JP7825545B2 - Lighting Equipment Inspection System - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a lighting device inspection system.

It is essential that disaster prevention lighting devices, such as emergency lights and guide lights, reliably turn on their light sources for the effective duration in an emergency. For this reason, disaster prevention lighting devices must be inspected to confirm their performance during emergency lighting. With conventional disaster prevention lighting devices that lack a self-inspection function, inspectors had to confirm that the light was on for the effective duration by, for example, continuously pressing an inspection switch. Even with disaster prevention lighting devices that do have a self-inspection function, inspectors still had to be present at the installation location to visually check the status of the disaster prevention lighting device. As such, the inspection work for conventional disaster prevention lighting devices was time-consuming and placed a heavy burden on the inspector.

For example, Patent Document 1 describes an automatic inspection system equipped with an emergency light control and monitoring panel that can control and monitor multiple emergency light automatic inspection devices by connecting communication units to each other to create a network. This automatic inspection system reduces the burden on inspection workers by inspecting multiple emergency lights at once.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-111347

In Patent Document 1, the inspection worker must start the inspection work and check the inspection results at the location where the control and monitoring panel is located. As a result, Patent Document 1 still places a heavy burden on the inspection worker.

The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems. The object of the present invention is to provide a lighting device inspection system that can reduce the burden on inspection workers compared to conventional systems.

A lighting device inspection system according to the present invention includes a lighting device having a self-inspection function and configured to be connectable to an external network, a remote control terminal having a function of transmitting inspection instructions to cause the lighting device to perform a self-inspection and configured to be connectable to the external network, and a storage system that stores information related to the self-inspection performed by the lighting device. The external network includes a network line to which the remote control terminal and the lighting device can be connected, and the storage system connected to the network line. When the lighting device receives an inspection instruction via the external network, it performs a self-inspection and transmits inspection result information that is information on the results of the self-inspection. The storage system receives and stores the inspection result information transmitted by the lighting device. The remote control terminal creates a report or inspection form in format data specified by relevant laws and regulations based on the inspection result information stored in the storage system.

The lighting device inspection system and lighting device of the present invention can reduce the burden on inspection workers compared to conventional methods.

1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a lighting device inspection system according to a first embodiment; 1 is a functional block diagram of a lighting device inspection system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lighting device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the lighting device inspection system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display of the remote control terminal of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the lighting device inspection system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating grouping according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a lighting device inspection system including a group of lighting devices according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the lighting device inspection system of the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the operation of transmitting an inspection instruction in a modified example of the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the lighting device inspection system according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the lighting device inspection system according to the fifth embodiment.

Hereinafter, a description of an embodiment of the present invention will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in each drawing indicate the same or corresponding parts. Duplicate descriptions will be simplified or omitted as appropriate.

Embodiment 1.
Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a lighting device inspection system according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of the lighting device inspection system according to embodiment 1. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2 , the lighting device inspection system according to this embodiment includes a lighting device 100 and a remote control terminal 200.

The lighting device 100 provided in the lighting device inspection system according to this embodiment has a self-inspection function. The lighting device 100 is, for example, a disaster prevention lighting device such as an emergency light or guide light.

The lighting device 100 of this embodiment is characterized by being configured to be connectable to an external network 300. As an example, the lighting device 100 is equipped with a communication interface 101 as communication means that can connect to the external network 300. The external network 300 is a network external to the lighting device 100, and is configured by a network line 301, etc. Examples of the network line 301 include telephone lines, ADSL, and optical lines owned by telecommunications carriers.

The remote control terminal 200 is a terminal configured to be connectable to the external network 300. Examples of the remote control terminal 200 include mobile devices such as smartphones, tablet terminals, and personal computers that can be connected to the network line 301. As an example, the remote control terminal 200 is equipped with a communication interface 201 that can be connected to the external network 300.

The remote control terminal 200 may be a general-purpose device such as a mobile device, tablet terminal, or personal computer, or may be a terminal such as a remote controller dedicated to the lighting device inspection system of this embodiment. An application or software for using the lighting device inspection system is installed in the remote control terminal 200. The remote control terminal 200 is operated by an inspection worker who inspects the lighting device 100. The inspection worker inspects the lighting device 100 by operating the remote control terminal 200.

In the lighting device inspection system of this embodiment configured as described above, the lighting device 100 and the remote control terminal 200 can communicate with each other via the external network 300. The lighting device 100 and the remote control terminal 200 can communicate with each other regardless of their respective locations. In other words, the remote control terminal 200 can communicate with the lighting device 100 regardless of the location of the inspection worker operating the remote control terminal 200.

The remote control terminal 200 has a screen and the ability to send inspection instructions to cause the lighting device 100 to perform a self-inspection. An inspection worker operates the remote control terminal 200 to cause the remote control terminal 200 to send inspection instructions. The lighting device 100 receives the inspection instructions sent from the remote control terminal 200 via the external network 300. In this way, an inspection worker can send inspection instructions to the lighting device 100 from any location by operating the remote control terminal 200 connected to the external network 300.

Lighting devices 100 connected to an external network 300 receive inspection instructions sent from a remote control terminal 200 via the external network 300. Upon receiving the inspection instruction, the lighting devices 100 perform a self-inspection. After performing the self-inspection, the lighting devices 100 transmit inspection result information, which is information on the results of this self-inspection.

The remote control terminal 200 connected to the external network 300 receives the inspection result information transmitted from the lighting device 100 via the external network 300. The remote control terminal 200 connected to the external network 300 can receive the inspection result information at any location, regardless of its own location relative to the lighting device 100. The remote control terminal 200 that has received the inspection result information displays the inspection result information on its screen.

With the lighting device inspection system of this embodiment configured as described above, the inspection worker can inspect the lighting device 100 at any location. Furthermore, the inspection worker can check the inspection results of the lighting device 100 at any location. This embodiment can reduce the time required to inspect the lighting device 100. Furthermore, the display of inspection result information by the remote control terminal 200 is performed at any time selected by the inspection worker operating the remote control terminal 200. The inspection worker can check the inspection results of the lighting device 100 at any time. In this way, the lighting device inspection system of this embodiment can further reduce the burden on the inspection worker.

Communication between the lighting device 100 and the remote control terminal 200 may be performed via a storage system 310 connected to the network line 301. The storage system 310 is a system that temporarily holds or stores information. The storage system 310 is constructed, for example, on a server connected to the network line 301.

Furthermore, the lighting device 100 may be configured to connect to the network line 301 via the storage system 310. Similarly, the remote control terminal 200 may be configured to connect to the network line 301 via the storage system 310. In this disclosure, what is simply referred to as the "external network 300" includes the storage system 310 and the network line 301 collectively.

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lighting device 100 according to embodiment 1. Here, with reference to each figure, each component of the lighting device inspection system according to this embodiment will be described in more detail. As described above, communication between the lighting device 100 and the remote control terminal 200 may be performed via the storage system 310. Below, as an example, a lighting device inspection system including the lighting device 100, the remote control terminal 200, and the storage system 310 will be described.

As shown in Figure 3, the lighting device 100 has a built-in storage battery 102. The lighting device 100 also has a light source 103 that can be turned on using power from the storage battery 102 in an emergency. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the lighting device 100 also has a control unit 110 for controlling the overall operation of the lighting device 100.

The control unit 110 includes a control circuit 120 and a memory/processing device 130. The control unit 110 also includes a rectifier circuit 111 for converting power supplied from an external AC power source, as shown in FIG. 3. The rectifier circuit 111 is not shown in FIG. 2.

The control circuit 120 is a circuit for controlling the operation of the storage battery 102, light source 103, etc. The control circuit 120 includes, for example, a power generation circuit 121 connected to the rectifier circuit 111. The control circuit 120 also includes, for example, a charging circuit 122 for charging the storage battery 102. The control circuit 120 also includes, for example, a normal lighting circuit 123 and an emergency lighting circuit 124. The normal lighting circuit 123 is for lighting the light source 103 under normal circumstances. The emergency lighting circuit 124 is for lighting the light source 103 using power from the storage battery 102 in an emergency.

In this embodiment, the self-inspection of the lighting device 100 is performed by operating the control circuit 120 connected to the storage battery 102 and the light source 103. The lighting device 100 may be provided with, for example, an inspection switch 104 that allows an inspector to manually perform the inspection. The control circuit 120, which is an example of a self-inspection means, may operate to perform a self-inspection when a self-inspection switch (not shown) is operated.

The memory and calculation device 130 is, for example, a device such as a microcomputer. Various types of information are stored in the memory and calculation device 130. The memory and calculation device 130 also performs various calculations. The memory and calculation device 130 and the control circuit 120 are connected to each other. Various signals are input to the memory and calculation device 130 from the control circuit 120. The control circuit 120 also operates based on the output from the memory and calculation device 130.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 2, the memory and calculation device 130 has a CPU 131, a transmitter/receiver 132, an inspection result storage and update unit 133, an inspection implementation unit 134, and an operating condition memory unit 135. The CPU 131 executes pre-stored programs to perform pre-set processing.

The transmitter/receiver 132 is used to receive inspection instructions from the remote control terminal 200 via the communication interface 101 and the external network 300. The transmitter/receiver 132 is also used to transmit inspection result information via the communication interface 101 and the external network 300. In this embodiment, the transmitter/receiver 132 constitutes the receiving means and transmitting means provided in the lighting device 100.

The inspection result storage and update unit 133 stores inspection result information, which is information about the results of self-inspections of the lighting device 100, and updates the stored inspection result information. The inspection result information stored in the inspection result storage and update unit 133 is transmitted by the transmission/reception unit 132 to the remote control terminal 200 via the communication interface 101 and the external network 300.

The inspection execution unit 134 is used to execute a self-inspection of the lighting device 100. When the transceiver unit 132 receives an inspection instruction, the inspection execution unit 134 performs processing to operate the control circuit 120 so that a self-inspection is executed. In this embodiment, the inspection execution unit 134 is an example of a self-inspection means for executing a self-inspection. In addition, the operating condition storage unit 135 stores various operating conditions for the lighting device 100.

The remote control terminal 200 also includes a memory and processing device 230, as shown in FIG. 2. This memory and processing device 230 is a device such as a microcomputer, similar to the memory and processing device 130. Applications or software for using the lighting device inspection system are incorporated into the memory and processing device 230 and are executed by the memory and processing device 230.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 2, the memory and calculation device 230 has a CPU 231, a transmission/reception unit 232, an inspection instruction unit 233, an inspection reservation unit 234, and an operating condition memory unit 235. Like CPU 131, CPU 231 executes pre-stored programs to perform pre-set processing.

The transmitting/receiving unit 232 communicates with the transmitting/receiving unit 132 via the communication interface 201, the external network 300, and the communication interface 101. In this embodiment, the transmitting/receiving unit 232 transmits inspection instructions to the transmitting/receiving unit 132 and receives inspection result information from the transmitting/receiving unit 132. The inspection result information received by the transmitting/receiving unit 232 is displayed on a screen such as an LCD display provided on the remote control terminal 200. Note that the means by which the remote control terminal 200 displays the inspection result information may be any means and is not limited to an LCD display.

The inspection instruction unit 233 generates inspection instructions in response to the operation of the remote control terminal 200 by the inspection worker. The inspection instructions generated by the inspection instruction unit 233 are transmitted by the transmission/reception unit 232. Furthermore, the inspection worker generates reservation information for the scheduled inspection via the inspection reservation unit 234. This reservation information includes information such as the time when the lighting device 100 will perform its self-inspection. The reservation information is generated in response to the operation of the remote control terminal 200 by the inspection worker. The reservation information generated by the inspection reservation unit 234 is transmitted by the transmission/reception unit 232 together with the inspection instructions.

The operating condition memory unit 235 also stores various operating conditions for the lighting device 100 set by the inspection worker. The operating conditions stored in the operating condition memory unit 235 are transmitted by the transceiver unit 232. The transmitted operating conditions are received by the transceiver unit 132 of the lighting device 100 via the external network 300. The operating conditions received by the transceiver unit 132 are stored in the operating condition memory unit 135.

Next, we will explain the operation of the lighting device inspection system configured as described above. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the lighting device inspection system of embodiment 1.

First, the inspection worker operates the remote control terminal 200 to send an inspection instruction to the lighting device 100 to be inspected, causing it to perform a self-inspection. The inspection worker may also send reservation information along with the inspection instruction to the remote control terminal 200 (step S201).

The inspection instruction sent from the remote control terminal 200 is received by the storage system 310 (step S301). The storage system 310 then transmits the received inspection instruction to the lighting device 100 to be inspected (step S302).

The inspection instruction sent from the storage system 310 is received by the lighting device 100 (step S101). Upon receiving the inspection instruction, the lighting device 100 automatically performs a self-inspection (step S102). If reservation information is sent from the remote control terminal 200, the reservation information is received by the lighting device 100 via the storage system 310. Upon receiving the reservation information, the lighting device 100 automatically performs a self-inspection at the time set by the inspection worker based on the reservation information. After completing the self-inspection, the lighting device 100 transmits inspection result information, which is information about the results of the self-inspection (step S103).

The inspection result information transmitted from the lighting device 100 is received by the storage system 310 (step S303). The inspection result information is temporarily stored in the storage system 310. The inspection result information transmitted from the lighting device 100 is received by the remote control terminal 200 via the storage system 310, just as when an inspection instruction is transmitted from the remote control terminal 200.

In this embodiment, the remote control terminal 200 receives and displays the inspection result information at any time selected by the inspection worker operating the remote control terminal 200. For example, the remote control terminal 200 has a function for sending an inspection result request to receive inspection result information. When the inspection worker wishes to check the inspection result information, the inspection worker operates the remote control terminal 200 to send the inspection result request (step S202). The inspection result request sent from the remote control terminal 200 is received by the storage system 310 (step S304).

Upon receiving the inspection result request, the storage system 310 transmits the inspection result information that it temporarily stored (step S305). The remote control terminal 200, which transmitted the inspection result request in response to the inspection worker's operation, receives the inspection result information transmitted from the storage system 310 (step S203). The remote control terminal 200, which has received the inspection result information, displays the inspection result information. The inspection worker confirms the inspection result information displayed by the remote control terminal 200, and the inspection of the lighting device 100 is completed (step S204).

The lighting device inspection system of this embodiment may include multiple lighting devices 100. Each of the multiple lighting devices 100 is individually identified using an address that is set in advance for each lighting device 100. The address of each lighting device 100 is set, for example, by writing the address to the memory and processing device 130 on the production line when the control unit 110 is produced. The address of each lighting device 100 is set, for example, so that the last digit counts up for each lighting device 100.

When a lighting device 100 is installed, the address information of that lighting device 100 is acquired by the remote control terminal 200 or another device. The acquired address information is transmitted to the inspection worker. The inspection worker checks the address information and sends an inspection instruction to any lighting device 100 that is to be inspected.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display on the remote control terminal 200 in embodiment 1. Figure 5(a) is an image of the screen of the remote control terminal 200 when an inspection instruction and reservation information are being sent. As shown in Figure 5(a), the screen of the remote control terminal 200 displays address information for each lighting device 100. The inspection worker checks the displayed address information and selects the lighting device 100 to be inspected. The inspection worker then sets an inspection start time for each lighting device 100 to be inspected. The inspection worker selects immediate inspection or an arbitrary time that has been set, and presses the send button. This causes the inspection instruction to be sent. If an arbitrary time has been set, reservation information is also sent.

Once the inspection start time has been set, it can be changed as long as it is before the time arrives. Information about the inspection start time that has been set is stored in the storage system 310. The information stored in the storage system 310 is updated as the inspection worker repeatedly operates the remote control terminal 200. This changes the inspection start time.

Figure 5(b) is an image of the screen of the remote control terminal 200 when an inspection result request is sent. As shown in Figure 5(b), address information for each lighting device 100 for which an inspection has been performed is displayed. The inspection worker checks the displayed address information, checks the address information for the lighting device 100 for which they wish to check the inspection results, and presses the send button. This causes an inspection result request to be sent to obtain inspection result information for the lighting device 100 corresponding to the checked address information.

Figure 5(c) is an image of the screen of the remote control terminal 200 when the inspection result information is displayed. The inspection result information displayed by the remote control terminal 200 includes, for example, the pass/fail result of the inspection of each lighting device 100, the lighting time, the discharge voltage (voltage of the storage battery) after a specified time, and the judgment result of the storage battery life.

As described above, by configuring a lighting device inspection system, an inspection worker can inspect a lighting device 100 without having to go to the site where the lighting device 100 is located. By operating the remote control terminal 200, the inspection worker can remotely control the lighting device 100 via the external network 300. Furthermore, the inspection worker can, for example, have the lighting device 100 perform a self-inspection at night and check the inspection results at a time that is convenient for the inspection worker. The lighting device inspection system of this embodiment can reduce the amount of time that the inspection worker is tied up in inspection work.

For example, when inspecting emergency lights with a standard effective lighting time, the total time that inspection workers are required to complete the inspection can be reduced by approximately 30 minutes compared to conventional methods. When inspecting emergency lights with a long-term rating, the total time that inspection workers are required to complete the inspection can be reduced by approximately 60 minutes compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, when inspecting emergency lights with a standard effective lighting time, the total time that inspection workers are required to complete the inspection can be reduced by approximately 20 minutes compared to conventional methods. When inspecting emergency lights with a long-term rating, the total time that inspection workers are required to complete the inspection can be reduced by approximately 60 minutes compared to conventional methods.

As described above, the lighting device inspection system and lighting device 100 of this embodiment can reduce the burden on inspection workers compared to conventional systems. For example, when there is no one in the building in which the lighting device 100 is installed, such as at night, the inspection worker can inspect the lighting device 100 without entering the building. This also reduces the risk of insufficient inspections being performed that do not include items that should be performed, such as simply checking whether the emergency lights are turned on.

Note that communication between the lighting device 100 and the remote control terminal 200 may be performed without going through the storage system 310. For example, storage of inspection result information may be performed by a memory and processing device 130, such as a microcomputer, mounted on the lighting device 100 instead of the storage system 310. The inspection result request sent from the remote control terminal 200 may be received by the lighting device 100. The lighting device 100 may then be configured to send the inspection result information upon receiving the inspection result request sent from the remote control terminal 200.

Embodiment 2.
Next, a second embodiment will be described. Components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be simplified or omitted. As with the first embodiment, the lighting device inspection system of this embodiment includes a lighting device 100 and a remote control terminal 200. The lighting device 100 and the remote control terminal 200 communicate via an external network 300. The external network 300 includes, for example, a network line 301 and a storage system 310.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the lighting device inspection system of embodiment 2. The lighting device inspection system of this embodiment shown in Figure 6 is characterized by having a repeat function. If the remote control terminal 200 is powered off or if the remote control terminal 200 is out of range and cannot connect to the network line 301, the inspection result information sent from the lighting device 100 may not reach the remote control terminal 200. The repeat function is a function that resends the inspection result information if it does not reach the remote terminal. Below, with reference to Figure 6, the operation of the lighting device inspection system of this embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from embodiment 1.

In FIG. 6(a), steps S211 and S212 are similar to steps S201 and S202 in embodiment 1, respectively, and therefore detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, steps S311 to S314 are similar to steps S301 to S304 in embodiment 1, and therefore detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. Steps S111 to S113 are similar to steps S101 to S103 in embodiment 1, and therefore detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The storage system 310 stores the inspection result information received in step S313. When the storage system 310 receives an inspection result request in step S314, it transmits the stored inspection result information (step S315). If the inspection result information transmitted by the storage system 310 is not received by the remote control terminal 200 (step S213), the storage system 310 retransmits the inspection result information. For example, the storage system 310 retransmits the inspection result information after a certain period of time has elapsed since the inspection result information was transmitted. This certain period of time is set in advance by, for example, the remote control terminal 200. The storage system 310 manages information so that the inspection result information received by the remote control terminal 200 is the most recent inspection result information.

When the inspection result information transmitted by the storage system 310 is received by the remote control terminal 200 (step S213), the inspection result information is displayed by the remote control terminal 200. The inspection worker confirms the displayed inspection result information, and the inspection of the lighting device 100 is completed (step S214).

Furthermore, Figure 6(b) shows a modified example of embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 6(b), the retransmission of inspection result information may be performed by the lighting device 100. The modified example of embodiment 2 shown in Figure 6(b) will be described in more detail below.

In Figure 6(b), steps S221 and S222 are similar to steps S211 and S212, respectively, in Figure 6(a). Steps S321 and S322 in Figure 6(b) are similar to steps 311 and 312, respectively, in Figure 6(a). Also, steps S325 and S326 in Figure 6(b) are similar to steps 314 and 315, respectively, in Figure 6(a). Steps S121 to S123 in Figure 6(b) are similar to steps S111 to S113 in embodiment 1 in Figure 6(a).

The inspection result information transmitted from the lighting device 100 in step S123 is received and stored by the storage system 310. The storage system 310 determines whether the received inspection result information was transmitted from the lighting device 100 for the first time or was retransmitted (step S323).

If the received inspection result information is the first time it has been transmitted from the lighting device 100, the storage system 310 stores the inspection result information and waits (step S324). Furthermore, if the received inspection result information is a retransmission from the lighting device 100, the storage system 310 transmits the inspection result information. The storage system 310 also transmits the inspection result information if it receives an inspection result request in step S325 (step S326).

When the inspection result information sent by the storage system 310 is received by the remote control terminal 200 (step S223), the inspection result information is displayed by the remote control terminal 200. The inspection worker confirms the displayed inspection result information, and the inspection of the lighting device 100 is completed (step S224). Furthermore, when the inspection result information sent by the storage system 310 is not received by the remote control terminal 200 (step S223), the storage system 310 sends an inspection result request to the lighting device 100 to have the inspection result information resent (step S327). Upon receiving the inspection result request from the storage system 310, the lighting device 100 resends the inspection result information.

The determination in step S213 in FIG. 6(a) and the determination in step S223 in FIG. 6(b) are, in other words, a determination as to whether the inspection result information was received by the remote control terminal 200 within a certain time after the lighting device 100 or the storage system 310 transmitted the inspection result information. The above determination may be performed by any of the remote control terminal 200, the storage system 310, or the lighting device 100.

As described above, the lighting device inspection system of this embodiment is configured so that if inspection result information is not received by the remote control terminal 200 within a certain period of time after it has been transmitted to the remote control terminal 200, at least one of the lighting device 100 and the storage system 310 will retransmit the inspection result information. The lighting device inspection system of this embodiment, for example, reduces the effort required for an inspector to check the inspection results. It also reduces the possibility of an inspector making a mistake, such as forgetting to check the inspection results.

Note that communication between the lighting device 100 and the remote control terminal 200 may be performed without going through the storage system 310, as in embodiment 1. Management of inspection result information may be performed by a memory and processing device 130, such as a microcomputer, mounted in the control unit 110 of the lighting device 100, rather than by the storage system 310.

Embodiment 3.
Next, a third embodiment will be described. Similar to the above-described embodiments, the lighting device inspection system of this embodiment includes a lighting device 100 and a remote control terminal 200. Similar to the above-described embodiments, the lighting device 100 and the remote control terminal 200 communicate with each other via an external network 300.

Figures 7 and 8 are diagrams showing an example of the operation of the lighting device inspection system of this embodiment. In particular, Figure 7 is a diagram explaining the grouping of embodiment 3. Also, Figure 8 shows an example of the operation of the lighting device inspection system including the grouped lighting devices of embodiment 3.

The lighting device inspection system of this embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8 is characterized by having a multiple simultaneous inspection function. For example, there may be multiple lighting devices 100 to be inspected installed in the same building. The multiple simultaneous inspection function is a function that groups multiple lighting devices 100 into a single lighting device group and inspects the grouped multiple lighting devices 100 all at once. Below, with reference to Figures 7 and 8, the lighting device inspection system of this embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the above-mentioned embodiments. Note that in Figure 7, "group" is abbreviated as "GP" for simplicity.

In this embodiment, the remote control terminal 200 has a function for transmitting a grouping instruction for grouping multiple lighting devices 100 into a lighting device group. As shown in FIG. 7 , the inspection worker operates the remote control terminal 200 to transmit a grouping instruction for grouping multiple lighting devices 100 to be inspected together into a lighting device group (step S231). Note that the number of lighting device groups may be one or two or more, i.e., any number. Grouping is set using addresses for individual identification of the lighting devices 100.

The grouping instruction transmitted from the remote control terminal 200 is passed through the storage system 310 (steps S331 and S332) and received by the lighting device 100 (step S131). The lighting device 100 performs grouping based on the received grouping instruction (step S132). Once grouping is complete, the lighting device 100 transmits grouping completion information indicating that grouping has been completed (step S133).

The grouping completion information transmitted from the lighting device 100 is passed through the storage system 310 (steps S333 and S334) and received by the remote control terminal 200 (step S232). When the inspection worker confirms the grouping completion information received by the remote control terminal 200, the grouping process shown in Figure 7 is completed.

After grouping is complete, the inspection worker operates the remote control terminal 200 to send an inspection instruction to the lighting devices to be inspected to perform a self-inspection, as shown in FIG. 8 (step S241). Subsequent operations are essentially the same as in embodiment 1. Steps S241 to S244 in FIG. 8 are similar to steps S201 to S204 in embodiment 1, and therefore detailed descriptions are omitted. Steps S341 to S345 are similar to steps S301 to S305 in embodiment 1, and therefore detailed descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, steps S141 to S143 are similar to steps S101 to S103 in embodiment 1, and therefore detailed descriptions are omitted.

In this embodiment, the remote control terminal 200 transmits an inspection instruction to each lighting device group, as shown in FIG. 8. The inspection instruction transmitted from the remote control terminal 200 is simultaneously transmitted to multiple lighting devices 100 included in the lighting device group. Each lighting device 100 performs a self-inspection upon receiving the inspection instruction. In this embodiment, an inspection worker can inspect multiple lighting devices 100 at once.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, each lighting device group transmits inspection result information to the remote control terminal 200. In this embodiment, the inspection worker can check the inspection results of multiple lighting devices 100 all at once. In this way, the lighting device inspection system of this embodiment can further reduce the burden on the inspection worker.

Note that the lighting devices 100 to be grouped do not necessarily have to be installed in the same building. For example, lighting devices 100 installed in a first building and lighting devices 100 installed in a second building may be grouped into one lighting device group. Furthermore, the inspection worker may operate the remote control terminal 200 to receive inspection result information for some, but not all, of the lighting devices 100 included in the lighting device group.

Furthermore, as in the first and second embodiments, communication between the lighting device 100 and the remote control terminal 200 may be performed without going through the storage system 310. For example, the grouping process and management of grouping completion information may be performed by the storage system 310, or may be performed by the memory and processing device 130 installed in the lighting device 100.

Figure 9 is a diagram showing a modified example of the lighting device inspection system of embodiment 3. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the operation of transmitting an inspection instruction in the modified example of embodiment 3. In this modified example, the lighting device inspection system is characterized by further having a scheduling function. The scheduling function is a function that staggers the timing at which each lighting device 100 is inspected.

As in the above-described embodiment, in this modified example, the inspection worker transmits a grouping instruction to group multiple lighting devices 100 that the inspection worker wishes to inspect together into a lighting device group (step S251). Here, the inspection worker sets one of the multiple lighting devices 100 that the inspection worker wishes to group into a lighting device group as a parent device. The lighting devices other than this parent device are set as child devices of this parent device. The grouping instruction, which includes information regarding the settings of the parent device and child devices, is transmitted to the lighting devices 100 via the storage system 310 (steps S351 and S352).

The grouping instruction, which includes information about the settings of the master and slave devices, is received by each lighting device 100 included in the lighting device group (steps S151a and S151b). The multiple lighting devices 100 then group themselves based on the received grouping instruction (steps S152a and S152b). This forms a lighting device group. One of the lighting devices in the group becomes the master device, and the others become slave devices.

The lighting device group including the parent and child devices transmits grouping completion information (steps S153a and S153b). The grouping completion information transmitted from the lighting device group is passed through the storage system 310 (steps S353 and S354) and received by the remote control terminal 200 (step S252). When the inspection worker confirms the grouping completion information received by the remote control terminal 200, the setting and grouping of the parent and child devices is completed.

After the parent and child units have been configured and grouped, the inspection worker operates the remote control terminal 200 to send an inspection instruction (step S253), as shown in FIG. 10. The inspection instruction sent from the remote control terminal 200 is then transmitted to the parent and child units via the storage system 310 (steps S355 and S356).

Here, the storage system 310 transmits inspection instructions so as to stagger the timing at which each lighting device 100 is inspected. For example, the storage system 310 staggers the timing at which it transmits an inspection instruction to the parent unit and the timing at which it transmits an inspection instruction to the child units. Furthermore, the storage system 310, for example, includes information on the time at which each lighting device 100 will begin inspection in the inspection instruction sent to each lighting device 100. This time is set to a different time for each lighting device. Note that the management of inspection instructions that stagger the timing at which each lighting device 100 is inspected may be performed by the memory and calculation device 230 installed in the remote control terminal 200, rather than by the storage system 310.

As shown in FIG. 9, the parent unit and the child unit receive an inspection instruction (steps S154a and S154b). Having received the inspection instruction, the parent unit and the child unit perform a self-inspection (steps S155a and S155b). As an example, among the lighting devices, the parent unit starts its self-inspection first. After the parent unit starts its self-inspection, the child units start their self-inspections one by one, or multiple by multiple. The intervals between the start of the self-inspection of each lighting device 100 are set to any interval by the inspection worker operating the remote control terminal 200. It is preferable that the intervals between the start of the self-inspection of each lighting device 100 be equal to or longer than the effective lighting time, which is the time required for the self-inspection.

A child unit that has completed its self-inspection transmits inspection result information to the parent unit (step S156b). The parent unit that has completed its self-inspection determines whether it has received all of the inspection result information from the child units (step S156a). If the parent unit that has completed its self-inspection has not received all of the inspection result information from the child units, it waits until it receives all of the inspection result information from the child units (step S157a). Once the parent unit that has completed its self-inspection has received all of the inspection result information from the child units, it transmits the inspection result information for each lighting device 100 together (step S158a). In this way, in this modified example, the inspection result information for multiple lighting devices 100 included in the lighting device group is transmitted together by the parent unit.

The operations from step S158a onwards are the same as those from step S143 onwards in Figure 8. Steps S357 to S359 in Figure 9 are the same as steps S343 to S345 in Figure 8, so detailed explanations will be omitted. Also, steps S254 to S256 in Figure 9 are the same as steps S242 to S244 in Figure 8, so detailed explanations will be omitted. The inspection result information transmitted collectively by the parent unit is received by the remote control terminal 200.

For example, if an emergency occurs while people are inside a building, and all lighting devices 100 installed in the building are inspected at the same time, there is a risk that each lighting device 100 may not be able to fully perform its intended function, such as evacuation guidance. The scheduling function shown in this modified example is an effective function in such situations.

Embodiment 4.
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. Similar to the above-described embodiments, the lighting device inspection system of this embodiment includes a lighting device 100 and a remote control terminal 200. The remote control terminal 200 of this embodiment is characterized by having a report creation function. The report creation function is a function for creating and outputting report data in a specified format.

Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the lighting device inspection system of embodiment 5. Steps S261 to S264 in Figure 11 are similar to steps S201 to S204 in Figure 4 of embodiment 1. Steps S361 to S365 in Figure 11 are similar to steps S301 to S395 in Figure 4 of embodiment 1. Steps S161 to S163 in Figure 11 are similar to steps S101 to S103 in Figure 4 of embodiment 1. A detailed description of each step similar to that of embodiment 1 above will be omitted.

Inspectors of lighting devices 100 are required to summarize and report the inspection results in a report or inspection form. The format of the report or inspection form is regulated by relevant laws and regulations. In this embodiment, the remote control terminal 200 automatically creates report data containing the inspection results based on the received inspection result information (step S265). The report data is created, for example, by an application or software installed in the remote control terminal 200. This embodiment reduces the time it takes for the inspector to create the report.

Here, a specific example of how to create a report will be explained. The inspection worker installs a report creation app in the remote control terminal 200 in advance. This report creation app stores format data for specified reports. It is desirable that the format data stored in the report creation app be data in a format compatible with general document creation software. The inspection worker also uses the remote control terminal 200 or another device to preset and save information about the type of lighting device 100 in the report creation app. Types of lighting device 100 include, for example, emergency exit installation types, aisle installation types, and passenger guide lights. When the remote control terminal with the report creation app installed receives inspection result information, the report creation app enters the inspection results in the pre-stored format data based on the inspection result information.

Note that the report data created by the report creation app does not have to exactly match the format prescribed by law. For example, the report creation app may create report data that allows for the addition of items other than those related to emergency lighting. Items other than those related to emergency lighting include, for example, the appearance of the lighting device 100 and the results of visual inspection of the indicator lights. In this way, the remote control terminal 200 in this embodiment is only required to be configured with the function of converting the received inspection result information into data in a preset format and outputting it. The data converted and output by the remote control terminal 200 may be in any format.

Embodiment 5.
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. Similar to the above-described embodiments, the lighting device inspection system of this embodiment includes a lighting device 100 and a remote control terminal 200. Similar to the above-described embodiments, the lighting device 100 and the remote control terminal 200 communicate with each other via an external network 300.

Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of a lighting device inspection system according to embodiment 5. The lighting device inspection system according to this embodiment shown in Figure 12 is characterized by having an inspection progress confirmation function. The inspection progress confirmation function is a function that allows an inspection worker to confirm inspection progress information, which is information on the progress of the self-inspection of the lighting device 100. Below, with reference to Figure 12, the lighting device inspection system according to this embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the above-mentioned embodiments.

As in the above-described embodiments, an inspection worker who wishes to inspect a lighting device operates the remote control terminal 200 to send an inspection instruction, as shown in FIG. 12 (step S271). The inspection instruction sent from the remote control terminal 200 is received by the lighting device 100 (step S171) via the storage system 310 (steps S371 and S372). The parent unit and child unit that receive the inspection instruction then perform a self-inspection (step S172).

When the inspection worker wishes to check the inspection result information, he or she operates the remote control terminal 200 to send an inspection result request (step S272). The inspection result request sent from the remote control terminal 200 is then sent to the lighting device 100 via the storage system 310 (steps S373 and S374).

Upon receiving the inspection result request, the lighting device 100 determines whether the self-inspection has been completed (step S173). The progress of the self-inspection, such as before the self-inspection is performed, during the self-inspection, and completion of the self-inspection, can be monitored by the storage and calculation device 130, such as a microcomputer, in the control unit 110 inside the lighting device 100. If the self-inspection is completed, the lighting device 100 transmits the inspection result information (step S174). The inspection result information transmitted from the lighting device 100 is stored in the storage system 310 and then transmitted from the storage system 310 (steps S375 and S376). Note that if the self-inspection is completed, the lighting device 100 may transmit the inspection result information to the storage system 310 even if it has not received an inspection result request.

The inspection result information transmitted from the storage system 310 is received by the remote control terminal 200 (step S273). Upon receiving the inspection result information, the remote control terminal 200 displays the inspection result information. The inspection worker confirms the inspection result information displayed by the remote control terminal 200, and the inspection of the lighting device 100 is completed (step S274).

If the self-inspection is not completed in step S173, the lighting device 100 transmits inspection progress information, which is information about the progress of the self-inspection, to the remote control terminal 200. The inspection progress information is received by the remote control terminal 200 (step S275) via the storage system 310 (steps S377 and S378). The remote control terminal 200 displays the received inspection progress information. In this embodiment, the inspection worker can check not only the inspection results of the lighting device 100 but also the progress of the self-inspection of the lighting device 100. The inspection progress information includes various status information, such as whether the self-inspection has started and the time elapsed since the self-inspection started. The inspection progress confirmation function of this embodiment further reduces the effort required by the inspection worker to operate the remote control terminal 200 and also shortens the time the inspection worker is confined to checking the inspection results.

Note that the lighting device inspection system and lighting device according to the present disclosure are not limited to those shown in the above embodiments. Furthermore, the configurations and functions disclosed in the above embodiments can be combined. The lighting device inspection system and lighting device according to the present disclosure may include any variation and combination of the configurations shown in the above embodiments. For example, the lighting device inspection system according to the present disclosure includes one having any two or more of the repeat function of embodiment 2, the multiple simultaneous inspection function and schedule function of embodiment 3, the report creation function of embodiment 4, and the inspection progress confirmation function of embodiment 5.

100 Lighting device, 101 Communication interface, 102 Storage battery, 103 Light source, 104 Inspection switch, 110 Control unit, 111 Rectifier circuit, 120 Control circuit, 121 Power generation circuit, 122 Charging circuit, 123 Continuous lighting circuit, 130 Memory and processing unit, 131 CPU, 132 Transmitter/receiver unit, 133 Inspection result storage and update unit, 134 Inspection execution unit, 135 Operating condition storage unit, 200 Remote control terminal, 201 Communication interface, 230 Memory and processing unit, 231 CPU, 232 Transmitter/receiver unit, 233 Inspection instruction unit, 234 Inspection reservation unit, 235 Operating condition storage unit, 300 External network, 301 Network line, 310 Storage system

Claims (6)

a lighting device having a self-inspection function and configured to be connectable to an external network;
a remote control terminal that has a function of transmitting an inspection instruction to cause the lighting device to perform a self-inspection, and is configured to be connectable to the external network ;
a storage system that stores information related to self-inspection by the lighting device;
Equipped with
the external network includes a network line to which the remote control terminal and the lighting device can be connected, and the storage system connected to the network line;
When the lighting device receives the inspection instruction via the external network , the lighting device performs a self-inspection and transmits inspection result information that is information on the result of the self-inspection,
the storage system receives and stores the inspection result information transmitted by the lighting device;
The remote control terminal is a lighting device inspection system that creates a report or inspection form in accordance with format data prescribed by relevant laws and regulations based on the inspection result information stored in the storage system. the remote control terminal has a function of transmitting an inspection result request to receive the inspection result information,
The inspection result information stored in the storage system is transmitted from the storage system that has received the inspection result request to the remote operation terminal;
The lighting device inspection system according to claim 1 , wherein the remote control terminal generates a report or inspection form in a format specified by relevant laws and regulations based on the inspection result information received from the storage system. The lighting device inspection system described in claim 2, wherein, upon receiving the inspection result request, the lighting device transmits the inspection result information if the self-inspection has been completed, and transmits inspection progress information, which is information on the progress of the self-inspection, to the remote control terminal if the self-inspection has not been completed. A lighting device inspection system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lighting device retransmits the inspection result information if the inspection result information is not received by the remote control terminal within a certain period of time after transmitting the inspection result information. a lighting device having a self-inspection function and configured to be connectable to an external network;
a remote control terminal that has a function of transmitting an inspection instruction to cause the lighting device to perform a self-inspection and is configured to be connectable to an external network;
Equipped with
When the lighting device receives the inspection instruction via an external network, the lighting device performs a self-inspection and transmits inspection result information that is information on the result of the self-inspection,
the remote control terminal receives the inspection result information via an external network, and creates a report or an inspection form based on the inspection result information;
the external network includes a network line to which the remote control terminal and the lighting device can be connected, and a storage system connected to the network line;
the storage system receives and stores the inspection result information transmitted by the lighting device;
the remote control terminal has a function of transmitting an inspection result request to receive the inspection result information,
The inspection result information stored in the storage system is transmitted from the storage system that has received the inspection result request to the remote operation terminal,
The storage system is a lighting device inspection system that retransmits the inspection result information if the inspection result information is not received by the remote control terminal within a certain period of time after the inspection result information is transmitted. the remote control terminal has a function of transmitting a grouping instruction for grouping the plurality of lighting devices into a lighting device group;
the lighting devices are grouped into the lighting device group based on the grouping instruction;
The lighting device inspection system according to claim 1 , wherein the inspection instruction transmitted from the remote control terminal is simultaneously transmitted to a plurality of the lighting devices included in the lighting device group.