Information terminal, communication system, display method, computer program product, and computer-readable recording medium

Abstract

The invention provides an information terminal, a communication system, a display method, a computer program product, and a computer-readable recording medium, capable of managing display identification information given to an icon of a wireless communication device and unique identification information of the wireless communication device when the icon is displayed. An information terminal (30) is provided with: a wireless communication unit (33) that receives a beacon signal emitted by a lighting fixture (20); a display unit (32); a storage unit (35); and an information processing unit (34) that, upon receipt of the beacon signal, performs: (a) generation of display identification information; (b) storing, in a storage unit (35), a correspondence relationship between the generated identification information for display and unique identification information of the lighting fixture (20) included in the received beacon signal; and (c) displaying, on a display unit (32), an icon indicating the lighting fixture (20) to which the generated display identification information has been assigned.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an information terminal used at the time of initial setting or the like of a communication system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Patent Literature 1 discloses a technology related to a method of exchanging header information for data transmission and reception.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-508485 SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] The present application provides an information terminal or the like capable of managing display identification information given to an icon and inherent identification information of a wireless communication device when the icon of the wireless communication device is displayed.

[0008] SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0009] An information terminal according to one embodiment of the present application includes a wireless communication unit that receives a beacon signal transmitted from a wireless communication device; a display unit; a storage unit; and an information processing unit that, in response to reception of the beacon signal, performs processing of (a) generating display identification information, (b) storing a correspondence relationship between the generated display identification information and inherent identification information of the wireless communication device included in the received beacon signal in the storage unit, and (c) displaying an icon representing the wireless communication device to which the generated display identification information is given on the display unit.

[0010] A communication system according to one embodiment of the present application includes the information terminal and the wireless communication device.

[0011] A display method according to one embodiment of the present application is a display method performed by an information terminal including a display unit and a storage unit, and includes the steps of receiving a beacon signal transmitted from a wireless communication device, and in response to reception of the beacon signal, performing processing of (a) generating display identification information, (b) displaying an icon representing the wireless communication device to which the generated display identification information is given on the display unit, and (c) storing a correspondence relationship between the generated display identification information and inherent identification information of the wireless communication device included in the received beacon signal in the storage unit.

[0012] The computer program product according to one embodiment of the present application is a computer program product including a computer program for causing the display method to be executed by the information terminal.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] The information terminal of the present application can manage display identification information given to an icon and inherent identification information of a wireless communication device when displaying an icon of the wireless communication device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of a lighting system according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 is a diagram schematically showing a mesh network.

[0017] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of an initial setting operation.

[0018] Figure 4A is a first timing chart of the initial setting operation.

[0019] Figure 4B is a second timing chart of the initial setting operation.

[0020] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of an initial setting screen.

[0021] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a detection operation of a lighting fixture.

[0022] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of identification information management information.

[0023] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of an initial setting screen after a set position is designated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below each show an example in which a general or specific embodiment is combined. Numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions of components, connection modes of components, steps, orders of steps, and the like shown in the following embodiments are examples, and the gist of the present application is not limited to them. In addition, components not recited in the independent claims among the components in the following embodiments are arbitrary components, and are described as such.

[0025] In addition, each drawing is a schematic view, and is not necessarily strictly illustrated. In each drawing, the same reference numeral is attached to substantially the same structure, and repeated description is omitted or simplified at times.

[0026] (Embodiments)

[0027] [Structure]

[0028] First, the structure of the lighting system to which the embodiments are applied will be described. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of the lighting system to which the embodiments are applied. As shown in Figure 1 , the lighting system 10 is provided with an information terminal 30 and a plurality of lighting fixtures 20.

[0029] In the lighting system 10, the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 each have a wireless communication function, and the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 constitute a wireless mesh network (hereinafter also simply referred to as a mesh network). The wireless mesh network is an example of a wireless communication network.

[0030] Figure 2 is a diagram schematically showing the mesh network. Figure 2 The circular marks in the mesh network correspond to one lighting fixture 20 (in other words, a communication node). In the mesh network, when information is transmitted from a certain communication node (also referred to as a first communication node) to another communication node (also referred to as a second communication node), the information is, for example, transmitted in a routing manner, but can also be transmitted in a flooding manner or other manner.

[0031] The information transmitted through the mesh network is, for example, control information for performing lighting control, extinguishing control, or dimming control on the lighting fixture 20. In addition, in the case where the mesh network includes an environmental sensor as described later, the measured value (sensing information) of the environmental sensor is also sometimes transmitted.

[0032] First, the lighting fixture 20 will be described. The lighting fixture 20 is provided on the ceiling of an indoor space, and is a basic light or the like that illuminates the indoor space. As described above, the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 each have a wireless communication function, and the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 constitute the mesh network. Furthermore, the mode of the lighting fixture 20 is not particularly limited, and can be a ceiling-mounted light, a pendant light, or a spotlight, or the like. The lighting fixture 20 specifically has a wireless communication unit 21, a light source 22, and a storage unit 23.

[0033] The wireless communication section 21 is a wireless communication circuit for the lighting instrument 20 to perform wireless communication (more specifically, radio communication) with other lighting instruments 20 and the information terminal 30. After the lighting instrument 20 joins the mesh network, the wireless communication section 21 performs communication through the mesh network described above. In addition, before the lighting instrument 20 joins the mesh network, the wireless communication section 21 periodically transmits a beacon signal (also sometimes referred to as a broadcast signal or the like), and individually performs wireless communication with the information terminal 30 that has received the beacon signal. In addition, the wireless communication section 21 specifically performs wireless communication in accordance with a communication standard such as BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) mesh.

[0034] The light source 22 irradiates white light to the indoor space in order for the lighting instrument 20 to illuminate the indoor space. The light source 22 is realized by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element, but can also be realized by a semiconductor laser, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) or an inorganic EL, or the like.

[0035] The storage section 23 is a storage device that stores intrinsic identification information and setting information (described later) and the like of the lighting instrument 20, and various kinds of information necessary for the lighting instrument 20 to act. The storage section 23 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory or the like.

[0036] Next, the structure of the information terminal 30 will be described. The information terminal 30 is an information terminal that the user uses in order to perform setting (initial setting and setting change) related to the mesh network and control of the plurality of lighting instruments 20. The information terminal 30 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or the like, which is a portable terminal. In addition, the information terminal 30 can also be a dedicated remote controller used in the lighting system 10. The information terminal 30 specifically has an operation reception section 31, a display section 32, a wireless communication section 33, an information processing section 34, a storage section 35, and a measurement section 36.

[0037] The operation reception section 31 receives an operation of the user. The operation reception section 31 is specifically realized by a touch panel or the like.

[0038] The display section 32 displays various kinds of images. The display section 32 is realized by, for example, a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel.

[0039] The wireless communication section 33 is a wireless communication circuit for performing wireless communication (more specifically, radio wave communication) between the information terminal 30 and each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20. The wireless communication section 33 specifically performs wireless communication in accordance with a communication standard such as BLE.

[0040] The information processing section 34 performs information processing in accordance with an operation of the user accepted by the operation accepting section 31. The information processing section 34 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but can also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The function of the information processing section 34 is realized by the hardware such as a microcomputer or a processor that constitutes the information processing section 34 executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage section 35.

[0041] The storage section 35 is a storage device that stores information necessary for information processing performed by the information processing section 34. The storage section 35 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory or the like.

[0042] The measurement section 36 is a measurement circuit that measures a received signal strength (RSSI: Received Signal Strength Indicator) of a beacon signal transmitted by the lighting fixture 20 received by the wireless communication section 33. The measurement section 36 can also be included in the wireless communication circuit possessed by the wireless communication section 33.

[0043] [Initial setting operation]

[0044] The information terminal 30 can construct a mesh network by performing an initial setting operation. Here, the initial setting operation will be described. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of the initial setting operation. As shown in Figure 3 , the initial setting operation includes a detection stage S10, an identification and registration stage S20, and a setting stage S30 in this order. Hereinafter, the specific processing performed in each stage will be described with reference to a timing chart. Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a timing chart of the initial setting operation. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of an initial setting screen. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The initial setting operation shown in

[0045] First, the processing performed in the detection stage S10 will be described. The operation accepting section 31 of the information terminal 30 accepts a start operation for starting detection (scanning) of the lighting fixture 20 from the user (S10a). The start operation is a click operation on the detection icon 32c of the initial setting screen of Figure 5 .

[0046] Each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 periodically transmits a beacon signal (also sometimes referred to as a broadcast signal or the like) before joining the mesh network (S10b). The wireless communication section 33 of the information terminal 30 receives the beacon signal in conjunction with the acceptance of the start operation of step S10a. The beacon signal transmitted from each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 contains intrinsic identification information of the lighting fixture 20. The intrinsic identification information is, for example, a MAC (Media Access Control) address, but is not limited to a MAC address as long as it is information capable of uniquely determining the lighting fixture 20.

[0047] The information processing section 34 displays an icon of the lighting fixture 20 that is the transmission source of the received beacon signal on the display section 32 (S10c). As shown in the initial setting screen of Fig. 2, a plurality of icons 32a corresponding to the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 that are the transmission sources of the beacon signals are displayed in a row horizontally. Figure 5

[0048] In addition, in the initial setting screen of Fig. 2, a map image 32m is also displayed. The map image 32m is a view from above of the area in which the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 are installed, and in the example of Fig. 2, the installation positions PI to P6 of the lighting fixtures 20 are indicated by circular marks. That is, the map image 32m is an image indicating the installation positions of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20. The map image 32m is stored in advance in the storage section 35. Figure 5 Figure 5

[0049] Further, at the time point of step S10c, how the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 are configured is known, but which lighting fixture 20 is located at which place is unknown. That is, at the time point of step S10c, the installation positions of the lighting fixtures 20 and the intrinsic identification information of the lighting fixtures 20 do not have a correspondence established.

[0050] The processing of steps S10a to S10c described above is processing performed in the detection stage S10. Next, the processing performed in the identification and registration stage S20 will be described.

[0051] ​​​The operation receiving part 31 receives a selection operation on the plurality of icons 32a from the setter (S20a). The selection operation is, for example, a click operation on any of the plurality of icons 32a. The information processing part 34, based on the selection operation received by the operation receiving part 31, causes the lighting fixture 20 (hereinafter also referred to as the object lighting fixture 20) corresponding to the selected icon 32a and the wireless communication part 33 to be communicatively connected (S20b), and starts individual communication (1-to-1 communication) with the object lighting fixture 20. The information processing part 34 causes the wireless communication part 33 to transmit a flicker instruction (S20c). The flicker instruction is, for example, transmitted on the occasion of receiving a click operation on the flicker icon 32b after the selection operation.

[0052] The flicker instruction is control information (control instruction) for selectively causing the object lighting fixture 20 to flicker. The object lighting fixture 20 flickers when receiving the flicker instruction (S20d). Thereby, the user can recognize the object lighting fixture 20.

[0053] The user visually confirms the actual setting position of the object lighting fixture 20 that is flickering (S20e), and specifies the setting position (for example, one of the setting positions P1 to P6) of the object lighting fixture 20 that is flickering on the map image 32m. The operation receiving part 31 receives a specification operation on the setting position of the lighting fixture 20 within the map image 32m from the user (S20f). In this way, the information processing part 34 stores the intrinsic identification information indicated by the icon 32a selected in step S20a in the storage part 35 in association with the setting position (coordinates) specified in step S20f (S20g). In addition, the information processing part 34 releases the display of the icon 32a for which the association has been completed (S20h). That is, the number of the plurality of icons 32a displayed in step S10c is reduced by one. Then, the information processing part 34 releases the communicative connection with the object lighting fixture 20 (S20i).

[0054] The processes of steps S20a to S20i are repeated until the association of all the icons 32a (intrinsic identification information) displayed in step S10c and the setting positions is completed. As a result, the association information indicating the association of the intrinsic identification information of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 and the setting positions thereof is stored in the storage part 35. That is, the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 are registered to the information terminal 30.

[0055] The processes of steps S20a to S20i described above are processes performed in the identification and registration phase S20. Next, the processes performed in the setting phase S30 will be described. The processes performed in the setting phase S30 are processes also referred to as provisioning and the like.

[0056] The information processing section 34 causes the wireless communication section 33 to transmit the setting information to the lighting instrument 20 (S30b). The lighting instrument 20 receives the setting information and stores it in the storage section 23 provided in the lighting instrument 20 (S30c).

[0057] The setting information is information for the lighting instrument 20 to join the mesh network. The setting information includes the mesh ID of the mesh network to which the lighting instrument 20 belongs, and the address information (unicast address) of the lighting instrument 20 used in communication within the mesh network. As needed, the setting information also includes a security password (authentication information) used in communication within the mesh network, channel information indicating a frequency channel used in wireless communication within the mesh network, and intrinsic identification information of the information terminal 30 that performed the initial setting operation, and the like. The lighting instrument 20 for which the setting information has been stored in the storage section 23 can join the mesh network.

[0058] The lighting instrument 20 transmits a setting completion notification to the information terminal 30 when the storage of the setting information is completed (S30d). The information processing section 34 of the information terminal 30 releases the communication connection with the lighting instrument 20 for which the communication connection was established in step S30a when the setting completion notification is received by the wireless communication section 33 (S30e).

[0059] The processes of steps S30a to S30e are repeated until all of the lighting instruments 20 join the mesh network. The lighting instruments 20 that have joined the mesh network stop the periodic transmission of the beacon signal performed before joining the mesh network as needed.

[0060] The processes of steps S30a to S30e described above are processes performed in the setting stage S30 (also referred to as setting processes).

[0061] Further, the process of step S20i and the process of step S30a can be omitted. That is, it can also be that the processes of steps S30b to S30e are performed without releasing the communication connection in step S20i.

[0062] As described above, the information terminal 30 can cause a plurality of lighting instruments 20 to join the mesh network by performing the initial setting operation. In other words, the information terminal 30 can construct the mesh network.

[0063] [Management of Display Identification Information]

[0064] Figure 5The character "dim" in the upper part of the icon 32a displayed in the initial setting screen means the kind (function) of the lighting fixture 20, specifically, means that the lighting fixture 20 is a lighting fixture supporting dimming. The characters "L001" and the like in the lower part of the icon 32a are display identification information for distinguishing the icon 32a.

[0065] Here, a part of the string of the inherent identification information (MAC address) included in the beacon signal can be extracted and used as the display identification information, but in this case, the display identification information of the icon 32a indicating a certain lighting fixture 20 can be duplicated with the display identification information of other lighting fixtures 20, and the setter can have difficulty in distinguishing the icons 32a.

[0066] Therefore, the information processing section 34 of the information terminal 30 generates display identification information different from the inherent identification information, gives the display identification information to the icon 32a, and displays the icon 32a. However, in a case where the lighting fixture 20 detected through the process of the detection stage S10 is detected again due to repetition of the process of the detection stage S10 and the like, new display identification information is given. That is, the display identification information given to the icon 32a indicating the same lighting fixture 20 is changed every time the detection stage S10 is performed, and therefore it becomes a problem that the setter has difficulty in recognizing the lighting fixture 20.

[0067] Therefore, the information processing section 34 stores, in the storage section 35, a correspondence relation between the generated display identification information and the inherent identification information of the detected lighting fixture 20 in a case where the display identification information is generated for the first time with respect to the detected lighting fixture 20. Also, in a case where the display identification information has already been generated with respect to the detected lighting fixture 20, the icon 32a of the lighting fixture 20 is given the generated display identification information. Thereby, the same display identification information is assigned to the same lighting fixture 20, and therefore the setter can easily recognize the lighting fixture 20.

[0068] [Detection operation of lighting fixture]

[0069] Hereinafter, the detection operation (operation performed in the detection stage) of the lighting fixture 20 in a case where the correspondence relation between the display identification information and the inherent identification information is stored as described above will be described. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the detection operation of the lighting fixture 20.

[0070] The operation receiving section 31 of the information terminal 30 receives, from the user, a start operation for instructing the start of the initial setting operation (S10a). The wireless communication section 33 of the information terminal 30 receives one or more beacon signals (S10b).

[0071] The information processing portion 34 selects one beacon signal, out of the one or more received beacon signals, which has not been subjected to the processing after step S10d (S10d). The information processing portion 34 determines whether or not the display identification information corresponding to the intrinsic identification information included in the selected beacon signal has been generated, by referring to the identification information management information stored in the storage portion 35 (S10e). Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the identification information management information. As shown in Figure 7 , the identification information management information is information indicating the correspondence relationship between the intrinsic identification information and the display identification information.

[0072] The information processing portion 34 generates the display identification information when it is determined that the display identification information has not been generated (NO in S10e) (S10f). The display identification information is expressed, for example, by a letter and a numerical value attached to the letter, the letter indicating the device category (L in the case of the lighting fixture 20). Note that such display identification information is an example, and the specific manner of the display identification information is not particularly limited.

[0073] Next, the information processing portion 34 stores the correspondence relationship between the intrinsic identification information included in the received beacon signal and the display identification information generated in step S10f in the storage portion 35 (S10g). In step S10g, specifically, the information processing portion 34 updates the identification information management information stored in the storage portion 35 by appending the correspondence relationship between the intrinsic identification information included in the received beacon signal and the generated display identification information to the identification information management information. Figure 7

[0074] Then, the information processing portion 34 displays the icon 32a of the lighting fixture 20 that is the transmission source of the received beacon signal, that is, the icon 32a to which the display identification information generated in step S10f is assigned, on the display portion 32 (S10h).

[0075] On the other hand, the information processing portion 34 determines the display identification information corresponding to the intrinsic identification information in the identification information management information when it is determined that the display identification information has been generated (YES in S10e) (S10i). The information processing portion 34 displays the icon 32a of the lighting fixture 20 that is the transmission source of the received beacon signal, that is, the icon 32a to which the display identification information determined in step S10i is assigned, on the display portion 32 (S10j).

[0076] ​After the processing of step S10h or step S10j, the information processing section 34 determines whether there is an unprocessed beacon signal among the one or more beacon signals received in step S10b (whether all the beacon signals have been processed) (S10k). The information processing section 34 selects an unprocessed beacon signal (S10d) in a case where it is determined that there is an unprocessed beacon signal (YES in S10k), and performs the processing after step S10d. In a case where it is determined that all the beacon signals have been processed and there is no unprocessed beacon signal (NO in S10k), the operation ends.

[0077] As such, the information terminal 30 uses the identification information management information, and even if the same lighting fixture 20 is detected multiple times, the same display identification information can be given to the icon 32a indicating the same lighting fixture 20. Therefore, the setter can easily recognize the lighting fixture 20.

[0078] Further, in a case where the wireless communication section 33 receives a plurality of beacon signals corresponding to a plurality of lighting fixtures 20 in step S10b, the processing after step S10d is repeated multiple times. In this case, for example, in step S10d, the beacon signal for which the reception processing is completed earliest among the unprocessed beacon signals is selected, and the value of the display identification information generated in step S10f is incremented (or decremented) each time the display identification information is newly generated. As a result, the plurality of icons 32a displayed in the initial setting screen are given values indicating the order in which the beacon signals were received.

[0079] Further, after step S10b, the measurement section 36 can also measure the reception signal strength of each of the one or more beacon signals received in step S10b. In this case, for example, in step S10d, the beacon signal having the highest reception signal strength among the unprocessed beacon signals is selected, and the value of the display identification information generated in step S10f is incremented (or decremented) each time the display identification information is newly generated. As a result, the plurality of icons 32a displayed in the initial setting screen are given values indicating the order of the reception signal strengths.

[0080] As explained in step S20e described above, the matching of the actual installation position of the lighting fixture 20 and the position on the map image 32m is performed by the user's vision. When the icon 32a of the lighting fixture 20 far from the user is selected in step S20a, the lighting fixture 20 far from the user flickers, and the user cannot grasp the accurate installation position of the lighting fixture 20 that is flickering, and the user needs to move to grasp the accurate installation position. That is, there is a problem that a delay in work occurs.

[0081] To address this issue, if icon 32a is assigned a numerical value indicating the order of received signal strength, then the received signal strength implies that the distance between the light fixture 20 and the information terminal 30, which are both sources of beacon signals, is similar. Therefore, the installer can preferentially select the light fixture 20 that is considered to be nearby, thereby achieving high efficiency in the operation.

[0082] [Displays the replacement of identification information with the identification information corresponding to the set location]

[0083] Following the detection of the lighting fixture 20 described above, the identification and registration phase S20 is performed. After specifying the installation location of the lighting fixture 20 on the map image 32m in step S20f, the information processing unit 34 of the information terminal 30 may replace the display with identification information corresponding to the specified installation location, and display an icon 32a assigned with the identification information corresponding to the installation location on the display unit 32.

[0084] For example, let's say the operation of specifying the setting location accepted in step S20f is to... Figure 5 The operation involves dragging and dropping one of the icons 32a displayed horizontally in the upper part of the image 32m to one of the P1 to P6 (candidate locations for setting positions). In this case, when the icon 32a assigned the display identification information "L001" is dragged and dropped to the setting position P1, the information processing unit 34 replaces the "L001" of the icon 32a assigned the display identification information "L001" with "P1" and displays the icon 32a at the setting position P1. Figure 8 This is an example of an initial setup screen after the setting position has been specified.

[0085] In this way, the information terminal 30 will display the identification information that corresponds to the specified installation location, replacing the identification information. The installer can easily determine the installation location of the lighting fixture 20 based on the identification information assigned to the icon 32a.

[0086] [Notification of display identification information for lighting fixtures]

[0087] In the detection operation of the lighting fixture 20 described above, at any time after the correspondence between the inherent identification information and the display identification information is stored in the storage unit 35, the information processing unit 34 can also communicate with the lighting fixture 20 via the wireless communication unit 33 to notify the lighting fixture 20 of the display identification information assigned to it. The display identification information is, for example, notified to the lighting fixture 20 in step S20c of the identification and registration phase S20 by including a flashing command.

[0088] Therefore, upon receiving a notification, the lighting fixture 20 can store display identification information in the storage unit 23 and emit a beacon signal that includes display identification information in place of the inherent identification information, or a beacon signal that includes both inherent and display identification information. Furthermore, upon receiving a notification, the lighting fixture 20 can respond to inquiries from the information terminal 30 with display identification information. In other words, the information terminal 30 can flexibly utilize display identification information in other information processing tasks.

[0089] [Variation Example]

[0090] In the above embodiments, in the initial setting screen ( Figure 5 In the diagram, multiple icons 32a corresponding to the multiple lighting fixtures 20 that serve as the sources of beacon signals are displayed in a horizontal row from left to right in the order in which the beacon signal reception and processing are completed. However, the multiple icons 32a can also be displayed in a horizontal row from left to right in order of the received signal strength from high to low.

[0091] Therefore, the icons of the lighting fixtures 20, which are the sources of beacon signals, are displayed sequentially from left to right in order of decreasing received signal strength. This makes it easy to make the lighting fixtures 20 flash sequentially, starting from the lighting fixtures 20 that are believed to be near the information terminal 30, and to register their settings.

[0092] In the above embodiments, in the initial setting screen ( Figure 5 The initial setup screen displays multiple icons 32a corresponding to all lighting fixtures 20 that have successfully received beacon signals. However, the multiple icons 32a displayed in the initial setup screen can also be filtered. For example, only a predetermined number of icons 32a may be displayed, sorted from highest to lowest corrected received signal strength (that is, a predetermined number of icons 32a with the highest received signal strength). The predetermined number can be a fixed number or can be set by the user through operation of the information terminal 30.

[0093] Furthermore, if a second click operation on the detection icon 32c is performed after multiple icons 32a are displayed via the first click operation on the detection icon 32c (hereinafter also referred to as the first scan), the multiple first icons corresponding to the multiple lighting fixtures 20 detected in the first scan are, for example, set to not be displayed (are cleared), and multiple second icons corresponding to the multiple lighting fixtures 20 detected in the second scan are displayed.

[0094] However, the second plurality of icons can also be displayed and the first plurality of icons can be displayed on the right side thereof. In a case where both the first and second plurality of icons are displayed, the first plurality of icons can also be displayed in a different display manner from the second plurality of icons. The different display manner in this case means that at least one of color, pattern, size, and shape of the icons is different. The different display manner can also be realized by superimposing a mark or a character on the icons.

[0095] In the above-described embodiment, the plurality of wireless communication devices constituting the mesh network are lighting fixtures 20, but can not be lighting fixtures 20. The plurality of wireless communication devices can include lighting fixtures 20 and other devices, or can not include lighting fixtures 20 and include only other wireless communication devices. In addition, the mesh network can include information terminals 30.

[0096] As the above-described other wireless communication devices, a lighting remote controller operated by a user to control the lighting fixtures 20, a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) dimmer, a scheduler, an AC (Alternating Current) relay, and the like are exemplified.

[0097] The PWM dimmer is a device capable of dimming the lighting fixtures 20 equipped thereto. The scheduler is a device that turns on, off, or dims the lighting fixtures 20 according to a schedule set in advance.

[0098] The AC relay includes a first AC relay and a second AC relay. The first AC relay is equipped to a wiring pipe and is a device capable of turning on and off one device equipped to the wiring pipe by turning on and off the AC power supplied to the one device. The second AC relay is equipped to a root of the wiring pipe and is a device capable of turning on and off all devices equipped to the wiring pipe by turning on and off the AC power supplied to the wiring pipe. In addition, the AC relay can be a wireless control switch or the like that does not use the wiring pipe.

[0099] In addition, the above-described other wireless communication devices can be devices not directly associated with lighting, such as an air conditioner, a ventilation device, a video camera, a speaker, a human sensor, or an environmental sensor. The environmental sensor includes a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a carbon dioxide concentration sensor, a PM (Particle Matter) sensor, and the like.

[0100] In the above-described embodiments, the light source 22 provided in the lighting device 20 is used as the state presentation section for the installer to visually confirm the setting position of the lighting device 20. However, the wireless communication device constituting the mesh network is not limited to the lighting device 20, and various modes can be considered for the state presentation section provided in the wireless communication device.

[0101] For example, the wireless communication device can be provided with a light source (an LED indicator or the like in the case of a device other than the lighting device 20) as the state presentation section. The wireless communication device can be provided with a speaker as the state presentation section, and present the state by sound. The wireless communication device can use a dedicated function of the device (blowing function or the like in the case of an air conditioner) as the state presentation section. The wireless communication device can change to a state different from the other wireless communication devices based on the control instruction (control information) transmitted from the information terminal 30.

[0102] [Effects and the like]

[0103] The following describes an application obtained based on the disclosure of the present specification, and describes effects and the like of the application.

[0104] The application 1 is the information terminal 30 provided with: the wireless communication section 33 that receives the beacon signal emitted by the wireless communication device; the display section 32; the storage section 35; and the information processing section 34 that, in association with the reception of the beacon signal, performs the following processing: (a) generates the display identification information; (b) stores the generated display identification information and the unique identification information of the wireless communication device included in the received beacon signal in the storage section 35; and (c) displays the icon 32a representing the wireless communication device to which the generated display identification information is assigned on the display section 32.

[0105] Such an information terminal 30 can manage the display identification information assigned to the icon 32a and the unique identification information of the wireless communication device.

[0106] Regarding the application 2, in the information terminal 30 of the application 1, the wireless communication section 33 receives another beacon signal emitted by the wireless communication device after the execution of (b), and the information processing section 34, in association with the reception of the other beacon signal, performs the following processing: (d) determines that the display identification information corresponding to the unique identification information included in the other beacon signal has been generated by referring to the storage section 35; and (e) displays the icon 32a representing the wireless communication device to which the display identification information is assigned on the display section 32.

[0107] Such an information terminal 30 uses identification information to manage information. When it receives a beacon signal from a lighting fixture 20 that has previously generated display identification information, it can assign the previously generated display identification information. Therefore, the installer can easily identify the lighting fixture 20.

[0108] Regarding invention 3, in the information terminal 30 of invention 1 or 2, when a beacon signal is received from each of the multiple wireless communication devices, the information processing unit 34 assigns a value indicating the order in which the beacon signal was received as display identification information to multiple icons 32a and displays the icons 32a on the display unit 32.

[0109] Such an information terminal 30 can assign a value indicating the order in which beacon signals are received as identification information for display.

[0110] Regarding invention 4, the information terminal 30 of invention 1 or 2 further includes a measurement unit 36, which measures the received signal strength of the received beacon signal. When the beacon signal is received from each of the multiple wireless communication devices, the information processing unit 34 assigns a value indicating the order of the received signal strength as display identification information to multiple icons 32a and displays the icons 32a on the display unit 32.

[0111] Such an information terminal 30 can assign numerical values ​​representing the order of received signal strength as identification information for display.

[0112] Regarding Invention 5, the information terminal 30 of any one of Inventions 1 to 4 further includes an operation receiving unit 31. This operation receiving unit 31 receives a user's request to specify the setting location of the wireless communication device. The information processing unit 34 replaces the identification information with identification information corresponding to the specified setting location and displays an icon 32a on the display unit 32. The user is an example of the setter in the above embodiment.

[0113] According to such an information terminal 30, users can easily grasp the setting location of wireless communication devices based on the identification information assigned to icon 32a.

[0114] Regarding Invention 6, in the information terminal 30 of any of Inventions 1 to 5, the information processing unit 34 communicates with the wireless communication device by using the wireless communication unit 33 to notify the wireless communication device of display identification information, and the wireless communication device sends out a beacon signal containing the display identification information after receiving the notification.

[0115] Such an information terminal 30 can realize the flexible use of display identification information in other information processing.

[0116] As for Invention 7, in the information terminal 30 of any one of Inventions 1 to 5, the information processing section 34 performs notification of display identification information to the wireless communication device by communicating with the wireless communication device using the wireless communication section 33, and the wireless communication device that has received the notification replies to the inquiry from the information terminal 30 with the display identification information.

[0117] Such an information terminal 30 enables flexible use of the display identification information in other information processing.

[0118] As for Invention 8, in the information terminal 30 of any one of Inventions 1 to 7, the wireless communication device is the lighting appliance 20 having a wireless communication function.

[0119] Such an information terminal 30 enables management of the display identification information given to the icon 32a and the inherent identification information of the lighting appliance 20.

[0120] Invention 9 is a communication system including the information terminal 30 of any one of Inventions 1 to 8 and the wireless communication device. The lighting system 10 of the above-described embodiment is an example of the communication system.

[0121] Such a communication system enables management of the display identification information given to the icon 32a and the inherent identification information of the wireless communication device.

[0122] Invention 10 is a display method executed by the information terminal 30 including a display section 32 and a storage section 35, including the steps of: receiving a beacon signal emitted by a wireless communication device; and performing the following processing in conjunction with the reception of the beacon signal: (a) generating display identification information; (b) displaying an icon 32a representing the wireless communication device to which the generated display identification information is given, on the display section 32; and (c) storing a correspondence relationship between the generated display identification information and inherent identification information of the wireless communication device included in the received beacon signal, in the storage section 35.

[0123] Such a display method enables management of the display identification information given to the icon 32a and the inherent identification information of the wireless communication device.

[0124] Invention 11 is a program for causing the display method of Invention 10 to be executed by the information terminal 30.

[0125] According to such a program, the information terminal 30 can manage the display identification information given to the icon 32a and the inherent identification information of the wireless communication device.

[0126] (Other Embodiments)

[0127] The above describes embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0128] For example, in the above-described embodiments, the processing performed by a specific processing section can also be performed by another processing section. In addition, the order of the plurality of processes can be changed, and the plurality of processes can be executed in parallel.

[0129] In addition, in the above-described embodiments, each of the constituent elements can be realized by executing a software program suitable for each of the constituent elements. Each of the constituent elements can be realized by a program execution section such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded in a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

[0130] In addition, each of the constituent elements can be realized by hardware. For example, the constituent elements such as the control section can be circuits (or integrated circuits). These circuits can constitute one circuit as a whole, or can be independent circuits. In addition, each of these circuits can be a general-purpose circuit, or can be a dedicated circuit.

[0131] In addition, the entire or specific aspects of the present application can be realized by a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. In addition, it can be realized by any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0132] For example, the present application can be realized as the communication system or the information terminal of the above-described embodiments, and can also be realized as a display method executed by the information terminal. The present application can also be realized as a program for causing the information terminal (computer) to execute such a display method, and can also be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium in which such a program is recorded. In other words, the program is a computer program product. Such a program includes an application program for causing a general-purpose information terminal or the like to function as the information terminal of the above-described embodiments.

[0133] In addition to the above, aspects obtained by various modifications of the above-described embodiments, or aspects realized by arbitrarily combining the constituent elements and functions of the above-described embodiments within a range that does not deviate from the spirit of the present application are also included in the present application.

[0134] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0135] 10: lighting system (communication system); 20: luminaire (wireless communication device); 21: wireless communication section; 22: light source; 23, 35: storage section; 30: information terminal; 31: operation reception section; 32: display section; 32a: icon; 32b: blinking icon; 32c: detection icon; 32m: map image; 33: wireless communication section; 34: information processing section; 36: measurement section.

Claims

1. An information terminal, comprising: The wireless communication unit receives beacon signals emitted by wireless communication devices; Display section; Storage department; and The information processing unit, upon receiving the beacon signal, performs the following processing: (a) generating display identification information; (b) storing the correspondence between the generated display identification information and the inherent identification information of the wireless communication device contained in the received beacon signal in the storage unit; and (c) displaying an icon representing the wireless communication device, which is assigned the generated display identification information, on the display unit.

2. The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The wireless communication unit receives other beacon signals emitted by the wireless communication device after (b) is performed. Upon receiving the other beacon signal, the information processing unit performs the following processing: (d) by referring to the storage unit, it determines that the display identification information corresponding to the inherent identification information contained in the other beacon signal has been generated; and (e) an icon representing the wireless communication device, which is assigned the display identification information, is displayed on the display unit.

3. The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein, When the beacon signal is received from each of the multiple wireless communication devices, the information processing unit assigns a value indicating the order in which the beacon signal was received as the display identification information to the multiple icons and displays the icons on the display unit.

4. The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes a measurement unit that measures the received signal strength of the beacon signal. When the beacon signal is received from each of the multiple wireless communication devices, the information processing unit assigns a value representing the strength ranking of the received signal as the display identification information to the multiple icons and displays the icons on the display unit.

5. The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes an operation receiving unit, which receives a user's request for a specified operation to set the location of the wireless communication device. The information processing unit replaces the display identification information with identification information corresponding to the specified setting position, and displays the icon on the display unit.

6. The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The information processing unit communicates with the wireless communication device using the wireless communication unit to notify the wireless communication device of the display identification information. Upon receiving the notification, the wireless communication device sends a beacon signal containing the identification information for display.

7. The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The information processing unit communicates with the wireless communication device using the wireless communication unit to notify the wireless communication device of the display identification information. Upon receiving the notification, the wireless communication device responds to the query from the information terminal with the display identification information.

8. The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The wireless communication device is a lighting fixture with wireless communication functionality.

9. A communication system, comprising: The information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and The wireless communication device.

10. A display method, executed by an information terminal having a display unit and a storage unit, comprising the following steps: Receive beacon signals from wireless communication devices; as well as Upon receiving the beacon signal, the following processing is performed: (a) generating display identification information; (b) displaying an icon representing the wireless communication device, which is assigned the generated display identification information, on the display unit; and (c) storing the correspondence between the generated display identification information and the inherent identification information of the wireless communication device contained in the received beacon signal in the storage unit.

11. A computer program product comprising a program for causing the display method of claim 10 to be executed by the information terminal.

12. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for causing the display method according to claim 10 to be executed by the information terminal.

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