JP7511151B2 - Lighting control systems and backup controllers - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a lighting control system and a backup controller.

Traditionally, in fields such as server systems, redundancy technology has been used to prepare for failures or malfunctions in server equipment.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a redundant system and a management server that manages the redundant system as an example of a system that uses redundancy technology.

The redundant system is composed of multiple active servers and a cold standby standby server. The management server that manages the redundant system queries the active servers about their operating status, and if the response from each active server contains fault information, it performs processing such as switching the standby server to hot standby.

JP 2016-224490 A

However, even in lighting systems equipped with a controller to control lighting fixtures, such redundancy technology is required to prepare for controller failures, etc.

The present invention provides a lighting control system that can control lighting fixtures even if the controller fails.

A lighting control system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first detection unit that detects a failure of a controller that is assigned first identification information for identification in a network and that controls a lighting device based on lighting control information for controlling the lighting device and the first identification information, a storage unit that pre-stores the first identification information, and an information processing unit that assigns the stored first identification information instead of the second identification information to a backup controller that backs up the controller and is assigned second identification information for identification in the network after the failure of the controller is detected, and the backup controller that is assigned the first identification information controls the lighting device based on the lighting control information and the assigned first identification information.

A backup controller according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first detection unit that detects a failure of the controller that controls the lighting device based on lighting control information for controlling the lighting device and the first identification information, a storage unit that stores the first identification information in advance, and an information processing unit that, after the failure of the controller is detected, assigns the stored first identification information to the backup controller that backs up the controller and is assigned second identification information for identification on the network, instead of the second identification information, and the backup controller that is assigned the first identification information controls the lighting device based on the lighting control information and the assigned first identification information.

The lighting control system of the present invention can control lighting fixtures even if the controller breaks down.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a lighting control system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an example of the operation of the lighting control system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a first example in which first identification information is assigned to a backup controller according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a second example in which the first identification information is assigned to the backup controller according to the embodiment.

The following embodiments are described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection forms, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in an independent claim are described as optional components.

Note that each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a precise illustration. In addition, in each figure, the same reference numerals are used for substantially the same configurations, and duplicate explanations may be omitted or simplified.

(Embodiment)
[composition]
First, the configuration of a lighting control system according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a lighting control system 1 according to the present embodiment.

The lighting control system 1 according to the embodiment is a system for controlling multiple lighting fixtures 601-606. Specifically, in the lighting control system 1, each of the controller slave units (hereinafter, referred to as "Ctr slave units") 501-506 controls each of the lighting fixtures 601-606. That is, for example, the Ctr slave unit 501 controls the lighting fixture 601, and one Ctr slave unit corresponds to one lighting fixture on a one-to-one basis. Furthermore, when a backup controller (hereinafter, referred to as "BKCtr") 100 detects a failure in any of the Ctr slave units 501-506, it controls the lighting fixture that was controlled by the Ctr slave unit in which the failure was detected, instead of the Ctr slave unit in which the failure was detected. Note that, hereinafter, the Ctr slave unit in which the failure was detected may be referred to as a failed Ctr slave unit.

As shown in FIG. 1, the lighting control system 1 includes a server device 200, hub devices 301 and 302, a controller master unit (hereinafter referred to as the "Ctr master unit") 400, six Ctr slave units 501-506 as multiple Ctr slave units, and a BKCtr 100. As an example, the lighting control system 1 is used for lighting effects that use lighting fixtures 601-606 to create an outdoor space.

[Server device]
First, the server device 200 will be described. The server device 200 is a cloud server that performs information processing for outputting lighting control information for controlling each of the plurality of lighting devices 601-606. Furthermore, if the BKCtr 100 is malfunctioning, the server device 200 detects the malfunction of the BKCtr 100 and outputs a signal for the BKCtr 100 to recover from the malfunction. The server device 200 includes a second detection unit 210, a second communication unit 220 as a communication unit, and a second storage unit 230.

The second detection unit 210 is a processing unit that performs information processing to detect a failure of BKCtr100 if BKCtr100 is malfunctioning. The second detection unit 210 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor.

The second communication unit 220 is a communication module (communication circuit) that allows the server device 200 to communicate with the hub device 301 via a wide area communication network such as the Internet. The second communication unit 220 outputs, for example, the above-mentioned lighting control information stored in the second storage unit 230. Furthermore, when the second detection unit 210 detects a failure of the BKCtr 100, the second communication unit 220 outputs a signal for the BKCtr 100 to recover from the failure. The communication performed by the second communication unit 220 may be either wireless communication or wired communication. There is also no particular limitation on the communication standard used for the communication.

The second storage unit 230 is a storage device that stores the program executed by the second detection unit 210 and various information used to perform the above information processing. The above lighting control information is stored in the second storage unit 230. The second storage unit 230 is realized by, for example, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

The server device 200 may display an image of the processing performed by the server device 200 on a display device. The display device is, for example, a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel.

[Hub device]
Hub devices 301 and 302 are relay devices that connect the components to each other via a wide area communication network. More specifically, hub device 301 connects server device 200 and Ctrl master device 400, and hub device 302 connects Ctrl master device 400 and Ctrl slave devices 503 to 506.

Note that the connections made by the hub devices 301 and 302 are not limited to those described above. For example, the Ctr slave devices 501 and 502 and the BKCtr 100 may be connected to the hub device 301 without going through the Ctr parent device 400. The Ctr slave devices 501 and 502 and the BKCtr 100 may also be connected to the hub device 302.

[controller]
Next, a description will be given of the Ctr slave units 501 to 506, the Ctr master unit 400, and the BKCtr 100. The Ctr slave units 501 to 506, the Ctr master unit 400, and the BKCtr 100 are, for example, general-purpose dimming control devices, but may also be dedicated devices for the lighting control system 1.

The Ctr slave units 501-506 are devices that control the lighting fixtures 601-606, respectively. Each of the Ctr slave units 501-506 is an example of a controller. Each of the Ctr slave units 501-506 is assigned first identification information for identification in a network such as a wide area communication network. More specifically, each of the Ctr slave units 501-506 is assigned different first identification information. Each of the Ctr slave units 501-506 controls the lighting fixtures 601-606 based on the lighting control information and the first identification information acquired via the Ctr master unit 400. In addition, in this embodiment, the lighting control system 1 includes six Ctr slave units 501-506, but is not limited to this, and may include one or more Ctr slave units.

The first identification information and the second and third identification information described below include, for example, an IP (Internet Protocol) address, but are not limited to this.

The Ctr master unit 400 acquires the lighting control information output from the second communication unit 220 of the server device 200, and outputs the acquired lighting control information to the Ctr slave units 501 to 506 and the BKCtr 100. In this embodiment, the Ctr master unit 400 does not control the lighting fixtures, but may control the lighting fixtures. In this case, the Ctr master unit 400 is assigned first identification information that is different from the first identification information assigned to the Ctr slave units 501 to 506, and the Ctr master unit 400 controls the lighting fixtures based on this different first identification information and the acquired lighting control information.

BKCtr 100 is a device that backs up Ctr slave units 501-506. Specifically, when BKCtr 100 detects a failure in any of Ctr slave units 501-506, it controls a lighting fixture in place of the failed Ctr slave unit. For example, after a failure in Ctr slave unit 506 is detected, BKCtr 100 controls lighting fixture 606 that was controlled by Ctr 506 in place of Ctr slave unit 506. In addition, second identification information for identifying BKCtr 100 in the above network is assigned in advance.

More specifically, BKCtr 100 has a first detection unit 110, a first memory unit 120 as a memory unit, an information processing unit 130, a control unit 140, and a first communication unit 150.

The first detection unit 110 is a processing unit that detects failures in the six Ctr slave units 501 to 506. In other words, the first detection unit 110 monitors the alive status of the six Ctr slave units 501 to 506.

The first storage unit 120 is a storage device in which the first identification information assigned to each of the Ctr slave units 501-506 is stored in advance. For example, the first storage unit 120 stores each of the Ctr slave units 501-506 and correspondence information that is information that associates the first identification information assigned to each of the Ctr slave units 501-506. The first storage unit 120 also stores programs executed by the information processing unit 130 and the control unit 140, various information used to perform information processing, and the like. The first storage unit 120 is realized, for example, by a HDD or the like.

The information processing unit 130 is a processing unit that performs information processing to assign the first identification information stored in the first storage unit 120 to the BKCtr 100 in place of the second identification information after a failure of any of the six Ctr slave units 501 to 506 is detected. At this time, the first identification information that was assigned to the failed Ctr slave unit is assigned to the BKCtr 100.

After detecting a failure of any of the Ctr slave units 501 to 506, the information processing unit 130 assigns the failed Ctr slave unit a third identification information for identifying the failed Ctr slave unit on the network, in place of the first identification information that was assigned to the failed Ctr slave unit.

The control unit 140 is a processing unit that performs information processing to control the lighting fixture that was controlled by the failed Ctr slave unit based on the first identification information assigned to the BKCtr 100 by the information processing unit 130 and the lighting control information.

The first detection unit 110, the information processing unit 130, and the control unit 140 are realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor.

The first communication unit 150 is a communication module (communication circuit) that enables the BKCtr 100 to communicate with the Ctr master unit 400 via a wide area communication network such as the Internet. The first communication unit 150 acquires lighting control information, for example, via the Ctr master unit 400. The communication performed by the second communication unit 220 may be either wireless communication or wired communication. There is no particular limitation on the communication standard used for the communication.

In addition, in this embodiment, BKCtr100 does not control the lighting device before the first identification information is assigned in place of the second identification information, but this is not limited to the above. For example, BKCtr100 may control the lighting device based on the second identification information and the lighting control information even before the first identification information is assigned in place of the second identification information.

[lighting equipment]
Each of the lighting fixtures 601-606 is a device that emits light and is controlled by each of the Ctr slave units 501-506. The lighting fixtures 601-606 emit light, and the lighting control system 1 can produce an outdoor space. The communication used between the lighting fixtures 601-606 and the Ctr slave units 501-506 is, for example, wireless communication, but may also be wired communication. There is no particular limitation on the communication standard used for the communication. In this embodiment, the lighting control system 1 controls six lighting fixtures 601-606, but is not limited to this.

[Example of operation]
The following describes an example of the operation of the lighting control system 1. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the lighting control system 1 according to the present embodiment.

Each of the Ctr child units 501-506 controls each of the lighting devices 601-606 based on the lighting control information and the first identification information (S10). That is, a lighting performance is being performed by the lighting devices 601-606. In this way, if a Ctr child unit fails while a lighting performance is being performed, problems will occur, such as the lighting device controlled by the failed Ctr child unit no longer emitting light.

Here, the lighting control information for controlling the lighting fixtures 601 to 606 includes lighting fixture information indicating the lighting fixture associated with the first identification information, and characteristic information for controlling characteristics such as the amount of light and chromaticity of the light emitted by the lighting fixture.

For example, in the lighting device information, the first identification information given to the Ctr child device 501 corresponds to the lighting device 601. Based on the first identification information and the lighting device information given to the Ctr child device 501, the Ctr child device 501 identifies the lighting device 601 as the lighting device that the Ctr child device 501 itself controls. Furthermore, based on the characteristic information, the Ctr child device 501 controls the amount of light and chromaticity of the light emitted by the lighting device 601.

In addition, in S10, the first detection unit 110 monitors the alive status of the Ctr slave devices 501 to 506.

Next, if any of the Ctr slave units 501 to 506 fails, the first detection unit 110 detects the failure of that Ctr slave unit (S20).

The first detection unit 110 can detect a failure of the Ctr slave units 501 to 506 by using the following response confirmation signal.

The first detection unit 110 controls the first communication unit 150 to periodically output a response confirmation signal to each of the Ctr slave units 501 to 506. The response confirmation signal is a signal that controls the Ctr slave units 501 to 506 that have acquired the response confirmation signal to output a first response signal or a second response signal.

The first response signal is a signal that each of the Ctr slave units 501-506 outputs to the first communication unit 150 when it can control each of the lighting devices 601-606 based on the first identification information and the lighting control information. In other words, if each of the lighting devices 601-606 can emit light, each of the Ctr slave units 501-506 outputs a first response signal to the first communication unit 150.

The second response signal is a signal that each of the Ctr slave units 501-506 outputs to the first communication unit 150 when it is unable to control each of the lighting devices 601-606. In other words, if each of the lighting devices 601-606 cannot emit light, each of the Ctr slave units 501-506 outputs a second response signal to the first communication unit 150.

Here, when the first communication unit 150 receives a second response signal from any of the Ctr slave units 501 to 506, the first detection unit 110 detects that the Ctr slave unit is unable to control the lighting fixture, that is, detects a failure of the Ctr slave unit.

Similarly, if the first communication unit 150 does not receive both the first and second response signals from any of the Ctr slave units 501 to 506, the first detection unit 110 detects that there is a communication problem with that Ctr slave unit, that is, detects a failure of that Ctr slave unit.

The first detection unit 110 detects a failure in any of the Ctr slave units 501 to 506 by using a response confirmation signal in this manner, but the method of detecting a failure is not limited to the above.

When the first detection unit 110 detects a failure in any of the Ctr slave units 501 to 506, the information processing unit 130 assigns the third identification information to the failed Ctr slave unit in place of the first identification information that was assigned to the failed Ctr slave unit (S30).

Furthermore, the information processing unit 130 assigns the first identification information that was assigned to the failed Ctr slave unit to the BKCtr 100 in place of the second identification information (S40).

By performing the processes of S30 and S40, it is possible to prevent the first identification information that was assigned to the failed Ctr slave unit from being redundantly assigned to both the failed Ctr slave unit and BKCtr 100.

As described above, each of the Ctr slave units 501-506 controls each of the lighting devices 601-606 based on the lighting control information and the first identification information. Since the failed Ctr slave unit is assigned the third identification information instead of the first identification information, the failed Ctr slave unit does not control the lighting device.

Furthermore, BKCtr100, to which the first identification information has been assigned, controls the lighting fixtures based on the lighting control information and the first identification information (S50). As described above, since BKCtr100 has been assigned the first identification information that was assigned to the failed Ctr child unit, BKCtr100 controls the lighting fixtures that were controlled by the failed Ctr child unit.

In summary, in the lighting control system 1 according to this embodiment, even if any of the Ctr slave units 501 to 506 fails, the first identification information that was assigned to the failed Ctr slave unit is assigned to the BKCtr 100. Therefore, the BKCtr 100 can control the lighting fixture that was controlled by the failed Ctr slave unit in place of the failed Ctr slave unit.

Furthermore, after S50, the first communication unit 150 of BKCtr 100 or the second communication unit 220 of the server device 200 may output a signal to the failed Ctr child unit to recover from the failure, thereby recovering from the failure of the failed Ctr child unit. Even after this, BKCtr 100 may control the lighting fixture. In other words, even if the Ctr child unit recovers from the failure, BKCtr 100 may continue to control the lighting fixture that was controlled by the failed Ctr child unit. The signal to recover from the failure is, for example, a signal to restart the failed Ctr child unit.

Also, BKCtr100 may malfunction. In this case, the second detection unit 210 of the server device 200 may detect the malfunction of BKCtr100. The second detection unit 210 detects the malfunction of BKCtr100, for example, in the following manner.

For example, the second storage unit 230 of the server device 200 stores correspondence information, similar to the first storage unit 120 of the BKCtr 100. As described above, the correspondence information is information that associates each of the Ctr slave units 501 to 506 and the first identification information assigned to each of the Ctr slave units 501 to 506. The second storage unit 230 and the first storage unit 120 periodically update the correspondence information.

The first communication unit 150 outputs the correspondence information stored in the first storage unit 120 to the second communication unit 220 of the server device 200 each time the correspondence information is updated. The second communication unit 220 acquires the correspondence information output from the first communication unit 150.

Here, the second detection unit 210 detects whether BKCtr100 is malfunctioning based on the correspondence information. Specifically, the second detection unit 210 detects whether BKCtr100 is malfunctioning by comparing the correspondence information acquired by the second communication unit 220 (i.e., the correspondence information stored in BKCtr100) with the correspondence information stored in the second storage unit 230. If the above two pieces of correspondence information are compared and match, the second detection unit 210 detects that BKCtr100 is not malfunctioning. Also, if the above two pieces of correspondence information are compared and do not match, the second detection unit 210 detects that BKCtr100 is malfunctioning because BKCtr100 has not been able to update the correspondence information.

Furthermore, when the second detection unit 210 detects a failure of BKCtr100, the second communication unit 220 of the server device 200 outputs a signal for BKCtr100 to recover from the failure. When BKCtr100 acquires the signal, BKCtr100 recovers from the failure. Furthermore, BKCtr100 that has recovered from the failure can control the lighting fixture that was controlled by the failed Ctr child unit in place of the failed Ctr child unit. The signal for recovering from the failure is, for example, a signal for restarting the failed BKCtr100.

Furthermore, S30 and S40 shown in FIG. 2 will be described in more detail below. Specifically, a first example in which communication between the server device 200 and the Ctr slave devices 501 to 506 and BKCtr 100 is wireless communication and a second example in which communication is wired communication will be described with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

Figure 3 is a diagram showing a first example in which first identification information is assigned to BKCtr 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 4 is a diagram showing a second example in which first identification information is assigned to BKCtr 100 according to this embodiment. Figures 3(a) and 4(a) show the lighting control system 1 before the processing of S30 and S40 is performed, and Figures 3(b) and 4(b) show the lighting control system 1 after the processing of S30 and S40 is performed. Note that Figures 3 and 4 show an example in which Ctr child unit 506 has failed, and for simplicity, Ctr child units 501-505 and lighting fixtures 601-605 are not shown.

<First Example>
Here, the communication between the server device 200 and the Ctr slave devices 501 to 506 and the BKCtr 100 is wireless communication. That is, since the above-mentioned network is a wireless network, the wireless hub devices 301a and 302a are used as the hub devices 301 and 302.

In the first example, in S20, the first detection unit 110 detects a failure of the Ctr child device 506. In S30, the information processing unit 130 assigns third identification information to the failed Ctr child device 506 in place of the first identification information that was assigned to the failed Ctr child device 506. In S40, the information processing unit 130 assigns the first identification information that was assigned to the failed Ctr child device 506 to the BKCtr 100 in place of the second identification information.

Here, an IP address is used as an example of the first to third identification signals. Note that in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 described later, the IP address is written as "IP." Thus, in S30, the IP address of the failed Ctr child device 506 is changed from "BBB.BBB.BBB.BBB" (first identification information) to "CCC.CCC.CCC.CCC" (third identification information). In S40, the IP address of the BKCtr 100 is changed from "AAA.AAA.AAA.AAA.AAA" (second identification information) to "BBB.BBB.BBB.BBB" (first identification information).

As a result, in S50, BKCtr 100 can control the lighting fixture 606 that was controlled by the failed Ctr child unit 506.

<Second Example>
Here, the communication between the server device 200 and the Ctr slave devices 501 to 506 and the BKCtr 100 is wired communication. That is, since the above-mentioned network is a wired network, the hub device 301 is a wired upper hub device 301b, and the hub device 302 is a wired lower hub device 302b.

In the second example, the processes performed in steps S20 to S40 are the same as those in the first example.

Here, an IP address, a segment, and a port are used as examples of the first to third identification signals. A segment refers to a specific area where lighting control information is output, and a port refers to the location where the wired cables are inserted in the wired upper hub device 301b and the wired lower hub device 302b.

In the second example, in S30, the IP address and segment of the failed Ctr child device 506 are changed from "BBB.BBB.BBB.BBB" and "X" (first identification information) to "CCC.CCC.CCC.CCC" and "Z" (third identification information).

In S40, the IP address and segment of BKCtr100 are changed from "AAA.AAA.AAA.AAA" and "Z" (second identification information) to "BBB.BBB.BBB.BBB" and "X" (first identification information).

In other words, as shown in the second example, if the communication between the server device 200 and the Ctr slave devices 501 to 506 and BKCtr 100 is wired communication, in addition to the IP address, the segment also needs to be changed.

As a result, in S50, BKCtr 100 can control the lighting fixture 606 that was controlled by the failed Ctr child unit 506.

In addition, in the above first and second examples, examples are shown in which either wireless communication or wired communication is used, but this is not limited to this. In other words, there are cases in which both wireless communication and wired communication are used. In this case, after it is determined whether the communication between the Ctr master unit 400 and the failed Ctr slave unit 506 is wireless communication or wired communication, the process shown in the first or second example is executed.

In the present embodiment, an example is described in which one of the Ctr slaves 501 to 506 has failed, but this is not limiting. In other words, the first detection unit 110 detects failures in multiple Ctr slaves among the Ctr slaves 501 to 506, and the information processing unit 130 assigns to the BKCtr 100 the first identification information that was assigned to each of the multiple failed Ctr slaves, instead of the second identification information.

The control unit 140 controls the lighting fixtures that were controlled by each of the multiple failed Ctr slave units based on the lighting control information and the first identification information that was assigned to each of the multiple failed Ctr slave units. In other words, even if multiple Ctr slave units fail, the BKCtr 100 can control multiple lighting fixtures.

The first storage unit 120 may also store an accumulated time during which the BKCtr 100 is connected to the network. More specifically, the first storage unit 120 may accumulate and store the time during which the first detection unit 110 detects whether the Ctr slave units 501 to 506 are malfunctioning. This time is also the time during which the first detection unit 110 monitors the alive status of the six Ctr slave units 501 to 506. Furthermore, the first storage unit 120 may accumulate and store the time during which the BKCtr 100 controls the lighting fixture. In other words, the first storage unit 120 may accumulate and store the time during which the BKCtr 100 is executing any process.

[Effects, etc.]
The lighting control system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a first detection unit 110, a storage unit (first storage unit 120), and an information processing unit 130. The first detection unit 110 detects a failure of a controller that controls lighting fixtures based on lighting control information for controlling the lighting fixtures and the first identification information. In the present embodiment, Ctr slave units 501 to 506 are provided as a plurality of controllers. After detecting a failure of any of the Ctr slave units 501 to 506, the information processing unit 130 assigns the first identification information to the BKCtr 100 instead of the second identification information. The BKCtr 100 to which the first identification information has been assigned (more specifically, the control unit 140) controls the lighting fixture that was controlled by the failed Ctr slave unit based on the lighting control information and the assigned first identification information.

This realizes a lighting control system 1 that can control the lighting fixtures that were controlled by the failed Ctr slave unit even if any of the Ctr slave units 501 to 506 fails.

When such a lighting control system 1 is used for lighting effects, for example, a repair worker who repairs a broken Ctr sub-unit can take ample time to repair the Ctr sub-unit when it malfunctions.

For example, the lighting control system 1 further includes a BKCtr 100. The BKCtr 100 stores a first detection unit 110, a first storage unit 120, and an information processing unit 130.

As a result, in a lighting control system 1 equipped with a BKCtr 100, even if any of the Ctr slave units 501 to 506 fails, the lighting fixture that was controlled by the failed Ctr slave unit can still be controlled.

Furthermore, for example, after detecting a failure in any of the Ctr slave devices 501 to 506, the information processing unit 130 assigns the failed Ctr slave device a third identification information, instead of the first identification information, for identification in the network.

This prevents the first identification information that was assigned to the failed Ctr slave unit from being assigned to both the failed Ctr slave unit and BKCtr 100. This allows BKCtr 100 to more easily control the lighting fixture that was controlled by the failed Ctr slave unit.

Furthermore, for example, BKCtr 100 (more specifically, control unit 140) controls the lighting device based on the lighting control information and the assigned first identification information even after the failed Ctr child unit recovers from the failure.

This means that the repair technicians mentioned above will no longer need to repair broken Ctr handsets, reducing manpower requirements.

For example, the first detection unit 110 detects failures in two or more of the Ctr slave units 501-506 that control the lighting devices 601-606, respectively. The information processing unit 130 assigns to the BKCtr 100 two or more pieces of first identification information that have been assigned to the two or more failed Ctr slave units, in place of the second identification information. The BKCtr 100 (more specifically, the control unit 140) controls the lighting devices that were controlled by the two or more failed Ctr slave units.

This realizes a lighting control system 1 that can control the lighting fixtures that were controlled by each of the failed Ctr slave units, even if multiple Ctr slave units among the Ctr slave units 501 to 506 fail.

If all of the Ctr slave units 501 to 506 fail, the BKCtr 100 controls all of the lighting fixtures 601 to 606.

For example, the lighting control system 1 further includes a server device 200. The server device 200 includes a second detection unit 210 that detects a failure of the BKCtr 100, and a communication unit (second communication unit 220) that outputs a signal for the BKCtr 100 to recover from the failure.

This allows BKCtr100 to recover even if it fails, and once BKCtr100 has recovered from the failure, it can control the lighting fixtures that were previously controlled by the failed Ctr child unit in place of the failed Ctr child unit.

For example, the first memory unit 120 also stores the accumulated time that BKCtr100 is connected to the network.

As a result, the accumulated time during which BKCtr100 is executing the process is stored in the first storage unit 120, making it possible to calculate the fee to be paid by the user of the lighting control system 1 based on that accumulated time.

Also, for example, the network is a wireless network.

As a result, in lighting control system 1, where the network is a wireless network, even if any of Ctr slave units 501 to 506 fails, it is possible to control the lighting fixture that was controlled by the failed Ctr slave unit.

Also, for example, the network is a wired network.

As a result, in lighting control system 1, which uses a wired network, even if any of Ctr slave units 501 to 506 fails, it is possible to control the lighting fixture that was controlled by the failed Ctr slave unit.

For example, the BKCtr 100 according to this embodiment includes a first detection unit 110, a storage unit (first storage unit 120), and an information processing unit 130. The BKCtr 100 (more specifically, the control unit 140) to which the first identification information has been assigned controls the lighting fixture that was controlled by the failed Ctr slave unit based on the lighting control information and the assigned first identification information.

This allows BKCtr 100 to be realized that, even if any of the Ctr slave units 501 to 506 fails, can still control the lighting fixture that was controlled by the failed Ctr slave unit.

Other Embodiments
Although the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

For example, in the above embodiment, the lighting control system 1 is realized by multiple devices, but it may be realized as a single device. For example, the lighting control system 1 may be realized as a single device equivalent to the Ctr parent unit 400. When the lighting control system 1 is realized by multiple devices, the components of the lighting control system 1 may be distributed in any manner among the multiple devices. For example, the server device 200 may have a first detection unit 110, a first storage unit 120, an information processing unit 130, a control unit 140, and a first communication unit 150.

It is preferable that all of the components of BKCtr100 are made redundant. This may allow BKCtr100 to continue operating even if some of its components fail. Specifically, it is preferable that multiple microcomputers or multiple processors that constitute the first detection unit 110, the information processing unit 130, and the control unit 140 are provided.

As a method for the first detection unit 110 to detect a failure of the Ctr slave unit, a method using a response confirmation signal has been shown. In this case, the following method may be used to determine whether the Ctr slave unit can control the lighting fixture.

As an example, first, each of the Ctr slave units 501-506 that receives a response confirmation signal from the first communication unit 150 outputs a first output signal to each of the lighting devices 601-606. Next, each of the lighting devices 601-606 that receives the first output signal outputs a second output signal to each of the Ctr slave units 501-506.

At this time, the Ctr slave unit among the Ctr slave units 501 to 506 that has acquired the second output signal is capable of communicating with the lighting fixture and is therefore deemed to be able to control the lighting fixture. The Ctr slave unit outputs a first response signal to the first communication unit 150. On the other hand, the Ctr slave unit among the Ctr slave units 501 to 506 that has not acquired the second output signal is unable to communicate with the lighting fixture and is therefore deemed unable to control the lighting fixture. The Ctr slave unit outputs a second response signal to the first communication unit 150.

The following processing may be performed for failures of the Ctr slave units and BKCtr 100. The first communication unit 150 outputs first failure information indicating that the first detection unit 110 has detected a failure of any of the Ctr slave units 501 to 506 to the second communication unit 220. Furthermore, the second memory unit 230 stores the first failure information acquired by the second communication unit 220. Furthermore, the second memory unit 230 stores second failure information indicating that the second detection unit 210 has detected a failure of BKCtr 100. The first failure information and the second failure information can be used for history management or maintenance prediction of the lighting control system 1.

In addition, the server device 200 may execute a program for detecting failures in the Ctr slave units 501-506 and the BKCtr 100 when the lighting control system 1 is started, etc. The program may include a machine learning model constructed by supervised learning based on the first failure information and the second failure information.

In addition, in the embodiment, one Ctr child device and one lighting fixture correspond one-to-one, but this is not limited, and one Ctr child device may control multiple lighting fixtures.

In addition, in S30, the information processing unit 130 assigns the third identification information to the failed Ctr child unit, but the following processing may be performed in addition to this. For example, in S30, processing is performed to update the correspondence information stored in the first storage unit 120 and the second storage unit 230. At this time, the correspondence information is updated so that the failed Ctr child unit and the third identification information assigned to the failed Ctr child unit are associated with each other.

As shown in the embodiment, BKCtr 100 can control lighting fixtures in place of a failed Ctr child device. Furthermore, if the Ctr parent device 400 fails, BKCtr 100 may perform the above-mentioned processing that the Ctr parent device 400 would perform in place of the failed Ctr parent device 400.

In addition, for example, the method of communication between the devices in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. In addition, a relay device (not shown) may be involved in the communication between the devices.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. Also, the order of multiple processes may be changed, and multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

In the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

In addition, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or an integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. In addition, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

In addition, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Also, the present invention may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

For example, the present invention may be realized as a lighting control method executed by a computer such as a lighting control system, or as a program for causing a computer to execute such a lighting control method. The present invention may also be realized as a program for causing a general-purpose computer to operate as the information terminal of the above-described embodiment. The present invention may also be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which these programs are recorded.

In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to the embodiments that a person skilled in the art may conceive, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

1 Lighting control system 100 BKCtr
110 First detection unit 120 First storage unit 130 Information processing unit 200 Server device 210 Second detection unit 220 Second communication unit 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506 Ctr slave unit 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606 Lighting fixture

Claims (11)

a first detection unit configured to detect a failure of a controller that is assigned first identification information for identification in a network and that controls the lighting device based on lighting control information for controlling the lighting device and the first identification information;
A storage unit in which the first identification information is stored in advance;
an information processing unit that, after the failure of the controller is detected, assigns the stored first identification information to a backup controller that backs up the controller and to which second identification information for identifying the backup controller on the network has been assigned, in place of the second identification information ; and
A second detection unit that detects a failure of the backup controller;
a communication unit that outputs a signal for the backup controller to recover from the failure ,
the backup controller to which the first identification information has been assigned controls the lighting device based on the lighting control information and the assigned first identification information. The backup controller is further provided.
The lighting control system according to claim 1 , wherein the backup controller stores the first detection unit, the storage unit, and the information processing unit. 3. The lighting control system according to claim 1, wherein after the failure of the controller is detected, the information processing unit assigns third identification information to the controller in place of the first identification information so that the controller can be identified in the network. The lighting control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the backup controller controls the lighting devices based on the lighting control information and the assigned first identification information even after the controller recovers from the failure. The first detection unit detects a failure of two or more of the plurality of controllers, each of which is assigned different first identification information and which control different lighting devices, and
the information processing unit, after the failure of the two or more controllers is detected, assigns to the backup controller two or more of the first identification information assigned to the two or more controllers in place of the second identification information;
The lighting control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the backup controller controls the plurality of lighting devices based on the lighting control information and each of the two or more pieces of first identification information assigned thereto. Further comprising a server device,
The server device includes:
The second detection unit;
The lighting control system according to claim 1 , further comprising the communication unit. a first detection unit configured to detect a failure of a controller that is assigned first identification information for identification in a network and that controls the lighting device based on lighting control information for controlling the lighting device and the first identification information;
A storage unit in which the first identification information is stored in advance;
an information processing unit that, after the failure of the controller is detected, assigns the stored first identification information to the backup controller, which is a backup controller for backing up the controller and to which second identification information for identifying the backup controller in the network has been assigned, in place of the second identification information;
the backup controller to which the first identification information has been assigned controls the lighting device based on the lighting control information and the assigned first identification information;
The storage unit stores an accumulated time during which the backup controller is connected to the network.
Lighting control system. The lighting control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the network is a wireless network. The lighting control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the network is a wired network. A backup controller,
a first detection unit configured to detect a failure of a controller that is assigned first identification information for identification in a network and that controls the lighting device based on lighting control information for controlling the lighting device and the first identification information;
A storage unit in which the first identification information is stored in advance;
an information processing unit that, after the failure of the controller is detected, assigns the stored first identification information to the backup controller that backs up the controller and to which second identification information for identifying the backup controller in the network has been assigned, instead of the second identification information;
the backup controller to which the first identification information has been assigned controls the lighting device based on the lighting control information and the assigned first identification information ;
The storage unit stores an accumulated time during which the backup controller is connected to the network.
Backup controller. A backup controller,
a first detection unit configured to detect a failure of a controller that is assigned first identification information for identification in a network and that controls the lighting device based on lighting control information for controlling the lighting device and the first identification information;
A storage unit in which the first identification information is stored in advance;
an information processing unit that, after the failure of the controller is detected, assigns the stored first identification information to the backup controller that backs up the controller and is assigned second identification information for identification in the network, instead of the second identification information;
the backup controller to which the first identification information has been assigned controls the lighting device based on the lighting control information and the assigned first identification information;
When a failure of the backup controller is detected by the second detection unit, a communication unit outputs a signal for the backup controller to recover from the failure;
The backup controller acquires the output signal.
Backup controller.

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