TWI821983B - Communication device, communication system, control system, communication control method, and computer program product - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention seeks to improve user convenience. The communication device (3) includes a first communication unit (31), a second communication unit (32), a third communication unit (33), and a setting unit (344). The first communication unit (31) communicates with the upper-level system. The second communication unit (32) communicates with the lower-level system. The third communication unit (33) communicates with a setting terminal that performs settings related to lower-level systems. The setting part (344) sets the validity or invalidity of the third communication part (33).

Description

Communication devices, communication systems, control systems, communication control methods and computer program products

The present invention generally relates to a communication device, a communication system, a control system, a communication control method and a program. More specifically, the present invention relates to a communication device capable of communicating with an upper-level system and a lower-level system, a communication system and a control system including the communication device, and a communication control method and program for the communication device.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-48090 describes a control system including a control unit, a communication unit, and a power supply unit. The control unit includes: a control unit that controls one or more equipment systems installed in the facility; an acquisition unit that acquires at least one of information related to the control unit and information related to other units connected to the control unit; and The output unit reports the information obtained by the acquisition unit or outputs it to a specific output destination. The communication unit controls the communication of the equipment system. The power supply unit supplies power to the control unit. Equipment systems are equipment related to lighting fixtures or air-conditioning equipment installed in facilities, or equipment related to power measurement of equipment installed in facilities.

In machine control systems such as the above control system, it is expected to improve the use The situation of convenience. The purpose of the present invention is to improve user convenience.

A communication device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first communication unit, a second communication unit, a third communication unit, and a setting unit. The above-mentioned first communication unit communicates with the upper-level system. The above-mentioned second communication unit communicates with the lower-level system. The third communication unit communicates with a setting terminal that performs settings related to the lower-level system. The setting unit sets the validity or invalidity of the third communication unit.

A communication system according to one aspect of the present invention includes the above-mentioned communication device and the above-mentioned lower-level system.

A control system according to one aspect of the present invention includes the above-mentioned communication device and the above-mentioned upper-level system that controls the above-mentioned lower-level system.

A communication control method according to an aspect of the present invention is executed by a communication device having a first communication unit that communicates with an upper-level system, a second communication unit that communicates with a lower-level system, and a second communication unit that communicates with a lower-level system. System-related settings set the third communication unit for terminal communication. The above-mentioned communication control method includes setting the validity or invalidity of the above-mentioned third communication unit.

A state program of the present invention is used to cause one or more processors to execute the above communication control method.

1: System 1 (upper level system)

2: 2nd system (lower level system)

3: Communication device

4: Set up the terminal

5:Electrical machines

6:Monitoring device

10: 1st device

11:Controller

12:Operating tools

13:Monitoring equipment

19: 1st transmission path

20: 2nd device

29: 2nd transmission path

31: 1st Communications Department

32: 2nd Communications Department

33:3rd Communications Department

34:Processing Department

35:Memory Department

39:The third transmission path

51: Lighting fixtures (lighting load)

100:Machine control system

341:Motion Control Department

342: Acquisition Department

343:Login Department

344: Setting Department

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a machine control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a block diagram of the communication device in the above machine control system.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an operation example of the above communication device.

(1) Summary

The machine control system 100 including the communication device 3 of this embodiment will be described below. bright. The machine control system 100 is a system for a facility in which one or more electrical machines 5 are installed, and for controlling the electric machines 5 . Examples of facilities are non-residential facilities such as office buildings, shops, hospitals, schools or factories. However, it is not limited to this, and the facility may also be a residential facility such as a group house or a single-family house. The electrical equipment 5 is, for example, a lighting fixture, an air conditioner, a power measuring machine, etc. installed in a facility.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the machine control system 100 includes a first system 1 and a second system 2 in addition to the communication device 3 .

The first system 1 constitutes an upper-level system (main system) in the machine control system 100 . The first system 1 includes one or more (here, a plurality of) first devices 10 . The first device 10 is connected to the first transmission path 19 . In this embodiment, the first system 1 generates the control content of the electrical equipment 5 . For example, when the first system 1 accepts an operation from the user through the operating device 12 or detects a change in a predetermined environment through the monitoring device 13, it generates control content corresponding to the operation content or detection content.

In addition, the first system 1 has a function of performing settings related to the second system 2. The first system 1 transmits a setting signal (hereinafter also referred to as the "first setting signal") including setting information related to the setting of the second system 2 to the first transmission path 19 .

The second system 2 constitutes a lower-level system (subsystem) within the machine control system 100 . The second system 2 includes one or more (here, a plurality of) second devices 20 . The second device 20 is connected to the second transmission path 29 . In this embodiment, the electrical equipment 5 is included in the second system 2 as the second device 20 . For example, the electric equipment 5 controls its operation based on the control content generated in the first system 1 .

As shown in FIG. 2 , the communication device 3 includes a first communication unit 31 , a second communication unit 32 , a third communication unit 33 , and a setting unit 344 .

The first communication unit 31 communicates with the first system 1 (upper-level system). 1st Communications Department 31 Communicates with the first system 1 via the first transmission path 19 . The first communication unit 31 receives a control signal including control content from the first system 1 via, for example, the first transmission path 19 . Furthermore, the first communication unit 31 receives the first setting signal from the first system 1 via the first transmission path 19 .

The second communication unit 32 communicates with the second system 2 (lower-level system). The second communication unit 32 communicates with the second system 2 via the second transmission path 29 . The second communication unit 32 transmits, for example, a control signal including control content to the second system 2 via the second transmission path 29 .

The third communication unit 33 communicates with the setting terminal 4 . The third communication unit 33 communicates with the setting terminal 4 by wireless. The setting terminal 4 is a terminal for performing settings related to the second system 2 (lower-level system). The third communication unit 33 receives a setting signal (hereinafter also referred to as a “second setting signal”) including setting information related to the setting of the second system 2 from the setting terminal 4 .

The setting unit 344 sets whether the third communication unit 33 is valid or invalid.

As described above, the communication device 3 further includes the third communication unit 33 in addition to the first communication unit 31 and the second communication unit 32 for communicating with the upper-level system and the lower-level system respectively. Therefore, according to the communication device 3 of this embodiment, for example, the first system 1 (upper-level system) has not yet been constructed or an abnormality occurs in the first system 1, and communication with the second system 2 (lower-level system) cannot be performed through the first system 1. In the case of setting related to the secondary system), the setting related to the second system 2 can be performed through the setting terminal 4 . This can improve user convenience.

However, if the third communication unit 33 is always enabled, a third party other than the administrator/user of the machine control system 100 may use a terminal device that can communicate with the third communication unit 33 to set the second system 2. sex. Therefore, there is a possibility that the security of the communication device 3 and the machine control system 100 is reduced. On the other hand, in the communication device 3 of this embodiment, the setting unit 344 sets the validity or invalidity of the third communication unit 33. Therefore, for example, by enabling the third communication unit 33 only when it is necessary to use the setting terminal 4 to perform settings related to the second system 2, it is possible to The reduction in security caused by the fact that the third communication unit 33 is always active is suppressed. This can improve convenience for managers and others.

(2)Details

Hereinafter, the machine control system 100 according to the embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, each of the plurality of electrical devices 5 whose operations are controlled by the device control system 100 is a lighting fixture 51 . As described above, the machine control system 100 includes the first system 1 (upper-level system), the second system 2 (lower-level system), and the communication device 3 . In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 , the setting terminal 4 is included in the components of the machine control system 100 . However, the setting terminal 4 may not be included in the components of the machine control system 100 .

As shown in FIG. 1 , in the machine control system 100 , a plurality of communication devices 3 (only two are shown in FIG. 1 ) and a plurality of second systems 2 (only two are shown in FIG. 1 ) can be provided for a first system 1 . Show 2). The second system 2 corresponds to the communication device 3 on a one-to-one basis. Each of the plurality of second systems 2 is connected to the first system 1 via a corresponding communication device 3 . Hereinafter, the second system 2 directly connected to the communication device 3 will also be referred to as the "second subordinate system 2" of the communication device 3 .

(2.1) 1st system

The first system 1 (upper-level system) includes a plurality of first devices 10 . Each of the plurality of first devices 10 is connected to the first transmission path 19 . Moreover, the communication device 3, more specifically, the first communication unit 31 of the communication device 3 is connected to the first transmission path 19.

The plurality of first devices 10 include controllers 11 . The plurality of first devices 10 further include an operating device 12 (denoted as a "switch" in Fig. 1) and a monitoring device 13 (denoted as a "sensor" in Fig. 1).

The operating tool 12 is connected to the controller 11 via the first transmission path 19 . The monitoring device 13 is connected to the controller 11 via the first transmission path 19 . Furthermore, the controller 11 transmits data via the first transmission path 19 Connected to communication device 3.

The first transmission path 19 is, for example, a two-line transmission path. The controller 11 communicates with other devices such as the communication device 3 via the first transmission path 19 using a communication method using voltage changes. The controller 11 communicates with the operating device 12, the monitoring device 13, and the communication device 3 in accordance with the first communication protocol. The first communication protocol is, for example, a polling/selection protocol. The controller 11 periodically sends a voltage signal for polling to the first transmission path 19 . The state in which the communication device 3 regularly receives the voltage signal for polling transmitted from the controller 11 is an example of a state in which communication between the first system 1 and the communication device 3 is established. In addition, in FIG. 1 , the controller 11 , the operating device 12 , the monitoring device 13 and the communication device 3 are shown to be connected by one first transmission path 19 , but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the first transmission path 19 connecting the controller 11, the operating device 12 and the monitoring device 13 and the first transmission path 19 connecting the controller 11 and the communication device 3 may be different transmission paths.

The controller 11 includes a processing unit, a first communication unit, and a second communication unit.

The processing unit includes a computer system with more than one processor and memory. The functions of the processing unit are realized by the processor of the computer system executing the program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program can be recorded in a memory, provided through telecommunications lines such as the Internet, or recorded and provided in a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card.

The first communication unit is a communication interface for communicating via the first transmission path 19 . The first communication unit is connected to the first transmission path 19 . The second communication unit is a communication interface for communicating via the third transmission path 39 described below. The second communication unit is connected to the third transmission path 39 .

The controller 11 is a device for controlling the operation of one or more (plural) electric devices 5 (lighting fixtures 51) installed in the facility. Each of the plurality of electrical devices 5 (lighting fixtures 51) is included in any one of the plurality of second systems 2 as the second device 20. The controller 11 controls the second device 20 included in the second system 2 subordinate to the communication device 3 by sending a control signal to the communication device 3 (as shown in the figure). The action of Ming utensil 51).

The operating device 12 is a device operated by a user. The operating device 12 is, for example, a wall switch, a dimmer, or the like. After operating the operating device 12, the controller 11 controls (changes) the operation of the lighting device 51 corresponding to the operated operating device 12 according to the operation content of the operating device 12. For example, when a switch serving as the operating device 12 is turned on, the controller 11 lights the lighting device 51 corresponding to the switch.

Specifically, the operating devices 12 have individually assigned addresses. After accepting the operation from the user, the operating device 12 sends an interrupt signal according to the polling/selection method, and sends an operation signal including the address of itself (the operating device 12) and the received operation content (such as turning on the switch). to controller 11.

The controller 11 associates the address of each operating device 12 with the address of one or more lighting devices 51 and stores them in its own memory. After receiving the operation signal from the operating device 12, the controller 11 identifies the lighting device 51 corresponding to the operating device 12 based on the address included in the operating signal, and identifies the control content corresponding to the operation content. The controller 11 generates a control signal including the address and control content of the specified lighting fixture 51 and sends it to the first transmission path 19 . The communication device 3 receives the control signal via the first transmission path 19 and sends the received control signal to the lighting fixture 51, thereby controlling (changing) the operation of the lighting fixture 51.

The first system 1 may include a plurality of operating tools 12 . A plurality of operating devices 12 can be arranged at different locations within the facility. Two or more operating devices 12 among the plurality of operating devices 12 may be installed in the same housing (for example, two or more rocker switches installed on the same mounting metal part).

The monitoring device 13 is a device that monitors the environment of a specific monitoring area within the facility. The monitoring device 13 is, for example, a human sensing sensor, an illumination sensor, or the like. Monitoring environment with monitoring equipment 13 After the change, the controller 11 controls (changes) the operation of the lighting device 51 corresponding to the monitoring device 13 that detects the change in the environment. For example, when the human sensor as the monitoring device 13 detects that a person has entered the monitoring area, the controller 11 lights the lighting device 51 corresponding to the human sensor. For example, when the illumination sensor serving as the monitoring device 13 detects that the illumination in the monitored area has increased above a specific value, the controller 11 causes the lighting device 51 corresponding to the illumination sensor to extinguish or dim.

Specifically, the monitoring devices 13 have individually assigned addresses. After detecting changes in the environment in the monitoring area, the monitoring device 13 sends an interrupt signal according to the polling/selection method, and will include the monitoring signal of its own (monitoring device 13) address and detection content (such as a person entering the monitoring area) Sent to controller 11.

The controller 11 associates the address of each monitoring device 13 with the address of one or more lighting devices 51 and stores them in its own memory. After receiving the monitoring signal from the monitoring device 13, the controller 11 identifies the lighting device 51 corresponding to the monitoring device 13 based on the address included in the monitoring signal, and identifies the control content corresponding to the detection content. The controller 11 generates a control signal including the address and control content of the specified lighting fixture 51 and sends it to the first transmission path 19 . Thereby, the operation of the lighting fixture 51 is controlled (changed). In addition, one or more lighting fixtures 51 associated with the monitoring device 13 may partially or completely overlap with one or more lighting fixtures 51 associated with the operating device 12 .

The first system 1 may include a plurality of monitoring devices 13 . A plurality of monitoring devices 13 can be arranged at different locations within the facility. Two or more monitoring devices 13 among the plurality of monitoring devices 13 may be installed in the same housing.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the first system 1 (upper-level system) further includes a monitoring device 6 . The monitoring device 6 is, for example, a computer or a server device installed in a management room of a facility where the electrical equipment 5 (lighting equipment 51) is installed. The monitoring device 6 is connected to the controller 11 via the third transmission path 39 . control The controller 11 communicates with the monitoring device 6 according to the third communication protocol. The third communication protocol is, for example, the Ethernet (registered trademark) protocol.

The monitoring device 6 obtains information on the operating status of the electrical equipment 5 from the controller 11, for example. This allows facility managers and others to confirm the operating status of the electrical equipment 5 through the monitoring device 6 .

In addition, when the facility manager wants to perform special control on the electrical equipment 5, the self-monitoring device 6 can send an instruction signal to the controller 11 to perform special control on the electrical equipment 5. Examples of the special control include schedule control that operates the electrical equipment 5 according to a preset control schedule, stop control that turns off the electrical equipment 5 when there is an unused electrical equipment 5 , and the like. The controller 11 generates a control signal based on the instruction signal from the monitoring device 6 and sends it to the first transmission path 19 .

The monitoring device 6 further has a function for setting the second system 2 . The setting of the second system 2 includes the setting of the address of the second device 20 included in the second system 2, and is composed of two or more second devices 20 among the plurality of second devices 20 included in the second system 2. The settings of the machine group, etc. The monitoring device 6 sends a setting signal (first setting signal) including setting information related to the setting of the second system 2 to the controller 11 . The controller 11 sends the first setting signal from the monitoring device 6 to the communication device 3 . The communication device 3 performs settings of the subordinate second system 2 based on the first setting signal.

(2.2) System 2

The second system 2 is connected to the first system 1 via the communication device 3 . In this embodiment, a plurality of second systems 2 are respectively connected to the first system 1 via corresponding communication devices 3 . Since the plurality of second systems 2 (lower-order systems) have the same configuration, the following description focuses on one second system 2 . In this embodiment, the second system 2 is based on DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface: Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (registered trademark) standard system.

The second system 2 includes a plurality of second devices 20 . Each of the plurality of second devices 20 is connected to the second transmission path 29 . Moreover, the communication device 3, more specifically, the second communication unit 32 of the communication device 3 is connected to the second transmission path 29.

The second transmission path 29 is, for example, a two-line transmission path. The communication device 3 communicates with a plurality of second devices 20 in accordance with the second communication protocol. The second communication protocol is, for example, a protocol used in the DALI standard (hereinafter referred to as "DALI protocol"). In this way, the communication protocols of the first system 1 and the second system 2 are different from each other. In addition, in FIG. 1 , the communication device 3 and the plurality of second devices 20 are shown to be connected through one second transmission path 29 , but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the communication device 3 and the plurality of second devices 20 may be individually connected through the plurality of second transmission paths 29 .

In this embodiment, each of the plurality of second devices 20 is a lighting fixture 51 (electrical equipment 5). The lighting fixture 51 is installed on the ceiling of a facility room, for example.

The lighting fixture 51 includes a light source, a lighting processing unit, and a memory unit. The memory unit stores its own address that is individually allocated. The address is stored in the memory unit based on, for example, the address setting signal sent from the communication device 3 via the second transmission path 29 . The lighting processing unit performs lighting/extinguishing control, dimming control, color adjustment control, etc. of the light source. When the control signal sent from the communication device 3 via the second transmission path 29 includes the address of itself (the lighting fixture 51 ), the lighting processing unit controls the light source based on the control content included in the control signal.

(2.3) Communication device

In this embodiment, a plurality of communication devices 3 are provided in a plurality of second systems 2 on a one-to-one basis. Since the plurality of communication devices 3 have the same configuration, the following description focuses on one communication device 3 .

The communication device 3 is installed on the ceiling of a facility room, for example. via communication device 3 Together with the first system 1 (upper-level system), they constitute the control system of the present invention. Furthermore, the communication system of the present invention is configured by the communication device 3 and the subordinate second system 2 (lower-level system).

As shown in FIG. 2 , the communication device 3 includes a first communication unit 31 , a second communication unit 32 , a third communication unit 33 , a processing unit 34 , and a memory unit 35 .

The first communication unit 31 is a communication interface for performing wired communication with the first system 1 . The first communication unit 31 is connected to the first transmission path 19 . The first communication unit 31 communicates with the controller 11 via the first transmission path 19 , that is, by wire. The first communication unit 31 communicates with the controller 11 according to the protocol of the polling/selection method (first communication protocol).

The second communication unit 32 is a communication interface for performing wired communication with the subordinate second system 2 . The second communication unit 32 is connected to the second transmission path 29 . The second communication unit 32 communicates with the plurality of second devices 20 (lighting fixtures 51) via the second transmission path 29, that is, by wire. The second communication unit 32 communicates with the plurality of second devices 20 in accordance with the DALI protocol (second communication protocol). In this way, the communication protocols of the first communication unit 31 and the second communication unit 32 are different.

The third communication unit 33 is a communication interface for communicating with the setting terminal 4 . The third communication unit 33 communicates with the setting terminal 4 by wireless. The third communication unit 33 communicates with the setting terminal 4 in accordance with a protocol suitable for short-range wireless communication, such as a protocol used in Bluetooth (registered trademark).

The processing unit 34 includes a computer system having one or more processors and memories. The functions of the processing unit 34 are realized by the processor of the computer system executing the program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program can be recorded in a memory, provided through telecommunications lines such as the Internet, or recorded and provided in a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card.

The memory unit 35 includes, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory: electronic erasable programmable read-only memory), etc. The memory unit 35 may be integrated with the memory of the processing unit 34 .

The memory unit 35 stores various information. The information stored in the memory unit 35 includes the address unique to the communication device 3 . The information stored in the memory unit 35 includes information related to the subordinate second system 2. The information related to the subordinate second system 2 may include information on a plurality of lighting fixtures 51 (electrical equipment 5) that are a plurality of second devices 20 included in the subordinate second system 2, such as the address of each lighting fixture 51. The information related to the subordinate second system 2 may include information on a machine group composed of two or more second devices 20 among the plurality of second devices 20 included in the subordinate second system 2 . The information related to the subordinate system 2 may include the address of the machine group.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the processing unit 34 includes an operation control unit 341, an acquisition unit 342, a registration unit 343, and a setting unit 344.

The operation control unit 341 controls the operation of the second device 20 (lighting fixture 51) included in the subordinate second system 2. The operation control unit 341 receives a control signal from the controller 11 via the first communication unit 31 . As mentioned above, the control signal is a signal sent from the controller 11 to the first transmission path 19 based on the user's operation of the operating device 12, the detection of environmental changes by the monitoring device 13, and the instruction signal from the monitoring device 6. After receiving the control signal, the operation control unit 341 determines whether the lighting fixture 51 (second device 20 ) having the address included in the control signal is included in the subordinate second system 2 . When the lighting fixture 51 having the address included in the control signal is included in the subordinate second system 2, the operation control unit 341 controls the operation of the lighting fixture 51 based on the control content included in the control signal. The operation control unit 341 controls the operation of the lighting fixture 51 by sending a control signal via the second communication unit 32 . As mentioned above, since the communication protocols of the first system 1 and the second system 2 are different, the operation control unit 341 has the function of performing protocol conversion between the first system 1 and the second system 2.

The acquisition unit 342 acquires setting information. The setting information is information for setting the second system 2 (information indicating the setting contents of the second system 2). The acquisition unit 342 receives the setting signal (first setting signal) from the controller 11 via the first communication unit 31 and acquires the setting information included in the first setting signal. The acquisition unit 342 further receives the setting signal (the second setting signal) from the setting terminal 4 via the third communication unit 33, and acquires the setting information included in the second setting signal. Since the validity and invalidity of the third communication unit 33 are switched as described above, the acquisition unit 342 can acquire the setting information from the setting terminal 4 only when the third communication unit 33 is valid.

The registration unit 343 performs settings related to the second system 2 based on the setting information acquired by the acquisition unit 342 . For example, the registration unit 343 registers the address of the communication device 3 in the memory unit 35 based on the acquired setting information. Furthermore, the registration unit 343 registers the addresses of each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 51 included in the subordinate second system 2 in the memory unit 35 based on the acquired setting information. Furthermore, based on the acquired setting information, the registration unit 343 sends an address setting signal to each of the plurality of second devices 20 (lighting fixtures 51) included in the subordinate second system 2, so that each second device 20 (lighting fixture 51) ) memory address of the memory unit. Furthermore, the registration unit 343 registers the information of the device group in the storage unit 35 based on the acquired setting information. In addition, the setting information included in the second setting signal (the setting content of the second system 2 that can be set by the second setting signal) may be the same as the setting information included in the first setting signal, or may be different.

The setting unit 344 sets whether the third communication unit 33 is valid or invalid. That is, the setting unit 344 switches the third communication unit 33 between valid and invalid.

The fact that the third communication unit 33 is valid means that the third communication unit 33 can receive the setting signal (the second setting signal) from the setting terminal 4 through communication, and the login unit 343 can perform the setting based on the setting information included in the received second setting signal. The status of settings related to System 2 2. That is, the fact that the third communication unit 33 is valid means that the user can perform settings related to the second system 2 using the setting terminal 4 .

The invalidation of the third communication unit 33 means that the user cannot perform settings related to the second system 2 using the setting terminal 4 . Here, the invalidation of the third communication unit 33 includes a state in which the function of at least a part of the communication layer of the third communication unit 33 is stopped. The invalidation of the third communication unit 33 may be any one of the following first invalidation state to the third invalidation state, for example.

The first invalid state is a state in which communication between the third communication unit 33 and the external device is physically disabled. In the first invalid state, for example, by turning off the power supply of the third communication unit 33 (stopping the supply of power to the third communication unit 33), the communication of the third communication unit 33 is physically disabled.

The second invalid state is a state in which the third communication unit 33 can communicate with the external device but does not obtain any information from the external device. In the second invalid state, for example, the processing unit 34 discards all packets (including headers) received by the third communication unit 33 through communication. In the second invalid state, although the setting terminal 4 can recognize that the third communication unit 33 can perform wireless communication, it is unable to exchange substantial information with the third communication unit 33 .

The third invalid state is a state in which the third communication unit 33 can communicate with the external device, but the processing unit 34 only obtains part of the information. Part of the information obtained by the processing unit 34 is, for example, the address of the external device.

In this way, the setting unit 344 can set the third communication unit 33 to be invalid (the first invalid state, the second invalid state) by stopping the functions of the layers below the communication layer. The layer below the communication layer is, for example, the entity layer in the OSI (Open System Interconnection) reference model. Alternatively, the setting unit 344 may set the third communication unit 33 to be inactive (the third inactive state) by stopping the function of the layer above the communication layer. The layer above the communication layer is, for example, the application layer in the OSI reference model. From the viewpoint of ensuring security related to the machine control system 100, it is preferable that the third communication unit 33 is disabled in the first disabled state or the second disabled state.

The setting unit 344 sets the third communication unit 33 based on the connection status with the first system 1 is valid or invalid.

Specifically, the setting unit 344 disables the third communication unit 33 when communication between the first communication unit 31 and the first system 1 (upper-level system) is established. In this embodiment, the setting unit 344 determines that communication between the first communication unit 31 and the first system 1 occurs when the voltage signal for polling is periodically sent from the controller 11 to the first communication unit 31 established. As described above, the registration unit 343 can perform settings related to the second system 2 based on the first setting signal sent from the monitoring device 6 . Therefore, by disabling the third communication unit 33 when the monitoring device 6 can be used to perform settings related to the second system 2, the security of the machine control system 100 can be improved while maintaining user convenience.

On the other hand, when the communication between the first communication unit 31 and the first system 1 is not established, the setting unit 344 sets the third communication unit 33 to be valid. In this embodiment, when the voltage signal for polling is not sent from the controller 11 during the specific standby time, the setting unit 344 determines that the communication between the first communication unit 31 and the first system 1 has not been completed. established. In this way, by enabling the third communication unit 33 when the settings related to the second system 2 cannot be performed using the monitoring device 6, user convenience can be improved.

In addition, after the communication between the first communication unit 31 and the first system 1 (upper-level system) is established and the setting unit 344 sets the third communication unit 33 to be invalid, if a specific condition (hereinafter, also referred to as "validation") is met, condition"), the third communication unit 33 is set to be valid. In other words, after the communication between the first communication unit 31 and the first system 1 is established and the setting unit 344 sets the third communication unit 33 to be invalid, the setting unit 344 keeps the third communication unit 33 invalid until the activation condition is satisfied.

The validation condition may include, for example, not sending a voltage signal for polling from the controller 11 during a specific standby time. The validation condition may include, for example, receiving a specific signal from the first system 1 (controller 11). The specific signal is input by operating the monitoring device 6 by an administrator or the like, for example. A signal sent from the controller 11 to instruct the third communication unit 33 to be valid. The activation condition may include, for example, operating a switch button provided on the housing of the communication device 3 .

After the activation condition is satisfied and the third communication unit 33 is set to be valid, if the cancellation condition is satisfied, the setting unit 344 sets the third communication unit 33 to be invalid again. The cancellation conditions include, for example, restarting transmission of the voltage signal for polling from the controller 11, a specific time elapsed after setting the third communication unit 33 to be valid, and receiving a specific signal from the first system 1 (controller 11).

(2.4) Setting terminal

The setting terminal 4 is a device for performing settings related to the second system 2 (lower-level system). The setting terminal 4 is used to transmit a setting signal (second setting signal) to the communication device 3 .

Set terminal 4 as an information terminal. The setting terminal 4 is, for example, a portable device held by the user. The setting terminal 4 is, for example, a general-purpose device such as a smartphone. In addition, the setting terminal 4 is not limited to a smartphone, but may also be a portable information terminal such as a tablet terminal, a personal computer (desktop computer, laptop computer, etc.), a watch-type terminal device, or a smart TV. In addition, the setting terminal 4 is not limited to a general-purpose device, and may also be a dedicated device.

The setting terminal 4 includes a communication unit, an input unit, a prompt unit, and a processing unit.

The communication unit is a communication interface used to communicate with the communication device 3 . The communication unit communicates with the communication device 3 through wireless communication. The communication unit communicates with the communication device 3 based on a protocol suitable for short-range wireless communication, such as a protocol used in Bluetooth (registered trademark).

The input unit is used to input information to the setting terminal 4 . The input unit has, for example, a touch panel and/or one or more buttons.

The prompting unit is used to prompt information from the setting terminal 40 . The prompt part is equipped with an image display device for displaying information. The image display device is, for example, a thin display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electroluminescent) display. Can enter The touch panel in the part and the image display device in the prompt part constitute a touch panel.

The processing unit includes a computer system with more than one processor and memory. The functions of the processing unit are realized by the processor of the computer system executing the program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program can be recorded in a memory, provided through telecommunications lines such as the Internet, or recorded and provided in a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card.

The processing unit is configured to perform overall control of the setting terminal 4, that is, to control the operations of the communication unit, the input unit, and the prompting unit. The processing unit sends the second setting signal from the communication unit based on the user's appropriate operation of the input unit.

(3) Operation example

Hereinafter, an operation example of the communication device 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 .

After the communication device 3 turns on the power and starts supplying power to the communication device 3, it determines whether the communication between the first communication unit 31 and the first system 1 is established (ST1).

For example, during the construction of the facilities of the machine control system 100, the communication device 3 and the second system 2 (the plurality of lighting fixtures 51 and the second transmission path 29) in the machine control system 100 have been completed, but the construction of the first system 1 ( A situation in which the plurality of first devices 10 and the first transmission path 19) including the controller 11 are not constructed. In this case, communication between the first communication unit 31 and the first system 1 is not established (ST1: No). In this case, the communication device 3 sets the third communication unit 33 to be valid (ST2).

In the state where the third communication unit 33 is valid, when the communication device 3 receives the second setting signal (ST3: Yes) from the setting terminal 4 via the third communication unit 33, it based on the setting information included in the second setting signal. , perform settings related to the second system 2 (ST4).

Thereafter, when the construction of the first system 1 is completed and the communication between the first communication unit 31 and the first system 1 is established (ST3: Yes), the communication device 3 sets the third communication unit 33 to be invalid (ST5).

In a state where communication between the first communication unit 31 and the first system 1 is established, the communication device 3 waits for a control signal from the controller 11 (ST6). When receiving the control signal from the controller 11 (ST6: Yes), the communication device 3 controls the second device 20 (lighting fixture 51) included in the subordinate second system 2 based on the control content included in the control signal (ST7).

Furthermore, in a state where communication between the first communication unit 31 and the first system 1 is established, the communication device 3 determines whether the activation condition is satisfied (ST8). If the activation condition is satisfied (ST8: Yes), the communication device 3 (compulsively) activates the third communication unit 33 (ST9). When the third communication unit 33 is in a valid state and receives the second setting signal from the setting terminal 4 via the third communication unit 33 (ST10: Yes), the communication device 3 performs communication with the second setting signal based on the setting information included in the second setting signal. 2 System 2 related settings (ST11). Thereafter, if the release condition is satisfied (ST12), the communication device 3 sets the third communication unit 33 to be invalid again (ST13), and waits for a control signal.

In addition, although omitted in FIG. 3 , when the communication device 3 receives the first setting signal from the controller 11 after the third communication unit 33 becomes invalid (ST5), it performs the subordinate second setting signal based on the setting information included in the first setting signal. System 2 settings.

As described above, in the communication device 3 of this embodiment, the setting unit 344 sets the third communication unit 33 to be valid when the communication between the first communication unit 31 and the first system 1 is not established. Therefore, for example, the user can use the setting terminal 4 to perform settings related to the second system 2 during construction of the machine control system 100 . Furthermore, after the communication between the first communication unit 31 and the first system 1 is established, the setting unit 344 sets the third communication unit 33 to be invalid. Thereby, the security of the communication device 3 and the machine control system 100 can be improved.

Furthermore, since the third communication unit 33 performs wireless communication, for example, even when the communication device 3 is placed in a high place such as the ceiling of a facility, the user can easily perform settings related to the second system 2 using the setting terminal 4 settings.

(4) Variations

The above-described embodiment is only one of various embodiments of the present invention. As long as the above-mentioned embodiment achieves the object of the present invention, various changes can be made according to design and the like.

The same function as the setting unit 344 of the communication device 3 can be embodied as a communication control method, a (computer) program, a non-transitory recording medium in which the program is recorded, or the like.

The one-state communication control method is executed by the communication device 3. The communication device 3 includes a first communication unit 31 for communicating with the upper-level system, a second communication unit 32 for communicating with the lower-level system, and a second communication unit 32 for communicating with the lower-level system. The relevant settings are the third communication unit 33 for setting the terminal 4 to communicate. The communication control method includes setting whether the third communication unit 33 is valid or invalid.

A one-state program is used to cause one or more processors to execute the above communication control method. The program may be recorded on a non-transitory recording medium.

The machine control system 100 in the present invention includes a computer system in the processing unit 34 and the like. A computer system is mainly composed of a processor and a memory as hardware. The processor executes a program recorded in the memory of the computer system to realize the functions of the processing unit 34 and the like in the present invention. The program can be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, can also be provided through telecommunications lines, or can be recorded and provided on non-transitory memory media such as memory cards, optical disks, and hard drives that can be read by the computer system. The processor of a computer system is composed of one to multiple electronic circuits including semiconductor integrated circuits (IC: Integrated Circuit) or large scale integrated circuits (LSI: Large Scale Integration). Integrated circuits such as IC or LSI described here are called differently depending on the degree of integration, and include system LSI, VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration). : Very large integrated circuit) integrated circuit. Furthermore, the FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array: Field-Programmable Gate Array) that is programmed after the LSI is manufactured may be able to reconstruct the connection relationship within the LSI or the LSI The logic device reconstructed from the internal circuit division can also be used as a processor. A plurality of electronic circuits can be integrated into one chip, or can be dispersed across multiple chips. A plurality of chips can be integrated into one device or distributed among multiple devices. The computer system described here includes a microcontroller with more than one processor and more than one memory. Therefore, a microcontroller is also composed of one to a plurality of electronic circuits including semiconductor integrated circuits or large integrated circuits.

In addition, it is not an essential configuration of the present invention to integrate the plural functions of the processing unit 34 and the like into one housing, and the constituent elements of the processing unit 34 and the like may be dispersedly provided in a plurality of housings. Furthermore, at least part of the functions of the machine control system 100 can be realized through the cloud (cloud computing) or the like.

On the contrary, in an embodiment, at least part of the functions of the machine control system 100 dispersed in a plurality of devices may be integrated into one housing.

In a variation, the setting unit 344 may set the third communication unit 33 to be disabled based on input from the outside. The input from the outside may be, for example, a specific signal sent from the first system 1 (controller 11). The input from the outside may be, for example, an operation on a switch button provided on the housing of the communication device 3 . In addition, the setting unit 344 may set the third communication unit 33 to be valid or invalid based only on input from the outside, regardless of whether communication between the first communication unit 31 and the first system 1 is established. Alternatively, the setting unit 344 may set the third communication unit 33 to be valid or invalid based solely on whether communication between the first communication unit 31 and the first system 1 is established, without relying on input from the outside. Alternatively, the setting unit 344 may be configured to disable the third communication unit 33 when there is input from the outside or when communication between the first communication unit 31 and the first system 1 is established.

In a modified example, the controller 11 applies a DC voltage between a pair of electric wires constituting the first transmission path 19 and switches the voltage value of the DC voltage to transmit a control signal. In this configuration, the state in which communication between the first communication unit 31 and the first system 1 (upper-level system) is established may be a state in which a DC voltage is applied between a pair of electric wires in the first transmission path 19 .

In a modified example, the state in which communication between the first communication unit 31 and the first system 1 (upper-level system) is established may be a state in which a signal for live check is periodically transmitted from the first system 1 .

In a variation, the electrical machine 5 may be a machine other than the lighting fixture 51 , such as an air conditioner, a power measuring machine, etc.

In a variation, a plurality of controllers 11 may be connected to the monitoring device 6 . Each of the plurality of controllers 11 may be connected to one or more communication devices 3 and subordinate second systems 2 . The type of the second device 20 connected to the plurality of controllers 11 may differ for each controller. For example, the lighting controller for controlling the lighting fixture 51 can be connected to a plurality of lighting fixtures 51 via one or more communication devices 3 , and the air-conditioning controller for controlling the air conditioning device can be connected via one or more communication devices 3 Multiple air conditioning units.

In a variation, the second device 20 may be a device other than the electrical equipment 5 , such as a dimmer or a relay inserted into the power supply path of the lighting fixture 51 .

In a variation, the second system 2 (lower-level system) subordinate to one communication device 3 may include different types of electrical equipment 5 (for example, lighting fixtures 51 and air-conditioning devices).

In a variation, the communication method of the third communication unit 33 may be a communication method other than Bluetooth, such as a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) communication method, a wired communication communication method, etc.

(5) State of affairs

As described above, the communication device (3) of the first aspect includes the first communication unit (31), the second communication unit (32), the third communication unit (33), and the setting unit (344). The 1st Communications Department (31) and the upper-level system (1st System 1) communicates. The second communication unit (32) communicates with the lower-level system (second system 2). The third communication unit (33) communicates with the setting terminal (4) that performs settings related to lower-level systems. The setting part (344) sets the validity or invalidity of the third communication part (33).

According to this aspect, since settings related to the lower-level system (second system) can be performed through the setting terminal (4), user convenience can be improved.

In the communication device (3) of the second aspect, in the first aspect, the setting unit (344) sets the third communication unit (33) when communication between the first communication unit (31) and the upper-level system is established. ) is set to invalid.

According to this aspect, it is possible to suppress a decrease in security caused by the fact that the third communication unit (33) is always active.

In the communication device (3) of the third aspect, in the second aspect, the setting unit (344) establishes the communication between the first communication unit (31) and the upper-level system and sets the third communication unit (33) to After the invalidation, if the specific conditions are met, the third communication unit (33) is set to be valid.

According to this aspect, since the third communication unit (33) can be set to be valid as necessary, user convenience can be improved.

In the communication device (3) of the fourth state, in any of the first to third states, the setting unit (344) sets the third communication unit (33) to be invalid based on input from the outside.

According to this aspect, it is possible to suppress a decrease in security caused by the fact that the third communication unit (33) is always active.

In the communication device (3) of the fifth state, in any one of the first to fourth states, the invalidation of the third communication part (33) includes the cessation of the function of at least part of the communication layer of the third communication part (33). state.

According to this aspect, the third communication layer can be stopped by stopping at least part of the communication layer. 3 The communication unit (33) is set to invalid.

In the communication device (3) of the sixth state, in the fifth state, the setting unit (344) disables the third communication unit (33) by stopping the function of the layer below the communication layer.

According to this aspect, safety can be improved.

In the communication device (3) of the seventh state, in the fifth state, the setting unit (344) disables the third communication unit (33) by stopping the function of the layer above the communication layer.

According to this aspect, safety can be improved.

In the communication device (3) of the eighth aspect, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the communication protocols of the first communication part (31) and the second communication part (32) are different.

According to this aspect, protocol conversion can be performed by the communication device (3), thereby improving user convenience.

In the communication device (3) of the ninth aspect, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the lower-level system includes a lighting load (lighting fixture 51).

According to this aspect, user convenience can be improved.

The communication system of the 10th phase includes the communication device (3) of any one of the 1st to 9th phases, and a lower-level system.

According to this aspect, user convenience can be improved.

The control system of the 11th phase includes the communication device (3) of any one of the 1st to 9th phases, and an upper-level system that controls the lower-level system.

According to this aspect, user convenience can be improved.

The communication control method of the twelfth aspect is executed by the communication device (3). The communication device (3) includes a first communication unit (31) for communicating with the upper-level system and a second communication unit for communicating with the lower-level system. department (32), and the setting terminal (34) for setting settings related to lower-level systems. Communications Department 3 (33). The communication control method includes setting the validity or invalidation of the third communication unit (33).

According to this aspect, user convenience can be improved.

The program in the 13th state is a communication control method for causing one or more processors to execute the 12th state.

According to this aspect, user convenience can be improved.

3: Communication device

19: 1st transmission path

29: 2nd transmission path

31: 1st Communications Department

32: 2nd Communications Department

33:3rd Communications Department

34:Processing Department

35:Memory Department

341:Motion Control Department

342: Acquisition Department

343: Login Department

344: Setting Department

Claims (16)

A communication device including: a first communication unit that communicates with an upper-level system; a second communication unit that communicates with a lower-level system; and a third communication unit that performs settings related to the lower-level system. The terminal performs communication; and a setting unit sets the validity or invalidation of the above-mentioned third communication unit; and the above-mentioned setting unit sets the above-mentioned third communication unit when communication between the above-mentioned first communication unit and the above-mentioned upper-level system is established. Set to invalid. The communication device of claim 1, wherein the setting unit disables the third communication unit after establishing communication between the first communication unit and the upper-level system, and then disables the third communication unit if a specific condition is met. The communications department is set to valid. A communication device including: a first communication unit that communicates with an upper-level system; a second communication unit that communicates with a lower-level system; and a third communication unit that performs settings related to the lower-level system. The terminal performs communication; and a setting unit sets the validity or invalidation of the third communication unit; and the setting unit sets the third communication unit to be invalid based on input from the outside. A communication device including: a first communication unit that communicates with an upper-level system; a second communication unit that communicates with a lower-level system; and a third communication unit that performs settings related to the lower-level system. The terminal performs communication; and a setting unit sets the validity or invalidation of the above-mentioned third communication unit; and the invalidation of the above-mentioned third communication unit includes a state in which the function of at least a part of the communication layer of the above-mentioned third communication unit is stopped. The communication device according to claim 4, wherein the setting unit disables the third communication unit by stopping the function of a layer below the communication layer. The communication device of claim 4, wherein the setting unit disables the third communication unit by stopping the function of a layer above the communication layer. A communication device including: a first communication unit that communicates with an upper-level system; a second communication unit that communicates with a lower-level system; and a third communication unit that performs settings related to the lower-level system. the terminal communicates; and The setting part sets the validity or invalidity of the above-mentioned third communication part; and the communication protocols of the above-mentioned first communication part and the above-mentioned second communication part are different. A communication device including: a first communication unit that communicates with an upper-level system; a second communication unit that communicates with a lower-level system; and a third communication unit that performs settings related to the lower-level system. The terminal performs communication; and a setting unit sets the validity or invalidity of the above-mentioned third communication unit; and the above-mentioned lower-level system includes a lighting load. A communication system provided with: the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and the above-mentioned lower-level system. A control system provided with: the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and the above-mentioned upper-level system that controls the above-mentioned lower-level system. A communication control method executed by a communication device having a first communication unit that communicates with an upper-level system, a second communication unit that communicates with a lower-level system, and a method for performing the lower-level system The settings set the third communication unit for the terminal to communicate, and the above communication control method includes: The above-mentioned third communication unit is set to be valid or invalid; and when communication between the above-mentioned first communication unit and the above-mentioned upper-level system is established, the above-mentioned third communication unit is set to be invalid. A communication control method executed by a communication device having a first communication unit that communicates with an upper-level system, a second communication unit that communicates with a lower-level system, and a method for performing the lower-level system The setting sets a third communication unit for the terminal to communicate, and the communication control method includes: setting the validity or invalidity of the above-mentioned third communication unit; and setting the above-mentioned third communication unit to be invalid based on input from the outside. A communication control method executed by a communication device having a first communication unit that communicates with an upper-level system, a second communication unit that communicates with a lower-level system, and a method for performing the lower-level system The settings set a third communication unit for the terminal to communicate, and the communication control method includes: setting the validity or invalidation of the above-mentioned 3rd communication unit; and the invalidation of the above-mentioned 3rd communication unit includes at least one of the communication layers of the above-mentioned 3rd communication unit. A state in which the functions of some strata have ceased. A communication control method executed by a communication device having a first communication unit that communicates with an upper-level system, a second communication unit that communicates with a lower-level system, and a method for performing the lower-level system The settings set the third communication unit for the terminal to communicate, and the above communication control method includes: Set the validity or invalidation of the above-mentioned third communication part; and the communication protocols of the above-mentioned first communication part and the above-mentioned second communication part are different. A communication control method executed by a communication device having a first communication unit that communicates with an upper-level system, a second communication unit that communicates with a lower-level system, and a method for performing the lower-level system The settings set a third communication unit for the terminal to communicate, and the communication control method includes: setting the validity or invalidity of the above-mentioned third communication unit; and the above-mentioned lower-level system includes a lighting load. A computer program product for causing one or more processors to execute the communication control method according to any one of claims 11 to 15.

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