JP7552387B2 - Communication control system and lighting control system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a communication control system and a lighting control system using the same.

Patent Document 1 discloses a tunnel lighting system. The tunnel lighting system includes a plurality of lighting fixtures arranged in a tunnel and a tunnel controller that controls each of the lighting fixtures, and the tunnel controller executes lighting control based on addresses set for each of the lighting fixtures. Each of the lighting fixtures is connected in series to the tunnel controller, and the tunnel controller transmits an address setting instruction to the first lighting fixture to instruct it to set an address for itself. Each lighting fixture transmits the address setting instruction in sequence from the first to downstream, and sets its own address so that the order in which the address setting instructions are received and the address satisfy a predetermined relationship.

Patent No. 5532710

However, according to the configuration of Patent Document 1, the tunnel controller performs sequential address setting for multiple lighting fixtures at once, so the user of the tunnel controller cannot grasp the progress of the address setting process. In other words, the user cannot confirm how far each address setting has progressed, or whether all address settings have been completed correctly. This is a common problem not only in address setting processes, but also in various setting processes in half-duplex communication, such as control data setting processes.

Therefore, the objective of the present invention is to provide a communication control system that allows the progress of various setting processes for multiple interface boards in half-duplex communication to be easily recognized, and a lighting control system using the same.

The communication control system of the present invention is a communication control system including an upstream control device and a plurality of interface boards daisy-chained to the control device, the plurality of interface boards being composed of first to nth (n is a natural number of 2 or more) interface boards as viewed from the control device, each of the first to kth (1≦k<n) interface boards including a setting unit capable of setting predetermined setting information based on a setting signal received from the control device, a response processing unit that returns a response signal to the control device when the setting unit sets the predetermined setting information based on the setting signal, and a relay processing unit that does not relay the setting signal to the downstream side when the setting unit sets the predetermined setting information based on the setting signal, and relays the setting signal to the downstream side when the setting unit does not set the predetermined setting information based on the setting signal, and the control device includes a setting request unit that transmits a setting signal to the kth interface board and transmits a setting signal to the k+1th interface board when it receives a response signal from the kth interface board, and a determination unit that determines the processing status of the setting signal in the kth interface board based on the response signal.

According to the above configuration, the interface board is capable of setting the setting information based on the setting signal, and is configured to send a response signal back to the control device when setting the setting information and not relay the setting signal downstream, and to relay the setting signal downstream when not setting the setting information. Furthermore, the control device transmits a setting signal to the kth interface board, and upon receiving a response signal from the kth interface board, transmits a setting signal to the k+1th interface board and determines the setting processing status of the kth interface board based on the response signal. Thus, in half-duplex communication, the control device can easily recognize the progress of various setting processes for multiple interface boards.

In a communication control system according to a first aspect of the present invention, the multiple interface boards include variable-connection interface boards that can switch the connection setting between a repeater setting in a daisy-chain connection state and a multi-drop setting in a connection state that bypasses the daisy-chain connection, and the control device further includes a mode command unit that transmits a setting mode transition signal to the multiple interface boards before transmitting a setting signal, and the variable-connection interface boards further include a connection control unit that sets the connection setting to the repeater setting upon receiving the setting mode transition signal, and controls the connection setting to the specified connection setting after the setting unit sets the specified setting information based on the setting signal. This makes it easy to recognize the progress of various setting processes for all interface boards, even when the multiple interface boards include an interface board in a multi-drop setting.

In the communication control system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the predetermined setting information is an address of the interface board, the setting signal is an address setting signal for setting the address, and the setting unit is configured to set the address based on the address setting signal. This makes it easy to recognize the progress of the address setting process for the interface board.

In the communication control system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the predetermined setting information is control data related to the control of a load connected to the interface board, the setting signal is a control data setting signal for setting the control data, and the setting unit is configured to set the control data based on the control data setting signal. This makes it easy to recognize the progress of the control data setting process related to the load connected to the interface board.

In the communication control system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the predetermined setting information includes the address of the interface board and control data related to control of the load connected to the interface board, the setting signal is a composite setting signal for setting the address and the control data, and the setting unit is configured to set the address and the control data based on the composite setting signal. This allows the address setting process and the control data setting process to be performed simultaneously and in parallel for multiple interface boards, improving the work efficiency of the setting process.

In the communication control system according to the third aspect of the present invention, the multiple interface boards include variable connection interface boards that can switch the connection setting between a repeater setting in a daisy chain connection state and a multi-drop setting in a connection state that bypasses the daisy chain connection, and the control device further includes a mode command unit configured to send a setting mode transition signal to the multiple interface boards before sending a setting signal and to send a setting mode release signal to the multiple interface boards after receiving a response signal from the nth interface board, and the variable connection interface boards further include a connection control unit configured to set the connection setting to a repeater setting when receiving a setting mode transition signal, switch the connection setting to a multi-drop setting after the specified setting information is set based on the setting signal, and control the connection setting to a specified connection setting upon receiving a setting mode release signal. As a result, in the setting process, the connection settings of all interface boards upstream of the interface board to be set are set to a multi-drop setting, and the setting signal and the response signal are transmitted without going through the relay process of the interface board in the repeater setting. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate signal delays caused by the interface boards during various setting processes and to speed up various setting processes.

In the communication control system of the present invention, the determination unit is configured to retransmit a setting signal to an interface board that does not transmit a response signal. This allows for efficient handling even if there is a malfunction in part of the interface board.

The lighting control system of the present invention comprises any one of the above communication control systems and lighting fixtures connected to each of a plurality of interface boards. The control device further includes a lighting control command unit that transmits a lighting control signal for controlling the lighting fixture to the interface board, and the interface board further includes a lighting control unit that controls the lighting fixture based on the lighting control signal. In this way, the communication control system of the present invention is suitably applicable to a lighting control system.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication control system according to the present invention; 1 is a block diagram showing a communication control system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the communication control system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the communication control system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the communication control system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the communication control system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the communication control system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the communication control system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a communication control system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the communication control system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the communication control system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the communication control system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the communication control system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the communication control system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the communication control system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the communication control system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a lighting control system according to a fourth embodiment.

First Embodiment
FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a communication control system 1 of the present invention. The communication control system 1 includes a control device 2 and a plurality of interface boards (I/F boards in the figure) 3-1 to 3-n. In this disclosure, the interface boards 3-1 to 3-n are expressed by various names and symbols, but the various interface boards may be collectively referred to as the interface board 3 or any one of them may be represented. The interface board 3 is connected to the control device 2 in series on the wiring L by, for example, a daisy chain connection. Half-duplex communication is performed between the control device 2 and the interface board 3 according to, for example, the RS485 standard. The interface boards 3-1 to 3-n are arranged in this order from the control device 2 side. In this disclosure, the side of the control device 2 is referred to as the upstream side, and the side of the interface board 3-n is referred to as the downstream side. A load 4 that is an object of control of the control device 2 is connected to each interface board 3. The load 4 may be various devices such as a lighting fixture, a display device, an actuator, and a switch.

Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the communication control system 1 according to this embodiment. In Figure 2, the repeater board 3R and the multi-drop board 3M, which are interface boards 3 at any position among the interface boards 3-1 to 3-n, are shown. As will be described in detail later, the repeater board is an interface board 3 in a daisy-chain connection state (repeater setting), and the multi-drop board is an interface board 3 in a connection state (multi-drop setting) that bypasses the daisy-chain connection. Although Figure 2 shows the details of one repeater board 3R and one multi-drop board 3M, the other repeater boards 3R and other multi-drop boards 3M each have the same configuration. In this embodiment, the interface board 3 is a variable-connection interface board that can be configured as either a multi-drop board 3M or a repeater board 3R by changing the connection setting. In other words, the components of the repeater board 3R and the multi-drop board 3M are the same. Therefore, the overlapping explanation of the configuration common to both is omitted.

As an overview of the various setting processes (address setting process or control data setting process) in the communication control system 1 of this embodiment, first, the connection settings of all interface boards 3 are set to the repeater setting (i.e., the repeater board 3R is maintained in the repeater setting, and the multi-drop board 3M is switched to the repeater setting). Then, the setting operation is performed in a one-to-one manner starting from the upstream interface board 3. Here, when the setting operation (address setting operation or control data setting operation) is completed in the interface board 3, the connection setting becomes the initial connection setting (i.e., the repeater board 3R is maintained in the repeater setting, and the multi-drop board 3M is returned from the repeater setting to the multi-drop setting).

Each interface board 3 is connected between the wiring Lu on the control device 2 side (upstream side) and the wiring Ld on the connection termination side (downstream side), and includes a CPU 30, drivers 31 and 32 (RS485 drivers), relays 33 and 34, a terminating resistor 35, and a memory 36 as hardware circuits. The driver 31 is connected between the wiring Lu and the CPU 30, and the driver 32 is connected between the relay 33 and the CPU 30. The relays 33 and 34 are controlled by the CPU 30 to be both ON or both OFF. The relay 33 is configured to connect the wiring Lu and the wiring Ld in the OFF state, and to disconnect the wiring Lu and the wiring Ld in the ON state. That is, in the multi-drop setting shown in the multi-drop board 3M, the relay 33 is fixed in the OFF state, and the wiring Lu and the wiring Ld are short-circuited with each other and connected to the driver 31 and disconnected from the driver 32. On the other hand, in the repeater setting shown in the repeater board 3R, the relay 33 is fixed to the ON state, and the wiring Lu and the wiring Ld are connected via the driver 31, the CPU 30, and the driver 32. When the relay 34 is in the OFF state, it disconnects the wiring Lu from the termination resistor 35, and when it is in the ON state, it connects the wiring Lu to the termination resistor 35. The memory 36 includes RAM and ROM, and stores data and programs related to the operation of the CPU 30. The CPU 30 is connected to the output wiring Lo (e.g., PWM wiring) to the load 4 and the input wiring Li (e.g., detection signal wiring) from the load 4.

In the multi-drop board 3M (multi-drop setting), as described above, relays 33 and 34 are configured to be in the OFF state. As a result, the downstream signal from line Lu is input to CPU 30 via driver 31 and is output to line Ld via relay 33. CPU 30 takes in the downstream signal and executes appropriate processing. Also, the upstream signal from line Ld is output to line Lu via relay 33. Also, CPU 30 can output an internally generated upstream signal to line Lu via driver 31. Note that no delay occurs in the downstream signal and the upstream signal in the multi-drop board 3M.

In the repeater board 3R (repeater setting), as described above, relays 33 and 34 are configured to be in the ON state. As a result, the downstream signal from the wiring Lu is input to the CPU 30 via the driver 31, processed in the CPU 30, and output to the wiring Ld via the driver 32 and relay 33. In addition, the upstream signal from the wiring Ld is input to the CPU 30 via the relay 33 and driver 32, processed in the CPU 30, and output to the wiring Lu via the driver 31. Note that delays may occur in the downstream and upstream signals in the repeater board 3R due to processing in the CPU 30.

The CPU 30 is a processor such as a microcomputer, and includes a connection control unit 301, an address setting unit 302 (setting unit), a control data setting unit 303 (setting unit), a response processing unit 304, a relay processing unit 305, and a load control unit 306. Each unit of the CPU 30 and the memory 36 are connected via the bus B3 in a manner that allows data to be exchanged between them. The relay processing unit 305 is not used in the multi-drop setting, and is enabled in the repeater setting. The CPU 30 is also capable of appropriately executing general CPU processing (communication processing, timer processing, etc.) other than the above-mentioned units.

When the connection control unit 301 receives a setting mode transition signal from the control device 2, it sets the connection setting to the repeater setting. That is, when the connection control unit 301 of the multi-drop board 3M (multi-drop setting) receives a setting mode transition signal, the connection control unit 301 switches the connection setting to the repeater setting. The connection control unit 301 of the repeater board 3R (repeater setting) maintains the connection setting in the repeater setting even when it receives a setting mode transition signal.

Furthermore, after completing the setting operation (address setting operation or control data setting operation) described below, the connection control unit 301 sets the connection setting to the initial connection setting before receiving the setting mode transition signal. That is, after completing the setting operation, the connection control unit 301 of the repeater board 3R (repeater setting) maintains the repeater setting, and the connection control unit 301 of the multi-drop board 3M (after repeater setting switching) switches the connection setting to the multi-drop setting. The connection control unit 301 may be configured to execute the above connection setting process based on a setting signal (address setting signal or control data setting signal). In this case, connection information related to the connection setting is included in the setting signal. Alternatively, the connection setting process may be configured to be executed in conjunction with the setting operation (address setting operation or control data setting operation) regardless of the information included in the setting signal.

The address setting unit 302 acquires and sets an address based on an address setting signal received from the control device 2. For example, when an ID included in the address setting signal matches an ID stored in the memory 36, the address setting unit 302 may acquire an address from the address setting signal. The address setting unit 302 may also acquire an address from the address setting signal when an address is not stored (not set) in the memory 36. The address setting unit 302 stores the acquired and set address in the memory 36. If the address is not set in the memory 36, the address is newly stored, and if the address is already stored in the memory 36, the address is updated. In this disclosure, an address is an example of setting information, and an address setting signal is an example of a setting signal.

The control data setting unit 303 acquires and sets the control data based on the control data setting signal received from the control device 2. For example, when the ID included in the control data setting signal matches the ID stored in the memory 36, the control data setting unit 303 may acquire the control data from the control data setting signal. In addition, when the control data is not stored (not set) in the memory 36, the control data setting unit 303 may acquire the control data from the control data setting signal. The control data setting unit 303 stores the acquired and set control data in the memory 36. When the control data is not set in the memory 36, the control data is newly stored, and when the control data is already stored in the memory 36, the control data is updated. In this disclosure, the control data is an example of setting information, and the control data setting signal is an example of a setting signal. The control data specifies the output state of the load 4 in response to the load control signal received from the control device 2. For example, if the load 4 is a lighting fixture, the control data specifies the lighting state or dimming rate (full light, 50% dimming, 25% dimming, off, etc.).

The response processing unit 304 generates a response signal when the address setting unit 302 sets an address based on the address setting signal, and returns the response signal to the control device 2 as an upstream signal. The response processing unit 304 also generates a response signal when the control data setting unit 303 sets control data based on the control data setting signal, and returns the response signal to the control device 2 as an upstream signal.

The relay processing unit 305 (effective in repeater setting) generally performs relay processing such as amplification and shaping for downstream signals heading downstream and upstream signals heading upstream. In this disclosure, when the address setting unit 302 sets an address based on the address setting signal, the relay processing unit 305 does not relay the address setting signal downstream. On the other hand, when the address setting unit 302 does not set an address based on the address setting signal, the relay processing unit 305 relays the address setting signal downstream. In addition, when the control data setting unit 303 sets control data based on the control data setting signal, the relay processing unit 305 does not relay the control data setting signal downstream. On the other hand, when the control data setting unit 303 does not set control data based on the control data setting signal, the relay processing unit 305 relays the control data setting signal downstream. In addition, with regard to the setting process, the relay processing unit 305 also performs relay processing for the setting mode transition signal and the setting mode release signal (downstream signal) described later, and the response signal (upstream signal).

The load control unit 306 does not operate after the transition to the above-mentioned setting mode and before the setting mode is released, but operates in normal load control operation. That is, the load control unit 306 generates a control signal based on the load control signal received from the control device 2 and the control data stored in the memory 36, and outputs the control signal to the load 4 via the output wiring Lo. The load control unit 306 can also be configured to transmit a detection signal input from the load 4 via the input wiring Li to the control device 2.

The control device 2 has a processing unit 20, a communication unit 21, a memory unit 22, and an input/output unit 23. The processing unit 20 is a processor, and the communication unit 21 is, for example, a transceiver conforming to the RS485 standard. The memory unit 22 includes memories such as RAM and ROM. The input/output unit 23 is, for example, a user interface such as a display (e.g., a touch panel) that displays a GUI for operating the control device 2. Note that the input/output unit 23 may be located remotely from the control device 2 as long as it is capable of communicating with the control device 2.

The processing unit 20 includes a mode command unit 201, an address setting request unit 202 (setting request unit), a control data setting request unit 203 (setting request unit), a judgment unit 205, and a load control command unit 206. Each unit of the processing unit 20, the communication unit 21, the memory unit 22, and the input/output unit 23 are connected via the bus B2 in a manner that allows data to be exchanged between them. In this disclosure, when each unit of the processing unit 20 "transmits a signal," it means that each unit uses the operation of the communication unit 21, i.e., transmits a signal from the communication unit 21. Similarly, in this disclosure, when each unit of the processing unit 20 "receives a signal," it means that each unit uses the operation of the communication unit 21, i.e., receives a signal via the communication unit 21.

The mode command unit 201 transmits a setting mode transition signal to all interface boards 3 at the start of various setting processes (address setting process or control data setting process), i.e., before transmitting a setting signal (address setting signal or control data setting signal). The transmission of the setting mode transition signal may be triggered by a user operation via the input/output unit 23. In addition, the mode command unit 201 transmits a setting mode release signal to all interface boards 3 at the end of various setting processes, for example, after receiving a response signal from the interface board 3-n. The transmission of the setting mode release signal may be triggered by a response signal from the interface board 3-n. It is also possible to omit the transmission of the setting mode release signal by including the same information as the setting mode release signal in the response signal from the most downstream interface board 3-n (in other words, by having the interface board 3-n transmit the response signal and the setting release mode signal upstream).

The address setting request unit 202 sequentially transmits address setting signals including address information to the interface boards 3. Specifically, the address setting request unit 202 first transmits an address setting signal to interface board 3-1, and upon receiving a response signal from interface board 3-1, transmits an address setting signal to interface board 3-2. That is, the address setting request unit 202 transmits an address setting signal to interface board 3-k (1≦k<n), and upon receiving a response signal from interface board 3-k, transmits an address setting signal to interface board 3-k+1. The address setting signal may also include the above-mentioned connection information as necessary.

The control data setting request unit 203 sequentially transmits a control data setting signal including control data information to the interface boards 3. Specifically, the control data setting request unit 203 first transmits a control data setting signal to interface board 3-1, and upon receiving a response signal from interface board 3-1, transmits a control data setting signal to interface board 3-2. That is, the control data setting request unit 203 transmits a control data setting signal to interface board 3-k (1≦k<n), and upon receiving a response signal from interface board 3-k, transmits a control data setting signal to interface board 3-k+1. The control data setting signal may also include the above-mentioned connection information as necessary.

The determination unit 205 determines the status of the setting process in the interface board 3 based on the response signal received from the repeater board 3R. When the determination unit 205 receives a response signal from the interface board 3-n, it determines that the setting process of all interface boards 3 has been completed correctly. In response to this determination, the mode command unit 201 can generate a setting mode release signal. Furthermore, the determination unit 205 can notify the user of the above determination result (setting process status) in an appropriate manner via the input/output unit 23.

Furthermore, when a response signal is not received, the determination unit 205 can determine that there is a malfunction (failure, absence, etc.) of the interface board 3 corresponding to the sequence or address. The determination unit 205 can notify the user of this determination result in an appropriate manner via the input/output unit 23. Furthermore, the determination unit 205 can be configured to resend a setting signal (address setting signal or control data setting signal) to the interface board 3 that does not send a response signal before making the above determination. The number of resends and the interval are determined as appropriate.

The load control command unit 206 transmits a load control signal for controlling the load 4 to the interface board 3. The interface board 3 (or the load 4) to be controlled and the corresponding control content are assumed to be stored in advance in the memory unit 22.

The setting process (address setting process in this example) of the communication control system 1 of this embodiment will be explained using Figures 3A to 3F. Note that the indications (symbols in parentheses) of the repeater board 3R and multi-drop board 3M in Figures 3A to 3F indicate the connection settings. As described above, during the setting process, the multi-drop board 3M is temporarily changed to a repeater setting. The symbol for the multi-drop board 3M that has been changed to a repeater setting is "3M→R".

As shown in FIG. 3A, in the initial state (the state before t=0), of the interface boards 3, interface boards 3-2 and 3-k are repeater boards 3R, and interface boards 3-1, 3-3, 3-4, 3-k+1, and 3-n are multi-drop boards 3M. However, the arrangement of the repeater boards 3R and multi-drop boards 3M shown in FIG. 3A is an example for the purpose of explanation, and the arrangement can be configured arbitrarily.

As shown in FIG. 3B, at time t0, the control device 2 (mode command unit 201) sends a setting mode transition signal S to all interface boards 3. As a result, the connection settings of all interface boards 3 become repeater settings due to the connection setting switching operation of the connection control unit 301 of the multi-drop boards 3M (3-1, 3-3, 3-4, 3-k+1, and 3-n).

As shown in FIG. 3C, at time t1, the control device 2 (address setting request unit 202) transmits an address setting signal A1 as a downstream signal. The address setting unit 302 of the most upstream interface board 3-1 (multi-drop board 3M→R) sets an address based on the address setting signal A1, and the relay processing unit 305 does not transmit the address setting signal A1 downstream. At time t1', the response processing unit 304 returns a response signal R1 to the control device 2, and the connection control unit 301 returns the connection setting to the multi-drop setting. Based on the response signal R1, the control device 2 (determination unit 205) can determine that the address setting process of the interface board 3-1 has been completed, and the user can recognize the determination result via the input/output unit 23.

As shown in FIG. 3D, at time t2, the control device 2 (address setting request unit 202) transmits an address setting signal A2 as a downstream signal. The address setting unit 302 and response processing unit 304 of the most upstream interface board 3-1 do not operate, and the relay processing unit 305 transmits the address setting signal A2 downstream. The address setting unit 302 of the second most upstream interface board 3-2 (repeater board 3R) sets an address based on the address setting signal A2, and the relay processing unit 305 does not transmit the address setting signal A2 downstream. At time t2', the response processing unit 304 replies with a response signal R2 to the control device 2. Based on the response signal R2, the control device 2 (determination unit 205) can determine that the address setting process has been completed up to the interface board 3-2, and the user can recognize the determination result via the input/output unit 23. Processing similar to the processing from time t1 to t1' in Figures 3B to 3C or the processing from time t2 to t2' in Figure 3D is performed sequentially on interface boards 3-3 and onwards.

As shown in FIG. 3E, at time tk, the control device 2 (address setting request unit 202) transmits an address setting signal Ak as a downstream signal. The address setting units 302 and response processing units 304 of the interface boards 3-1 to 3-k-1 upstream of the interface board 3-k (repeater board 3R) do not operate, and the relay processing unit 305 transmits the address setting signal Ak downstream. The address setting unit 302 of the interface board 3-k sets an address based on the address setting signal Ak, and the relay processing unit 305 does not transmit the address setting signal Ak downstream. At time tk', the response processing unit 304 returns a response signal Rk to the control device 2. Based on the response signal Rk, the control device 2 (determination unit 205) can determine that the address setting process has been completed up to the interface board 3-k, and the user can recognize the determination result via the input/output unit 23.

As shown in FIG. 3F, at time tn, the control device 2 (address setting request unit 202) transmits an address setting signal An as a downstream signal. Here, the address setting unit 302 and response processing unit 304 of the interface boards 3-1 to 3-n-1 upstream of the interface board 3-n (multi-drop board 3M→R) do not operate, and the relay processing unit 305 transmits the address setting signal An downstream. The address setting unit 302 of the interface board 3-n sets an address based on the address setting signal An. At time tn', the response processing unit 304 returns a response signal Rn to the control device 2, and the connection control unit 301 returns the connection setting to the multi-drop setting. Note that, as can be seen from FIG. 3F, the most downstream interface board 3-n may be maintained in the multi-drop setting even if the address setting process is in progress. Based on the response signal Rn, the control device 2 (determination unit 205) can determine that the address setting process of all interface boards 3-1 to 3n has been completed correctly, and the user can recognize the determination result via the input/output unit 23.

At a time (not shown) after time tn', the control device 2 (mode command unit 201) sends a setting mode release signal (not shown) to all interface boards 3 and ends the address setting mode. In this embodiment, the multi-drop board 3M→R that has been changed to the repeater setting is returned to the multi-drop setting in response to each address setting operation, so that the connection settings of all interface boards 3 are returned to the initial state shown in FIG. 3A immediately after time tn. However, this embodiment is valid regardless of the timing at which the multi-drop board 3M→R in the repeater setting is returned to the multi-drop setting from the end of the setting operation on the interface board 3 to the release of the setting mode. For example, as a modified example, the process of returning the connection setting is not performed in each address setting operation, that is, the connection settings of all interface boards 3 are maintained in the repeater setting until time tn, and may be returned to the multi-drop setting collectively in response to the setting mode release signal. As a result, relay processing (amplification, shaping, etc.) is performed on all signals during the setting process, which increases the transmission time, but can increase the reliability of signal transmission.

Figures 3B to 3F show a case where the address setting process is performed normally on all interface boards 3, but the address setting process may be delayed due to a malfunction of some interface boards 3. In that case, the determination unit 205 of the control device 2 can resend the address setting signal a predetermined number of times to the interface board 3 that does not send a response signal (for example, interface board 3-x). If no response signal is obtained even after this predetermined number of resends, the determination unit 205 can determine that there is a malfunction in interface board 3-x, and that the address setting process has been completed up to interface board 3-x-1, which corresponds to the response signal obtained up until that point. The user can then recognize the determination result via the input/output unit 23.

Although the address setting process has been described as an example in Figures 3B to 3F, a similar setting process can also be applied to a control data setting process for setting control data. In this case, in the control device 2, the control data setting request unit 203 operates instead of the address setting request unit 202, and control data setting signals C1 to Cn (not shown) are sent as downstream signals instead of the address setting signals A1 to An. Then, in the interface board 3, the control data setting unit 303 operates instead of the address setting unit 302, and control data is set instead of the address.

In addition, in this embodiment, all of the interface boards 3-1 to 3-n are variable-connection interface boards, but this embodiment can be implemented even if some or all of the interface boards 3-1 to 3-n are interface boards 3 with fixed repeater settings (i.e., interface boards 3 that cannot be changed to a multi-drop setting). In this case, the connection control unit 301 is not required in each interface board 3, and the setting process in each interface board 3 is similar to the setting process for interface board 3-2 or 3-k shown in Figure 3D or Figure 3E. In other words, if interface boards 3-1 to 3-n include variable-connection interface boards and are in a multi-drop setting, the multi-drop board requires setting process similar to the setting process for interface board 3-1 shown in Figures 3B to 3C.

In addition, in this embodiment, the connection control unit 301 is configured to set the connection setting after each setting process to the initial connection setting (i.e., before the setting mode transition signal is received). On the other hand, the address setting signal or the control data setting signal may be configured to include connection information, and the connection control unit 301 may set the connection setting after each setting process to the connection setting specified by the connection information. In this case, the connection setting after the setting process may be changed from the initial connection setting (FIG. 3A).

As described above, the communication control system 1 of this embodiment includes the control device 2 and a plurality of interface boards 3-1 to 3-n daisy-chained to the control device 2. Each of the interface boards 3-1 to 3-k (1≦k<n) includes an address setting unit 302/control data setting unit 303 (setting unit 302/303) that can set an address/control data (predetermined setting information) based on an address setting signal/control data setting signal (setting signal) received from the control device 2, a response processing unit 304 that returns a response signal to the control device 2 when the setting unit 302/303 sets the predetermined setting information based on the setting signal, and a relay processing unit 305 that does not relay the setting signal to the downstream side when the setting unit 302/303 sets the predetermined setting information based on the setting signal, and relays the setting signal to the downstream side when the setting unit 302/303 does not set the predetermined setting information based on the setting signal. The control device 2 includes an address setting request unit 202/control data setting request unit 203 (setting request unit) that transmits a setting signal to interface board 3-k and, upon receiving a response signal from interface board 3-k, transmits a setting signal to interface board 3-k+1, and a determination unit 205 that determines the processing status of the setting signal in interface board 3-k based on the response signal.

In this way, the interface board 3 is capable of setting the setting information based on the setting signal, and is configured to send a response signal back to the control device 2 when setting the setting information and not relay the setting signal downstream, and to relay the setting signal downstream when not setting the setting information. Furthermore, the control device 2 sends a setting signal to interface board 3-k, and upon receiving a response signal from interface board 3-k, sends a setting signal to interface board 3-k+1 and determines the setting processing status of interface board 3-k based on the response signal. Therefore, in half-duplex communication, the control device 2 and its user can easily recognize the progress of various setting processes for multiple interface boards 3.

The multiple interface boards 3 also include variable-connection interface boards 3R/3M that can switch the connection setting between a repeater setting in a daisy-chain connection state and a multi-drop setting that bypasses the daisy-chain connection. The control device 2 includes a mode command unit 201 that transmits a setting mode transition signal to the interface board 3 before transmitting a setting signal, and a connection control unit 301 that sets the connection setting to a repeater setting when the variable-connection interface boards 3R/3M receive the setting mode transition signal, and controls the connection setting to a predetermined connection setting (the connection setting before receiving the setting mode transition signal or the connection setting based on the connection information included in the setting signal) after the setting unit 302/303 sets the predetermined setting information based on the setting signal. This makes it easy to recognize the progress of various setting processes for all interface boards 3 even when an interface board 3 with a multi-drop setting is included.

For example, the setting information is the address of the interface board 3, the setting signal is an address setting signal for setting the address, and the address setting unit 302 is configured to set the address based on the address setting signal. This makes it easy to recognize the progress of the address setting process for the interface board 3.

For example, the setting information is control data related to the control of the load 4 connected to the interface board 3, the setting signal is a control data setting signal for setting the control data, and the control data setting unit 303 is configured to set the control data based on the control data setting signal. This makes it easy to recognize the progress of the control data setting process related to the load 4 connected to the interface board 3.

The determination unit 205 is also configured to retransmit a setting signal to an interface board 3 that does not transmit a response signal. This allows for efficient handling even if there is a malfunction in part of the interface board 3.

Second Embodiment
In the first embodiment, the address setting process and the control data setting process are executed as separate processes. In the present embodiment, however, the address setting process and the control data setting process are executed simultaneously.

Figure 4 shows a block diagram of the communication control system 1 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the same components as those shown in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and their description is simplified or omitted. This embodiment differs from the configuration of the first embodiment in that the processing unit 20 of the control device 2 has a composite setting request unit 204 (setting request unit), and therefore the operation of each unit in the CPU 30 of the interface board 3 may differ from that of the first embodiment.

The composite setting request unit 204 includes an address setting request unit 202 and a control data setting request unit 203. In response to a user input from the input/output unit 23, the composite setting request unit 204 generates a composite setting signal by integrating the address setting signal generated by the address setting request unit 202 and the control data setting signal generated by the control data setting request unit 203. That is, the composite setting signal includes address information and control data information. Furthermore, the composite setting signal also includes connection information for each interface board 3. The composite setting request unit 204 transmits the generated composite setting signal to the interface board 3. In either case, the user can start simultaneous processing of the address setting process and the control data setting process with a single operation (e.g., a single touch on the input/output unit 23).

As in the first embodiment, the connection control unit 301 sets the connection setting to the repeater setting when it receives a setting mode transition signal from the control device 2. In addition, after completing the setting operation (address setting operation and control data setting operation), the connection control unit 301 sets the connection setting to the initial connection setting before receiving the setting mode transition signal. The connection control unit 301 executes the above-mentioned connection setting process based on the connection information included in the composite setting signal. Therefore, the connection setting of each interface board 3 after the setting process can be changed from the initial connection setting. That is, whether the interface board 3 is initially set to a multi-drop setting or an initial repeater setting, it is always set to a repeater setting during the setting process, and after the setting process, it may switch to a multi-drop setting depending on the connection information, or it may maintain the repeater setting. However, as in the first embodiment, a configuration in which the connection setting after the setting process depends on the processing in each interface board 3 (i.e., a configuration in which the initial connection setting is reproduced after the setting process) is also possible.

The address setting unit 302 extracts an address from the composite setting signal and sets the address. For example, the address setting unit 302 may extract an address from the composite setting signal when an ID included in the address matches an ID stored in memory 36. The address setting unit 302 may also extract an address from the composite setting signal when an address is not stored (not set) in memory 36. The address setting unit 302 stores the extracted and set address in memory 36. If the address is not set in memory 36, the address is newly stored, and if the address is already stored in memory 36, the address is updated.

When the address setting unit 302 extracts and sets an address, the control data setting unit 303 extracts control data from the composite setting signal and sets the control data. The control data setting unit 303 stores the extracted and set control data in the memory 36. If the control data has not been set in the memory 36, the control data is newly stored, and if the control data has already been stored in the memory 36, the control data is updated.

When the address setting unit 302 sets an address based on the composite setting signal and the control data setting unit 303 sets control data based on the composite setting signal, the response processing unit 304 generates a response signal and returns the response signal to the control device 2 as an upstream signal.

When the address setting unit 302 sets an address based on the composite setting signal and the control data setting unit 303 sets control data based on the composite setting signal, the relay processing unit 305 does not relay the composite setting signal to the downstream side. On the other hand, when the address setting unit 302 does not set an address based on the composite setting signal and the control data setting unit 303 does not set control data based on the composite setting signal, the relay processing unit 305 relays the composite setting signal to the downstream side. Note that this embodiment does not anticipate a situation in which only one of the address setting and the control data setting is performed in response to a composite setting signal.

As in the first embodiment, the load control unit 306 does not operate after the transition to the above-mentioned setting mode and before the setting mode is released, but operates in normal load control operation.

In this embodiment, too, the address setting process and the control data setting process can be performed separately depending on user input, etc. In this case, the operation of the communication control system 1 is the same as that described in the first embodiment. However, as described above, the connection setting after the setting process may differ from the connection setting shown in the first embodiment (Figure 3A) depending on the contents of the composite setting signal (connection information).

As described above, in the communication control system 1 of this embodiment, the above-mentioned predetermined setting information includes the address of the interface board 3 and control data related to the control of the load 4 connected to the interface board 3, and the setting signal is a composite setting signal for setting the address and control data. The setting unit 302/303 is configured to set the address and control data based on the composite setting signal.

In this way, the address setting process and the control data setting process are performed simultaneously in parallel for multiple interface boards 3, improving the work efficiency of the setting process.

Third Embodiment
In the first embodiment, the connection setting of the interface board 3 upstream of the interface board 3 undergoing the setting process is set to the initial connection setting. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the connection setting of the interface board 3 upstream of the interface board 3 undergoing the setting process is set to the multi-drop setting until the setting mode is released.

The block diagram of the communication control system 1 according to this embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2. Therefore, duplicated explanations of each component will be simplified or omitted. In this embodiment, the operation of the connection control unit 301 of the interface board 3 differs from the configuration of the first embodiment, and therefore the operation of each unit in the CPU 30 may differ from that of the first embodiment.

When the connection control unit 301 receives a setting mode transition signal from the control device 2, it sets the connection setting to the repeater setting, as in the first embodiment. That is, when the connection control unit 301 of the multi-drop board 3M (multi-drop setting) receives a setting mode transition signal, the connection control unit 301 switches the connection setting to the multi-drop setting. Also, when the connection control unit 301 of the repeater board 3R (repeater setting) receives a setting mode transition signal, the connection control unit 301 maintains the connection setting in the repeater setting.

After completing the setting operation (address setting operation or control data setting operation), the connection control unit 301 sets the connection setting to the multi-drop setting. Then, when the connection control unit 301 receives a setting mode release signal from the control device 2, it sets the connection setting to the initial connection setting before receiving the setting mode transition signal. That is, the connection control unit 301 of the repeater board 3R (after switching to the multi-drop setting) returns the connection setting to the repeater setting. On the other hand, the connection control unit 301 of the multi-drop board 3M (multi-drop setting) maintains the connection setting in the multi-drop setting. The connection control unit 301 may be configured to execute the above connection setting process based on a setting signal (address setting signal or control data setting signal) including connection information, or may be configured to execute the above connection setting process in conjunction with the setting operation (address setting operation or control data setting operation).

The address setting unit 302, like the first embodiment, acquires and sets an address based on an address setting signal received from the control device 2. The control data setting unit 303, like the first embodiment, acquires and sets control data based on a control data setting signal received from the control device 2. The response processing unit 304, like the first embodiment, returns a response signal to the control device 2 when the address setting unit 302 sets an address based on the address setting signal, or when the control data setting unit 303 sets control data based on the control data setting signal. The relay processing unit 305, like the first embodiment, does not relay each setting signal to the downstream side when the address setting unit 302 sets an address based on the address setting signal, or when the control data setting unit 303 sets control data based on the control data setting signal. On the other hand, like the first embodiment, when the address setting unit 302 does not set an address based on the address setting signal, or when the control data setting unit 303 does not set control data based on the control data setting signal, relays each setting signal to the downstream side. As in the first embodiment, the load control unit 306 does not operate after the transition to the above setting mode and before the setting mode is released, but operates in normal load control operation.

The setting process (address setting process in this example) of the communication control system 1 of this embodiment will be described using Figures 5A to 5G. Note that the indications (symbols in parentheses) of the repeater board 3R and multi-drop board 3M in Figures 5A to 5G indicate the initial connection settings. As described above, during the setting process, the multi-drop board 3M is temporarily changed to a repeater setting, and the repeater board 3R is temporarily changed to a multi-drop setting. The symbol for the multi-drop board 3M changed to a repeater setting is "3M→R", and the symbol for the repeater board 3R changed to a multi-drop setting is "3R→M".

As shown in FIG. 5A, in the initial state (the state before t=0), among the interface boards 3, interface boards 3-2 and 3-k are repeater boards 3R, and interface boards 3-1, 3-3, 3-4, 3-k+1, and 3-n are multi-drop boards 3M. However, the arrangement of the repeater boards 3R and multi-drop boards 3M shown in FIG. 5A is an example for the purpose of explanation, and the arrangement can be configured arbitrarily.

As shown in FIG. 5B, at time t0, as in the first embodiment, the control device 2 (mode command unit 201) transmits a setting mode transition signal S to all interface boards 3. As a result, the connection settings of all interface boards 3 become repeater settings due to the connection setting switching operation of the connection control unit 301 of the multi-drop boards 3M (3-1, 3-3, 3-4, 3-k+1, and 3-n).

As shown in FIG. 5C, at time t1, as in the first embodiment, the control device 2 (address setting request unit 202) transmits an address setting signal A1 as a downstream signal. The address setting unit 302 of the most upstream interface board 3-1 (multi-drop board 3M→R) sets an address based on the address setting signal A1, and the relay processing unit 305 does not transmit the address setting signal A1 downstream. At time t1', the response processing unit 304 returns a response signal R1 to the control device 2, and the connection control unit 301 returns the connection setting to the multi-drop setting. Based on the response signal R1, the control device 2 (determination unit 205) can determine that the address setting process of the interface board 3-1 has been completed, and the user can recognize the determination result via the input/output unit 23.

As shown in FIG. 5D, at time t2, the control device 2 (address setting request unit 202) transmits an address setting signal A2 as a downstream signal. The address setting unit 302 and response processing unit 304 of the most upstream interface board 3-1 do not operate, and the relay processing unit 305 transmits the address setting signal A2 downstream. The address setting unit 302 of the second most upstream interface board 3-2 (repeater board 3R) sets an address based on the address setting signal A2, and the relay processing unit 305 does not transmit the address setting signal A2 downstream. At time t2', the response processing unit 304 returns a response signal R2 to the control device 2. Here, the connection control unit 301 switches the connection setting to a multi-drop setting. Based on the response signal R2, the control device 2 (determination unit 205) can determine that the address setting process has been completed up to the interface board 3-2, and the user can recognize the determination result via the input/output unit 23. Processing similar to the processing from time t1 to t1' in Figures 5B to 5C or the processing from time t2 to t2' in Figure 5D is performed sequentially on interface boards 3-3 and onwards.

As shown in FIG. 5E, at time tk, the control device 2 (address setting request unit 202) transmits an address setting signal Ak as a downstream signal. The address setting units 302 and response processing units 304 of the interface boards 3-1 to 3-k-1 upstream of the interface board 3-k (repeater board 3R) do not operate, and the relay processing unit 305 transmits the address setting signal Ak downstream. The address setting unit 302 of the interface board 3-k sets an address based on the address setting signal Ak, and the relay processing unit 305 does not transmit the address setting signal Ak downstream. At time tk', the response processing unit 304 returns a response signal Rk to the control device 2. Here, the connection control unit 301 switches the connection setting to a multi-drop setting. Based on the response signal Rk, the control device 2 (determination unit 205) can determine that the address setting process has been completed up to the interface board 3-k, and the user can recognize the determination result via the input/output unit 23. As can be seen from Figure 5E, the connection settings for all interface boards 3 upstream of the interface board 3-k undergoing configuration processing are multi-drop settings.

As shown in FIG. 5F, at time tn, the control device 2 (address setting request unit 202) transmits an address setting signal An as a downstream signal. Here, the address setting unit 302 and response processing unit 304 of the interface boards 3-1 to 3-n-1 upstream of the interface board 3-n (multi-drop board 3M→R) do not operate, and the relay processing unit 305 transmits the address setting signal An downstream. The address setting unit 302 of the interface board 3-n sets an address based on the address setting signal An. At time tn', the response processing unit 304 returns a response signal Rn to the control device 2. Note that, as can be seen from FIG. 5F, the most downstream interface board 3-n may be maintained in the multi-drop setting even if it is undergoing address setting processing. Based on the response signal Rn, the control device 2 (determination unit 205) can determine that the address setting processing of all interface boards 3-1 to 3n has been completed, and the user can recognize the determination result via the input/output unit 23.

As shown in FIG. 5G, at time tz after time tn', the control device 2 (mode command unit 201) transmits a setting mode release signal E to all interface boards 3. Upon receiving the setting mode release signal E, each interface board 3 (connection control unit 301) sets the connection setting to the initial connection setting similar to that in FIG. 5A. This ends the address setting mode.

Furthermore, if the address setting process is delayed due to a malfunction of some of the interface boards 3, the determination unit 205 of the control device 2 can resend the address setting signal a predetermined number of times to the interface boards 3 that do not send a response signal, as in the first embodiment. Although the address setting process has been described as an example in FIGS. 5B to 5G, a similar setting process can also be applied to the control data setting process for setting control data, as described in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the address setting signal or the control data setting signal may be configured to include connection information, so that the connection control unit 301 sets the connection setting after receiving the setting mode release signal to the connection setting specified by the connection information. In this case, the connection setting after the setting process may be changed from the initial connection setting (FIG. 5A).

As described above, in the communication control system 1 of this embodiment, the multiple interface boards 3 include the variable connection interface boards 3R/3M that can switch the connection setting between a repeater setting in a daisy chain connection state and a multi-drop setting that bypasses the daisy chain connection. The control device 2 includes a mode command unit 201 configured to transmit a setting mode transition signal to the interface boards 3-1 to 3-n before transmitting a setting signal, and transmit a setting mode release signal to the multiple interface boards 3-1 to 3-n after receiving a response signal from the interface board 3-n. The variable connection interface boards 3R/3M include a connection control unit 301 configured to set the connection setting to the repeater setting when receiving a setting mode transition signal, switch the connection setting to the multi-drop setting after the specified setting information is set based on the setting signal, and control the connection setting to the specified connection setting (the connection setting before receiving the setting mode transition signal or the connection setting based on the connection information included in the setting signal) upon receiving the setting mode release signal.

As a result, in the setting process, all connection settings of the interface boards 3 upstream of the interface board 3 being set up are set up as multi-drop settings. In other words, the setting signal (address setting signal or control data setting signal) and the response signal are transmitted without going through the relay process of the repeater board 3R. This eliminates signal delays caused by the interface board 3 during various setting processes, and speeds up various setting processes.

Fourth Embodiment
As a fourth embodiment, an example in which the communication control system 1 is applied to a lighting control system will be described. Fig. 6 shows a block diagram of a lighting control system 5 according to this embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate the same components as those described in the first to third embodiments, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted or simplified.

As shown in FIG. 6, the lighting control system 5 includes the communication control system 1 according to any one of the first to third embodiments, and a lighting fixture 40 as a load 4. The lighting fixture 40 includes a power supply circuit 41 and a light source 42. The light source 42 is, for example, a lamp constituted by an LED, a discharge lamp, or the like. The power supply circuit 41 is, for example, a conversion circuit that converts a commercial power supply (not shown) into an output current suitable for lighting the light source 42 and supplies the output current to the light source 42. For example, if the light source 42 is an LED lamp, the power supply circuit 41 includes a rectifier circuit that converts AC voltage to DC and a DC/DC converter that generates DC LED current from the DC output of the rectifier circuit.

The load control command unit 206 of the control device 2 transmits a lighting control signal to the interface board 3. The load control unit 306 of the CPU 30 of each interface board 3 generates a control signal from the lighting control signal and outputs the control signal to the power supply circuit 41. The power supply circuit 41 controls the operating state (on, off, or dimmed) of the light source 42 in response to the control signal from the load control unit 306. The power supply circuit 41 can also output the operating state or connection state of the light source 42 to the load control unit 306. That is, in this embodiment, the load control command unit 206 of the control device 2 functions as a lighting control command unit, and the load control unit 306 of the interface board 3 functions as a lighting control unit.

As described above, the lighting control system 5 of this embodiment includes the communication control system 1 of any one of the first to third embodiments, and lighting fixtures 40 connected to each of the multiple interface boards 3. The control device 2 includes a lighting control command unit (load control command unit 206) that transmits a lighting control signal to the interface board 3 for controlling the lighting fixtures 40. Each interface board 3 includes a lighting control unit (load control unit 306) that controls the lighting fixtures 40 based on the lighting control signal. In this way, the communication control system 1 of the present invention is suitably applicable to lighting control systems such as a tunnel lighting system, for example.

<Modification>
Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can be modified in various ways, for example, as described below.

(1) Variations Related to Combinations of the Embodiments In the above, the second embodiment (simultaneous parallel processing of address setting and control data setting) and the third embodiment (upstream multi-drop setting in setting mode) are shown as separate embodiments, but these may be implemented in combination.

(2) Modifications Related to Communication Standards Although the communication control system 1 conforming to the RS485 standard has been described in each of the above embodiments, the present invention is similarly applicable to communication control systems conforming to other communication standards using half-duplex communication methods.

(3) Variations on the Setting Information In the above embodiments, the setting information to be the target of the setting process is described as address and/or control data, but the setting information is not limited to this. For example, the setting information may be information for confirming the presence of the interface board 3 or the load 4, information for a communication test between the control device 2 and the interface board 3, information for maintenance of the interface board 3 or the load 4, or a combination of these. Furthermore, the composite setting signal in the second embodiment may include an appropriate combination of the above setting information.

1 Communication control system 2 Control devices 3, 3-1 to 3-n Interface board 3M Multi-drop board 3R Repeater board 4 Load 5 Lighting control system 20 Processing unit 21 Communication unit 22 Memory unit 23 Input/output unit 30 CPU
36 Memory 40 Lighting equipment 201 Mode command unit 202 Address setting request unit (setting request unit)
203 Control data setting request unit (setting request unit)
204 Composite setting request section (setting request section)
205 Determination unit 206 Load control command unit (lighting control command unit)
301 Connection control unit 302 Address setting unit (setting unit)
303 Control data setting unit (setting unit)
304 Response processing unit 305 Relay processing unit 306 Load control unit (lighting control unit)

Claims (8)

A communication control system including an upstream control device and a plurality of interface boards daisy-chained to the control device, the plurality of interface boards being composed of first to n-th (n is a natural number equal to or greater than 2) interface boards as viewed from the control device,
Each of the first to kth (1≦k<n) interface boards
a setting unit capable of setting predetermined setting information based on a setting signal received from the control device;
a response processing unit that returns a response signal to the control device when the setting unit sets the predetermined setting information based on the setting signal;
a relay processing unit that does not relay the setting signal to a downstream side when the setting unit sets the predetermined setting information based on the setting signal, and relays the setting signal to a downstream side when the setting unit does not set the predetermined setting information based on the setting signal,
The control device,
a setting request unit that transmits the setting signal to a k-th interface board and, upon receiving the response signal from the k-th interface board, transmits the setting signal to a k+1-th interface board;
a determination unit that determines a processing status of the setting signal in the kth interface board based on the response signal. the plurality of interface boards include a variable connection interface board capable of switching a connection setting between a repeater setting in a daisy chain connection state and a multi-drop setting in a connection state that bypasses the daisy chain connection;
The control device further includes a mode command unit that transmits a setting mode transition signal to the plurality of interface boards before transmitting the setting signal;
The communication control system of claim 1, further comprising a connection control unit which sets the connection setting to the repeater setting when the variable connection interface board receives the setting mode transition signal, and controls the connection setting to the specified connection setting after the setting unit sets the specified setting information based on the setting signal. the predetermined setting information is an address of the interface board, the setting signal is an address setting signal for setting the address,
The communication control system according to claim 1 , wherein the setting unit is configured to set the address based on the address setting signal. the predetermined setting information is control data relating to control of a load connected to the interface board, and the setting signal is a control data setting signal for setting the control data,
The communication control system according to claim 1 , wherein the setting unit is configured to set the control data based on the control data setting signal. the predetermined setting information includes an address of the interface board and control data related to control of a load connected to the interface board, the setting signal being a composite setting signal for setting the address and the control data,
The communication control system according to claim 1 , wherein the setting unit is configured to set the address and the control data based on the composite setting signal. the plurality of interface boards include a variable connection interface board capable of switching a connection setting between a repeater setting in a daisy chain connection state and a multi-drop setting in a connection state that bypasses the daisy chain connection;
The control device further includes a mode command unit configured to transmit a setting mode transition signal to the plurality of interface boards before transmitting the setting signal, and to transmit a setting mode release signal to the plurality of interface boards after receiving the response signal from the nth interface board;
2. The communication control system according to claim 1, wherein the variable connection interface board further includes a connection control unit configured to set the connection setting to the repeater setting when it receives the setting mode transition signal, switch the connection setting to the multi-drop setting after the specified setting information is set based on the setting signal, and control the connection setting to the specified connection setting when it receives the setting mode release signal. The communication control system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the determination unit is configured to retransmit the setting signal to an interface board that does not transmit the response signal. A communication control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7;
a lighting device connected to each of the plurality of interface boards;
The control device further includes a lighting control command unit that transmits a lighting control signal for controlling the lighting device to the interface board,
The lighting control system further includes a lighting control unit, wherein the interface board controls the lighting device based on the lighting control signal.

Images