JP7720543B2 - Wireless communication device, wireless communication system, control system, load control system, data transmission method and program - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a wireless communication device, a wireless communication system, a control system, a load control system, a data transmission method, and a program that wirelessly communicates with a wireless device connected to a load device.

Conventionally, lighting control systems equipped with multiple lighting devices are known. As an example of this type of lighting control system, Figure 4 of Patent Document 1 discloses a lighting control system equipped with multiple lighting devices and a communication device (control terminal) that communicates with the multiple lighting devices. In this lighting control system, the communication device is used to control the lighting of the lighting devices.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-102183

For example, if a communication device that controls the lighting of a lighting device breaks down, the broken communication device must be replaced with a new one. In this case, communication settings must be configured for each of the multiple lighting devices to communicate with the new communication device, but configuring communication settings for each of the multiple lighting devices requires a great deal of effort.

The present disclosure therefore aims to provide a wireless communication device or the like that allows for easy communication settings.

One aspect of the wireless communication device disclosed herein comprises a communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a wireless device connected to a load device, and a setting unit that performs communication settings for the communication unit, wherein the setting unit performs the communication settings by externally acquiring setting data including information that enables wireless communication with the wireless device, and the setting unit has a first setting mode in which multiple items of data from the setting data are acquired through continuous communication and set all at once , and a second setting mode in which the multiple items of data are acquired through individual communication and set individually .

One aspect of the wireless communication system disclosed herein includes the wireless communication device described above and the wireless device connected to the load device.

One aspect of the control system disclosed herein includes the wireless communication device and a control device that controls the load device.

One aspect of the load control system disclosed herein includes the wireless communication device, the load device, the wireless device connected to the load device, and a control device that controls the load device.

One aspect of the data transmission method disclosed herein is a method for transmitting data to a wireless communication device that has a communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a wireless device connected to a load device and a setting unit that performs communication settings for the communication unit, and includes a transmission step of transmitting setting data to the wireless communication device that includes information that enables wireless communication between the wireless device and the wireless communication device, and the transmission step transmits the setting data in a mode selected from a first mode in which multiple items of data are transmitted in continuous communication to set the multiple items of data collectively, and a second mode in which the multiple items of data are transmitted in individual communication to set the multiple items of data individually.

One aspect of the program disclosed herein is a program for causing a computer to execute the above-described data transmission method.

The wireless communication device etc. disclosed herein allows for easy communication settings.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a load control system according to a first embodiment; 1 is a block diagram showing a wireless communication device, a load device, a wireless device, and a control device included in a load control system according to a first embodiment. 4 is a diagram showing setting data acquired by the wireless communication device according to the first embodiment; 4 is a flowchart illustrating operations of the wireless communication device and the information terminal according to the first embodiment. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing images displayed on an information terminal in the first embodiment; 4 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the wireless communication device and the information terminal according to the first embodiment. 7 is a sequence diagram showing the operations of the wireless communication device and the information terminal, following FIG. 6. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an image displayed on an information terminal in the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of a wireless communication device and an information terminal in a load control system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an image displayed on an information terminal in embodiment 3. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of a load device and an information terminal in a load control system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of a load device and an information terminal in a load control system according to a fourth embodiment.

The following embodiments are described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that each embodiment described below represents a specific example of the present disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not recited in an independent claim that represents an implementation of one aspect of the present disclosure are described as optional components. Implementation of the present disclosure is not limited to the current independent claim, but may also be expressed by other independent claims.

Please note that each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially identical components are assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations may be omitted or simplified.

(Embodiment 1)
[1-1. Outline of the load control system]
A schematic configuration of a load control system according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a load control system 1 according to embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the wireless communication device 50, load device 30, wireless device 40, and control device 60 included in the load control system 1.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the load control system 1 includes a wireless communication device 50, multiple load devices 30, a wireless device 40 connected to each load device 30, and a control device 60 that controls the load devices 30. For example, the wireless communication device 50 is a wireless controller, the load devices 30 are lighting devices, and the control device 60 is a transmission unit that transmits signals output from a switch 62 (described below) or the like to the load devices 30, etc.

The load control system 1 includes a wireless communication system 2 configured from a wireless device 40 and a wireless communication device 50. The load control system 1 also includes a control system 3 configured from a control device 60 and a wireless communication device 50.

The load control system 1 also includes a switch 62 that turns the load device 30 on and off, and a relay 64 that switches the supply of power to the load device 30 on and off based on whether the switch 62 is on or off. Also shown in Figures 1 and 2 are a communication interface 20 and an information terminal 10 that communicate with the wireless communication device 50. The information terminal 10 is, for example, a smartphone or tablet terminal. The communication interface 20 is a setting repeater that transfers signals output from the information terminal 10 to the wireless communication device 50.

Here, we will explain the wireless connection configuration of each device in the load control system 1.

Wireless communication device 50 and wireless device 40 can be connected via wireless communication c1 using a first communication method. Wireless communication c1 using the first communication method is, for example, communication using a specific low-power radio using a frequency in the 920 MHz band.

The wireless communication device 50 and the communication interface 20 can be connected via wireless communication c1 using a first communication method and wireless communication c2 using a second communication method. Wireless communication c2 using the second communication method is more directional than the first communication method, for example, communication using infrared rays. By using the highly directional wireless communication c2, the communication interface 20 can transmit necessary information to a specific wireless communication device 50. Note that while the above example shows a wireless communication device 50 and the communication interface 20 that can be connected via wireless communication c2, this is not limiting, and the wireless device 40 and the communication interface 20 may also be connected via wireless communication c2.

The communication interface 20 and the information terminal 10 can be connected via wireless communication c3 according to a third communication method. Wireless communication c3 according to the third communication method is communication using frequencies in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band standardized by IEEE 802.15.1.

For example, a user holds the information terminal 10 in one hand and the communication interface 20 in the other. Then, while alternately looking at both the information terminal 10 and the communication interface 20, the user operates the information terminal 10 and the communication interface 20 with their fingers, and sends specified information from the information terminal 10 to the wireless communication device 50 via the communication interface 20. The reason for interposing the communication interface 20 between the information terminal 10 and the wireless communication device 50 is to allow the information terminal 10, which offers a high degree of freedom, to perform operations adapted to various wireless communication devices 50, and to allow communication with the wireless communication device 50 to be performed using the communication interface 20 adapted to the communication method of the wireless communication device 50.

Next, we will explain the wired connection configuration of each device in the load control system 1.

The control device 60 is connected to the wireless communication device 50, switch 62, and relay 64 via signal line SL. The relay 64 is connected to each load device 30 via power line PL. The signal line SL is configured in such a way that it can control the target device while sending and receiving addresses using two signal lines.

The on/off signal of the switch 62 is output to the control device 60 via the signal line SL, and is further transmitted via the control device 60 to the relay 64. The relay 64 switches the supply of power to each load device 30 on or off depending on the signal received from the control device 60. In this way, the on/off state of the load device 30 is switched by the switch 62.

[1-2. Configuration of Load Device and Wireless Device]
Next, the configurations of the load device 30 and the wireless device 40 included in the load control system 1 will be described.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the wireless device 40 is a device connected to the load device 30. The wireless device 40 may be provided inside the housing of the load device 30, or may be provided outside the housing of the load device 30 in a housing different from the housing of the load device 30.

As shown in FIG. 2, the wireless device 40 has a first communication unit 41. The first communication unit 41 is, for example, a wireless module, and is connected via wiring to the load control unit 35 of the load device 30, which will be described later.

The first communication unit 41 is a communication circuit that communicates with the wireless communication device 50 via wireless communication c1 of the first communication method. The first communication unit 41 accepts a control signal transmitted from the wireless communication device 50 and outputs it to the load device 30.

The load device 30 is an electrical device with a load, such as a lighting device or an air conditioning device. In this embodiment, the load device 30 is a lighting device. While two load devices 30 are shown in Figure 1, in reality, multiple load devices, 100 or more, may be installed in the building's construction materials (such as the ceiling).

The load device 30 includes an output unit 37, which is a load, a load control unit 35 that controls the output unit 37, and a memory unit 36.

The memory unit 36 stores the communication address and MAC address (Media Access Control address) of the load device 30.

When the load device 30 is a lighting device, the output unit 37 is a light source that emits light. In this case, the output unit 37 has multiple light-emitting diodes that emit, for example, white, red, green, or blue light, and the load control unit 35 controls the dimming of the output unit 37 based on a control signal input from the wireless communication device 50 via the wireless device 40.

Immediately after replacing the failed wireless communication device with a new wireless communication device 50, pairing between the wireless device 40 and the wireless communication device 50 has not been set up. Pairing between the wireless device 40 and the wireless communication device 50 is achieved by performing communication settings for the wireless communication device 50, as described below. Pairing means that the devices mutually hold each other's communication addresses.

[1-3. Configuration of wireless communication device]
Next, the configuration of the wireless communication device 50 included in the load control system 1 will be described. The wireless communication device 50 is a wireless controller that controls the load device 30 via the wireless device 40. The wireless communication device 50 in this embodiment is, for example, a light control sensor. Although two wireless communication devices 50 are shown in FIG. 1 , in reality, ten or more wireless communication devices may be installed in the construction materials of a building.

As shown in FIG. 2, the wireless communication device 50 includes a first communication unit 51, a second communication unit 52, a wired communication unit 53, a sensor unit 54, a control unit 55, a memory unit 56, and a setting unit 57.

The first communication unit 51 is a communication circuit that communicates with either the first communication unit 41 of the wireless device 40 or the communication interface 20 via wireless communication c1 of the first communication method.

The second communication unit 52 is a communication circuit that communicates with the communication interface 20 via wireless communication c2 of the second communication method. The second communication unit 52 has an infrared receiving circuit and communicates via infrared using a communication method with higher directionality than the first communication unit 51.

The wired communication unit 53 is a communication circuit that communicates with the control device 60 via a signal line SL.

The sensor unit 54 is a detector that detects the illuminance of a floor surface or the like illuminated by the load device 30, which is a lighting device. The wireless communication device 50, for example, performs dimming control (constant illuminance control) on the output unit 37 of the load device 30 so that the illuminance detected by the sensor unit 54 becomes a predetermined value. Specifically, if the illuminance detected by the sensor unit 54 is higher than the predetermined illuminance, the dimming rate of the output unit 37 is decreased, and if it is lower, the dimming rate of the output unit 37 is increased. The sensor unit 54 may also be a motion sensor or an image sensor.

The memory unit 56 is a ROM, RAM, etc., and may include, for example, non-volatile memory. The memory unit 56 stores programs for operating the wireless communication device 50. The memory unit 56 also stores the communication address of the wireless communication device 50.

Immediately after replacing the failed wireless communication device with a new wireless communication device 50, the communication address of the wireless communication device 50 and the communication address of the load device 30 are not stored in the memory unit 56. The communication address of the wireless communication device 50 and the communication address of the load device 30 are stored in the memory unit 56 when communication settings are made for the wireless communication device 50.

The control unit 55 is composed of a microprocessor and the like. The control unit 55 controls the first communication unit 51, the second communication unit 52, the wired communication unit 53, the sensor unit 54, and the setting unit 57 by executing a program stored in the memory unit 56.

For example, when a faulty wireless communication device is replaced with a new wireless communication device 50, in this embodiment, the setting data D1 (see FIG. 3) of the load control system 1 before the wireless communication device was replaced is used to perform communication settings and control settings for the wireless communication device 50. Communication settings are settings performed to communicate with other devices, and include, for example, communication channel settings that set the frequency to be used for communication, communication address settings, and pairing settings that link with other devices. Control settings are settings performed to control other devices, and include, for example, settings related to dimming control of the load device 30, schedule control, and group control of multiple load devices 30.

The following describes the configuration of the setting unit 57, which performs communication settings and control settings for the wireless communication device 50.

The setting unit 57 performs communication settings for the first communication unit 51 by externally acquiring setting data D1 including information enabling wireless communication with the wireless device 40. The setting unit 57 also performs communication settings for the wired communication unit 53 by externally acquiring setting data D1 including information enabling wired communication with the control device 60. The external device is, for example, the information terminal 10, and the setting unit 57 acquires setting data D1 output from the information terminal 10 via the communication interface 20.

Figure 3 shows the setting data D1 acquired by the wireless communication device 50. The setting data D1 acquired by the wireless communication device 50 is the setting data of the load control system 1 before the wireless communication device was replaced, i.e., the past setting data.

As shown in FIG. 3, the setting data D1 includes information regarding the communication channel for wireless communication c1, the communication address of the wireless communication device 50, the dimming circuit address for grouping the load devices 30 and controlling dimming, the reference illuminance setting, the brightness/illuminance memory setting, the normal/scene switching setting, the wired address of the wireless communication device 50 used when communicating via wired communication over the signal line SL, and the communication address and MAC address of the load device 30 to be paired.

Of the setting data D1, the communication channel, the communication address of the wireless communication device 50, the dimming circuit address, and the communication address and MAC address of the load device 30 are communication setting information that enables wireless communication c1 with the wireless device 40. The setting unit 57 performs communication settings for the first communication unit 51 based on the communication setting information. For example, the setting unit 57 performs communication settings corresponding to the wireless device 40 by transmitting pairing update information that updates the pairing information between the wireless communication device 50 and the wireless device 40 to the wireless device 40 via the first communication unit 51.

Furthermore, the wired address of the wireless communication device 50 in the setting data D1 is communication setting information that enables wired communication with the control device 60. The setting unit 57 performs communication settings for the wired communication unit 53 based on this communication setting information.

Note that the setting data D1 includes not only the communication setting information described above, but also control setting information that enables control of the load device 30 via the wireless device 40. The control setting information is, for example, information related to the reference illuminance setting, brightness/illuminance storage setting, and normal/scene switching setting in the setting data D1. The setting unit 57 performs control settings corresponding to the load device 30 based on the control setting information.

In this way, the setting unit 57 of the wireless communication device 50 acquires the setting data D1 from the outside and performs the communication settings and control settings based on the acquired setting data D1, thereby enabling the communication settings of the wireless communication devices 50 to be performed simultaneously. This makes it easy to perform the communication settings and control settings of the wireless communication devices 50.

It is desirable that the replacement wireless communication device 50 be a new wireless communication device, but this is not limited to this and it may also be a used wireless communication device that has been used before.

When a used wireless communication device is used as the replacement wireless communication device 50, the wireless communication device 50 may not operate as intended due to the setting data already set in the used wireless communication device. Therefore, if the wireless communication device 50 before communication setting has setting information not included in setting data D1, the setting unit 57 may delete the setting information not included in setting data D1 or change it to an unset state, and then perform communication setting and control setting. This makes it possible to easily perform communication setting and control setting of the wireless communication device 50, even when a used wireless communication device is used as the replacement wireless communication device.

Furthermore, this embodiment is not limited to cases where wireless communication devices are replaced, but can also be applied when installing new wireless communication devices and when building new load control systems.

The setting unit 57 may also have a first setting mode in which multiple items of data from the setting data D1 are acquired through continuous communication, and a second setting mode in which the data for the multiple items is acquired through individual communication. The first setting mode is a mode in which multiple items of data are set all at once using the setting data D1, while the second setting mode is a mode in which the data for each item is set individually. In the first setting mode, multiple items are sent, but no operation is required each time, and the settings are made through continuous operations. On the other hand, in the second setting mode, only specific items are set when setting only a new item or changing the settings of an item that has already been set. This allows multiple items of data to be acquired through continuous or individual communication, simplifying the communication and control settings of the wireless communication device 50.

Furthermore, the setting unit 57 may edit the past setting data D1 and use the edited setting data D1 to set the communication settings and control settings, rather than using the past setting data D1 as is. That is, the setting unit 57 may have a first setting mode in which unedited setting data D1 is acquired, and a second setting mode in which edited setting data D1 is acquired. Even in this case, the communication settings and control settings of the wireless communication device 50 can be easily set based on the unedited or edited setting data D1.

[1-4. Configuration of Information Terminal]
Next, a description will be given of the configurations of the information terminal 10 and the communication interface 20. The information terminal 10 is a portable terminal that wirelessly outputs information that the wireless communication device 50 should acquire.

As shown in FIG. 2, the information terminal 10 includes a terminal communication unit 13, a terminal control unit 15, a memory unit 16, and a display unit 17.

The terminal communication unit 13 is a communication circuit that communicates with the communication interface 20 via wireless communication c3 of the third communication method.

The storage unit 16 is a ROM, RAM, etc., and may include, for example, non-volatile memory. The storage unit 16 stores the communication address of the information terminal 10 and programs for operating the information terminal 10. The storage unit 16 also stores setting data D1 as backup data for the load control system 1. For example, the setting data D1 is stored in the storage unit 16 by reading the setting data D1 stored in the communication interface 20 via wireless communication c3. The setting data D1 may also be stored in the storage unit 16 by reading backup data stored in the control device 60.

The terminal control unit 15 is composed of a microprocessor and other components. The terminal control unit 15 controls the terminal communication unit 13, memory unit 16, and display unit 17 by executing programs stored in the memory unit 16.

When performing communication settings and control settings on the wireless communication device 50, the terminal control unit 15 reads the setting data D1 stored in the memory unit 16 and transmits and outputs it to the outside. Specifically, the terminal control unit 15 transmits the setting data D1 to the wireless communication device 50 via the terminal communication unit 13 and the communication interface 20.

The display unit 17 is a touch panel that displays information and selection items necessary for performing communication settings and control settings for the wireless communication device 50. For example, the display unit 17 displays setting data for each wireless communication device 50 (see (b) in Figure 5). The display unit 17 may also display location information for the wireless communication device 50 for which setting data D1 is to be set.

The display unit 17 also functions as an input unit that accepts user input. The user can read the setting data D1 from the storage unit 16 and edit the setting data D1 using the display unit 17. When the setting data D1 is edited, the edited setting data D1 is saved in the storage unit 16 and is also transmitted and output to the communication interface 20 via the device communication unit 13.

[1-5. Configuration of communication interface]
Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the communication interface 20. The communication interface 20 is a setting relay that transfers the setting data D1 output from the information terminal 10 to the wireless communication device 50.

As shown in FIG. 2, the communication interface 20 includes a first communication unit 21, a second communication unit 22, an IF (interface) communication unit 23, an operation input unit 24, an IF (interface) control unit 25, and a memory unit 26.

The IF communication unit 23 is a communication circuit that communicates with the terminal communication unit 13 of the information terminal 10 via wireless communication c3 using the third communication method. The IF communication unit 23 receives setting data D1 transmitted from the information terminal 10.

The second communication unit 22 is a communication circuit that communicates with the second communication unit 52 of the wireless communication device 50 via wireless communication c2 of the second communication method. The second communication unit 22 is, for example, a transmitting circuit having an infrared LED.

The first communication unit 21 is a communication circuit that communicates with the first communication unit 51 of the wireless communication device 50 via wireless communication c1 of the first communication method. The first communication unit 21 transmits the setting data D1 received by the IF communication unit 23 to the wireless communication device 50.

The operation input unit 24 is an input switch provided on the surface of the housing of the communication interface 20. The operation input unit 24 is composed of, for example, one operation key.

The memory unit 26 is a ROM, RAM, etc., and may include, for example, non-volatile memory. The memory unit 26 stores the communication address of the communication interface 20 and a program that operates the communication interface 20. The memory unit 26 also stores setting data D1, which is backup data for the load control system 1.

The IF control unit 25 is composed of a microprocessor and the like. The IF control unit 25 controls the first communication unit 21, the second communication unit 22, the IF communication unit 23, the operation input unit 24, and the memory unit 26 by executing a program stored in the memory unit 26.

When the IF control unit 25 receives operation input from the operation input unit 24 while communication is established between the information terminal 10 and the communication interface 20 via wireless communication c3, it transmits a mode switching signal s1 to the wireless communication device 50 via the second communication unit 22. In practice, when "Enter Setting Mode" is selected from the menu on the screen of the information terminal 10, an operation input request (button press request) for the communication interface 20 is displayed on the screen. When operation input for the communication interface 20 is received, the mode switching signal s1 is transmitted. The mode switching signal s1 is a signal that switches the wireless communication device 50 between a state in which communication settings and control settings can be performed and a state in which they cannot. When the wireless communication device 50 first receives the mode switching signal s1, it transitions to the first setting mode, enabling writing of setting data D1; when the wireless communication device 50 next receives the mode switching signal s1, it cancels the first setting mode, disabling writing of setting data D1.

When the wireless communication device 50 has transitioned to the first setting mode, the IF control unit 25 receives the setting data D1 transmitted from the information terminal 10 and transfers the received setting data D1 to the wireless communication device 50. This allows the communication interface 20 to reliably allow the wireless communication device 50 to acquire the setting data D1.

[1-6. Operation of wireless communication device and information terminal]
Next, the operations of the wireless communication device 50 and the information terminal 10 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 7. Note that here, as the operations of the wireless communication device 50 and the information terminal 10, an example will be described in which communication settings and control settings are made to the wireless communication device 50 using the information terminal 10. Also, here, a case will be described in which the load device 30 is a lighting device and the wireless communication device 50 is a light control sensor.

Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the wireless communication device 50 and the information terminal 10. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an image displayed on the information terminal 10. Note that in Figures 4 and 5, the wireless communication device 50 is represented as a light sensor.

First, as preparation for performing communication settings and control settings on the light control sensor, the setting data D1 of the load control system 1 before the light control sensor is replaced is read (step S11 in Figure 4). Specifically, with communication established between the information terminal 10 and the communication interface 20, the setting data D1 is read from the communication interface 20 and saved in the information terminal 10. Note that if the information terminal 10 already has the setting data D1, step S11 may be omitted.

Next, the light control sensor for which communication settings and control settings are to be performed is selected (step S12 in Figure 4). For example, as shown in Figure 5(a), when an input to select "Light control sensor data recovery" is received on the maintenance function list screen of the information terminal 10, images of the sensor numbers corresponding to the multiple light control sensors are displayed. For example, as shown in Figure 5(b), when an input to select sensor number 7 out of the multiple light control sensors is received, light control sensor number 7 is selected as the target for communication settings and control settings.

Next, the light control sensor transitions to a first setting mode for configuring communication and control settings (step S13 in FIG. 4). For example, when the information terminal 10 shown in FIG. 5(b) receives an input to select a specific light control sensor and the communication interface 20 receives an operation input via the operation input unit 24, a mode switching signal s1 is sent to the light control sensor via wireless communication c2 (see FIG. 5(c)). Upon receiving the mode switching signal s1, the light control sensor transitions to the first setting mode, in which communication and control settings can be configured. As shown in FIG. 5(d), an image indicating that communication with the light control sensor is in progress is displayed on the information terminal 10.

When transmitting the mode switching signal s1 to the light control sensor via the communication interface 20, the information terminal 10 may simultaneously transmit the communication channel to be used in wireless communication c1 and the communication address of the communication interface 20. After receiving the mode switching signal s1, the light control sensor may return the communication channel to be used in wireless communication c1 to the information terminal 10 via the communication interface 20. By transmitting and receiving information related to the communication channel and communication address between the information terminal 10 and the light control sensor, communication settings for wireless communication c1 in the first setting mode can be appropriately made.

When the information terminal 10 transitions to the first setting mode, it transmits setting data D1 including information enabling wireless communication c1 between the light sensor and the wireless device 40 to the light sensor via the communication interface 20 (step S14 in FIG. 4). The light sensor acquires the setting data D1 output from the information terminal 10 and performs the communication setting and control setting described below. The communication setting and control setting described below are automatically performed between the information terminal 10, the communication interface 20, and the light sensor.

Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing the operation between the wireless communication device (light sensor) 50 and the information terminal 10. Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing the operation following that of Figure 6. In the first setting mode in Figures 6 and 7, the information terminal 10 and the communication interface 20 communicate via wireless communication c3, and the communication interface 20 and the light sensor communicate via wireless communication c1.

As shown in FIG. 6, the information terminal 10 first transmits data related to the communication channel of the first communication unit 51 from the setting data D1 to the light control sensor via the communication interface 20. The information terminal 10 then requests the light control sensor to set the communication channel. The light control sensor acquires the data related to the communication channel of the first communication unit 51 and sets the communication channel. The light control sensor then returns a communication channel setting response to the information terminal 10 via the communication interface 20.

In this way, the light control sensor first acquires data related to the communication channel of the first communication unit 51 from the setting data D1 and performs communication settings for the communication channel. Then, through wireless communication c1 using the communication channel of the first communication unit 51, the light control sensor acquires data including setting data other than the data related to the communication channel from the setting data D1. The following describes the case where the light control sensor acquires the above data other than the data related to the communication channel.

The information terminal 10 sends data related to the communication address of the light control sensor to the light control sensor via the communication interface 20 and requests that the communication address be set. The light control sensor acquires the data related to the communication address, sets the communication address, and sends a communication address setting response back to the information terminal 10 via the communication interface 20.

Next, the information terminal 10 sends data regarding the lighting device's dimming circuit address to the dimming sensor via the communication interface 20 and requests that the dimming circuit address be set. The dimming sensor acquires the data regarding the dimming circuit address, sets the dimming circuit address, and returns a dimming circuit address setting response to the information terminal 10 via the communication interface 20.

Next, the information terminal 10 sends data regarding the reference illuminance of the lighting device to the light control sensor via the communication interface 20 and requests that the reference illuminance be set. The light control sensor acquires the data regarding the reference illuminance, sets the reference illuminance, and returns a reference illuminance setting response to the information terminal 10 via the communication interface 20.

Next, the information terminal 10 sends data regarding the lighting device's brightness/illuminance memory to the light control sensor via the communication interface 20 and requests that the brightness/illuminance memory be set. The light control sensor acquires the data regarding the brightness/illuminance memory, sets the brightness/illuminance memory, and also sends a brightness/illuminance memory setting response back to the information terminal 10 via the communication interface 20.

Next, the information terminal 10 sends data regarding the normal/scene switching of the lighting device to the light control sensor via the communication interface 20 and requests that the normal/scene switching be set. The light control sensor acquires the data regarding the normal/scene switching, sets the normal/scene switching, and also sends a normal/scene switching setting response back to the information terminal 10 via the communication interface 20.

Next, the information terminal 10 sends data related to the wired address of the light control sensor to the light control sensor via the communication interface 20 and requests that the wired address be set. The light control sensor acquires the data related to the wired address, sets the wired address, and returns a wired address setting response to the information terminal 10 via the communication interface 20.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the information terminal 10 sends data related to unpairing to the light sensor via the communication interface 20 and requests the setting of unpairing. If the light sensor is a used light sensor and a pairing target has already been set, that pairing target is deleted. The light sensor returns a setting response of unpairing to the information terminal 10 via the communication interface 20.

Next, the information terminal 10 sends data related to pairing information to the light control sensor via the communication interface 20 and requests that the pairing information be set. The pairing information setting request is made as many times as necessary depending on the number of lighting devices to be paired. The light control sensor acquires this data related to pairing information, sets the pairing information, and returns a pairing information setting response to the information terminal 10 via the communication interface 20.

Next, the information terminal 10 sends data related to the pairing target to the light sensor via the communication interface 20 and requests that the pairing target be set. The light sensor acquires the data related to the pairing target, sets the pairing target, and returns a setting response for the pairing target to the information terminal 10 via the communication interface 20.

After acquiring this setting data D1, the light control sensor sequentially transmits pairing update information to the wireless devices 40 connected to each lighting device, and performs pairing settings for each wireless device 40. According to steps S14 and S15, the communication settings and control settings of the wireless communication device 50 can be performed automatically.

The information terminal 10 sends a signal to the light control sensor via the communication interface 20 to confirm whether the pairing setup has been completed, and requests confirmation of the completion of the pairing setup. When the light control sensor has completed the pairing setup with each lighting device, it sends a response to the information terminal 10 via the communication interface 20 indicating that the pairing setup has been completed.

These operations complete the pairing setup between the light sensor and the lighting device (step S15 in Figure 4). Then, a request to cancel the first setting mode is displayed on the display unit 17 of the information terminal 10, as shown in Figure 5 (e).

If an operation input is received from the operation input unit 24 of the communication interface 20, the first setting mode is cancelled (step S16 in Figure 4), and the communication setting and control setting of the light control sensor are completed, as shown in Figure 5 (f).

[1-7. Effects, etc.]
The wireless communication device 50 according to this embodiment includes a first communication unit 51 that performs wireless communication c1 with a wireless device 40 connected to a load device 30, and a setting unit 57 that performs communication settings for the first communication unit 51. The setting unit 57 performs the communication settings by externally acquiring setting data D1 that includes information that enables wireless communication c1 with the wireless device 40.

In this way, in the wireless communication device 50, the setting unit 57 acquires the setting data D1 from the outside and performs communication settings based on the acquired setting data D1. This allows the communication settings of the wireless communication devices 50 to be performed simultaneously based on the setting data D1, making it easy to perform communication settings for the wireless communication devices 50.

The wireless communication device 50 also has a second communication unit 52 that communicates wirelessly using a communication method with higher directionality than the first communication unit 51, and the setting unit 57 performs the communication setting after receiving a mode switching signal s1 via the second communication unit 52 to transition to a state in which communication setting can be performed.

This allows communication settings to be made after transitioning to a state where communication settings can be made. This ensures that communication settings for the wireless communication device 50 can be made reliably.

The setting unit 57 may also obtain data related to the communication channel of the first communication unit 51 from the setting data D1 and set the communication channel.

This allows the communication channel of the first communication unit 51 to be set first, ensuring that the communication channel of the first communication unit 51 of the wireless communication device 50 can be set reliably.

In addition, the setting unit 57 may acquire data including setting data other than data related to the communication channel from the setting data D1 via wireless communication c1 using the communication channel of the first communication unit 51.

In this way, the setting unit 57 can easily perform communication settings, etc. for the wireless communication device 50 by using the communication channel of the first communication unit 51 to obtain data including setting data other than data related to the communication channel.

The setting unit 57 may also perform communication settings corresponding to the wireless device 40 by transmitting pairing update information to the wireless device 40 via the first communication unit 51, which updates the pairing information between the wireless communication device 50 and the wireless device 40.

This makes it easy to configure communication settings for pairing between wireless communication device 50 and wireless device 40.

The setting data D1 may also include information that enables control of the load device 30 via the wireless device 40, and the setting unit 57 may perform control settings corresponding to the load device 30 by externally acquiring the setting data D1.

In this way, the wireless communication device 50 performs control settings based on the setting data D1, which includes information that enables control of the load device 30. This allows the control settings of the wireless communication devices 50 corresponding to the load devices 30 to be performed simultaneously based on the setting data D1, making it easy to perform the control settings of the wireless communication devices 50.

Furthermore, if the wireless communication device 50 has setting information that is not included in the setting data D1 before the communication setting is performed, the setting unit 57 may delete the setting information that is not included in the setting data D1 or change it to an unset state, and then perform the above communication setting and the above control setting.

This makes it possible to easily configure the communication and control settings of the wireless communication device 50, even when a used wireless communication device is used as the replacement wireless communication device.

The setting unit 57 may also have a first setting mode in which multiple items of data in the setting data D1 are acquired through continuous communication, and a second setting mode in which the multiple items of data are acquired through individual communication.

This allows multiple items of data to be obtained through continuous or individual communications, making it easy to configure communication and control settings for the wireless communication device 50.

The wireless communication device 50 further includes a wired communication unit 53 that communicates via wire with a control device 60 for controlling the load device 30, and the setting data D1 includes information that enables wired communication with the control device 60. The setting unit 57 may acquire the setting data D1 from an external device and perform communication settings corresponding to the control device 60.

In this way, the wireless communication device 50 performs communication settings based on the setting data D1, which includes information that enables communication with the control device 60. This allows the communication settings of the wired communication units 53 to be performed simultaneously based on the setting data D1, making it easy to perform communication settings for the wireless communication device 50.

The load device 30 may also be a lighting device.

This allows communication settings for the wireless communication devices 50 to be performed simultaneously based on the setting data D1 corresponding to the lighting devices, making it easy to perform communication settings for the wireless communication devices 50 corresponding to the lighting devices.

The wireless communication system 2 according to this embodiment includes the wireless communication device 50 and a wireless device 40 connected to a load device 30.

By including the wireless communication device 50 in the wireless communication system 2, communication settings in the wireless communication system 2 can be easily configured.

The control system 3 according to this embodiment includes the wireless communication device 50 and a control device 60 that controls the load device 30.

By including the wireless communication device 50 in the control system 3, communication settings in the control system 3 can be easily configured.

The load control system 1 according to this embodiment includes the wireless communication device 50, a load device 30, a wireless device 40 connected to the load device 30, and a control device 60 that controls the load device 30.

By including the wireless communication device 50 in the load control system 1, communication settings in the load control system 1 can be easily configured.

The information terminal 10 according to this embodiment includes a terminal communication unit 13 that wirelessly outputs information to be acquired by the wireless communication device 50, and the terminal communication unit 13 wirelessly outputs setting data D1 including information that enables wireless communication c1 between the wireless communication device 50 and a wireless device 40 connected to the load device 30.

In this way, the information terminal 10 wirelessly outputs setting data D1 including information that enables wireless communication c1 between the wireless device 40 and the wireless communication device 50, allowing the wireless communication device 50 to acquire the wirelessly output setting data D1 and perform communication settings based on this setting data D1. This allows communication settings for the wireless communication devices 50 to be performed simultaneously based on the setting data D1, making it easy to perform communication settings for the wireless communication devices 50.

Note that the information terminal 10 is not limited to the information terminal 10 described in this embodiment, but may be a communication interface 20 equipped with the functions of the information terminal 10, or a communication terminal that combines the information terminal 10 and the communication interface 20.

The information terminal 10 may also include a memory unit 16 that stores the setting data D1.

This allows the information terminal 10 to easily read and wirelessly output the setting data D1. This allows the communication settings of the wireless communication devices 50 to be performed simultaneously based on the wirelessly output setting data D1, making it easy to perform the communication settings of the wireless communication devices 50.

The information terminal 10 may further include a display unit 17 that displays setting data D1 for each wireless communication device 50.

This allows, for example, the wireless communication device 50 for which communication settings, etc., are to be performed to be selected from the wireless communication devices displayed on the display unit 17. This makes it easy to perform communication settings for the wireless communication device 50.

The display unit 17 may also display location information for the wireless communication device 50 to which the setting data D1 is to be set.

This allows the location of the wireless communication device 50 to be displayed on the display unit 17, making it easy to select the wireless communication device 50 for which to perform communication settings, etc. This makes it easy to perform communication settings for the wireless communication device 50.

The data transmission method according to this embodiment is a method for transmitting data to a wireless communication device 50, and includes the steps of saving configuration data D1 including information that enables wireless communication c1 between a wireless device 40 connected to a load device 30 and the wireless communication device 50, and transmitting the configuration data D1 to the wireless communication device 50.

In this way, by saving setting data D1 containing information that enables wireless communication c1 between wireless device 40 and wireless communication device 50 and transmitting this setting data D1 to wireless communication device 50, wireless communication device 50 can acquire the transmitted setting data D1 and configure communication settings based on this setting data D1. This allows communication settings for wireless communication devices 50 to be configured simultaneously based on setting data D1, making it easy to configure communication settings for wireless communication devices 50.

The program according to this embodiment is a program for causing a computer to execute the above-described data transmission method.

By using this program to send setting data D1 to the wireless communication device 50, communication settings for the wireless communication device 50 can be easily configured.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a load control system 1 according to a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, an example of stopping the wireless output of the wireless communication device 50 will be described with reference to Figs. 8 and 9. The wireless output is stopped, for example, when a malfunction occurs in the operation of the load device 30 due to a mixture of multiple wireless outputs, and a predetermined wireless output is intentionally stopped to identify the wireless output causing the malfunction.

Figure 8 shows an image displayed on the information terminal 10. Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the wireless communication device 50 and the information terminal 10 of the load control system 1. In embodiment 2, a case will be described in which the load device 30 is a lighting device and the wireless communication device 50 is a light control sensor.

First, as shown in FIG. 8(a), when an input to select "Stop wireless output" is received on the maintenance function list screen of the information terminal 10, a wireless stop/resume selection screen is displayed as shown in FIG. 8(b). When an input to select "Stop" is received on the screen shown in FIG. 8(b), the information terminal 10 sends a confirmation signal to the communication interface 20 to confirm whether or not there has been input on the operation input unit 24, as shown in FIG. 9. If there is no input at this timing, the communication interface 20 returns a signal indicating that there has been no input on the operation input unit 24 to the information terminal 10. In reality, the information terminal 10 periodically sends a confirmation request to the communication interface 20 until there is input (button press) on the operation input unit 24 to the communication interface 20 and the information terminal 10 receives a response from the communication interface 20 indicating that there has been input. The information terminal 10 displays a waiting screen for whether or not there has been input, as shown in FIG. 8(c).

Next, as shown in FIG. 9, when the communication interface 20 receives a confirmation signal confirming whether or not an input has been made to the operation input unit 24 while the operation input unit 24 is pressed, it replies to the information terminal 10 with a signal indicating that an input has been made to the operation input unit 24. The information terminal 10 then requests the communication interface 20 to change the wireless output settings. In response, the communication interface 20 replies with a change response to the information terminal 10 and also outputs a stop instruction signal to the light control sensor using wireless communication c2 to stop the output of the light control sensor's wireless communication c1. This causes the light control sensor to stop wireless output. A screen indicating the completion of the change request instruction is displayed on the information terminal 10, as shown in FIG. 8(d). When an input selecting "OK" is received on this screen, the screen returns to the maintenance function list screen shown in FIG. 8(a).

To resume wireless output from the light sensor, perform the same operation.

That is, when an input to select "Stop wireless output" is received on the maintenance function list screen of the information terminal 10, a wireless stop/resume selection screen is displayed, as shown in FIG. 8(b). When an input to select "Resume" is received on the screen shown in FIG. 8(b), the information terminal 10 sends a confirmation signal to the communication interface 20 to confirm whether or not there has been an input on the operation input unit 24, as shown in FIG. 9. If there is no such input at this timing, the communication interface 20 returns a signal to the information terminal 10 indicating that there has been no input on the operation input unit 24.

Next, as shown in FIG. 9, when the communication interface 20 receives a confirmation signal confirming whether or not there is input from the operation input unit 24 while the operation input unit 24 is pressed, it replies to the information terminal 10 with a signal indicating that there is input from the operation input unit 24. The information terminal 10 then requests the communication interface 20 to change the wireless output settings. In response, the communication interface 20 replies with a change response to the information terminal 10, and also outputs a resume instruction signal to the light control sensor using wireless communication c2 to resume output of the light control sensor's wireless communication c1. Upon receiving the resume instruction signal, the light control sensor resumes wireless output.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, a description will be given of a load control system 1 according to a third embodiment. In the third embodiment, an example will be described in which the load device 30 is reset and initialized. The load device 30 is initialized, for example, when a malfunction occurs in the operation of the load device 30 and the malfunction is resolved by initializing the load device 30.

In this load control system 1, the wireless device 40 connected to the load device 30 and the communication interface 20 can be connected via wireless communication c2 using the second communication method (not shown).

Figure 10 shows an image displayed on the information terminal 10. Figure 11 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the load device (lighting device) 30 and the information terminal 10 in the load control system 1. In embodiment 3, we will also explain the case where the load device 30 is a lighting device.

First, as shown in (a) of FIG. 10, when an input to select "Initialize Appliance" is received on the maintenance function list screen of the information terminal 10, a waiting screen is displayed to confirm whether or not there has been input on the operation input unit 24, as shown in (b) of FIG. 10. Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the information terminal 10 transmits a confirmation signal to the communication interface 20 to confirm whether or not there has been input on the operation input unit 24. If there is no input at this timing, the communication interface 20 returns a signal indicating that there has been no input to the information terminal 10.

Next, as shown in FIG. 11, when the communication interface 20 receives a confirmation signal confirming whether or not there is input from the operation input unit 24 while the operation input unit 24 is pressed, it replies to the information terminal 10 with a signal indicating that there is input from the operation input unit 24. The information terminal 10 then requests the communication interface 20 to initialize the lighting device. In response, the communication interface 20 replies with an initialization response to the information terminal 10, and also outputs an initialization signal to the lighting device using wireless communication c2 to initialize the lighting device.

However, the lighting device in this embodiment does not execute when it receives a single initialization signal via wireless communication c2, but executes when it receives multiple initialization signals. A screen waiting for a second press is displayed on the information terminal 10, as shown in Figure 10 (c).

When the communication interface 20 receives a confirmation signal again, confirming whether or not there has been input to the operation input unit 24 while the operation input unit 24 is pressed, it again sends a signal indicating that there has been input to the information terminal 10. The information terminal 10 then again requests the communication interface 20 to initialize the lighting device. In response, the communication interface 20 sends an initialization response back to the information terminal 10 and also outputs another initialization signal to the lighting device using wireless communication c2. The lighting device initializes itself by receiving these two initialization signals.

(Embodiment 4)
Next, a load control system 1 according to a fourth embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment, an example will be described in which the pairing information of the load device 30 is deleted. The pairing information of the load device 30 is deleted, for example, when it is desired to pair the load device 30 with another wireless communication device 50.

In embodiment 4, the wireless device 40 connected to the load device 30 and the communication interface 20 can also be connected via wireless communication c2 using the second communication method.

Figure 12 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the load device (lighting device) 30 and the information terminal 10 in the load control system 1. In embodiment 4, we will also explain the case where the load device 30 is a lighting device.

First, as shown in FIG. 12, the information terminal 10 sends a confirmation signal to the communication interface 20 to confirm whether or not there has been any input on the operation input unit 24. If there is no such input at this timing, the communication interface 20 returns a signal indicating that there has been no input to the information terminal 10.

Next, when a confirmation signal is sent confirming whether or not an input has been made to the operation input unit 24 while the operation input unit 24 is pressed, the communication interface 20 replies to the information terminal 10 with a signal indicating that an input has been made to the operation input unit 24. The information terminal 10 then requests the communication interface 20 to delete the pairing information for the lighting device. In response, the communication interface 20 replies to the information terminal 10 with a deletion response to the deletion request, and also outputs a deletion instruction signal to the lighting device using wireless communication c2 to cause the lighting device to delete the pairing information for the lighting device.

However, the lighting device in this embodiment does not execute upon receiving a single deletion command via wireless communication c2, but rather executes upon receiving multiple deletion commands.

When a confirmation signal is again sent from the operation input unit 24 while the operation input unit 24 is pressed, confirming whether or not there has been an input from the operation input unit 24, the communication interface 20 again replies to the information terminal 10 with a signal indicating that there has been an input from the operation input unit 24. The information terminal 10 then again requests the communication interface 20 to delete the pairing information for the lighting device. In response, the communication interface 20 replies with a deletion response to the information terminal 10 and again outputs a deletion instruction signal to the lighting device using wireless communication c2. By receiving these two deletion instruction signals, the lighting device deletes the pairing information with the light control sensor.

(Other forms)
Although the wireless communication device, wireless communication system, control system, load control system, information terminal, data transmission method, and program have been described above based on the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the present disclosure also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to the above embodiments that would occur to those skilled in the art, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure.

The second communication method in this embodiment is not limited to infrared communication, but may also be a communication method that allows for one-to-one correspondence, such as laser light or NFC (Near Field Communication).

Furthermore, the order of processes described in the flowcharts of the above embodiments is an example. The order of multiple processes may be changed, and multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

Furthermore, in the above embodiments, components such as the control unit may be realized by executing a software program appropriate 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.

Furthermore, components such as the control unit may be realized by hardware. For example, components such as the control unit may be circuits (or integrated circuits). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

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

For example, the present disclosure may be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute the processing performed by the information terminal of the above-described embodiment. Such a program includes an application program installed on a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet. The present disclosure may also be realized as a computer-readable, non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Load control system 2 Wireless communication system 3 Control system 10 Information terminal 16 Storage unit 17 Display unit 30 Load device 40 Wireless device 50 Wireless communication device 51 First communication unit 52 Second communication unit 53 Wired communication unit 57 Setting unit 60 Control device c1 Wireless communication by first communication method c2 Wireless communication by second communication method D1 Setting data s1 Mode switching signal

Claims (7)

a communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a wireless device connected to the load device;
a setting unit that performs communication settings for the communication unit,
the setting unit performs the communication setting by externally acquiring setting data including information enabling wireless communication with the wireless device;
The setting unit has a first setting mode in which data for multiple items of the setting data is acquired through continuous communication and set all at once, and a second setting mode in which data for the multiple items is acquired through individual communication and set individually . The wireless communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the second setting mode is a setting mode for newly setting or changing a specific item among the plurality of items. a wireless communication device according to claim 1 or 2;
and the wireless device connected to the load device. a wireless communication device according to claim 1 or 2;
a control device that controls the load device. a wireless communication device according to claim 1 or 2;
The load device;
the wireless device connected to the load device;
A load control system comprising: a control device that controls the load device. A method for transmitting data to a wireless communication device including a communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a wireless device connected to a load device and a setting unit that performs communication settings for the communication unit,
a transmitting step of transmitting, to the wireless communication device, setting data including information enabling wireless communication between the wireless device and the wireless communication device;
The data transmission method includes transmitting the setting data in a mode selected from a first mode in which the data for the plurality of items of setting data is transmitted in continuous communication in order to set the data for the plurality of items collectively, and a second mode in which the data for the plurality of items of setting data is transmitted in individual communication in order to set the data for the plurality of items individually. A program for causing a computer to execute the data transmission method described in claim 6.