JP2024158029A - gateway - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a highly convenient gateway when a lighting system is constructed.SOLUTION: A gateway includes a first communication unit, a second communication unit, and a processing unit. The first communication unit performs communication in accordance with a first communication method. The second communication unit performs wireless communication in accordance with a second communication method. The processing unit receives first data from a controller via the first communication unit, converts the first data into second data, and transmits the second data to a wireless dimmer for lighting via the second communication unit. The gateway further includes a connection unit capable of connecting an external apparatus. The processing unit generates a control signal based on an external input signal input from the external apparatus via the connection unit, and transmits the control signal to the wireless dimmer for lighting via the second communication unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Application for application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act Publisher: Daiko Electric Co., Ltd. Publication name: Wireless Control System Catalog Publication date: May 2022

This embodiment relates to a gateway that receives a control signal from a controller and transmits the control signal to a dimmer of a lighting device.

Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 6266126) discloses a lighting unit that includes a solid-state light source and a wireless circuit. The wireless circuit receives a wireless control signal to enable control of the lighting unit.

Patent No. 6266126

This embodiment provides a highly convenient gateway when building a lighting system.

According to this embodiment, the gateway includes a first communication unit, a second communication unit, and a processing unit. The first communication unit performs communication in accordance with a first communication method. The second communication unit performs wireless communication in accordance with a second communication method. The processing unit receives first data from the controller via the first communication unit, converts the first data to second data, and transmits the second data to the wireless lighting dimmer via the second communication unit. The gateway further includes a connection unit capable of connecting an external device. The processing unit generates a control signal based on an external input signal input from the external device via the connection unit, and transmits the control signal to the wireless lighting dimmer via the second communication unit.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a lighting system including a gateway according to a first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing of the first controller, a router, and a gateway according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a gateway according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lighting system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a second controller according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a front view showing an example of a second controller according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lighting system according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a front view showing an example of a second controller according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a lighting/extinguishing process executed by a lighting system according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a change process and a change cancellation process executed by a lighting system according to a fourth embodiment; FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless dimmer according to a fifth embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by a wireless module according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless dimmer according to a sixth embodiment. 6 is a graph showing an example of a relationship between the voltage and the average voltage of a PWM signal.

Each embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals will be used for substantially the same functions and components, and duplicate descriptions will be given only when necessary.

[First embodiment]
A first embodiment relates to a gateway and a lighting system comprising said gateway.

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lighting system 1 including gateways GW1 to GWp according to the first embodiment.

The various components illustrated in FIG. 1 may be freely combined or separated as long as they can achieve the same or similar functions and actions.

The lighting system 1 includes a first controller 2, at least one router 3, gateways GW1 to GWp corresponding to the facilities F1 to Fp, a combination of multiple wireless dimmers, dimmers, and lighting devices provided in each of the facilities F1 to Fp, and second controllers C1 to Cp provided in each of the facilities F1 to Fp.

In the first embodiment, the gateway GW1 will be described as a representative of the gateways GW1 to GWp. The facility F1 will be described as a representative of the facilities F1 to Fp. The second controller C1 will be described as a representative of the second controllers C1 to Cp. The gateways GW2 to GWp, the facilities F2 to Fp, and the second controllers C2 to Cp are similar to the gateway GW1, the facility F1, and the second controller C1, so their description will be omitted.

The first controller 2 functions as a setting terminal or a parent device. The first controller 2 is used to control the lighting system 1. The first controller 2 is a higher-level control device than the second controller C1. The first controller 2 wirelessly communicates with multiple wireless dimmers D1 to Dr belonging to the facility F1 via the router 3 and the gateway GW1.

More specifically, the first controller 2 communicates with the router 3 wirelessly or via a wired connection. The router 3 communicates with the gateways GW1 to GWp wirelessly or via a wired connection. The gateway G1 communicates wirelessly with multiple wireless dimmers D1 to Dr belonging to the facility F1. Each of the multiple wireless dimmers D1 to Dr is equipped with a wireless module W1 to Wr.

For example, wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication may be used between the first controller 2 and the router 3. Wired LAN communication or wireless LAN communication may be used between the router 3 and the gateways GW1 to GWp. Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be used between the gateway GW1 and the multiple wireless dimmers D1 to Dr.

The first controller 2 is used to set up the second controllers C1 to Cp. The first controller 2 and the second controllers C1 to Cp may communicate with each other via wireless LAN communication or wireless communication such as Bluetooth.

Through pairing (provisioning), the first controller 2 may recognize the gateways GW1-GWp, the multiple wireless dimmers belonging to the facilities F1-Fp, and the second controllers C1-Cp, and may become capable of communicating with the gateways GW1-GWp, the multiple wireless dimmers belonging to the facilities F1-Fp, and the second controllers C1-Cp.

The first controller 2 accepts operations by a user (operator), generates and stores scene information, and transmits the scene information to multiple wireless dimmers belonging to facilities F1 to Fp via the router 3 and gateways GW1 to GWp.

In the first embodiment, a scene refers to a lighting state, for example a lighting effect formed by at least one lighting device.

The first controller 2 may be used, for example, as a control terminal or as a setting terminal. The control terminal and the setting terminal may be different devices.

The first controller 2 may accept user operations, generate and store various setting information, and transmit the setting information to the second controllers C1-Cp via the router 3 and gateways GW1-GWp. Alternatively, the first controller 2 may transmit the setting information to the second controllers C1-Cp by wireless communication such as Bluetooth. The setting information may include, for example, identification information indicating the facility to be controlled by the second controllers C1-Cp, the area to be controlled, the group to be controlled, and the wireless dimmer or dimmer to be controlled. The setting information may also include, for example, time information for canceling the scene change.

In the first embodiment, the first controller 2 may be, for example, a device such as a personal computer, a tablet computer, a mobile phone, a mobile computer, or a control terminal.

The router 3 relays communication between the first controller 2 and the gateways GW1 to GWp. For example, the router 3 performs wireless LAN communication with the first controller 2 and wired LAN communication with the gateways GW1 to GWp. The router 3 has the function of selecting and controlling the data transfer path.

The gateway GW1 executes relay processing to enable data transmission and reception between networks with different protocols. In the first embodiment, the gateway GW1 may have a function to cancel temporary scene changes of multiple wireless dimmers D1 to Dr belonging to the facility F1 at the time indicated by the time information when the gateway GW1 receives a regular change cancellation instruction and time information from the second controller C1.

In the first embodiment, multiple dimmers A1-Ar are connected to multiple lighting devices I1-Ir, respectively. In the first embodiment, the multiple lighting devices I1-Ir and the multiple dimmers A1-Ar are not compatible with wireless communication. Wireless dimmers D1-Dr are connected to the non-wireless dimmers A1-Ar. In this way, by applying the wireless dimmers D1-Dr to the non-wireless dimmers A1-Ar, it becomes possible to control the dimmers A1-Ar and lighting devices I1-Ir using wireless communication.

The lighting devices I1-Ir may be connected to the wireless dimmers D1-Dr without using the dimmers A1-Ar. In other words, the dimmers A1-Ar may be eliminated or may be incorporated into the wireless dimmers D1-Dr as part of their functions.

The combination of multiple wireless dimmers D1-Dr, dimmers A1-Ar, and lighting devices I1-Ir is installed in a facility F1. In the first embodiment, the facility F1 may be, for example, one floor of a building.

The facility F1 is divided into multiple areas E1 to En. Each combination of multiple wireless dimmers D1 to Dr, dimmers A1 to Ar, and lighting devices I1 to Ir belongs to one of the multiple areas E1 to En.

Each of the multiple areas E1 to En has at least one group.

Each of the at least one group includes at least one combination of a wireless dimmer, a dimmer fixture, and a lighting device.

In the following, area E1 will be described as a representative of areas E1 to En, but the other areas E2 to En are similar to area E1.

In the following, we will explain group G1 as a representative of groups G1 to Gm that belong to area E1, but the other groups G2 to Gm are similar to group G1.

Group G1 includes multiple wireless dimmers D1 to Dk, multiple dimmers A1 to Ak, and multiple lighting devices I1 to Ik.

Each of the multiple wireless dimmers D1 to Dk is connected to each of the multiple dimmers A1 to Ak. Each of the multiple dimmers A1 to Ak is connected to each of the multiple lighting devices I1 to Ik.

Each of the multiple wireless dimmers D1 to Dk includes a wireless module W1 to Wk.

In the following, of the multiple wireless dimmers D1-Dk, multiple dimmers A1-Ak, and multiple lighting devices I1-Ik, the wireless dimmer D1, dimmer A1, and lighting device I1 will be described as representatives, but the other wireless dimmers D2-Dk, other dimmers A2-Ak, and other lighting devices I2-Ik are similar to the wireless dimmer D1, dimmer A1, and lighting device I1.

Using the wireless module W1, the wireless dimmer D1 wirelessly receives scene information addressed to the wireless dimmer D1 from the controller 3 via the router 3 and the gateway GW1. The wireless dimmer D1 stores the received scene information addressed to the wireless dimmer D1 and transmits a dimming signal (control signal) to the dimmer A1 according to the scene information. The dimmer A1 turns on, off, or blinks the lighting device I1 according to the dimming signal received from the wireless dimmer D1. In this way, the lighting device I1 realizes lighting corresponding to the scene information.

The wireless dimmer D1 wirelessly receives change instructions addressed to the wireless dimmer D1 from the second controller C1 using the wireless module W1. The wireless dimmer D1 receives, for example, identification information and change information from the second controller C1, and performs destination determination based on the identification information. The wireless dimmer D1 may also receive change information addressed to the wireless dimmer D1 from the second controller C1 via the gateway GW1.

The wireless dimmer D1 transmits a dimming signal to the dimmer A1 in accordance with the change information. This allows the dimmer A1 to turn on, off, or blink the lighting device I1 with the scene information changed.

The wireless dimmer D1, for example, uses the wireless module W1 to wirelessly receive a change cancellation instruction addressed to the wireless dimmer D1 from the second controller C1. A scheduled change cancellation instruction is issued when a set time is reached, and indicates that the changed scene information is to be restored to the original scene information. The wireless dimmer D1, for example, receives identification information and a change cancellation instruction from the second controller C1, and determines the destination of the change cancellation instruction based on the identification information.

When the wireless dimmer D1 receives the change cancellation instruction, it transmits to the dimmer A1 a dimming signal generated based on the original scene information before the change. This enables the dimmer A1 to turn on, off, or blink the lighting device I1 according to the original scene information. The lighting device I1 returns to the lighting state corresponding to the scene information before the change.

The wireless dimmer D1 uses the wireless module W1 to wirelessly receive a scheduled change cancellation instruction addressed to the wireless dimmer D1 from the gateway GW1. The wireless dimmer D1 receives, for example, identification information and a scheduled change cancellation instruction from the gateway GW1, and determines the destination of the scheduled change cancellation information based on the identification information.

When the wireless dimmer D1 receives a scheduled change cancellation instruction, it generates a dimming signal based on the original scene information before the change and transmits the generated dimming signal to the dimmer A1. The dimmer A1 can turn on, off, or blink the lighting device I1 according to the original scene information. As a result, the lighting device I1 returns to the lighting state corresponding to the scene information before the change when a predetermined time arrives. The specific configuration of the wireless dimmer D1 will be described later in the fifth embodiment.

As a method for canceling the change at a fixed time, instead of sending a fixed-time change cancellation instruction from the gateway GW1 to the wireless dimmer D1, fixed-time change cancellation information that specifies the time to cancel the change may be stored in the wireless dimmer D1, and the wireless dimmer D1 may execute the fixed-time change cancellation process at the time specified based on the fixed-time change cancellation information.

The dimmer A1 receives a dimming signal from the wireless dimmer D1 and controls the lighting device I1 according to the received dimming signal. The dimming signal may be, for example, a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal. In the first embodiment, the dimmer A1 does not have a wireless communication function.

The dimmer A1 and the wireless dimmer D1 are connected by a PWM signal line L. In the following, an example is described in which the analog signal is a PWM signal, but the analog signal may be a signal of another type.

The lighting device I1 may be, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The lighting device I1 turns on, turns off, or blinks according to the control of the dimmer A1.

The second controller C1 may be, for example, a wall scene switch or a remote controller. In the third embodiment described below, a case where the second controller C1 is a wall scene switch will be described, and in the fourth embodiment described below, a case where the second controller C1 is a remote controller will be described.

Even when the lighting system 1 is playing back a scene (executing a lighting state based on scene information), the second controller C1 may be used to accept user operations and instruct all or some of the wireless dimmers belonging to the facility F1 (e.g., wireless dimmers belonging to a specific area, wireless dimmers belonging to a specific group, specific wireless dimmers) to leave the scene (turn on, turn off, blink, change dimming, change color of lighting device) or cancel the change (return to the original scene).

The second controller C1 is a lower-level control device of the first controller 2, and may be smaller and lighter than the first controller 2 and have fewer control functions. The second controller C1 receives setting information from the first controller 2 using wireless communication and stores the setting information. The second controller C1 accepts change operations by the user via the operation unit and stores change information corresponding to the change operations. The second controller C1 transmits the change information to the wireless dimmer D1 identified by the identification information included in the setting information.

The identification information identifies, for example, at least one of the destination floor F1 (the control target of the second controller C1), the destination area E1, the destination group G1, and the destination wireless dimmer D1. As a result, the change information is transmitted to the wireless dimmer belonging to the floor F1 identified by the identification information, the wireless dimmer belonging to the area E1 identified by the identification information, the wireless dimmer belonging to the group G1 identified by the identification information, or the wireless dimmer D1 identified by the identification information.

Figure 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing by the first controller 2, router 3, and gateway GW1 according to the first embodiment.

During setup, the first controller 2 starts the setting process (S201), the router 3 searches for the gateway GW1 (S202), and the gateway GW1 sends a response to the search of the router 3 (S203). The router 3 and the gateway GW1 are connected, for example, by wire.

The first controller 2 transmits the gateway identification information to the gateway GW1 found via the router 3 (S204), and displays, for example, facility F1 and the gateway identification information on the display unit in association with each other. The router 3 receives the gateway identification information from the first controller 2, and transmits the received gateway identification information to the gateway GW1 (S205). The gateway GW1 receives the gateway identification information from the router 3, and stores the received gateway identification information in the memory unit (S206).

Next, the first controller 2 and the gateway GW1 perform pairing (grouping) for a second communication method such as Bluetooth, and at that time, the first controller 2 receives and references gateway identification information from the gateway GW1 via the router 3 using a first communication method such as wireless LAN communication (S207 to S210).

The first controller 2 associates the gateway GW1 found by pairing with the gateway identification information obtained by referencing the gateway GW1 (S211).

When multiple gateways exist in a network, the gateways may be searched for randomly. However, by performing the process shown in Figure 2 above, it is possible to avoid gateway mismatches.

By performing the process shown in Figure 2 above, the user can operate the first controller 2 to automatically switch between radio wave systems and communication methods, and assign identification information.

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a gateway GW1 according to the first embodiment.

Gateway GW1 can relay data communication between different communication methods, such as wireless LAN communication and Bluetooth.

The gateway GW1 according to the first embodiment has a DMX terminal 4 and an external input terminal 5.

The DMX terminal (DMX signal output terminal) 4 is a connection terminal used for communication conforming to DMX. DMX is a communication standard for controlling the dimming and color adjustment of lighting fixtures. The DMX terminal 4 can be connected to a DMX fixture 9 via a wire.

The external input terminal 5 can be connected to an external device 10 via a wire. The external device 10 may be an input interface device that can be operated by a user.

The gateway GW1 further includes a first communication unit 61, a second communication unit 62, a memory unit 7, and a processing unit 8.

The first communication unit 61 communicates with the router 3 using a first communication method. The first communication unit 61 may communicate using a wired connection, such as LAN communication, or may communicate wirelessly, such as wireless LAN communication.

The second communication unit 62 communicates with the wireless dimmers D1 to Dr using a second communication method. The second communication unit 62 may communicate wirelessly, for example, using Bluetooth.

The storage unit 7 stores software such as, for example, data used by the processing unit 8, data generated by the processing unit 8, programs used by the processing unit 8, data received from the router 3 via the first communication unit 61, data to be transmitted to the router 3 via the first communication unit 61, data received from the wireless dimmers D1-Dr via the second communication unit 62, data to be transmitted to the wireless dimmers D1-Dr via the second communication unit 62, data received from the DMX device 9 via the DMX terminal 4, data to be transmitted to the DMX device 9 via the DMX terminal 4, and data received from the external device 10 via the external input terminal 5. The software stored in the storage unit 7 may include, for example, various setting values, programs for data conversion, and the like.

The processing unit 8 may be, for example, a microcomputer or a processor. The processing unit 8 executes various processes, such as communication processes, based on the software stored in the storage unit 7.

The processing unit 8 may transmit a scheduled change cancellation instruction to the wireless dimmers D1 to Dr via the second communication unit 52 at the time indicated by the time information stored in the memory unit 7.

In the first embodiment described above, the gateway GW1 can realize a first communication method executed between the first controller 2 and the gateway GW1, and a second communication method executed between the gateway GW1 and the wireless dimmers D1 to Dr. In the first embodiment, the first controller 2 can automatically associate the gateway GW1 searched for in the first controller 2 with the facility F1. In the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent inconsistencies from occurring in the association related to the gateway GW1, thereby making it possible to make the user's setting work more efficient and less labor-intensive.

For this reason, in the first embodiment, even a user who is unfamiliar with operating the first controller 2 can easily perform the setup operation.

In the first embodiment, the gateway GW1 is equipped with a DMX terminal 4 that can transmit a DMX signal from the gateway GW1 to the DMX device 9. This allows the gateway GW1 to be easily connected to the DMX device 9, and the gateway GW1 can easily control the DMX device 9. The DMX signal is, for example, a lighting control signal for stage lighting. Therefore, the user can connect the gateway GW1 to various types of lighting devices and use it for control.

In the first embodiment, the gateway GW1 can receive a signal from the external device 10 by, for example, a non-voltage contact input via the external input terminal 5. This enables the gateway GW1 to link with the external device 10 and, for example, to respond to a scene call from the external device 10. Furthermore, by connecting the gateway GW1 to a device that performs settings using the external input terminal 5, it can be configured even before the lighting system 1 is operational, when the first controller 2 is not present, when the first controller 2 and the gateway GW1 cannot communicate with each other, or before the lighting system 1 is set up.

Second Embodiment
In the second embodiment, a modification of the first embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, a plurality of gateways GW1 and GW2 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other, have facility identification information indicating a common facility F1, and are associated with the common facility F1.

Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lighting system 11 according to the second embodiment.

In this Figure 4, the router 3, gateways GW1 and GW2, and facility F1 of the lighting system 11 are illustrated, and other components are omitted.

Gateways GW1 and GW2 are connected to each other via router 3 so that they can communicate with each other. Each of gateways GW1 and GW2 stores facility identification information 12 that indicates the facility F1 to which it is associated.

Gateway GW1 corresponds to a first mesh network 13 formed by multiple wireless dimmers. Gateway GW2 corresponds to a second mesh network 14 formed by multiple wireless dimmers.

For example, in a lighting system, there may be an upper limit on the number of nodes that can join a Bluetooth network. Such a restriction can be an obstacle to installing a number of nodes that exceeds the upper limit in the same facility F1.

In the lighting system 11 according to the second embodiment, the gateways GW1 and GW2, which have common facility identification information 12, cooperate (link). For example, the processing unit 8 of the gateway GW1 communicates with the first mesh network 13 via the second communication unit 62, and cooperates with another gateway GW2, which has the same identification information as the facility identification information 12 and communicates wirelessly with the second mesh network 62. For example, the gateways GW1 and GW2 may realize a scene corresponding to common scene information for the first mesh network 13 and the second mesh network. The gateways GW1 and GW2 cooperate via a higher-level network such as a LAN, and control the first mesh network 13 corresponding to the gateway GW1 and the second mesh network 14 corresponding to the gateway GW2 as an integrated network.

In the second embodiment described above, the gateways GW1 and GW2 have common facility identification information 12 and work together to treat the first mesh network 13 and the second mesh network 14 as devices of the same facility F1. Therefore, it is possible to install more nodes in facility F1 than the number of nodes that can join a single Bluetooth network.

[Third embodiment]
In the third embodiment, a specific example of the second controller C1 provided in the lighting system 1 according to the first embodiment or the lighting system 11 according to the second embodiment will be described.

Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the second controller C1 according to the third embodiment.

In the third embodiment, the second controller C1 is, for example, a wall scene switch. The wall scene switch is a switch that is attached to a wall. The second controller C1 can communicate with other devices wirelessly or via a wire, but the third embodiment describes a case where communication is possible via a wire.

For example, the second controller C1 is connected to the gateway GW1 of the lighting systems 1 and 11 by wire, and supplies power and communicates with each other. The lighting systems 1 and 11 can be expanded with additional second controllers C1 by using a feeder wiring.

The second controller C1 stores unique controller identification information 15 to avoid data collisions when multiple controllers are installed in the facility F1. The second controller C1 transmits a signal and the controller identification information 15, allowing the receiver to identify the source of the signal.

The gateway GW1 manages and arbitrates data communication timing for the corresponding second controller C1.

Communication between the second controller C1 and the gateway GW1 may be performed via digital serial communication.

The second controller C1 may be capable of communicating with the wireless dimmers D1-Dr via the gateway GW1, or may be capable of communicating with the wireless dimmers D1-Dr without going through the gateway GW1. The second controller C1, for example, transmits a signal indicating the user's operation to the wireless dimmers D1-Dr.

The second controller C1 includes, for example, an operation unit 16, a display unit 17, a connection unit 18, a communication unit 19, a memory unit 20, and a processing unit 21.

The operation unit 16 includes, for example, a button or a switch. The operation unit 16 accepts a user's operation and transmits an operation signal indicating the user's operation to the processing unit 21.

The operation unit 16 may include, for example, a switch for setting the area or group to which the second controller C1 belongs. This allows the user to set the second controller C1 even when the first controller 2 is not present or when communication with the first controller 2 is not possible.

The display unit 17 includes, for example, an LED or a liquid crystal device. The display unit 17 receives a display signal indicating, for example, the operation status of the operation unit 16 from the processing unit 21, and performs a display corresponding to the display signal.

The display unit 17 may include, for example, an LED and a transparent member (light-guiding member) that transmits the light emitted from the LED. The display unit 17 indicates the operating state of the operation unit 16 by turning on, off, or blinking.

The connection unit 18 is, for example, a connector that can connect to a communication line. The connection unit 18 may include multiple terminals. The connection unit 18 is, for example, connected to the gateway GW1 so as to be able to communicate with it.

The connection portion 18 may receive power from an external source.

The communication unit 19 receives a signal from the gateway GW1 via the communication line and the connection unit 18, and transmits the signal to the processing unit 21. The communication unit 19 receives a signal from the processing unit 21, and transmits the signal to the gateway GW1 via the connection unit 18 and the communication line.

The communication unit 19 may, for example, wirelessly receive a signal from the wireless dimmers D1 to Dr and transmit the signal to the processing unit 21. The communication unit 19 may, for example, receive a signal from the processing unit 21 and wirelessly transmit the signal to the wireless dimmers D1 to Dr.

The memory unit 20 stores controller identification information 15 indicating the second controller C1.

The storage unit 20 stores software 22 such as, for example, data used by the processing unit 21, data generated by the processing unit 21, programs used by the processing unit 21, data received from the gateway GW1 via the connection unit 18 and the communication unit 19, data to be transmitted to the gateway GW1 via the communication unit 19 and the connection unit 18, data received from the wireless dimmers D1 to Dr via the communication unit 19, and data to be transmitted to the wireless dimmers D1 to Dr via the communication unit 19. The software 22 stored in the storage unit 20 may include, for example, various setting values, scene information, etc.

Figure 6 is a front view showing an example of a second controller C1 according to the third embodiment.

The second controller C1 has two vertical rows of buttons on the front. On the left side, buttons B1 to B5 are arranged from top to bottom, and on the right side, buttons B6 to B10 are arranged from top to bottom.

The left ends (left side portions) of the buttons B1 to B5 located on the left side are provided with transparent members H1 to H5, respectively. An LED inside the second controller C1 emits light according to the selection state of each of the buttons B1 to B5, and the light passes through each of the transparent members H1 to H5 and is emitted from the front side of the second controller C1.

The right ends (right side portions) of the buttons B6 to B10 located on the right side are provided with transparent members H6 to H10, respectively. Depending on the selection state of each of the buttons B6 to B10, an LED inside the second controller C1 emits light, and the light passes through each of the transparent members H6 to H10 and is emitted from the front side of the second controller C1.

The second controller C1 according to the third embodiment has a timer button B5.

The back side of the second controller C1 may be provided with a connection section 18 and a setting switch of the operation section 16.

The following describes the effects achieved by the second controller C1 according to the third embodiment.

The second controller C1 is connected to the gateway GW1 via a wire, can communicate with it, and can receive power.

The second controller C1 can be added using a feed wiring.

Even if multiple second controllers C1 are installed, each of the multiple second controllers C1 has its own unique controller identification information 15, so data collisions can be avoided.

In the third embodiment, the gateway GW1 can manage and arbitrate data communication timing.

By using the second controller C1, the user can switch scenes.

By using the operation unit 16 of the second controller C1, the user can call up and switch scenes.

The operation unit 16 may detect the user's operation based on a short press, a long press, the number of consecutive short presses, or the number of consecutive long presses. For example, the user may be able to ignore the scene fade and immediately switch scenes by long pressing the operation unit 16. The user can temporarily brighten or darken the set scene by operating the operation unit 16. By using the second controller C1, the user can read and switch scenes even when the first controller 2 is not present or communication with the first controller 2 is not possible.

The user can operate the timer function of the second controller C1 using the button B5. The second controller C1 controls scenes according to the schedule data included in the software 22 stored in the storage unit 20 by the timer function. The user can check the operation status of the timer function by the presence or absence and color of light transmitted through the transparent member H5 arranged on the side of the button B5. For example, if the transparent member H5 emits red light, the annual schedule may be off. For example, if the transparent member H5 emits blue light, the annual schedule may be on. The user can, for example, press and hold the button B5 to switch between stopping and restarting the annual schedule. This allows the user to switch the timer function even if the first controller 2 is not present or communication with the first controller 2 is not possible.

For example, a user can turn off the lights in area E1 by briefly pressing button B10, but can turn off the lights in facility F1 by pressing and holding button B10. When a user uses the second controller C1 to turn off the lights in facility F1, the second controller C1 sends a signal indicating that the lights should be turned off to the wireless dimmers D1-Dr that belong to facility F1 via gateway GW1.

The second controller C1 notifies the user of the operating state by emitting LEDs on the display unit 17 in response to the scene called up by the user or the user's operation. The second controller C1 is capable of transmitting light through the transparent members H1 to H10 provided on both sides of the front side.

In the second controller C1, the transparent members H1 to H10 visible to the user are arranged on both sides of the front surface of the second controller C1. For this reason, the display unit 17 of the second controller C1 may be provided with a light guide that guides light from the internal LED to the transparent members H1 to H10 on the front surface that are visible to the user. In this case, the display unit 17 is provided with an LED, a light guide, and the transparent members H1 to H10. The transparent members H1 to H10 may be, for example, a light guide plate with a frosted surface. This allows the light to be diffused and dispersed, improving visibility for the user. By providing the display unit 17 as described above, the user can check the operating state of the second controller C1.

The operation unit 16 of the second controller C1 includes, for example, a dip switch so that the user can configure the second controller C1 even before the lighting system 1, 11 is completed or before the setup of the lighting system 1, 11 is complete. For example, the user can specify an area E1 to be controlled by the second controller C1 by operating an area setting switch provided on the rear side of the second controller C1. The user can use the area setting switch to specify a single area E1 to be controlled, or can specify multiple areas to be controlled.

The user can select (call up) specific scene information from among multiple pieces of scene information by using, for example, buttons B1 to B3 and B4 to B6 of the operation unit 16. For example, the second controller C1 collects six pieces of scene information and manages them as one page (block). The second controller C1 may have settings for five pages (30 pieces of scene information).

When the user presses and holds the button B10 on the operation unit 16, the second controller C1 may send a light-off signal to the wireless dimmers D1-Dr in the facility F1 to be controlled via the gateway GW1. This allows the user to turn off the lighting devices I1-Ir in all areas of the facility F1 to be controlled. Furthermore, the second controller C1 may send a light-off signal to at least one of the other gateways GW2-GWp via the gateway GW1 to turn off at least one of the other facilities F2-Fp.

[Fourth embodiment]
The fourth embodiment is a modification of the first to third embodiments, and will be described with reference to the case where the second controller C1 is a remote controller. In the following, the parts related to the remote controller will be described, and the other parts will be omitted or will be described briefly.

Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lighting system 24 including a remote controller 23 according to the fourth embodiment. Note that the various components illustrated in Figure 7 may be freely combined or freely separated as long as they can achieve the same or similar functions and actions.

The lighting system 24 includes a first controller 2, a gateway GW1, a combination of multiple wireless dimmers D1-Dr, dimmers A1-Ar, and lighting devices I1-Ir, and a remote controller 23 that corresponds to the second controller C1 described above.

The first controller 2 is used to control the lighting system 24. The first controller 2 is a higher-level control device than the remote controller 23. The first controller 2 wirelessly communicates with the multiple wireless dimmers D1-Dr via the gateway GW1. More specifically, the first controller 2 and the gateway GW1 communicate with each other using a first communication method. The gateway GW1 and the multiple wireless dimmers D1-Dr communicate with each other using a second communication method. The first communication method may include wireless LAN communication, and the second communication method may be Bluetooth.

The first controller 2 is used to set up the remote controller 23. The first controller 2 and the remote controller 23 communicate with each other via wireless LAN communication or Bluetooth, for example.

The remote controller 23 receives setting information 25 from the first controller 2 using wireless communication, and stores the setting information 25 in the storage unit 20. The remote controller 23 accepts a change operation by the user through the operation unit 16, and stores change information 26 corresponding to the change operation in the storage unit 20. The remote controller 23 transmits the change information 26 to one or more wireless dimmers identified by the identification information 27 included in the setting information 25.

The identification information 27, for example, identifies at least one of the destination floor F1 (the target of control of the remote controller 23), the destination area E1, the destination group G1, and the destination wireless dimmer D1. As a result, the change information 26 is transmitted to the wireless dimmers D1-Dr belonging to the floor F1 identified by the identification information 27, the wireless dimmers D1-Dk belonging to the area E1 identified by the identification information 27, the wireless dimmers D1-Dr belonging to the group G1 identified by the identification information 27, or the wireless dimmer D1 identified by the identification information 27.

The remote controller 23 may be sized to fit in a desk drawer in an office, for example. The back of the remote controller 23 may be equipped with a magnet, allowing it to be easily attached to a variety of locations, such as a desk, a door, or a whiteboard.

The remote controller 23 includes, for example, an operation unit 16, a display unit 17, a communication unit 19, a memory unit 20, and a processing unit 21.

The memory unit 20 stores, for example, setting information 25 received from the first controller 2, change information 26 indicating the operation content accepted by the operation unit 16, etc.

The processing unit 21 stores the setting information 25 received from the first controller 2 via the communication unit 19 in the storage unit 20. The processing unit 21 generates change information 26 according to the operation content received from the operation unit 16, and stores the generated change information 26 in the storage unit 20. Then, the processing unit 21 transmits the change information 26 stored in the storage unit 20 via the communication unit 19 to a wireless dimmer identified by the identification information 27 among the multiple wireless dimmers D1 to Dr according to the operation content received from the operation unit 16.

The operation of the lighting system 24 equipped with the remote controller 23 according to the fourth embodiment is described below.

The remote controller 23 has a built-in communication unit 19 capable of wireless communication, and can communicate setting information 25 and change information 26 with at least one of the multiple wireless dimmers D1 to Dr. The settings of the remote controller 23 are performed by the first controller 2.

The remote controller 23 pairs with the first controller 2 and becomes capable of communication. The remote controller 23 stores the setting information 25 received from the first controller 2. The setting information 25 includes identification information 27 indicating, for example, an area or a group. This makes it possible to identify the wireless dimmer to be controlled by the remote controller 23, and the remote controller 23 becomes able to recognize the wireless dimmer to be controlled and change the scene of the wireless dimmer to be controlled.

The remote controller 23 can temporarily remove wireless dimmers in a specific pre-defined area or group from scene control even when the lighting system 24 is playing a scene.

Temporary changes to scene information made by the remote controller 23 include, for example, turning on the light, adjusting brightness, adjusting color temperature, turning off the light, and the like. After changing the scene, the remote controller 23 can cancel the change and return to the original scene. The scene change may be continued until the scene change is cancelled. Information relating to the scene change may be discarded after the scene change is cancelled, and may not affect the scene after the change is cancelled.

While the scene is being changed by the remote controller 23, the wireless module of the controlled wireless dimmer stores the scene switching state by the timer or the scene switching state received from the wall scene switch. When the remote controller 23 instructs to return the scene (cancel the change), the controlled wireless dimmer can return to the stored scene switching state. Since the wireless module W1 receives instructions from an external timer (e.g., the first controller 2, the second controller C1, or the gateway GW1), there is no need for the wireless module W1 to have a timer function, which simplifies the configuration of the wireless module W1 and prevents cost increases even when a large number of wireless modules are introduced into the lighting system.

When the scene change is released, the wireless dimmer D1 that received the scene change information 26 achieves a state corresponding to the same scene information as the other wireless dimmers D2 to Dk that belong to the same area E1 or group G1, and can return to a lighting state according to the same scene information as the other wireless dimmers D2 to Dk.

The user can use the remote controller 23 to perform a scene return operation. In addition, the user may be able to set a scheduled automatic return. In this way, by adopting a setting that returns from a change at a specific time, it is possible to disable scene changes made by the remote controller 23 at a certain point in time.

Figure 8 is a front view showing an example of a remote controller 23 according to the fourth embodiment.

The remote controller 23 has an ON/OFF button 28, a plus button 29, a minus button 30, a scene button (dimmer button) 31, a CCT button (color adjustment button) 32, and a display unit 33 on the front.

The ON/OFF button 28 accepts an operation to switch the lighting device to be controlled between on and off.
The plus button 29 accepts instructions to increase various values.
The minus button 30 accepts instructions to decrease various values.
The scene button 31 accepts an instruction to change the brightness state.
The CCT button 32 accepts an instruction to change the color temperature state.

The remote controller 23 may have a setup switch on the back (not shown) that accepts initialization instructions.

The remote controller 23 may have a switch on the back (not shown) that accepts instructions to enter power saving mode and return from power saving mode.

The display unit 33 is, for example, an LED, and turns on, off, or blinks based on the state of the remote controller 23 and the state of the lighting system 24.

Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a lighting/extinguishing process executed by the lighting system 24 according to the fourth embodiment.

In steps S901 to S903, the first controller 2 performs pairing with the gateway GW1, performs pairing with the wireless dimmer D1, and becomes capable of communicating with the gateway GW1 and the wireless dimmer D1.

At S904, the first controller 2 transmits the scene information to the gateway GW1.

At S905, the gateway GW1 wirelessly receives scene information from the first controller 2 and wirelessly transmits the scene information to the wireless dimmer D1.

At S906, the wireless dimmer D1 wirelessly receives scene information from the gateway GW1 and stores the scene information.

At S907, the first controller 2 wirelessly transmits a lighting instruction to the gateway GW1.

At S908, the gateway GW1 wirelessly receives a turn-on instruction from the first controller 2 and wirelessly transmits the turn-on instruction to the wireless dimmer D1.

In S909, the wireless dimmer D1 wirelessly receives a turn-on instruction from the gateway GW1 and transmits a PWM signal based on the stored scene information to the dimmer A1.

At S910, the first controller 2 wirelessly transmits a light-off instruction to the gateway GW1.

In S911, the gateway GW1 wirelessly receives a turn-off instruction from the controller 2 and wirelessly transmits the turn-off instruction to the wireless dimmer D1.

At S912, the wireless dimmer D1 wirelessly receives a turn-off command from the gateway GW1 and transmits a turn-off signal to the dimmer A1.

Figure 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a change process and a change cancellation process executed by the lighting system 24 according to the fourth embodiment.

In S1001 to S1003, the first controller 2 is paired with the remote controller 23 and becomes capable of communication, and the remote controller 23 is paired with the wireless dimmer D1 and becomes capable of communication.

In S1004, the first controller 2 transmits the setting information 25, which includes, for example, the identification information 27 of the control target and the time information for canceling the change, to the gateway GW1 and the remote controller 23.

In S1005 and S1006, the gateway GW1 and the remote controller 23 receive the setting information 25 from the first controller 2 and store the setting information 25.

In S1007, the remote controller 23 wirelessly transmits the change information 26 to the wireless dimmer D1 specified by the identification information 27 of the setting information 25.

In S1008, the wireless dimmer D1 wirelessly receives the change information 26 from the remote controller 23 and transmits a PWM signal corresponding to the change information 26 to the dimmer A1. This realizes the scene change.

In S1009, the remote controller 23 wirelessly transmits a change cancellation instruction to the wireless dimmer D1 specified by the identification information 27 of the setting information 25.

In S1010, the wireless dimmer D1 wirelessly receives a change cancellation instruction from the remote controller 23 and transmits a PWM signal corresponding to the original scene information to the dimmer A1. This cancels the scene change and restores the scene.

In S1011, when the time for canceling the scheduled change specified by the time information included in the setting information 25 arrives, the gateway GW1 wirelessly transmits a scheduled change cancellation instruction to the wireless dimmer D1 specified by the identification information 27 of the setting information 25.

In S1012, the wireless dimmer D1 wirelessly receives a scheduled change cancellation instruction from the gateway GW1 and transmits a PWM signal corresponding to the original scene information to the dimmer A1. This cancels the scene change at the scheduled time and restores the scene.

The scheduled change cancellation instruction may be sent not only from the gateway GW1 but also from the first controller 2, from the remote controller 23, or may be generated by the wireless dimmer D1 itself.

In the fourth embodiment described above, the control of a specific area E1, a specific group G1, or a specific wireless dimmer D1 can be switched based on the user's operation on the remote controller 23 or based on the setting information 25 preset in the remote controller 23 without using the first controller 2, and the lighting device I1 can be turned on or off, the dimming level can be changed, or the color can be changed. The user can change the lighting state of only the intended part (specific area E1, specific group G1, specific wireless dimmer D1) without changing the entire scene.

In the fourth embodiment, the lighting state of the lighting device I1 that was switched by the remote controller 23 can be restored to the original scene according to a user operation or at a fixed time.

[Fifth embodiment]
In the fifth embodiment, the wireless dimmer D1 described in the first to fourth embodiments will be specifically described. In the following, the parts related to the wireless dimmer D1 will be described, and the other parts will be omitted or will be briefly described.

In the fifth embodiment, a wireless dimmer D1 is combined with a lighting device I1 and a dimmer A1 that do not have wireless functionality, and the lighting device I1 and the dimmer A1 are incorporated into a lighting system 1 that has wireless functionality. In the following, the lighting system 1 will be described as a representative example, but the same applies to the other lighting systems 11 and 24.

Figure 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless dimmer (power box) D1 according to the fifth embodiment. Note that the various components illustrated in Figure 11 may be freely combined or freely separated as long as they can achieve the same or similar functions and actions.

For example, the wireless dimmer D1 and the dimmer A1 may be one device. For example, the dimming unit 34 and the dimmer A1 may be one device. In FIG. 11, the dimmer A1 and the lighting device I1 may be collectively configured as a dimming type lighting device. The dimming method of the dimming type lighting device includes phase control type, PWM control type, PWM dimming and color adjustment type, DALI (registered trademark) (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) control type, etc. The dimmer A1 may be, for example, a dimming type separate power source. A wireless dimmer D1 compatible with the dimming method of the dimming type lighting device is connected to the dimming type lighting device. The wiring between the dimming type lighting device and the wireless dimmer D1 is different depending on the dimming method. For this reason, the user needs to connect the dimming type lighting device and the wireless dimmer D1 with wiring compatible with the dimming method. In the fifth embodiment, even if there is an error in the wiring between the dimmable lighting fixture and the wireless dimmer D1 during electrical work, it is possible to prevent the wireless dimmer D1 from being destroyed.

In Figure 11, the router 3, the gateway GW1, and the second controller C1 are omitted.

The dimmer A1 receives power from the wireless dimmer D1. The dimmer A1 also receives a dimming signal from the wireless dimmer D1 and controls the lighting device I1 according to the received dimming signal. The dimming signal may be, for example, a PWM signal.

The dimmer A1 and the wireless dimmer D1 are connected by a PWM signal line L.

The wireless dimmer D1 is connected to the lighting device I1 via a PWM signal line L and a dimmer A1 that does not have a wireless function. The wireless dimmer D1 is a device for linking the dimmer A1 and the lighting device I1 with a first controller 2 that performs wireless communication. The wireless dimmer D1 performs dimming using, for example, a phase dimming method, a PWM dimming method (monochrome or dimming and color adjustment), or an on/off method, but the fifth embodiment will be described using the PWM dimming method as an example.

The wireless dimmer D1 includes a wireless module W1 and a dimming unit 34. The wireless module W1 and the dimming unit 34 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other and to be able to supply power via a wired transmission path 35, such as a wire harness or cable harness, that transmits signals and power.

The wireless module W1 receives a wireless signal from the first controller 2 via the router 3 and the gateway GW1 using wireless communication. The wireless module W1 is electrically connected to the dimming unit 34 via a wired transmission path 35. The wireless module W1 receives power from the dimming unit 34 via the wired transmission path 35. The wireless module W1 transmits a signal to the dimming unit 34 via the wired transmission path 35, and receives a signal from the dimming unit 34 via the wired transmission path 35.

The wireless module W1 is used by being electrically connected to the dimming unit 34. The wireless module W1 includes, for example, an operation unit 36, a display unit 37, a connection unit 38, and a communication module 39.

The operation unit 36 includes, for example, a button or a switch. The operation unit 36 accepts a user's operation and transmits an operation signal indicating the user's operation to the communication module 39. The operation unit 36 may include, for example, an area setting switch, a check switch, and a forced release (reset) switch. The area setting switch, the check switch, and the forced reset switch may be combined as appropriate. More specifically, the operation unit 36 may include, for example, a dip switch or a push button switch.

The area setting switch can set the identification information (e.g., a number) of the area to which the wireless dimmer D1 belongs, and can also function as a switch to start the check mode.

For example, when the wireless module W1 is activated in a check mode, it turns on, off, or blinks the lighting device 4 according to a check pattern, such as a lighting operation patterned on a time axis or constant lighting.

During the check mode, the forced reset switch may be used as a switch for switching between check mode patterns. Specifically, during the check mode, the forced reset switch accepts the designation of one of a number of check modes. During the check mode, the wireless module W1 operates in the check mode designated by the forced reset switch.

In the fifth embodiment, the wireless module W1 can activate the check mode before performing wireless communication pairing.

The display unit 37 includes, for example, an LED or a liquid crystal device. The display unit 37 receives a display signal indicating, for example, the status of the wireless module W1 or the lighting system 1 from the communication module 39, and performs a display corresponding to the display signal. As a specific example, the display unit 37 may be independent monitor LEDs of a first color and a second color. The display unit 37 indicates the power supply state and the communication state by turning on, off, or blinking.

The connection section 38 can be connected to one end of the wired transmission path 35. One of the multiple terminals of the priority transmission path 35 connected to the connection section 38 functions as a mode select terminal when the dimming unit 34 operates in the analog communication control mode.

The communication module 39 includes a communication antenna 40, a memory unit 41, and a calculation unit 42. The communication module 39 receives power from the dimming unit 34 via the wired transmission path 35 and the connection unit 38. The communication module 39 communicates with the first controller 2 via the router 3 and the gateway GW1. The communication module 26 communicates with the second controller C1 wirelessly via the gateway GW1 or without going through the gateway GW1. The communication module 39 communicates with the dimming unit 34 wiredly via the connection unit 38 and the wired transmission path 35.

The communication antenna 40 receives radio waves and transmits electrical signals to the calculation unit 42.

The storage unit 41 stores, for example, data generated by the calculation unit 42, data used by the calculation unit 42, or software such as a program used by the calculation unit 42. The software stored in the storage unit 41 may include, for example, various setting values, data received from the first controller 2, data received from the second controller C1, data received from the gateway GW1, or data received from the dimming unit 34. The storage unit 41 may store, for example, scene information, affiliation information indicating the floor/area/group to which the wireless module W1 belongs, and the like.

The calculation unit 42 may be, for example, a microcomputer or a processor. The calculation unit 42 executes various processes, such as communication processes, judgment processes, or check mode processes, based on the software stored in the storage unit 41.

The calculation unit 42 wirelessly communicates with the first controller 2 via the communication antenna 40, the gateway GW1, and the router 3 in accordance with various processes. The calculation unit 42 uses the communication antenna 40 to communicate with the second controller C1 via the gateway GW1 or without passing through the gateway GW1 in accordance with various processes. The calculation unit 42 communicates with the dimming unit 34 via the connection unit 38 and the wired transmission path 35 in accordance with various processes. An example of the process executed by the calculation unit 42 will be described later using the flowchart of FIG. 12.

The calculation unit 42 includes a function for automatically determining different types of communication control modes (e.g., communication control format, communication specifications, communication method). The calculation unit 42 determines the communication control mode based on, for example, at least one of the electrical connection state of a specific terminal (pin) in the connection unit 38 (the electrical connection state between the wireless module W1 and the dimming unit 34) or the communication state.

The calculation unit 42 executes a plurality of different types of communication control modes in communication with the dimming unit 34. Because the calculation unit 42 is compatible with a plurality of different types of communication control modes, the wireless module W1 can be applied to different types of dimming units 34 with just one unit. As a specific example, the calculation unit 42 can be compatible with any of an analog communication control mode, a single-channel digital communication control mode (serial communication), a two-channel digital communication control mode (serial communication), or a multi-channel digital communication control mode (serial communication).

The calculation unit 42 executes the check mode according to the state of the operation unit 36, such as a dip switch. Therefore, even if the first controller 2 is not present or communication with the first controller 2 is not possible, the calculation unit 42 can execute a test of the connection and operation of the wireless module W1, the dimming unit 34, the dimming device A1, and the lighting device I1. Specifically, when the check mode (or test mode) is executed, the calculation unit 42 performs control for turning on, off, blinking, dimming, color adjustment, etc. based on the check pattern stored in the storage unit 41. The user can check the connection and operation of the wireless module W1, the dimming unit 34, the dimming device A1, and the lighting device I1 by checking the lighting device I1 that emits light according to the check mode. This allows the wiring from the wireless module W1 to the lighting device I1 to be checked without pairing between the first controller 2 and the wireless module W1. By the calculation unit 42 executing the check mode, the user's workability at the site can be improved, and the user can perform inspection before setting up the lighting system 1.

The calculation unit 42 can set the area to which the wireless dimmer D1 belongs depending on the state of the operation unit 36, such as a dip switch. Therefore, even before the construction work or setup of the lighting system 1 is completed, or even if the lighting system 1 cannot be energized, the area or group can be set in advance in the wireless module W1 by the user's operation. This can shorten the time required for setting up the equipment and setting up the area or group, which are required after the construction work or setup of the lighting system 1 or the start of energization, and reduce the burden on the user.

The calculation unit 42 forcibly cancels the pairing (provisioning) performed by the first controller 2 depending on the state of the operation unit 36, for example, when a push button switch is pressed. Generally, only the first controller 2 that performed the setting can cancel the pairing, but in the second embodiment, the user manually operates the forced cancellation switch and the calculation unit 42 cancels the pairing. As a result, if the first controller 2 breaks down or is lost, or if the first controller 2 and the wireless module W1 are not able to communicate with each other, the pairing between the wireless module W1 and the first controller 2 can be canceled and a re-setup can be performed from the first controller 2 or a new controller.

The calculation unit 42 may, for example, generate a lighting control signal based on the scene information stored in the memory unit 41, and transmit the lighting control signal to the dimming unit 34 via the connection unit 38 and the wired transmission path 35.

The dimming unit 34 receives power from an external power source and performs power conversion. The dimming unit 34 supplies the converted power to the lighting device I1 via the dimmer A1. The dimming unit 34 is connected to the wireless module W1 via the wired transmission path 35. The dimming unit 34 transmits a signal to the wireless module W1 via the wired transmission path 35 and receives a signal from the wireless module W1 via the wired transmission path 35. The dimming unit 34 supplies the converted power to the wireless module W1 via the wired transmission path 35. The dimming unit 34 includes a connection unit 43, a memory unit 44, an operation unit 45, a processing unit 46, a power conversion unit 47, a dimming unit (e.g., a dimming circuit) 48, a display unit 49, and an abnormality detection unit (e.g., an abnormality detection circuit) 50. The processing unit 46 and the dimming unit 48 may be combined into one component. The processing unit 46 and the abnormality detection unit 50 may be combined into one component. Other components may also be combined as appropriate.

The connection portion 43 can be connected to the other end of the wired transmission path 35. The connection portion 43 includes multiple terminals.

The storage unit 44 stores, for example, data generated by the processing unit 46, data used by the processing unit 46, or software such as a program used by the processing unit 46. The software stored in the storage unit 44 may include, for example, various setting values, data received from the wireless module W1, and the like. More specifically, the storage unit 44 stores, for example, a power source type code and a communication format.

The operation unit 45 includes, for example, a button (e.g., a push button switch) or a switch (e.g., a DIP switch). The operation unit 45 accepts a user's operation and transmits an operation signal indicating the user's operation to the processing unit 46. The operation unit 45 may include, for example, a check switch.

The processing unit 46 may be, for example, a microcomputer or a processor. The processing unit 46 executes various processes based on the software stored in the storage unit 44 in accordance with the specifications of the operation unit 45.

The processing unit 46 controls the power conversion unit 47, the dimming unit 48, the display unit 49, and the abnormality detection unit 50 according to various processes, and communicates with the wireless module W1 via the connection unit 43 and the wired transmission path 35.

In the fifth embodiment, the processing unit 46 executes the check mode according to the operation state of the operation unit 45 (e.g., the state of the check switch). The processing unit 46 may activate the check mode by itself, may cooperate with the anomaly detection unit 50 in the check mode to detect anomalies, or may cooperate with the check mode of the wireless module W1. By operating the processing unit 46 in the check mode, the user can check the wiring, such as the PWM signal line L, and various operations.

The power conversion unit 47 operates under the control of the processing unit 46 and converts the power supplied from the power source. For example, the power conversion unit 47 converts the voltage, current, and frequency of the current supplied from the power source into a predetermined voltage, current, and frequency. The power conversion unit 47 supplies the converted power to the memory unit 44, the operation unit 45, the processing unit 46, the dimmer unit 48, the display unit 49, and the abnormality detection unit 50. The power conversion unit 47 supplies the converted power to the dimmer device A1 via the dimmer unit 48, and to the wireless module W1 via the connection unit 43 and the wired transmission path 35.

The dimming unit 48 receives the converted power from the power conversion unit 47 and supplies the power to the dimmer A1. Specifically, the dimming unit 48 converts the supplied DC power into a constant voltage or constant current, or performs PWM control, generates a dimming signal, and transmits the generated dimming signal to the dimmer A1. In the second embodiment, a case will be described as an example in which a PWM signal, which is an analog signal, is supplied from the dimmer 35 to the dimmer A1, but the analog signal may be a signal of another type.

The abnormality detection unit 50 executes the abnormality detection process in cooperation with the processing unit 46. When an abnormality is detected, the abnormality detection unit 50 stops the operation of the wireless dimmer D1, thereby preventing the wireless dimmer D1 from failing and protecting the wireless dimmer D1. The abnormality detection unit 50 may be, for example, a PWM wiring protection circuit. The abnormality detection unit 50 may operate continuously while the wireless dimmer D1 is energized and detect abnormalities. When an abnormality occurs, the processing unit 46 may stop the output of the wireless dimmer D1 and transmit abnormality information to the first controller 2 via the wired transmission path 35 and the wireless module W1.

The following describes the anomaly detection process that is performed by the anomaly detection unit 50 in cooperation with the processing unit 46.

For example, in conventional dimmers that require PWM wiring for dimming, incorrect wiring or a short circuit in the wiring can cause the circuit that outputs the signal to fail or be destroyed. To prevent such failure or destruction, conventional dimmers use fuses or similar protective elements to prevent circuit failure or destruction.

For example, in methods that use general protective fuses to prevent circuit failure or destruction, the fuse must be physically replaced when attempting to restore operation. If the fuse is an automatic reset type, a continuing short circuit will result in repeated interruption and recovery, causing a physical failure and making it necessary to replace the automatic reset fuse. If the automatic reset fuse is a board-mounted type, it may be necessary to replace the board itself.

In response to such a problem, in the fifth embodiment, the abnormality detection unit 50 is used to detect an abnormality. More specifically, the dimming unit 34 according to the fifth embodiment detects an abnormality such as a short circuit of the PWM signal line L. The abnormality detection unit 50 includes, for example, a polyswitch. When the temperature of the polyswitch increases, the resistance of the polyswitch increases and the circuit is finally cut off. In the fifth embodiment, for example, one end of the polyswitch is connected to one end of the signal line to be monitored, and the other end of the polyswitch is connected to the other end. The abnormality detection unit 50 transmits a voltage signal indicating the voltage generated at both ends of the polyswitch to the processing unit 46. The processing unit 46 receives the voltage signal from the abnormality detection unit 50 and detects an abnormality based on, for example, the amount of change in voltage per unit time. When the processing unit 46 detects an abnormality, it stops the operation or output of the circuit to be monitored by the abnormality detection unit 50. This can significantly reduce the failure or destruction of the wireless dimmer and prevent the occurrence of circuit replacement, etc.

In the fifth embodiment, for example, even if the PWM signal line L or the monitored circuit is shorted, the protection function is activated, so that the wireless dimmer D1 can be prevented from failing, and the lighting device I1 can be turned on again if the cause of the abnormality is eliminated.

When the processing unit 46 detects an abnormality, it transmits abnormality information to the first controller 2 via the wired transmission path 35 and the wireless module W1. The first controller 2 uses application software to display the abnormality information. This allows the user to check the abnormality detected by the wireless dimmer D1.

The automatic communication mode setting operation performed by the wireless module W1 is described below.

In the fifth embodiment, the wireless module W1 automatically determines whether the communication performed between the wireless module W1 and the dimming unit 34 conforms to the analog communication control mode or the digital communication control mode, and further, if it is determined that the communication conforms to the digital communication control mode, automatically determines which of multiple types of digital communication control modes the communication conforms to.

In the fifth embodiment, a case where the analog communication control mode is a PWM communication mode will be described as an example, but the analog communication control mode may be another analog communication control mode. Also, a case where the digital communication control mode is a serial communication mode will be described as an example, but the digital communication control mode may be another communication mode, such as a parallel communication mode.

Here, the relationship between the first controller 2 and the wireless modules W1 to Wr will be described. In the fifth embodiment, the lighting system 1 includes multiple wireless modules W1 to Wr, and the first controller 2 performs wireless communication with the multiple wireless modules W1 to Wr. The wireless modules W1 to Wr may perform different communications during pairing for wireless communication and after pairing. More specifically, during pairing, the multiple wireless modules W1 to Wr and the first controller 2 are directly connected wirelessly, and after pairing, the collection of the paired multiple wireless modules W1 to Wr may be connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other, and wireless communication may be performed using multiple communication transmission paths.

In typical one-to-one or one-to-many communication, the radio wave reach is the distance of the direct arrival wave. In such typical one-to-one or one-to-many communication, the transmitting device and the receiving device are susceptible to the physical distance or radio wave attenuation. In contrast, as described above, in the lighting system 2 in which multiple wireless modules W1 to Wr can communicate with each other, a radio wave transmission path can be formed by the paired multiple wireless modules W1 to Wr. In other words, each of the multiple unlinked modules W1 to Wr can function not only to communicate with the first controller 2, but also as a repeater for other wireless modules.

Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the wireless module W1 according to the fifth embodiment.

When power supply from the dimming unit 34 begins, the wireless module W1 transitions to the determination process of the dimming unit 34 and determines the type of connected power source. After starting up, the wireless module W1 determines the communication mode and then determines the state of the area setting switch. If the state of the area setting switch indicates the check mode, the wireless module W1 transmits a check pattern corresponding to the check mode to the dimming unit 34.

In step S1201, the calculation unit 42 determines whether or not a specific terminal of the wired transmission path 35 connected to the connection unit 38 functions as a mode select terminal in PWM mode based on the state (e.g., a change in voltage) of the specific terminal. The calculation unit 42 determines PWM on when the specific terminal functions as a mode select terminal, and determines PWM off when the specific terminal does not function as a mode select terminal. More specifically, the calculation unit 42 determines whether or not PWM is on based on, for example, whether the voltage of the specific terminal is 0 V or the supply voltage. This determination of the wireless module W1 can be easily realized even if the dimming unit 34 does not have a microcomputer. Therefore, the wireless module W1 can be connected to a dimming unit that does not have a microcomputer.

If PWM is on (the state of a particular terminal of the wired transmission path 35 connected to the connection unit 38 corresponds to the state of the mode select terminal), in step S1202, the calculation unit 42 starts up in the PWM communication control mode. After starting up in the PWM communication control mode, in step S1203, the calculation unit 42 determines the state of the area setting switch included in the operation unit 36. The area setting switch can select an area. The area setting switch can also select a check mode (test mode). The area setting switch may be a dip switch that can specify multiple on/off states.

If the area setting switch is in a state that selects the check mode (for example, if multiple dip switches are all on), in step S1204, the calculation unit 42 executes the check mode, and then the process returns to step S1203.

If the area setting switch is in a state to select an area (for example, if one of the multiple dip switches is on and the other dip switches are off), in step S1205, the calculation unit 42 cooperates with the dimming unit 34 to perform operation in the PWM communication control mode for the area indicated by the area setting switch.

If PWM is off in S1201 above, in step S1206, the calculation unit 42 determines the type of digital communication control mode (data communication format) to be applied to the communication between the wireless module W1 and the dimming unit 34. For example, the calculation unit 42 transmits a signal based on the first digital communication control mode to the dimming unit 34. If the calculation unit 42 receives a normal response from the dimming unit 34, it selects the first digital communication control mode. If the calculation unit 42 does not receive a normal response from the dimming unit 34, it may select the second digital communication control mode. Alternatively, if the calculation unit 42 does not receive a normal response from the dimming unit 34, it may transmit a signal based on the second digital communication control mode to the dimming unit 34, and if the calculation unit 42 receives a normal response from the dimming unit 34, it may select the second digital communication control mode.

If the first digital communication control mode is selected in step S1206 above, the calculation unit 42 starts up in the first digital communication control mode in step S1207. After starting up in the first digital communication control mode, in step S1208, the calculation unit 42 determines the state of the area setting switch included in the operation unit 36.

If the area setting switch is in a state that selects the check mode in step S1208, the calculation unit 42 executes the check mode in step S1209, and then the process returns to step S1208.

If the area setting switch is in a state for selecting an area in step S1208, in step S1210, the calculation unit 42 executes operation in the first digital communication control mode for the area indicated by the area setting switch.

If the second digital communication control mode is selected in step S1206 above, then in step S1211, the calculation unit 42 starts up in the second digital communication control mode. After starting up in the second digital communication control mode, in step S1212, the calculation unit 42 determines the state of the area setting switch included in the operation unit 36.

If the area setting switch is in a state that selects the check mode in step S1212, the calculation unit 42 executes the check mode in step S1213, and then the process returns to step S1212.

If the area setting switch is in a state for selecting an area in step S1212, in step S1214, the calculation unit 42 executes operation in the second digital communication control mode for the area indicated by the area setting switch.

In FIG. 12 above, the determination in step S1201 is, for example, to determine the state (voltage or potential) of the mode select terminal of the wired transmission path 35 connected to the connection part 25 of the wireless module W1.

The determination in step S1206 is to communicate in a specific communication control mode, and to determine the communication control mode based on the response reception status.

The determinations in steps S1203, S1208, and S1212 electrically determine the state of the mode select switch.

The determination of the communication control mode in the fifth embodiment may be expanded or added after step S1206.

The calculation unit 42 stores the above-mentioned various judgment results or type information of the communication control mode in the memory unit 41, and transmits the judgment results or type information to the first controller 2 in response to a request from the first controller 2.

When the calculation unit 42 transitions to the digital communication control mode, in accordance with the request received from the first controller 2, it receives the power source specific identification information from the dimming unit 34 via the wired transmission path 35 and the connection unit 38, stores the power source specific identification information in the memory unit 41, and transmits the power source specific identification information to the first controller 2. If the memory unit 41 has already saved the power source specific identification information, the calculation unit 42 may read out the power source specific identification information stored in the memory unit 41 and transmit the read power source specific identification information to the first controller 2.

When the calculation unit 42 receives a designation signal for the area setting mode or group setting mode from the first controller 2, it may forcibly switch the determination results of steps S1203, S1208, and S1212 for the area or group designated by this designation signal, and store this forcibly switched state in the storage unit 41. This allows the area or group settings to be switched remotely.

In the fifth embodiment described above, even if the lighting device I1 and the dimmer A1 do not have a wireless function, the lighting device I1 and the dimmer A1 can be combined with a wireless dimmer D1 to incorporate the lighting device I1 and the dimmer A1 into a lighting system 1 that has a wireless function.

In the fifth embodiment, the wireless dimmer D1 executes a check mode before the setup of the lighting system 1 is completed, and the operation can be confirmed and the wiring can be checked by the abnormality detection unit 50 and the processing unit 46 even before the setup of the lighting system 1.

In the fifth embodiment, the processing unit 46 and the abnormality detection unit 50 cooperate to detect an abnormality, and when an abnormality is detected, the abnormality detection unit 50 stops the operation or output of the circuit being monitored. This can significantly reduce the failure or destruction of the wireless dimmer D1 and prevent the occurrence of circuit replacement, etc.

In the fifth embodiment, when an abnormality is detected in the wireless dimmer D1, the first controller 2 displays abnormality information. This allows the user to check the abnormality that has occurred in the wireless dimmer D1.

In the fifth embodiment, even if the dimmer A1 and the lighting device I1 do not support wireless communication and do not have an abnormality detection function, by connecting the wireless dimmer D1 according to the fifth embodiment to the dimmer A1, wireless communication and abnormality detection become possible, and the safety of the operation of the lighting system 1 can be ensured.

The wireless dimmer D1 according to the fifth embodiment may transmit abnormality information to the first controller 2 via the gateway GW1, the router 3, or the Internet. This allows the user to monitor the lighting system 1 through the first controller 2.

The wireless dimmer D1 according to the fifth embodiment includes an operation unit 36. Conventionally, in order to check whether the lighting device I1 and the dimmer A1 are on, it was necessary to wire them on-site and pair them with the first controller 2. In contrast, in the fifth embodiment, the lighting can be turned on/off using the operation unit 36 provided in the wireless dimmer D1, and wiring can be checked in check mode without pairing. This improves the user's on-site operability and allows wiring checks to be performed before setup.

In the fifth embodiment, a lighting system 1 can be constructed using a single wireless module W1 that can be applied to multiple types of communication control modes. In the fifth embodiment, various types of dimming units 34 can be connected to the wireless module W1.

In the fifth embodiment, the wireless module W1 automatically determines the communication control mode of the dimming unit 34 based on changes in the terminal voltage and the impossibility of communication, and switches the communication control mode. This makes it possible to reduce the labor required to build the lighting system 1 and shorten the time required.

In the fifth embodiment, even before the lighting system 1 is operational, when the first controller 2 is not present, when the first controller 2 and the wireless module W1 cannot communicate with each other, or before the lighting system 1 is set up, the area or group can be set by operating the operation unit 36 of the wireless module W1.

In the fifth embodiment, by executing the check mode in the wireless module W1, the user can check the on, off, dimming, or color adjustment state of the lighting device I1 before the lighting system 1 is operational, when there is no first controller 2, when the first controller 2 and the wireless module W1 cannot communicate, or even before the lighting system 1 is set up. This allows the user to proceed with the check work while building the lighting system 1, making the work more efficient and improving the reliability of the lighting system 1. Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, the wiring of the lighting device I1 can be checked without pairing. This also improves the user's on-site operability and allows the wiring to be checked before setup.

In the fifth embodiment, the wireless module W1 is provided with an operation unit 36 such as a dip switch or a push button switch, and the area setting and the forced cancellation of pairing can be performed by operating the operation unit 36. In addition, the first controller 2 can be used to perform area setting, group setting, and establishment or cancellation of pairing. For example, when the pairing, area setting, and group setting for a large number of lighting devices are controlled by the first controller 2, it was necessary to display a large number of devices on the screen of the first controller 2 and sort them. However, in the fifth embodiment, since instructions regarding pairing, area setting, and group setting can be performed on each of the wireless modules W1 to Wr, it is not necessary to display a large number of devices on the first controller 2 and perform instructions regarding pairing, area setting, and group setting. Therefore, the user can easily and efficiently sort devices during pairing.

Generally, when pairing is performed by the first controller 2, multiple wireless modules W1 to Wr that are powered on are searched for all at once. The user must use the first controller 2 to classify the multiple wireless modules W1 to Wr that have been searched for all at once and divide them into areas E1 to En. However, in the lighting system 1 according to the fifth embodiment, the area setting switches of the wireless modules W1 to Wr are set in advance before pairing, reducing the user's workload.

In the fifth embodiment, the dimming unit 34 may be a wireless lighting fixture. In this case, the lighting fixture A1 may be equipped with various detection circuits. Examples of the various detection circuits include circuits for detecting secondary overcurrent, abnormal temperature, and circuit failure. When the detection circuit detects an abnormality, the processing unit 46 processes the abnormality code. The processing unit 46 transmits the abnormality code to the wireless module W1 via the connection unit 43 and the wired transmission path 35.

When the wireless dimmer D1 of the fifth embodiment is replaced with a new wireless dimmer, data held by multiple other wireless dimmers, such as scene information, is transmitted to the new wireless dimmer and can be installed. This eliminates the need for the user to perform initial settings on the new wireless dimmer, and allows the data of the other wireless dimmers to be easily transferred to the new wireless dimmer.

Sixth embodiment
The sixth embodiment is a modification of the wireless dimmer D1 described in the fifth embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless dimmer D1 according to a sixth embodiment. In the wireless dimmer D1 of Fig. 13, only the components of the wireless dimmer D1 of Fig. 11 that will be described in the sixth embodiment are shown, and the other components are omitted.

The wireless dimmer D1 according to the sixth embodiment has two PWM output systems LA and LB. The wireless dimmer D1 transmits a PWM signal to the dimmer A1 via the two PWM output systems LA and LB.

The wireless dimmer D1 according to the sixth embodiment includes a microcomputer 51, abnormality detection units 53A and 53B, and resistors 54A and 54B.

The microcomputer 51 includes a PWM dimming signal circuit 52A corresponding to the PWM output system LA and a PWM dimming signal circuit 52B corresponding to the PWM output system LB. The PWM dimming signal circuits 52A and 52B generate PWM signals and transmit the generated PWM signals to the lighting fixture A1 via the PWM output systems LA and LB.

The microcomputer 51 monitors the PWM signal (voltage) output from the PWM dimming signal circuit 52A to the PWM output system LA, and further monitors the PWM signal output from the PWM dimming signal circuit 52B to the PWM output system LB. The microcomputer 51 functions as the processing unit 46 and dimming unit 48 in FIG. 11. When the microcomputer 51 is started up and becomes energized, it starts detecting an abnormality.

Each of the abnormality detection units 53A and 53B is connected in series with each of the PWM dimming signal circuits 52A and 52B, and monitors, for example, the voltage at the resistor or polyswitch terminal.

Each of the abnormality detection units 53A and 53B outputs a measurement value (e.g., an actual measurement value or a captured value) of the voltage of the PWM signal to the microcomputer 51 via a resistor 54A or 54B.

The microcomputer 51 compares the theoretical value with the measured value and detects an abnormality if the difference exceeds a specified range.

Generally, a PWM signal for lighting control (e.g., a dimming signal) is a pulse waveform with a frequency of 1 kHz and a voltage of about DC 12 V. The off signal is DC 12 V. Increasing the dimming level represented by the PWM signal (making it brighter) lengthens the off period in the PWM signal waveform. In this way, if the off period is longer, it becomes weak when converted into voltage. Also, there are cases where it is not possible to expect a current increase large enough to activate a polyswitch. For this reason, it is difficult to detect abnormalities in a PWM signal with a long off period.

However, in the sixth embodiment, the microcomputer 51 compares the theoretical value with the measured value to detect an abnormality, so that an abnormality can be detected even if the value obtained by converting the PWM signal into a voltage (e.g., the dimming level) is weak.

FIG. 14 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the voltage and the average voltage of a PWM signal.
PWM is called pulse width modulation. In PWM, the average voltage is controlled by changing the width (Tp) of a pulse generated at a constant interval (T). For example, when the on-period of the waveform is long, the lighting device I1 emits light dimly, and when the on-period is short, the lighting device emits light brightly. The wireless dimmer D1 performs such output control of the PWM signal. In the process of abnormality detection, the wireless dimmer D1 according to the sixth embodiment performs analog-to-digital conversion of the PWM signal by an AD conversion circuit and feeds the signal back to the microcomputer 51. Then, the wireless dimmer D1 detects an abnormality when the time during which the difference between the theoretical value of the output PWM signal and the feedback measured value falls outside a predetermined range is equal to or longer than a predetermined period.

In the sixth embodiment described above, the wireless dimmer D1 has two PWM output systems LA and LB, and abnormality detection units 53A and 53B are provided for each of the two PWM output systems LA and LB, and the microcomputer 51 detects abnormalities in the two PWM output systems LA and LB by comparing theoretical values with measured values. This makes it possible to detect abnormalities regardless of the dimming level indicated by the PWM dimming signal.

[Seventh embodiment]
In the seventh embodiment, a relationship will be described between information stored in the wireless modules W1 to Wr and a controller (hereinafter referred to as a child controller) used as a subordinate (child) of the first controller 2. In the following description, the wireless module W1, the lighting system 1, the gateway GW1, and the second controller C1 will be described as representatives, but the same applies to the wireless modules W2 to Wr, the lighting systems 11 and 24, the gateways GW2 to GWp, and the second controllers C2 to Cp.

The lighting system 1 plays scenes using one or more lighting devices I1 to Ir. To improve the convenience of workers and users, the lighting system 1 may be capable of implementing two types of modifications, a first modification and a second modification, to a standard scene.

The first change is, for example, a mode including leaving the standard scene, a temporary change, and returning to the standard scene.
The second change may be, for example, a mode for fine-tuning a standard scene.

The first change and the second change are common in that, for example, both of them change the standard scene based on the operation of the operator or user on the child controller. However, the first change and the second change differ in that the priority of the change is different.

To assign priority to change operations on the child controllers, the lighting system 1 is equipped with multiple types of child controllers and stores various information in the memory unit 41 of the wireless module W1. The wireless module W1 executes processing based on the information in the memory unit 41.

As a specific example, the memory unit 41 of the wireless module W1 stores, for example, network information, unique identification information of the wireless module W1, facility information (including facility identification information), area information (area identification information), group information (including group identification information), at least one scene information (including, for example, scene level and fade time information), change information (for example, private mode level or user priority mode level), change return scene information (for example, private mode return scene level), temporary change information (temporary change level), and final state information (current state level for power outage recovery).

The network information may include a network code (e.g., a mesh network key) that is assigned during pairing by operating the first controller 2. The network information may include login key information for functioning on the same network.

The unique identification information, facility information, area information, group information, and scene information are information used in the standard operation and communication of the lighting system 1. The unique identification information, facility information, area information, group information, and scene information are set by the first controller 2, transmitted from the first controller 2 to the wireless module W1, and stored in the memory unit 41 of the wireless module W1.

The change information and change-revert scene information are generated by an operator or user using a first slave controller capable of wireless communication with the wireless module W1, transmitted from the first slave controller to the wireless module W1, and stored in the memory unit 41 of the wireless module W1. The change information and change-revert scene information are used to realize the above-mentioned first change (leaving the standard scene, making a temporary change, or returning to the standard scene) or the above-mentioned second change (fine-tuning the standard scene).

The first child controller may be, for example, a remote controller 23. By using the remote controller 23, a worker or user can operate the brightness and color of the lighting devices I1 belonging to a specific area or a specific group without using the first controller 2. For example, the worker or user can brighten the lighting devices I1 above him or her without changing the overall scene. In addition, the worker or user can turn off only the lights of a specific group during a meeting, for example.

The change information is, for example, a value that is changed when leaving a scene by the remote controller 23. The transition to a scene corresponding to the change information and the change return scene information is performed by the operator or user operating the remote controller 23 that has been set in advance by the first controller 2.

The change information may include, for example, values related to brightness and color that have been changed or adjusted by the worker or user operating the remote controller 23.

The change information is high-priority scene information (including brightness and color levels) set by the worker or user using the remote controller 23. When the first controller 2 or the second controller C1 calls the change information stored in the memory unit 28 of the wireless module W1, the wireless module W1 executes a process to leave the scene being played and play the scene corresponding to the change information. Since the priority of the mode for playing the scene corresponding to this change information is high, the playback of the scene of the change information set by the worker or user is maintained during the playback of the scene corresponding to the change information. Even if the wireless module W1 receives a scene change instruction from the schedule timer of the first controller 2, the second controller C1, or the gateway GW1, it prioritizes the scene of the change information and maintains the scene of the change information, and does not reflect the scene change instruction received from the schedule timer of the first controller 2, the second controller C1, or the gateway GW1 until it receives a scene return instruction or a forced return instruction from the first controller 2. The wireless module W1 then stores the contents of the scene change instruction received from the first controller 2, the second controller C1, or the schedule timer of the gateway GW1 in the memory unit 41 as changed/reverted scene information.

The changed reversion scene information includes the values of the scene (e.g. brightness or color) when reverting from a state in which the scene corresponding to the changed information is being played back. The wireless module W1 does not call up this changed reversion scene information until it receives a scene reversion instruction based on the operation of the operator or user, or a forced reversion instruction from the first controller 2. When the wireless module W1 receives a scene reversion instruction or a forced reversion instruction, it calls up the changed reversion scene information and executes processing to play back the scene corresponding to the changed reversion scene information.

In the seventh embodiment, the change information and the change restoration scene information have a paired relationship. The wireless module W1 manages the change restoration scene information, which includes the scene number and level information at the time of restoration, in the memory unit 41 at any time.

When scene playback is being performed for a specific area based on specific scene information, the wireless module W1 can, for example, use change information to cause a specific group belonging to this specific area to leave the scene. In a situation where scene departure is occurring, for example, assume that a transition occurs for a specific area from first scene information (e.g., night scene information) to second scene information (e.g., morning scene information). In this case, the wireless module W1 also transitions the changed return scene information from the first scene information to the second scene information. Upon return, the wireless module W1 calls and plays back the changed return scene information corresponding to the second scene information, thereby playing back a scene that is consistent with other wireless modules belonging to the same area. This makes it possible to play an appropriate scene even if time passes and the scene information applied changes.

The remote controller 23 transmits a command to the wireless module W1. This command includes, for example, a facility designation, an area designation, a group designation, a value indicating light intensity, a value indicating light brightness, and the like. The remote controller 23 stores, for example, network information, unique identification information of the wireless module W1, facility information, area information, and group information. The network information, unique identification information of the wireless module W1, facility information, area information, and group information stored in the remote controller 23 are, for example, set by the first controller 2 and transmitted from the first controller 2 to the remote controller 23.

In the lighting system 1, distributed processing is implemented to distribute the risk of system destruction or failure and to secure wireless communication bandwidth. For this reason, the remote controller 23 mainly transmits commands to the wireless modules W1 to Wr. Many of the various calculations and processes are executed by the individual wireless modules W1 to Wr. Examples of commands include a command to brighten the lights, a command to dim the lights, a command to change the color temperature, an on/off command, a scene exit command, and a scene return command.

Even if the worker or user changes the scene using the remote controller 23, the standard scene information is stored in the wireless modules W1 to Wr. This allows the worker or user to freely change the scene and then easily restore the scene. In addition, the remote controller 23 may have fewer functions than the first controller 2, and the worker or user can use the intuitive interface of the remote controller 23.

The temporary change information stored in the memory unit 41 of the wireless module W1 is set by the first controller 2 or the second controller C1 (e.g., a wall scene switch), transmitted from the first controller 2 or the second controller C1 to the wireless module W1, and stored in the memory unit 41 of the wireless module W1. The temporary change information includes, for example, a temporarily changed scene level.

The transition to a mode in which a scene is played back based on temporary change information is performed by an operator or user operating the first controller 2 or the second controller C1.

The second controller C1 is connected to, for example, a gateway GW1 that relays communication between the first controller 2 and the wireless modules W1 to Wr. The gateway GW1 has a timer function, and an operator or user may use the second controller C1 to turn the timer function of the gateway GW1 on/off. By using the second controller C1, an operator or user can call up a scene, switch scenes, temporarily change the brightness, temporarily change the color temperature, start a schedule, and cancel a schedule without using the first controller 2.

When the first controller 2 or the second controller C1 calls up the temporary change information stored in the memory unit 41 of the wireless module W1, all the wireless modules W1 to Wk belonging to the specific area E1 temporarily change the scene, for example, based on the scene information being played back and the temporary change information. This temporary scene change may have a lower priority than, for example, a scene change based on the change information described above. Since the temporary scene change based on the temporary change information has a lower priority, when different scene information is called up by the operation of the worker or user, or by a timer, the wireless modules W1 to Wk may discard the temporary change information and start playing back the scene corresponding to the different scene information.

During scene playback, the worker or user operates the up or down button on the second controller C1 to change the brightness, color temperature, etc. of the scene. The second controller C1 transmits a temporary change command, for example, via the gateway GW1 to the wireless modules W1 to Wk of all groups G1 to Gm belonging to a specific area E1 of a specific facility F1. Because this temporary change has low priority, if the wireless modules W1 to Wk receive another command from the first controller 2 or the second controller C1 via the gateway GW1 after executing the temporary scene change, they discard the temporary change and transition to a scene according to the received command.

In the seventh embodiment, the gateway GW1 has a timer function and may disable temporary changes to the wireless modules W1 to Wr at a specified time.

The second controller C1 transmits commands to the wireless modules W1 to Wr via the gateway GW1. This command may include, for example, the designation of the facility F1, the designation of all groups G1 to Gm belonging to a specific area E1, a value indicating the light intensity, a value indicating the light brightness, and the like. The second controller C1 stores, for example, network information, unique identification information of the wireless module, facility information, area information, and group information. The network information, unique identification information of the wireless module, facility information, area information, and group information stored in the second controller C1 are, for example, set by the first controller 2, and transmitted from the first controller 2 to the second controller C1.

Even if the worker or user changes the scene using the second controller C1, the standard scene information is stored in the wireless modules W1 to Wr. This allows the worker or user to freely change the scene and then easily restore the scene. In addition, the second controller C1 may have fewer functions than the first controller 2, allowing the worker or user to use an intuitive interface.

The final state information represents the latest scene information when the power supply to the lighting system 1 is stopped (e.g., in the case of a power outage). When the power supply is resumed, the wireless module W1 reads the final state information from the storage unit 41 and plays the scene corresponding to the final state information. This allows the wireless module W1 to reproduce the scene immediately before the power supply was stopped.

In the seventh embodiment described above, various information set by the first controller 2 is stored in the memory unit 41 of the wireless module W1. The wireless module W1 executes processing according to the contents stored in the memory unit 41 in accordance with commands received from the first controller 2, the child controller, the gateway GW1, etc.

In the seventh embodiment, the commands transmitted by the timer functions of the first controller 2, the child controller, and the gateway GW1 have a simple data structure. This allows a mesh network to be constructed using multiple wireless modules W1 to Wr, reducing the load on the network and speeding up the response. In the seventh embodiment, in order to secure the network bandwidth, the transmission and reception of responses to specific commands that do not require a response may be omitted. In the seventh embodiment, responses may be omitted depending on the type of command, but when the first controller 2 transmits setting information to the wireless modules W1 to Wr, the first controller 2 may receive a response from the wireless modules W1 to Wr indicating that the setting information has been received normally.

In the seventh embodiment, in order to ensure stable and reliable communication, the multiple wireless modules W1 to Wr provided in the lighting system 1 can communicate with each other and may perform repeat communication of commands.

The embodiments of the present invention are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The present embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. The present embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

1, 11, 24...lighting system, 2...first controller, 3...router, GW1 to GWp...gateway, C1 to Cp...second controller, F1 to Fp...facility, E1 to En...area, G1 to Gm...group, D1 to Dr...wireless dimmer, W1 to Wr...wireless module, A1 to Ak...dimmer fixture, I1 to Ik...lighting device, W1 to Wk...wireless module, 4...DMX terminal, 5...external input terminal, 61...first communication unit, 62...second communication unit, 7...memory unit, 8...processing unit, 9...DMX fixture, 10...external device, 12...facility identification information, 13, 14...mesh network, 15...controller identification information, 16, 36, 45...operation unit, 17, 37, 47, 49...display unit, 18, 38, 43...connection unit, 19...communication unit, 20, 41, 44...storage unit, 21, 46...processing unit, 22...software, 23...remote controller, 25...setting information, 26...change information, 27...identification information, 34...dimming unit, 35...wired transmission path, 39...communication module, 40...communication antenna, 42...calculation unit, 48...dimming unit, 50...abnormality detection unit

Claims (3)

a first communication unit that performs communication in accordance with a first communication method;
a second communication unit that performs wireless communication in accordance with a second communication method;
a processing unit that receives first data from a controller via the first communication unit, converts the first data into second data, and transmits the second data to the wireless lighting dimmer via the second communication unit;
Equipped with
Further comprising an external input connector to which an external device can be connected,
the processing unit generates a control signal based on an external input signal input from the external device via the external input connection unit, and transmits the control signal to the wireless lighting dimmer via the second communication unit.
gateway. Further comprising a DMX connection portion to which a lighting device can be connected,
The processing unit transmits a DMX signal to the lighting device via the DMX connection unit.
The gateway of claim 1. The wireless lighting device further includes a storage unit configured to store facility identification information indicating a facility including a plurality of mesh networks configured by a plurality of wireless lighting dimmers,
The processing unit communicates with a first mesh network of the plurality of mesh networks via the second communication unit, and cooperates with another gateway that has the same identification information as the facility identification information and wirelessly communicates with a second mesh network of the plurality of mesh networks.
The gateway of claim 1.

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