unit 202 transmits and receives a telegram in both directions by wireless communication with one or more first terminals 31. In the wired unit 22, the second communication unit 202 transmits and receives a message bidirectionally with one or more second terminals 32 by wired communication. The addresses of one or more first terminals 31 (or one or more second terminals 32) that can be communicated by the second communication unit 202 are registered in advance in the memory or the like of the control unit 203. In other words, the second communication unit 202 can communicate only with the first terminal 31 (or the second terminal 32) to which the address is registered.

The control unit 203 controls the first communication unit 201 and the second communication unit 202. The control unit 203 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer whose main configuration is a processor and a memory. That is, the control unit 203 is realized by a computer system having a processor and a memory. Then, when the processor executes an appropriate program, the computer system functions as the control unit 203. The program may be pre-recorded in a memory, may be recorded in a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, and provided through a telecommunication line such as the Internet, or through a wireless signal from the wireless unit 21. May be good.

The wireless unit 21 configured as described above is, for example, one or more first terminals under the control of the wireless unit 21, such as the ceiling of a room in which one or more first terminals 31 under the control of the wireless unit 21 are installed. It is arranged at a position suitable for wireless communication with 31. However, the wireless unit 21 is not limited to a configuration that directly communicates with one or more first terminals 31 under the control of the wireless unit 21. For example, the wireless unit 21 may indirectly communicate with the first terminal 31 at a position where the wireless signal (radio wave) from the wireless unit 21 does not reach via the repeater. Similarly, the wired unit 22 is between one or more second terminals 32 under the wired unit 22, such as the ceiling of a room in which one or more second terminals 32 under the wired unit 22 are installed. It is placed in a position suitable for wired communication.

A monitoring device 6A is wiredly connected to the wireless unit 21. Further, the monitoring device 6B is wiredly connected to the wired unit 22. Each of the monitoring devices 6A and 6B is composed of, for example, a switch mounted on a wall or the like and receiving a user's operation, or various sensors. The sensor referred to here is, for example, a motion sensor, an illuminance sensor, a heat ray sensor, a temperature sensor, or the like. The motion sensor includes a sensor having a function of not only detecting the presence or absence of a person but also measuring the number of people existing within the detection range.

The monitoring device 6A holds a monitoring result indicating that a specific event has occurred when a specific event occurs, for example, a switch detects a user's operation or a sensor detects the presence of a person. .. Then, the monitoring result is notified to the wireless unit 21 by the inquiry (that is, polling) from the wireless unit 21. The wireless unit 21 holds the monitoring result of the notified monitoring device 6A. Similarly, when a specific event such as the above occurs, the monitoring device 6B holds a monitoring result indicating that the specific event has occurred. Then, upon receiving an inquiry from the wired unit 22, the wired unit 22 is notified of the monitoring result. The wired unit 22 holds the monitoring result of the notified monitoring device 6B.

Each of the first terminal 31 and the second terminal 32 has a terminal-side communication unit 301, a terminal-side control unit 302, and a functional module 303. In FIG. 2, the terminal-side communication unit 301, the terminal-side control unit 302, and the function module 303 of the second terminal 32 are not shown.

The terminal-side communication unit 301 is a communication interface for communicating with the communication system 10 (wireless unit 21 or wired unit 22). In the first terminal 31, the terminal-side communication unit 301 transmits and receives a message bidirectionally with the wireless unit 21 by wireless communication. Further, in the second terminal 32, the terminal-side communication unit 301 transmits and receives a message bidirectionally with the wired unit 22 by wired communication. The address of the wireless unit 21 (or the wired unit 22) capable of communicating with the terminal-side communication unit 301 is registered in advance in the memory or the like of the terminal-side control unit 302. In other words, the terminal-side communication unit 301 can communicate only with the wireless unit 21 (or the wired unit 22) to which the address is registered.

The terminal-side control unit 302 controls the terminal-side communication unit 301 and the function module 303. The terminal-side control unit 302 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer whose main configuration is a processor and a memory. That is, the terminal-side control unit 302 is realized in a computer system having a processor and a memory. Then, when the processor executes an appropriate program, the computer system functions as the terminal side control unit 302. The program may be pre-recorded in a memory, may be recorded through a telecommunication line such as the Internet, or may be recorded and provided on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card.

The function module 303 is a module that realizes a function other than communication with the communication system 10 (wireless unit 21 or wired unit 22) in the first terminal 31 (or the second terminal 32). In the present embodiment, the functional module 303 has a function of controlling on / off, dimming, toning, and the like of the lighting fixture 4 to be controlled. That is, each of the first terminal 31 and the second terminal 32 has a configuration in which a communication function with the communication system 10 is added to the function of the function module 303.

A unique address is set for each of the first terminal 31 and the second terminal 32. The addresses of the first terminal 31 and the second terminal 32 are set by using, for example, a dedicated address setting device. The communication device 1 individually recognizes the first terminal 31 and the second terminal 32 by using these addresses. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that one address is set in one first terminal 31 (or the second terminal 32). However, not limited to this configuration, when a plurality of lighting fixtures 4 are connected to one first terminal 31 (or second terminal 32), an address unique to each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 4 is set. May be done.

(3) Operation Next, the operation of the communication device 1 and the communication system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. In the following description, “SY” shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 is a time slot used for synchronizing the wireless unit 21 with one or more first terminals 31 under the wireless unit 21. “CM” shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 is a time slot used for communication from the first terminal 31 or the monitoring device 6A to the wireless unit 21. The same applies to FIGS. 4 to 6.

(3.1) Monitoring Operation First, the monitoring operation of a plurality of wireless units 21 will be described with reference to FIG. In the following, each of the plurality of wireless units 21 periodically transmits the request message M0. For example, when a message including a command requesting execution of a monitoring operation is received from the communication device 1, the request message is transmitted. M0 may be transmitted. The "request message M0" here is a message including a command for requesting a reply of each state to one or more first terminals 31 (or second terminals 32). Further, the "state" referred to here is a lighting state of the lighting fixture 4 (on / off of the lighting fixture, dimming ratio, color temperature, etc.).

Each of the plurality of wireless units 21 is assigned to itself by the time division multiple access method in the first time slot TS1 for each first cycle T1, and all the first ones under its control. The request message M0 is transmitted to the terminal 31. The first period T1 is the time from the start time of "SY" to the end time of "CM". In the example shown in FIG. 3, the wireless units 211,212, ..., 21n transmit the request message M0 in the first time slots TS1 of "U1", "U2", and "Un" assigned to them, respectively. ing.

Each of the plurality of wireless units 21 waits for the response message S0 from all the first terminals 31 under its control until the end time of the first time slot TS1 assigned to itself after the transmission of the request message M0. The first terminal 31 that has received the request message M0 transmits the response message S0 to the request message M0 to the wireless unit 21. That is, when all the first terminals 31 under the control of the wireless unit 21 receive the request message M0, they transmit the response message S0 to the wireless unit 21.

When each of the plurality of wireless units 21 receives the response message S0 from all the first terminals 31 under their control, the data representing the state of each first terminal 31 included in the response message S0 is stored in a memory or the like. Remember. Then, each of the plurality of wireless units 21 transmits data representing the states of all the first terminals 31 individually or collectively to the communication device 1 in response to a request from the communication device 1.

In the present embodiment, the width (length) of the first time slot TS1 is different for each of the plurality of wireless units 21. Specifically, the width (length) of the first time slot TS1 differs depending on the number of first terminals 31 under the control of the wireless unit 21. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the first time slots TS1 of "U1", "U2", ..., "Un" assigned to the wireless units 211, 212, ..., 21n, respectively, have different lengths from each other. There is. In the present embodiment, the communication device 1 transmits a notification message to each of the plurality of wireless units 21 before starting the monitoring operation. The notification message includes information on the number of first terminals 31 for each of the plurality of wireless units 21. When each of the plurality of wireless units 21 receives the notification message, it responds to the information on the number of the first terminals 31 under its own control and the information on the number of the first terminals 31 under the control of the other wireless units 21. , Determines the length of its first time slot TS1. The notification message need only be sent once before the monitoring operation. Therefore, when the monitoring operation is started, it is not necessary to transmit the notification message unless the number of the first terminals 31 under the control of any of the wireless units 2 changes.

Like the wireless unit 21, the wired unit 22 periodically transmits the request message M0. However, when a message including a command requesting execution of a monitoring operation is received from the communication device 1, for example, the request message is transmitted. M0 may be transmitted. After the request message M0 is transmitted, the wired unit 22 waits for the response message S0 from all the second terminals 32 under its control until a predetermined reply period elapses. When all the second terminals 32 under the control of the wired unit 22 receive the request message M0, they transmit the response message S0 to the wired unit 22.

When the wired unit 22 receives the response message S0 from all the second terminals 32 under its control, the wired unit 22 stores data representing the state of each second terminal 32 included in the response message S0 in a memory or the like. Then, the wired unit 22 transmits data representing the states of all the second terminals 32 individually or collectively to the communication device 1 in response to a request from the communication device 1.

(3.2) Control operation in the wireless unit Next, the control operation in the plurality of wireless units 21 will be described with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, the message for starting the control operation (control start message M3) will be described on the assumption that it is generated in the communication device 1. Hereinafter, the control operations of the plurality of wireless units 21 in the group control operation and the pattern control operation will be described. The term "group control" as used herein means that a plurality of first terminals 31 are made to control the same control content. Further, the "pattern control" here means that each of the plurality of first terminals 31 is made to control the same or different control contents.

The communication device 1 receives the monitoring result of the monitoring device 6A (or the monitoring device 6B) and generates the control start message M3. For example, the communication device 1 receives the monitoring result held by the wireless unit 21 (or the wired unit 22) by inquiring (that is, polling) the plurality of wireless units 21 and the wired unit 22 at regular intervals.

The communication device 1 that generated the control start message M3 transmits the control start message M3 to the plurality of wireless units 21. Then, each of the plurality of wireless units 21 interrupts the monitoring operation and starts the control operation. In other words, T0 starts for a predetermined period. In the control operation, each of the plurality of wireless units 21 transmits the first control message M1 to the first terminal 31 to be controlled under its own control in the second time slot TS2. The second time slot TS2 is a time slot assigned in place of the first time slot TS1 for each second cycle T2 from the start time of "SY" to the end time of "CM". The first control message M1 transmitted at this time includes at least a data area indicating the control content and an address area for designating the destination of the first control message M1. Here, the address area includes the address of the destination (destination), that is, the address of the first terminal 31 to be controlled.

Specifically, the communication device 1 transmits the first control message M1 to the target unit among the plurality of wireless units 21 before the start of the second time slot TS2. The "target unit" here is a wireless unit 21 under the control of the first terminal 31 to be controlled. The target unit that has received the first control message M1 returns the response message S1 to the first control message M1 to the communication device 1. Then, the target unit that has received the first control message M1 receives the first control message by wireless communication to the first terminal 31 whose address is included in the first control message M1 in the second time slot TS2. Send M1. For example, when one or more first terminals 31 to be controlled are under the control of the target unit, the target unit transmits a first control message M1 to each of these first terminals 31. In the present embodiment, the target unit transmits the first control message M1 to each of the one or more first terminals 31 whose address is included in the first control message M1 a plurality of times (for example, four times). do. The first terminal 31 that has received the first control message M1 controls, for example, on / off, dimming, or toning of the lighting fixture 4 to be controlled according to the control content of the data area.

The width (length) of the second time slot TS2 is different for each target unit. Specifically, the second time slot TS2 has a width (length) according to the number of control target first terminals 31 under the control of the target unit and the number of transmissions of the first control message M1 to the first terminal 31. Is different. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the lengths of the second time slots TS2 of "C1" and "C2" assigned to the wireless units 211 and 212, which are the target units, are different from each other.

After that, the communication device 1 transmits the confirmation message M5 to the target unit after the end of the second time slot TS2. The target unit that has received the confirmation message M5 returns the response message S3 to the confirmation message M5 to the communication device 1. The communication device 1 that has received the response message S3 transmits the first control message M1 to the next target unit before the start of the next second time slot TS2.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the first target unit is the radio unit 211, and the second target unit is the radio unit 212. Then, the wireless unit 211 puts the first control message M1 under its own control in the second time slot TS2 of "C1" which is the first second time slot TS2 after starting the control operation. It is transmitting to the first terminal 31. Further, the wireless unit 212 has one or more of the first control message M1 under its own control in the second time slot TS2 of "C2" which is the second second time slot TS2 after starting the control operation. It is transmitting to the first terminal 31.

Hereinafter, the above operation is repeated until the communication device 1 receives the response message S3 from all the target units. Then, when the communication device 1 receives the response message S3 from all the target units, the communication device 1 transmits a control end message M6 for terminating the control operation to each of the plurality of wireless units 21. Then, each of the plurality of wireless units 21 ends the control operation and resumes the interrupted monitoring operation. In other words, T0 ends for a predetermined period. In the example shown in FIG. 1, each of the plurality of wireless units 21 resumes the monitoring operation from the first time slot TS1 of "U3".

In addition to the above-mentioned control operation, an individual control operation for controlling only one of the plurality of wireless units 21 is also possible. In the individual control operation, the communication device 1 transmits the control start message M3, then transmits the first control message M1 to the one wireless unit 21, and then the response message S3 from the one wireless unit 21. When the reception of is completed, the control end message M6 is transmitted.

Here, when the communication device 1 receives a plurality of monitoring results from one or more monitoring devices 6A (or monitoring devices 6B) at substantially the same time, the communication device 1 performs a group control operation or a pattern control operation instead of the individual control operation. For example, the communication device 1 waits for a predetermined time (for example, several hundred milliseconds to 1 second) after receiving the monitoring result from the monitoring device 6A (or the monitoring device 6B). Then, when the communication device 1 receives other monitoring results during standby, the communication device 1 performs a group control operation (or a pattern control operation) in consideration of these monitoring results.

(3.3) Control operation in the wired unit Next, the control operation in the wired unit 22 will be described with reference to FIG. In the following, it is assumed that the wired unit 22 is under the control of the second terminal 32 to be controlled. The communication device 1 transmits the first control message M1 to the target unit and then transmits the second control message M2 to the wired unit 22 in the predetermined period T0.

In the present embodiment, the communication device 1 transmits the second control message M2 to the wired unit 22 in the second time slot TS2 after the transmission of the first control message M1. In other words, the communication unit 11 transmits the second control message M2 to the wired unit 22 during wireless communication between the target unit (wireless unit 21) and one or more first terminals 31. The second control message M2 transmitted at this time includes at least a data area indicating the control content and an address area for designating the destination of the second control message M2. Here, the address area includes the address of the destination (destination), that is, the address of the second terminal 32 to be controlled.

The wired unit 22 that has received the second control message M2 returns the response message S2 to the second control message M2 to the communication device 1. Then, the wired unit 22 that has received the second control message M2 transmits the second control message M2 by wired communication to the second terminal 32 whose address is included in the second control message M2. For example, when one or more second terminals 32 to be controlled are under their control, the wired unit 22 transmits a second control message M2 to each of these second terminals 32. In the present embodiment, the wired unit 22 sends the second control message M2 a plurality of times (for example, four times) to each of the one or more second terminals 32 whose address is included in the second control message M2. Send. The second terminal 32 that has received the second control message M2 controls, for example, on / off, dimming, or toning of the lighting fixture 4 to be controlled according to the control content of the data area.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the communication device 1 transmits the first control message M1 to the wireless unit 211, which is the target unit, and then transmits the second control message M2 to the wired unit 22. Specifically, the communication device 1 is set in the second time slot TS2 of "C1" in which the wireless unit 211, which is the target unit, transmits the first control message M1 to one or more first terminals 31. The second control message M2 is transmitted to the wired unit 22.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the communication unit 11 transmits the first control message M1 and the second control message M2 within the predetermined period T0, the communication unit 11 sends the first control message M1 to the target unit (wireless unit 21). After transmission, the second control message M2 is transmitted to the wired unit 22. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the control of the first terminal 31 and the control of the first terminal 31 are compared with the case where the control of the first terminal 31 that performs wireless communication and the control of the second terminal 32 that performs wired communication are performed in a disorderly manner. There is an advantage that the efficiency with the control of the two terminals 32 can be improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, the communication unit 11 transmits the second control message M2 to the wired unit 22 during wireless communication between the target unit (wireless unit 21) and one or more first terminals 31. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the time required for wireless communication with the first terminal 31 in which the wireless unit 21 is 1 or more (hereinafter, also referred to as “wireless communication time”) and the second terminal 32 in which the wired unit 22 is 1 or more. The time required for wired communication with (hereinafter, also referred to as "wired communication time") overlaps. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the time required for controlling the first terminal 31 and the second terminal 32 (hereinafter, also referred to as “control time”) is shorter than the total time of the wireless communication time and the wired communication time. Therefore, there is an advantage that the control time can be shortened.

(4) Modifications The above embodiment is only one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above-described embodiment can be variously modified depending on the design and the like as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Hereinafter, modified examples of the above-described embodiment will be listed. The modifications described below can be applied in combination as appropriate.

(4.1) First Modification Example In the first modification, the time required for the communication unit 11 to perform wireless communication between the target unit (wireless unit 21) and one or more first terminals 31 (that is, the second time slot TS2). ), The second control message M2 is transmitted to the wired unit 22, which is different from the above-described embodiment. In this modification, the communication device 1 calculates the wireless communication time of the target unit (wireless unit 21) and the wired communication time of the wired unit 22 before transmitting the first control message M1 and the second control message M2. do. The wireless communication time is, for example, the number of control target first terminals 31 under the control of the target unit, the number of times the target unit transmits the first control message M1 to the first terminal 31, and the first control message M1. It can be calculated from the transmission interval. The number of times the first control message M1 is transmitted and the interval between the first control message M1 are stored in advance in the communication device 1. The wired communication time is, for example, the number of second terminals 32 to be controlled under the control of the wired unit 22, the number of times the wired unit 22 transmits the second control message M2 to the second terminal 32, and the second control message. It can be calculated from the transmission interval of M2. The number of times the second control message M2 is transmitted and the transmission interval of the second control message M2 are stored in advance in the communication device 1.

When the wireless communication time is shorter than the wired communication time, the communication device 1 does not transmit the second control message M2 to the wired unit 22 in this wireless communication time. On the other hand, when the wireless communication time is longer than the wired communication time, the communication device 1 transmits the second control message M2 to the wired unit 22 in this wireless communication time.

Hereinafter, a specific example will be described with reference to FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the communication device 1 has the wireless communication time of the wireless unit 211 and the wired unit 22 before transmitting the first control message M1 to the wireless unit 211 which is the first target unit. Calculate the wired communication time. The wireless communication time of the wireless unit 211 corresponds to the width (length) W1 of the second time slot TS2 of "C1". As a result, since the wireless communication time of the wireless unit 211 is shorter than the wired communication time of the wired unit 22, the communication device 1 transfers the second control message M2 to the wired unit 22 in the wireless communication time of the wireless unit 211. Do not send.

After that, the communication device 1 calculates the wireless communication time of the wireless unit 212 before transmitting the first control message M1 to the wireless unit 212 which is the second target unit. The wireless communication time of the wireless unit 212 corresponds to the width (length) W2 of the second time slot TS2 of "C2". As a result, since the wireless communication time of the wireless unit 212 is longer than the wired communication time of the wired unit 22, the communication device 1 transmits the second control message M2 to the wired unit 22 in the wireless communication time of the wireless unit 212. do.

As described above, in this modification, the wired communication between the wired unit 22 and the first terminal 32 of one or more is completed between the wireless communication of the wireless unit 21 and the first terminal 31 of one or more. That is, in this aspect, since the control time is substantially equal to the wireless communication time, it is possible to further shorten the control time as compared with the case where a part of the wireless communication time and the wired communication time overlap. There is an advantage.

(4.2) Second Modified Example The second modified example differs from the above-described embodiment in that the communication unit 11 divides and executes the transmission process of transmitting the second control message M2 to the wired unit 22. Specifically, in this modification, the communication unit 11 has two or more radios out of a plurality of wireless communication times required for wireless communication with the first terminal 31 in which each of the plurality of target units (wireless units 21) is one or more. The transmission process is divided and executed according to the communication time.

Similar to the first modification, the communication device 1 calculates the wireless communication time of the target unit and the wired communication time of the wired unit 22 before transmitting the first control message M1 and the second control message M2. When the wireless communication time is shorter than the wired communication time, the communication device 1 transmits a part of the second control message M2 to the wired unit 22 in this wireless communication time. That is, the communication device 1 transmits a part of the second control message M2 among the plurality of second control message M2 to the wired unit 22 for each of the plurality of wireless communication times of the plurality of target units.

Hereinafter, a specific example will be described with reference to FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the communication device 1 has the wireless communication time of the wireless unit 211 and the wired unit 22 before transmitting the first control message M1 to the wireless unit 211 which is the first target unit. Calculate the wired communication time. As a result, since the wireless communication time of the wireless unit 211 is shorter than the wired communication time of the wired unit 22, the communication device 1 has the wireless communication time of the wireless unit 211 among the plurality of second control message M2s. A part of the second control message M2 is transmitted to the wired unit 22.

After that, the communication device 1 calculates the wireless communication time of the wireless unit 212 before transmitting the first control message M1 to the wireless unit 212 which is the second target unit. As a result, since the wireless communication time of the wireless unit 212 is shorter than the wired communication time of the wired unit 22, the communication device 1 has the remaining of the plurality of second control message M2 in the wireless communication time of the wireless unit 212. Second control message M2 is transmitted to the wired unit 22.

As described above, in this modification, the wired communication between the wired unit 22 and the second terminal 32 of 1 or more is completed in the wireless communication time of 2 or more. That is, in this embodiment, since the control time is substantially equal to the wireless communication time of 2 or more, the control time is further shortened as compared with the case where a part of the wireless communication time of 2 or more and the wired communication time overlap. It has the advantage that it is possible.

In this modification, the communication device 1 transmits the second control message M2 to the wired unit 22 every two wireless communication times, but the present invention is not limited to this. The communication device 1 may transmit the second control message M2 to the wired unit 22 every three or more wireless communication times. Further, the communication device 1 does not have to divide the second control message M2 into equal communication amounts and transmit the second control message M2, and the communication amount of the second control message M2 may be different for each of a plurality of wireless communication times.

(4.3) Third Modified Example The third modified example differs from the above-described embodiment in that the communication device 1 adjusts the transmission timing of the control start message M3. Specifically, in this modification, the communication device 1 is between the end time of the first cycle T1 and the end time of the first time slot TS1 and is close to the end time of the first time slot TS1. The control start message M3 is transmitted at the timing (see the arrow of the two-dot chain line in FIG. 6). Further, in this modification, the communication device 1 is controlled between the start time of the first cycle T1 and the start time of the first time slot TS1 and at a timing close to the start time of the first time slot TS1. The start message M3 may be transmitted. That is, in this modification, the communication device 1 transmits the control start message M3 so as to avoid a time point close to the start time point of the first cycle T1 or a time point close to the end time point of the first cycle T1.

Hereinafter, a specific example will be described with reference to FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 6, it is assumed that the wireless units 213 are out of synchronization among the plurality of wireless units 211, ..., 21n. Here, when the communication device 1 transmits the control start telegram M3 at the timing indicated by the arrow of the alternate long and short dash line shown in FIG. 6 (that is, the timing close to the start time of the first time slot TS1), the following problems occur. Can occur. That is, the wireless unit 21 excluding the wireless unit 213 receives the control start message M3 in the time slot of "CM". Therefore, in these wireless units 21, the monitoring operation is switched to the control operation after the first period T1 including the first time slots TS1 of "U1" and "U2".

On the other hand, in the wireless unit 213, the control start telegram M3 is received in the first time slot TS1 of "U3" because the synchronization is out of sync. Therefore, in the wireless unit 213, the monitoring operation is switched to the control operation after the first period T1 including the first time slot TS1 of the “U3”. In this case, the first control message M1 transmitted by the wireless unit 211 in the second time slot TS2 of "C1" and the request message M0 (or reception) transmitted by the wireless unit 213 in the first time slot TS1 of "U3". There is a possibility that the response message S0) will interfere with each other.

Therefore, in this modification, the communication device 1 has two points shown in FIG. 6 so that communication interference does not occur even if the synchronization of any one of the plurality of wireless units 21 is out of sync. The control start message M3 is transmitted at the timing indicated by the arrow of the chain line. Therefore, since the plurality of wireless units 21 all receive the control start message M3 in the same “CM” time slot, they all receive the first cycle including the first time slot TS1 of “U1” and “U2”. After T1, the monitoring operation is switched to the control operation. As described above, in this modification, there is an advantage that even if the synchronization of any one of the plurality of wireless units 21 is out of sync, it is possible to prevent communication interference. ..

(5) Other modified examples The other modified examples are listed below. The modification described below can be applied in combination as appropriate, including the modification listed in "(4) Modification example".

The execution subject of the communication system 10 or the lighting control system 100 in the present disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system has a processor and memory as hardware. When the processor executes the program recorded in the memory of the computer system, the function as the execution subject of the communication system 10 or the lighting control system 100 in the present disclosure is realized. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, but may be provided through a telecommunication line. Further, the program may be recorded and provided on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, an optical disk, or a hard disk drive that can be read by a computer system. The processor of a computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). A plurality of electronic circuits may be integrated on one chip, or may be distributed on a plurality of chips. A plurality of chips may be integrated in one device, or may be distributed in a plurality of devices.

In the above-described embodiment, it is preferable that the total time of the wired communication time and the time required for the communication unit 11 to transmit the second control message M2 is equal to or less than the wireless communication time. In this embodiment, since the control time is substantially equal to the wireless communication time, there is an advantage that the control time can be further shortened as compared with the case where a part of the wireless communication time and the wired communication time overlap. There is.

In the above-described embodiment, the communication system 10 includes a communication device 1, a wireless unit 21 for receiving the first control message M1, and a wired unit 22 for receiving the second control message M2. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the lighting control system 100 includes a communication device 1, a wireless unit 21, and a wired unit 22, and controls each of one or more first terminals 31 and one or more second terminals. The target is the lighting fixture 4. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the communication system 10 does not include the first terminal 31 and the second terminal 32, but the present invention is not limited to these. For example, the communication system 10 may further include one or more first terminals 31 controlled according to the first control message M1 and one or more second terminals 32 controlled according to the second control message M2. ..

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the communication system 10 is the lighting control system 100 has been illustrated, but the communication system 10 is not limited to this example and can be applied to the control of various control targets. For example, the communication system 10 may be used in an air conditioning control system for controlling an air conditioning device (air conditioner), or as a system for controlling a plurality of types of control targets (for example, lighting equipment and air conditioning equipment). It may be used. Further, the communication system 10 is not limited to a non-residential facility such as an office building, and may be used, for example, in a detached house or a house such as an apartment house.

In the above-described embodiment, the number of wired units 22 included in the communication system 10 is one, but a plurality of wired units 22 may be used.

(summary)
As described above, the communication device (1) according to the first aspect includes a communication unit (11). The communication unit (11) includes a first slave unit (wireless unit) (21) that wirelessly communicates with one or more first terminals (31), and one or more second terminals (31) that are different from the first terminal (31). It communicates with the second handset (wired unit) (22) that performs wired communication with 32). When the communication unit (11) transmits a signal for controlling each of the first terminal (31) and the second terminal (32) within a predetermined period, the communication unit (11) transmits the signal as follows. That is, the communication unit (11) transmits the first control signal (first control message) (M1) for controlling the first terminal (31) to the first slave unit (21), and then the second terminal (21). The second control signal (second control message) (M2) for controlling 32) is transmitted to the second slave unit (22).

According to this aspect, there is an advantage that the efficiency of the control of the first terminal (31) that performs wireless communication and the control of the second terminal (32) that performs wired communication can be improved.

In the communication device (1) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the communication unit (11) performs wired communication with the first slave unit (21) and the second slave unit (22), respectively.

According to this aspect, the communication between the communication device (1) and the first slave unit (21) and the communication between the communication device (1) and the second slave unit (22) are unlikely to interfere with each other. There is an advantage.

In the communication device (1) according to the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the communication unit (11) communicates wirelessly between the first slave unit (21) and one or more first terminals (31). The second control signal (M2) is transmitted to the second slave unit (22).

According to this aspect, since the control time can be made shorter than the total time of the wireless communication time and the wired communication time, there is an advantage that the control time can be shortened.

In the communication device (1) according to the fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the communication unit (11) includes a first slave unit (21) and one or more first terminals (31). The second control signal (M2) is transmitted to the second slave unit (22) within the time required for wireless communication.

According to this aspect, since the control time is substantially equal to the wireless communication time, it is possible to further shorten the control time as compared with the case where a part of the wireless communication time and the wired communication time overlap. There is an advantage.

In the communication device (1) according to the fifth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, when there are a plurality of first slave units (21), the communication unit (11) signals as follows. To send. That is, the communication unit (11) has a communication time of two or more out of a plurality of communication times required for wireless communication by each of the plurality of first slave units (21) with one or more first terminals (31). 2 The transmission process of transmitting the control signal (M2) to the second slave unit (22) is divided and executed.

According to this aspect, since the control time is substantially equal to the wireless communication time of 2 or more, the control time is further shortened as compared with the case where a part of the wireless communication time of 2 or more and the wired communication time overlap. It has the advantage that it is possible.

In the communication device (1) according to the sixth aspect, in the fourth or fifth aspect, the total time is the time required for wireless communication with the first terminal (31) in which the first slave unit (21) is one or more. It is as follows. The total time is the time required for the second slave unit (22) to perform wired communication with one or more second terminals (32) and the time required for the communication unit (11) to transmit the second control signal (M2). It is a total.

According to this aspect, since the control time is substantially equal to the wireless communication time, it is possible to further shorten the control time as compared with the case where a part of the wireless communication time and the wired communication time overlap. There is an advantage.

The communication system (10) according to the seventh aspect includes a communication device (1) according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, a first slave unit (21) for receiving a first control signal (M1), and a first slave unit (21). A second slave unit (22) for receiving the second control signal (M2) is provided.

According to this aspect, there is an advantage that the efficiency of the control of the first terminal (31) that performs wireless communication and the control of the second terminal (32) that performs wired communication can be improved.

The communication system (10) according to the eighth aspect is controlled according to one or more first terminals (31) controlled according to the first control signal (M1) and the second control signal (M2) in the seventh aspect. It further comprises one or more second terminals (32).

According to this aspect, there is an advantage that the efficiency of the control of the first terminal (31) that performs wireless communication and the control of the second terminal (32) that performs wired communication can be improved.

The lighting control system (100) according to the ninth aspect includes the communication device (1) according to any one of the first to sixth aspects and the first slave unit (21) for receiving the first control signal (M1). , A second slave unit (22) for receiving the second control signal (M2). The control target of each of the one or more first terminals (31) and the one or more second terminals (32) is the lighting fixture (4).

According to this aspect, there is an advantage that the efficiency of the control of the first terminal (31) that performs wireless communication and the control of the second terminal (32) that performs wired communication can be improved.

The configurations according to the second to sixth aspects are not essential configurations for the communication device (1) and can be omitted as appropriate. Further, the configuration according to the eighth aspect is not an essential configuration for the communication system (10) and can be omitted as appropriate.

1 Communication device 11 Communication unit 21,21,212,213, ..., 21n wireless unit (first slave unit)
22 Wired unit (second handset)
31 1st terminal 32 2nd terminal 4 Lighting equipment 10 Communication system 100 Lighting control system M1 1st control telegram (1st control signal)
M2 2nd control telegram (2nd control signal)

Claims (9)

It is provided with a communication unit that communicates with a first handset that performs wireless communication with one or more first terminals, and a second handset that performs wired communication with one or more second terminals that are different from the first terminal.
When the communication unit transmits a signal for controlling each of the first terminal and the second terminal within a predetermined period, the communication unit sends a first control signal for controlling the first terminal to the first slave unit. After transmitting to the second handset, a second control signal for controlling the second terminal is transmitted to the second handset.
The control target of each of the one or more first terminals and the one or more second terminals is a lighting fixture.
Communication device. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit communicates with the first slave unit and the second slave unit by wire communication, respectively. It is provided with a communication unit that communicates with a first handset that performs wireless communication with one or more first terminals, and a second handset that performs wired communication with one or more second terminals that are different from the first terminal.
When the communication unit transmits a signal for controlling each of the first terminal and the second terminal within a predetermined period, the communication unit sends a first control signal for controlling the first terminal to the first slave unit. After transmitting to the second handset, a second control signal for controlling the second terminal is transmitted to the second handset.
The communication unit transmits the second control signal to the second handset during wireless communication between the first handset and the one or more first terminals.
Communication device. It is provided with a communication unit that communicates with a first handset that performs wireless communication with one or more first terminals, and a second handset that performs wired communication with one or more second terminals that are different from the first terminal.
When the communication unit transmits a signal for controlling each of the first terminal and the second terminal within a predetermined period, the communication unit sends a first control signal for controlling the first terminal to the first slave unit. After transmitting to the second handset, a second control signal for controlling the second terminal is transmitted to the second handset.
The communication unit transmits the second control signal to the second handset within the time required for wireless communication between the first handset and the one or more first terminals.
Communication device. It is provided with a communication unit that communicates with a first handset that performs wireless communication with one or more first terminals, and a second handset that performs wired communication with one or more second terminals that are different from the first terminal.
When the communication unit transmits a signal for controlling each of the first terminal and the second terminal within a predetermined period, the communication unit sends a first control signal for controlling the first terminal to the first slave unit. After transmitting to the second handset, a second control signal for controlling the second terminal is transmitted to the second handset.
When there are a plurality of the first slave units,
The communication unit uses the second control signal for two or more of the plurality of wireless communication times required for wireless communication between the plurality of first slave units and the one or more first terminals, respectively. The transmission process to be transmitted to the second slave unit is divided and executed.
Communication device. The total time of the time required for the second handset to perform wired communication with the one or more second terminals and the time required for the communication unit to transmit the second control signal is the time required for the first handset to transmit the second control signal. The communication device according to claim 4 or 5, which is equal to or less than the time required for wireless communication with the first terminal. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
The first slave unit that receives the first control signal and
A communication system including the second slave unit that receives the second control signal. One or more first terminals controlled according to the first control signal, and
The communication system according to claim 7, further comprising one or more second terminals controlled according to the second control signal. The communication device according to any one of claims 3 to 6 and the communication device.
The first slave unit that receives the first control signal and
The second handset that receives the second control signal is provided.
The control target of each of the one or more first terminals and the one or more second terminals is a lighting control system which is a lighting fixture.

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