Electrical Equipment and Communication Apparatus

A lighting apparatus includes a communication unit and a control unit. The communication unit performs master-slave type communication with the communication adaptor, outputs, as a master, a transmission request of a control signal to the communication adaptor which temporarily stores the control signal for controlling the lighting apparatus, transmitted from equipment connected to the network, and receives the control signal transmitted from the communication adaptor in response to the transmission request. The control unit electrically controls the lighting apparatus on the basis of the control signal received by the communication unit

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, electrical equipment and a communication apparatus according to the embodiments will be described. In the embodiments, constituent elements having the same function are given the same reference numeral, and repeated description will be omitted. In addition, the electrical equipment and the communication apparatus described in the following embodiments are only an example, and are not intended to limit embodiments. For example, in the following embodiments, a lighting apparatus will be described as an example of the electrical equipment. However, electrical equipment is not limited thereto, and may be domestic electrical appliances such as an air conditioning apparatus, a washing machine, and a water heater, audio and visual equipment such as a television set and a television recorder, and the like. Further, the electrical equipment may be an amusement household electrical appliance such as a gaming machine, an information household electrical appliance such as a personal computer, photovoltaic power generation related equipment, or the like. In other words, the electrical equipment may be general household electronic products in a wide sense. Furthermore, the following embodiments may be appropriately combined in the scope without contradiction.

The following electrical equipment (for example, a lighting apparatus20a) according to a first embodiment is electrical equipment (for example, the lighting apparatus20a) which is connected to a network8via a communication apparatus (for example, a communication adaptor10a). The electrical equipment (for example, the lighting apparatus20a) performs master-slave type communication with the communication apparatus (for example, the communication adaptor10a), outputs, as a master, a transmission request of a control signal to the communication apparatus (for example, the communication adaptor10a) which temporarily stores the control signal for controlling the electrical equipment (for example, the lighting apparatus20a), transmitted from equipment (for example, a user terminal6, a management server7) connected to the network8. In addition, the electrical equipment (for example, the lighting apparatus20a) receives the control signal transmitted from the communication apparatus (for example, the communication adaptor10a) in response to the transmission request. Further, the electrical equipment (for example, the lighting apparatus20a) electrically controls the electrical equipment (for example, the lighting apparatus20a) on the basis of the received control signal.

In addition, the following electrical equipment (for example, a lighting apparatus20b) according to a second embodiment is electrical equipment (for example, the lighting apparatus20b) which is connected to a network8via a communication apparatus (for example, a communication adaptor10b). The electrical equipment (for example, the lighting apparatus20b) performs master-slave type communication with the communication apparatus (for example, a communication adaptor10b), receives, as a slave, a reception request for receiving a control signal for controlling the electrical equipment (for example, the lighting apparatus20b) from the communication apparatus (for example, the communication adaptor10b), transmitted from equipment connected to the network8. Further, the electrical equipment (for example, the lighting apparatus20b) receives the control signal transmitted from the communication apparatus (for example, the communication adaptor10b) in response to the reception request. Furthermore, the electrical equipment (for example, the lighting apparatus20b) temporarily stores the received control signal. Moreover, the electrical equipment (for example, the lighting apparatus20b) electrically controls the electrical equipment (for example, the lighting apparatus20b) on the basis of the control signal read from a temporary storage unit (for example, a communication buffer26b).

In addition, in the following electrical equipment (for example, the lighting apparatus20a,20b) according to a third embodiment, the communication apparatus (for example, the communication adaptor10a,10b) is additionally connected to the electrical equipment (for example, the lighting apparatus20a,20b). Further, the electrical equipment (for example, the lighting apparatus20a,20b) functions as separate electrical equipment even when the communication apparatus (for example, communication adaptor10a,10b) is not connected thereto.

In addition, in the following electrical equipment (for example, the lighting apparatus20a,20b) according to a fourth embodiment, the communication apparatus (for example, communication adaptor10a,10b) is inserted into a predetermined slot of the electrical equipment (for example, the lighting apparatus20a,20b) so as to be connected to the electrical equipment (for example, the lighting apparatus20a,20b).

In addition, in the following electrical equipment (for example, the lighting apparatus20a,20b) according to a fifth embodiment, the communication apparatus (for example, the communication adaptor10b) is connected to a plurality of pieces of electrical equipment (for example, the lighting apparatus20b).

In addition, the following communication apparatus (for example, a communication adaptor10a) according to a sixth embodiment is a communication apparatus (for example, the communication adaptor10a) which connects electrical equipment (for example, a lighting apparatus20a) to a network8. The communication apparatus (for example, the communication adaptor10a) receives a control signal for controlling the electrical equipment (for example, the lighting apparatus20a), transmitted from equipment (for example, a user terminal6, a management server7) connected to the network8. Further, the communication apparatus (for example, the communication adaptor10a) temporarily stores the received control signal. Furthermore, the communication apparatus (for example, the communication adaptor10a) performs a master-slave type communication with the electrical equipment (for example, the lighting apparatus20a), receives, as a slave, a transmission request of the control signal from the electrical equipment (for example, the lighting apparatus20a), and reads the control signal from a temporary storage unit (for example, a communication buffer15a) in response to the transmission request so as to be transmitted to the electrical equipment (for example, the lighting apparatus20a).

In addition, the following communication apparatus (for example, a communication adaptor10b) according to a seventh embodiment is a communication apparatus (for example, the communication adaptor10b) which connects electrical equipment (for example, a lighting apparatus20b) to a network8. The communication apparatus (for example, the communication adaptor10b) receives a control signal for controlling the electrical equipment (for example, the lighting apparatus20b), transmitted from equipment connected to the network8. Further, the communication apparatus (for example, the communication adaptor10b) performs master-slave type communication with the electrical equipment (for example, the lighting apparatus20b), outputs, as a master, a reception request of the control signal to the electrical equipment (for example, the lighting apparatus20b), and transmits the control signal to the electrical equipment (for example, the lighting apparatus20b) according to the reception request.

In addition, in the following communication apparatus (for example, the communication adaptor10a,10b) according to an eighth embodiment, the communication apparatus (for example, the communication adaptor10a,10b) is additionally connected to the electrical equipment (for example, the lighting apparatus20a,20b). Further, the electrical equipment (for example, the lighting apparatus20a,20b) functions as separate electrical equipment even when the communication apparatus (for example, the communication adaptor10a,10b) is not connected thereto.

In addition, in the following communication apparatus (for example, the communication adaptor10a,10b) according to a ninth embodiment, the communication apparatus (for example, the communication adaptor10a,10b) is inserted into a predetermined slot of the electrical equipment (for example, the lighting apparatus20a,20b) so as to be connected to the electrical equipment (for example, the lighting apparatus20a,20b).

In addition, in the following communication apparatus (for example, the communication adaptor10b) according to a tenth embodiment, the communication apparatus (for example, the communication adaptor10b) is connected to a plurality of pieces of electrical equipment (for example, lighting apparatus20b).

FIG. 1is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a household electrical appliance control system according to Embodiment 1. A household electrical appliance control system100aaccording to Embodiment 1 is a network of, for example, a home energy management system (HEMS) connected to electrical equipment. In the household electrical appliance control system100a, a home network system1a, a user terminal6, a management server7, a gateway apparatus4described later of the home network system1aare connected to each other via a network8. In addition, the number of the home network systems1a, the user terminals6, and the management servers illustrated inFIG. 1is only an example, and may be appropriately changed depending on a configuration of the household electrical appliance control system100a.

The user terminal6is a portable electronic terminal such as a smart phone, a tablet terminal, or a notebook computer owned by a user. The user inputs a control instruction for a lighting apparatus20aof a user's house to the user terminal6. In addition, the control instruction includes an instruction for electrical control of the lighting apparatus20aor an instruction for a request for notifying of a state of the lighting apparatus20a. The user terminal6transmits the control instruction to the management server7via the network8. Examples of the control instruction include that “the lighting apparatus is turned on”, “a color tone emitted by the lighting apparatus is controlled”, “a notification of power consumption of the lighting apparatus is sent”, and the like. Further, the user terminal6receives a response to the control instruction from the management server7.

When the control instruction for the lighting apparatus20ais received from the user terminal6, the management server7transmits the received control instruction to the gateway apparatus4of the home network system1aof the user. In addition, when there is a response such as a notification of a control result corresponding to the control instruction for the lighting apparatus20aor a notification of an equipment state from the gateway apparatus4of the home network system1a, the management server7transmits the response to the user terminal6.

The home network system1ais a system which is provided in the user's house and controls the lighting apparatus20aof the house on the basis of a control instruction received via the network8. The home network system1aincludes the lighting apparatuses20a, communication adaptors10arespectively connected to the lighting apparatuses20avia interfaces2a, an access point3, the gateway apparatus4, and a user terminal5. In addition, the number of sets of the communication adaptors10aand the lighting apparatuses20a, the access point3, the gateway apparatus4, and the user terminal5illustrated inFIG. 1is only an example, and may be appropriately changed depending on a configuration of the home network system1a.

The user terminal5is an electronic terminal such as a personal computer which is owned by the user and includes an input device and a display device. The user terminal5is connected to the gateway apparatus4via a closed area network such as a local area network (LAN). The user terminal5displays an instruction to the gateway apparatus4or information such as a state of the gateway apparatus4on the display device. In addition, the user terminal5transmits an instruction to the gateway apparatus4, input from the input device, to the gateway apparatus4. Further, in the same manner as the user terminal6, the user terminal5is also connected to the network8via the gateway apparatus4and transmits a control instruction for the lighting apparatus20aof the user's house to the management server7.

When a control instruction for the lighting apparatus20atransmitted from the management server7is received, the gateway apparatus4transmits the received control instruction to a target lighting apparatus20avia the access point3. In addition, when there is a response to the control instruction from the lighting apparatus20avia the access point3, the gateway apparatus4transmits the response to the management server7.

The access point3performs wireless communication with the communication adaptor10athrough near field communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). For example, when a control instruction is received via the gateway apparatus4, the access point3transmits the received control instruction to a communication adaptor10aconnected to a lighting apparatus20atargeted by the received control instruction through near field communication. In addition, when a response to the control instruction is received from the communication adaptor10a, the access point3transmits the response to the management server7via the gateway apparatus4. Further, the communication adaptor10aand the access point3may perform wired communication.

The communication adaptor10ais an interface which relays communication between the lighting apparatus20aconnected thereto and the access point3. For example, the communication adaptor10ais connected to the lighting apparatus20avia the interface2a. In addition, the communication adaptor10aperforms near field communication with the access point3connected to the gateway apparatus4. In other words, the communication adaptor10ais connected to the lighting apparatus20aand the gateway apparatus4.

In addition, when a control instruction is received from the management server7via the access point3through near field communication, the communication adaptor10atemporarily stores the received control instruction therein. Further, when there is a request for transmission of a control instruction from the lighting apparatus20aconnected to the communication adaptor10a, the communication adaptor10atransmits a control instruction which is temporarily stored therein to the lighting apparatus20a. Furthermore, when there is a response to the control instruction from the lighting apparatus20aconnected to the communication adaptor10a, the communication adaptor10atransmits the response to the management server7via the access point3through near field communication.

When a control instruction transmitted from the communication adaptor10aconnected via the interface2ais received, the lighting apparatus20aperforms control indicated by the control instruction. For example, when instruction content indicated by the control instruction is that “the lighting apparatus is turned on”, the lighting apparatus20aturns on a power supply thereof. In addition, when instruction content indicated by the control instruction is that “an illuminance of the lighting apparatus is set to 80%”, the lighting apparatus20asets an illuminance of light emitted by a light source thereof to 80%. Further, the lighting apparatus20atransmits an execution result of the control instruction to the communication adaptor10aas a response.

FIG. 2is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the lighting apparatus and the communication adaptor according to Embodiment 1. The communication adaptor10aand the lighting apparatus20aare connected to each other via the interface2a. In addition, the lighting apparatus20afunctions as a separate lighting apparatus when the communication adaptor10ais not connected thereto. When connected to the lighting apparatus20a, the communication adaptor10amay be inserted into a slot of the lighting apparatus20aas a module. Alternatively, when connected to the lighting apparatus20a, the communication adaptor10amay be additionally installed in a part of a casing of the lighting apparatus20a.

The lighting apparatus20aincludes a communication unit21a, a control unit22a, a light source unit23a, an operation receiving unit24a, and a power supply unit25a. The communication unit21ais connected to a communication unit11adescribed later of the communication adaptor10avia the interface2a. The communication unit21aperforms master-slave type communication with the communication adaptor10a. The communication unit21afunctions as a master in the master-slave type in communication with the communication adaptor10a.

In other words, the communication unit21atakes the initiative in communication when communication with the communication adaptor10ais performed, and spontaneously and independently outputs a request for transmission of a control instruction to the communication adaptor10a. In addition, the communication unit21areceives a control instruction with a data transmission format which is transmitted by the communication adaptor10ain response to the request for transmission of a control instruction. The control instruction with a data transmission format indicates communication data such as a packet, a cell, or a frame including a control instruction. Further, the communication unit21aanalyzes the received control instruction with a data transmission format so as to acquire content of the control instruction, and immediately makes the control unit22a, which will be described later, execute the content of the control instruction.

In addition, the communication unit21aspontaneously and independently outputs a request for reception of a response to the control instruction to the communication adaptor10a. Further, the communication unit21aconverts a response generated by the control unit22adescribed later into a response with a data transmission format according to the request for reception of a response, and transmits the response with the data transmission format to the communication adaptor10a. The response with the data transmission format indicates communication data such as a packet, a cell, or a frame including a response to a control instruction. In addition, the communication adaptor10atemporarily stores the response with the data transmission format received from the communication unit21a, in a communication buffer15adescribed later of the communication adaptor10a.

The control unit22ais a control unit which electrically controls the entire lighting apparatus20aincluding the light source unit23aand the power supply unit25aof the lighting apparatus20a. The control unit22aelectrically controls the lighting apparatus20aon the basis of content of a control instruction which is received from the user terminal6via the management server7and the communication adaptor10ain addition to content of a control instruction which is directly input to the lighting apparatus20aby the user via the operation receiving unit24a. For example, the control unit22acontrols the light source unit23aso as to control an illuminance of light in response to a control instruction from the operation receiving unit24aor the management server7. In addition, the control unit22acontrols the power supply unit25aso as to stop the supply of power to the light source unit23ain response to a control instruction from the operation receiving unit24aor the management server7.

Further, when a control instruction is sent from the management server7, the control unit22acauses a control result based on the control instruction, for example, a response such as control normal completion or uncontrollable state to be immediately transmitted from the communication unit21ato the communication adaptor10a. Furthermore, the communication adaptor10atemporarily stores the response from the lighting apparatus20atherein, and then sequentially transmits the response to the management server7.

In addition, the operation receiving unit24ais an operation panel of the lighting apparatus20aor a remote controller. The operation receiving unit24amay receive not only power-on and power-off of the lighting apparatus20abut also inputs such as setting of a color tone of the light source, setting of an illuminance of the light source, and setting of timer power supply control. Further, the power supply unit25asupplies power to the communication unit21a, the control unit22a, and the light source unit23a.

The communication adaptor10aincludes a communication unit11a, a central processing unit (CPU)12a, a read only memory (ROM)13a, a random access memory (RAM)14a, a communication buffer15a, and a wireless communication unit16a. The communication unit11acommunicates with the lighting apparatus20avia the interface2a. The communication unit11ais connected to the lighting apparatus20avia the interface2a. The communication unit11afunctions as a slave in the master-slave type in communication with the lighting apparatus20a.

In other words, the communication unit11adoes not take the initiative in communication when communication with the lighting apparatus20ais performed. In addition, the communication unit11areads a control instruction from the management server7, which is temporarily stored in the communication buffer15a, in response to a transmission request from the lighting apparatus20a, and transmits content obtained by analyzing the control instruction with a data transmission format, to the lighting apparatus20a. Further, the lighting apparatus20aexecutes the content of the control instruction received from the communication unit11a.

In addition, the communication unit11areceives a response from the lighting apparatus20ain response to a reception request from the lighting apparatus20a. Further, the communication unit11aconverts the response received from the lighting apparatus20ainto a response with a data transmission format so as to be temporarily stored in the communication buffer15a.

The CPU12acontrols the entire communication adaptor10a. Specifically, the CPU12areads a predetermined program stored in the ROM13aand performs a predetermined process in cooperation with the RAM14a. Specifically, the CPU12atemporarily stores control information which is received from the management server7via the wireless communication unit16a, in the communication buffer15a. In addition, the CPU12atransmits the response which is temporarily stored in the communication buffer15aand is received from the lighting apparatus20a, to the management server7via the wireless communication unit16a.

FIG. 3is a flowchart illustrating a process in the lighting apparatus according to Embodiment 1. As illustrated inFIG. 3, first, the communication unit21aof the lighting apparatus20adetermines whether or not the current time is a predetermined communication timing (Act 11). Specifically, the communication unit21adetermines whether or not there is a request for reception of a control instruction from the control unit22a. Alternatively, the communication unit21adetermines whether or not the current time reaches a predefined communication timing.

When the current time is the predetermined communication timing (Yes in Act 11), the communication unit21aproceeds to a process in Act 12, and, when the current time is not the predetermined communication timing (No in Act 11), the communication unit21arepeatedly performs the process in Act 11. In Act 12, the communication unit21aoutputs a request for transmission of a control instruction to the communication adaptor10a(Act 12).

Subsequently, in Act 13, the communication unit21areceives the control instruction which is requested to be transmitted in Act 12 from the communication adaptor10a. The control unit22aelectrically controls the lighting apparatus20aon the basis of content obtained by analyzing the control instruction which is received by the communication unit21a. Subsequently, the communication unit21adetermines whether or not there is a response to be transmitted to the communication adaptor10a(Act 14). When it is determined that there is a response to be transmitted to the communication adaptor10a(Yes in Act 14), the communication unit21aproceeds to a process in Act 15. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no response to be transmitted to the communication adaptor10a(No in Act 14), the communication unit21aproceeds to the process in Act 11.

Successively, in Act 15, the communication unit21atransmits a response to the communication adaptor10a. When the process in Act 15 finishes, the communication unit21aproceeds to the process in Act 11.

FIG. 4is a flowchart illustrating a process in the communication adaptor according to Embodiment 1. First, the communication unit11aof the communication adaptor10adetermines whether or not there is a request for transmission of a control instruction from the communication unit21aof the lighting apparatus20a(Act 21). When it is determined that there is a request for transmission of a control instruction from the communication unit21aof the lighting apparatus20a(Yes in Act 21), the communication unit11aproceeds to a process in Act 22. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no request for transmission of a control instruction from the communication unit21aof the lighting apparatus20a(No in Act 21), the communication unit11arepeatedly performs the process in Act 21.

Successively, in Act 22, the communication unit11areads a control instruction which is temporarily stored in the communication buffer15a, for example, in a First In First Out (FIFO) manner. In addition, the communication unit11atransmits the read control instruction to the communication unit21aof the lighting apparatus20a.

Successively, the communication unit11adetermines whether or not there is a request for reception of a response to the control instruction from the communication unit21aof the lighting apparatus20a(Act 23). When it is determined that there is a request for reception of a response to the control instruction from the communication unit21aof the lighting apparatus20a(Yes in Act 23), the communication unit11aproceeds to a process in Act 24. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no request for reception of a response to the control instruction from the communication unit21aof the lighting apparatus20a(No in Act 23), the communication unit11aproceeds to the process in Act 21.

Subsequently, in Act 24, the communication unit11areceives a response from the communication unit21aof the lighting apparatus20a. The communication unit11aconverts the received response into a response with a data transmission format, and temporarily stores the converted response with the data transmission format in the communication buffer15a. When the process in Act 24 finishes, the communication unit11aproceeds to the process in Act 21.

In addition, the processes in the lighting apparatus and the communication adaptor according to Embodiment 1 illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, the communication unit21aof the lighting apparatus20aand the communication unit11aof the communication adaptor10atransmit and receive a control instruction, and then transmit and receive a response to the control instruction. However, an embodiment is not limited thereto, and transmission and reception processes of a control instruction, and transmission and reception processes of a response may be performed independently from each other.

According to Embodiment 1 described above, in communication between the lighting apparatus20aand the communication adaptor10a, the communication unit21aof the lighting apparatus20atakes the initiative in communication and performs communication in a master-slave form. For this reason, since communication procedures between the lighting apparatus20aand the communication adaptor10aare simplified, a circuit related to communication between the lighting apparatus20aand the communication adaptor10amay be simplified, and thus costs of a circuit configuration may be reduced and fault tolerance of a circuit may be improved.

In addition, since, in communication between the lighting apparatus20aand the communication adaptor10a, the communication unit21aof the lighting apparatus20atakes the initiative in communication, the lighting apparatus20atimely communicates with the communication unit11aof the communication adaptor10adepending on process load circumstances thereof. For this reason, a process load of the lighting apparatus20arelated to communication with the communication adaptor10amay be reduced. Further, since the lighting apparatus20acommunicates with the communication adaptor10aat preferable timing therein, the lighting apparatus20amay be provided with no communication buffer which temporarily stores data transmitted to and received from the communication adaptor10a. For this reason, in terms of a separate lighting apparatus20a, manufacturing costs may be reduced, and thus the lighting apparatus20amay be provided to users at a cheap price.

In addition, the lighting apparatus20amay be made to participate in the household electrical appliance control system100aonly when the communication adaptor10ais formed separately from the lighting apparatus20a, and the communication adaptor10ais connected thereto via the interface2a. For this reason, when the lighting apparatus20ais used separately when the lighting apparatus20ais initially introduced, and the lighting apparatus20ais made to participate in the household electrical appliance control system100ain the future, an initial cost may be suppressed. For this reason, there is an advantage in that the spread of the lighting apparatus20awhich corresponds to the household electrical appliance control system100amay be accelerated. Further, when the communication adaptor10ais cheaply supplied in the future, the household electrical appliance control system100aincluding the lighting apparatus20amay be easily built, and thus there is an advantage in that the spread of the household electrical appliance control system100amay be further accelerated.

In addition, in Embodiment 1 described above, the communication unit21aanalyzes content of a control instruction with a data transmission format and generates a response with a data transmission format based on a response to the control instruction. However, an embodiment is not limited thereto, and the control unit22amay analyze content of a control instruction with a data transmission format and generate a response with a data transmission format based on a response to the control instruction.

FIG. 5is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a household electrical appliance control system according to Embodiment 2. When a household electrical appliance control system100baccording to Embodiment 2 is compared with the household electrical appliance control system100aaccording to Embodiment 1, differences therebetween are as follows. That is, as illustrated inFIG. 5, in a home network system lb according to Embodiment 2, a plurality of lighting apparatuses20bare connected to a single communication adaptor10bvia an interface2b. In addition, the communication adaptor10bfunctions as a master in the master-slave type in communication between the lighting apparatus20band the communication adaptor10b, and the lighting apparatus20bfunctions as a slave.

FIG. 6is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the lighting apparatus and the communication adaptor according to Embodiment 2. In addition, in Embodiment 2, a plurality of lighting apparatuses20bare connected to a single communication adaptor10b, but a description of a plurality of lighting apparatuses20bis omitted inFIG. 6. The communication adaptor10band the lighting apparatus20bare connected to each other via the interface2b. In addition, in the same manner as in Embodiment 1, the lighting apparatus20bfunctions as a separate lighting apparatus when the communication adaptor10bis not connected thereto. Further, in the same manner as in Embodiment 1, when connected to the lighting apparatus20b, the communication adaptor10bis inserted into a slot of the lighting apparatus20bas a module, or is additionally installed in a part of a casing of the lighting apparatus20b.

The lighting apparatus20bincludes a communication unit21b, a control unit22b, a light source unit23a, an operation receiving unit24a, a power supply unit25a, and a communication buffer26b. The communication unit21bis connected to a communication unit11bdescribed later of the communication adaptor10bvia the interface2b. The communication unit21bperforms master-slave type communication with the communication adaptor10b. The communication unit21bfunctions as a slave in the master-slave type in communication with the communication adaptor10b.

In other words, the communication unit21bdoes not take the initiative in communication when communication with the communication adaptor10bis performed. That is, the communication adaptor10bspontaneously and independently outputs a request for reception of a control instruction to the lighting apparatus20b. In addition, the communication unit21breceives a control instruction with a data transmission format, transmitted by the communication adaptor10baccording to the request for reception of the control instruction. Further, the communication unit21btemporarily stores the received control instruction in the communication buffer26bdescribed later.

In addition, the communication unit21btransmits a response with a data transmission format corresponding to the control instruction which is temporarily stored in the communication buffer26b, to the communication adaptor10b, in response to a request for transmission of the response which is spontaneously and independently made by the communication adaptor10b. Further, the communication adaptor10bimmediately transmits the response received from the communication unit21bto the management server7.

The control unit22bis a control unit which electrically controls the entire lighting apparatus20bincluding the light source unit23aand the power supply unit25aof the lighting apparatus20b. The control unit22belectrically controls the lighting apparatus20bon the basis of content of a control instruction which is directly input to the lighting apparatus20aby the user via the operation receiving unit24a. In addition, the control unit22belectrically controls the lighting apparatus20bon the basis of content of a control instruction which is received from the user terminal6via the management server7and the communication adaptor10band is temporarily stored in the communication buffer26b. For example, the control unit22bcontrols the power supply unit25awhich supplies power to the communication unit21b, the control unit22b, and the light source unit23a, so as to control an intensity of light emitted by the light source unit23a.

When the control unit22bis compared with the control unit22aaccording to Embodiment 1, differences are as follows. That is, the control unit22bmonitors whether or not a control instruction from the management server7is temporarily stored in the communication buffer26b. In addition, when a control instruction from the management server7is temporarily stored in the communication buffer26b, the control unit22breads a control instruction with a data transmission format from the communication buffer26b. Further, the control unit22banalyzes the read control instruction with a data transmission format so as to acquire content of the control instruction. Furthermore, the control unit22belectrically controls the lighting apparatus20baccording to the acquired content of the control instruction.

In addition, the control unit22bgenerates a control result of electrically controlling the lighting apparatus20baccording to the content of the control instruction, or a state of the lighting apparatus20bwhich is acquired based on the content of the control instruction, as a response to the control instruction. Further, the control unit22bconverts the generated response to the control instruction into a response with a data transmission format so as to be temporarily stored in the communication buffer26b. The response which is temporarily stored in the communication buffer26bis read by the communication unit21bat timing when the communication adaptor10bmakes a request for transmission thereof, and is transmitted to the communication adaptor10b.

The communication adaptor10bincludes a communication unit11b, a CPU12a, a ROM13a, a RAM14a, and a wireless communication unit16a. The communication unit11bcommunicates with the lighting apparatus20bvia the interface2b. The communication unit11bis connected to the lighting apparatus20bvia the interface2b. The communication unit11bfunctions as a master in the master-slave type in communication with the lighting apparatus20b.

In other words, the communication unit11btakes the initiative in communication when communication with the lighting apparatus20bis performed, and spontaneously and independently outputs a request for reception of a control instruction to the lighting apparatus20b. For example, when a control instruction is received from the management server7via the wireless communication unit16a, the communication unit11bimmediately outputs a request for reception of the control instruction to the lighting apparatus20b. In addition, the communication unit11btransmits the control instruction with a data transmission format to the lighting apparatus20baccording to the request for reception. Further, the communication unit21bof the lighting apparatus20btemporarily stores the control instruction received from the communication unit11bin the communication buffer26b. Furthermore, the control unit22bof the lighting apparatus20banalyzes the control instruction which is temporarily stored in the communication buffer26b, and electrically controls the lighting apparatus20baccording to content of the control instruction.

In addition, the communication unit11bspontaneously and independently outputs a request for transmission of a response to the control instruction to the lighting apparatus20b. Further, the communication unit21bof the lighting apparatus20btransmits the response which is temporarily stored in the communication buffer26bto the communication unit11bof the communication adaptor10bin response to the request for transmission of the response. Furthermore, the communication unit11bof the communication adaptor10bimmediately transmits the response to the control instruction, received from the communication unit21b, to the management server7via the wireless communication unit16a.

In addition, the communication unit11bcommunicates with a plurality of communication units21bof a plurality of respective lighting apparatuses20bin a one-to-many relationship, but performs communication control such as collision prevention so as to control traffic for efficient circulation.

FIG. 7is a flowchart illustrating a process in the lighting apparatus according to Embodiment 2. First, the communication unit21bof the lighting apparatus20bdetermines whether or not there is a request for reception of a control instruction from the communication unit11bof the communication adaptor10b(Act 31). When it is determined that there is a request for reception of a control instruction from the communication unit11bof the communication adaptor10b(Yes in Act 31), the communication unit11bproceeds to a process in Act 32. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no request for reception of a control instruction from the communication unit11bof the communication adaptor10b(No in Act 31), the communication unit21brepeatedly performs the process in Act 31.

Successively, in Act 32, the communication unit21breceives a control instruction from the communication unit11bof the communication adaptor10b, so as to be temporarily stored in the communication buffer26b. Subsequently, the communication unit21bdetermines whether or not there is a request for transmission of a response to the control instruction from the communication unit11bof the communication adaptor10b(Act 33). When it is determined that there is a request for transmission of a response to the control instruction from the communication unit11bof the communication adaptor10b(Yes in Act 33), the communication unit21bproceeds to a process in Act 34. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no request for transmission of a response to the control instruction from the communication unit11bof the communication adaptor10b(No in Act 33), the communication unit21bproceeds to the process in Act 31.

Successively, in Act 34, the communication unit21breads a response with a data transmission format which is temporarily stored in the communication buffer26band transmits the response to the communication unit11bof the communication adaptor10b. When the process in Act 34 finishes, the communication unit21bproceeds to the process in Act 31.

FIG. 8is a flowchart illustrating a process in the communication adaptor according to Embodiment 2. As illustrated inFIG. 8, first, the communication unit11bof the communication adaptor10bdetermines whether or not the current time is a predetermined communication timing (Act 41). Specifically, the communication unit11bdetermines whether or not there is a request for reception of a control instruction from the CPU12a. Alternatively, the communication unit11bdetermines whether or not the current time reaches a predefined communication timing.

When it is determined that the current time is the predetermined communication timing (Yes in Act 41), the communication unit11bproceeds to a process in Act 42, and, when the current time is not the predetermined communication timing (No in Act 41), the communication unit11brepeatedly performs the process in Act 41. In Act 42, the communication unit11boutputs a request for reception of a control instruction to the lighting apparatus20b(Act 42). In addition, the process in Act 42 may be omitted, and, when it is determined that the current time is the predetermined timing in Act 41, the communication unit11bmay immediately proceed to the process in Act 43.

Successively, in Act 43, the communication unit11btransmits the control instruction which is requested to be received in Act 42, to the communication unit21bof the lighting apparatus20b. Subsequently, the communication unit11bdetermines whether or not there is a response to be received from the lighting apparatus20b(Act 44). When it is determined that there is no response to be received from the lighting apparatus20b(Yes in Act 44), the communication unit11bproceeds to a process in Act 45. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no response to be received from the lighting apparatus20b(No in Act 44), the communication unit11bproceeds to the process in Act 41.

Next, in Act 45, the communication unit11breceives a response from the lighting apparatus20b. The CPU12aof the communication adaptor10bimmediately transmits the response received from the lighting apparatus20b, to the management server7via the wireless communication unit16a. When the process in Act 45 finishes, the communication unit11bproceeds to the process in Act 41.

In addition, in the processes in the lighting apparatus and the communication adaptor according to Embodiment 2 illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 8, the communication unit21bof the lighting apparatus20band the communication unit11bof the communication adaptor10btransmit and receive a control instruction, and then transmit and receive a response to the control instruction. However, an embodiment is not limited thereto, and transmission and reception processes of a control instruction, and transmission and reception processes of a response may be performed independently from each other.

According to Embodiment 2 described above, in addition to the effects of Embodiment 1, since a single communication adaptor10bis shared by a plurality of lighting apparatuses20b, a cost of the communication adaptor10bmay be reduced when the household electrical appliance control system100bis built. In addition, since the communication adaptor10bis shared by a plurality of lighting apparatuses20b, a network configuration of the household electrical appliance control system100bmay be simplified. Further, since the communication adaptor10bis shared by a plurality of lighting apparatuses20b, communication between a plurality of lighting apparatuses20band the management server7may be easily managed by a single communication adaptor10b.

In addition, in Embodiment 2 described above, the control unit22banalyzes content of a control instruction with a data transmission format and generates a response with a data transmission format based on a response to the control instruction. However, an embodiment is not limited thereto, and the communication unit21bmay analyze content of a control instruction with a data transmission format and generate a response with a data transmission format based on a response to the control instruction.

The above Embodiments 1 and 2 relate to a system including a lighting apparatus fitted to a HEMS connected to a network, and the system monitors an operation state, power consumption, and the like of electrical equipment connected to the network, and sends a control signal via the network so as to control an operation state of the electrical equipment. This system uses a communication adaptor which transmits and receives a control signal and a response to and from the electrical equipment and is connected to the electrical equipment. In a case of relatively cheap electrical equipment such as a lighting apparatus, a communication adaptor is expensive, and when the communication adaptor is incorporated into the lighting apparatus in advance, this forces a user who does not use a household electrical appliance control system to incur a cost thereof. For this reason, preferably, a user who uses a household electrical appliance control system selectively incurs a cost of the communication adaptor.

In the household electrical appliance control system, generally, a communication adaptor connected to electrical equipment frequently performs processes up to the sixth layer of Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) basic reference model. This communication adaptor has an additional function of taking charge of the application layer of the seventh layer in order to associate with electrical equipment. In this case, since the communication adaptor is an advanced circuit, built-in electrical equipment is also expensive, and thus this is one of factors in which a network fitted to the electrical equipment does not spread.

In addition, there is a configuration in which a plurality of circuits are built in a single casing depending on electrical equipment. For example, a light emission diode (LED) lighting apparatus may change a color tone by changing a light bulb color, white, and a daylight color, combinations of a light bulb color, white, and a daylight color, or combinations of RGB. This lighting apparatus is equipped with a plurality of power supplies for lighting. In a case of the lighting apparatus, when a plurality of communication adaptors are necessary, a problem occurs in which a cost of the communication adaptors increases, and a casing size of electrical equipment also increases. In addition, a problem also occurs in terms of a network configuration, such as a network cable being connected to a plurality of pieces of electrical equipment including the lighting apparatus.

Therefore, as illustrated in Embodiment 2, since signal information used to monitor and control a lighting apparatus and the like has less information volume than general computer network communication, it is considered that pieces of electrical equipment are connected in a form of a plurality of buses using a single communication adaptor. In this case, it is managed such that collision of signals does not occur in connection between the communication adaptor and the pieces of electrical equipment. In order to perform such management, a master-slave type is useful. In Embodiment 1, an electrical equipment side including a lighting apparatus is set as a master, and a communication adaptor side is set as a slave, thereby simplifying a communication control process. In Embodiment 2, an electrical equipment side including a lighting apparatus is set as a slave, and a communication adaptor side is set as a master, thereby simplifying a communication control process.

In communication between an electrical equipment side including a lighting apparatus and a communication adaptor, the master-slave type is used, and the electrical equipment side or the communication adaptor side is set as a mater, thereby performing a communication process at preferable timing such that software design of communication control may be simplified.

As described above, according to Embodiments 1 and 2, a circuit configuration related to communication in a home network system is simplified.