Illumination system, lighting fixture, and program

Abstract

To provide an illumination system capable of improving user convenience.SOLUTION: An illumination system 10 includes: a first acquisition unit 64 that acquires a piece of setting information having content specified by a first user, which is setting information regarding the beacon signal emitted by a lighting fixture 20; and a setting unit 65 that transmits the acquired setting information to a lighting fixture 20 through a wide area communication network 90. The lighting fixture 20 transmits a beacon signal with the settings indicated by the received setting information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting system, a lighting fixture, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Various technologies related to lighting have been proposed. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that simplifies the association between the installation positions of beacon transmitters on an image corresponding to real space and beacon identification information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-107480 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention provides a lighting system and the like that can improve user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A lighting system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first acquisition unit that acquires setting information regarding a beacon signal transmitted by a lighting device, the setting information having content specified by a first user, and a setting unit that transmits the acquired setting information to the lighting device via a wide area communication network, and the lighting device transmits the beacon signal with the settings indicated by the received setting information.

[0006] A lighting device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a transmitter unit that emits a beacon signal and a communication unit that receives setting information relating to the beacon signal, the setting information having content specified by a user, from an information processing device via a wide area communication network, and the transmitter unit transmits the beacon signal with the settings indicated by the received setting information.

[0007] A program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a program for causing a lighting device to execute a method for transmitting a beacon signal, the transmission method including a receiving step of receiving setting information relating to the beacon signal, the setting information having content specified by a first user, from an information processing device via a wide area communication network, and a transmitting step of transmitting the beacon signal with settings indicated by the received setting information. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a lighting system etc. that can improve user convenience. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a lighting system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a space to which the lighting system according to the embodiment is applied. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the beacon setting management information. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the control state management information. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a setting operation related to a beacon signal. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a remote control operation of a lighting fixture. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a lighting system according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component arrangement and connection forms, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0011] In addition, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a precise illustration. In addition, in each drawing, the same reference numerals are used for substantially the same configuration, and duplicated explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0012] (Embodiment) [composition] First, a configuration of a lighting system according to an embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a lighting system according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a space to which a lighting system according to an embodiment is applied.

[0013] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a lighting system 10 is applied to a space within a facility such as a commercial facility. The lighting system 10 can provide services such as distribution of advertisements and coupons to general users of mobile terminals 40 that receive beacon signals transmitted by lighting fixtures 20. The lighting system 10 includes a plurality of lighting fixtures 20, an operation terminal 30, a mobile terminal 40, a gateway device 50, a beacon setting server 60, and a lighting control server 70. It is sufficient that the lighting system 10 includes at least one lighting fixture 20.

[0014] First, the lighting fixture 20 will be described. The lighting fixture 20 is a base light or the like that is installed on the ceiling of an indoor space and illuminates the indoor space. The form of the lighting fixture 20 is not particularly limited, and may be a ceiling light, a downlight, a spotlight, or the like. Specifically, the lighting fixture 20 includes a lighting unit 21, a communication unit 22, a transmission unit 23, an information processing unit 24, and a storage unit 25.

[0015] The illumination unit 21 emits light using power supplied from a system power supply. The light emitted by the illumination unit 21 is, for example, white light. The illumination unit 21 is realized by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element, but may be realized by other light emitting elements such as a semiconductor laser, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), or an inorganic EL.

[0016] Communication unit 22 is a communication circuit for connecting lighting fixture 20 to a wide area communication network 90 such as the Internet via gateway device 50. Communication unit 22 may be a wireless communication circuit for performing wireless communication, or a wired communication circuit for performing wired communication.

[0017] The transmitter 23 periodically transmits a beacon signal (sometimes called an advertisement signal, etc.). Specifically, the transmitter 23 is a wireless communication circuit that transmits a beacon signal in accordance with a communication protocol (communication standard) such as BLE. When the communication unit 22 is a wireless communication circuit, the communication unit 22 and the transmitter 23 can be realized by a common wireless communication circuit (such as a communication module or a communication chip).

[0018] The information processing unit 24 processes information relating to the control of the illumination unit 21 and the communication unit 22, and the control of the transmission unit 23 (beacon signal). The information processing unit 24 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The functions of the information processing unit 24 are realized by hardware such as a microcomputer or a processor constituting the information processing unit 24 executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 25.

[0019] The storage unit 25 is a storage device that stores information necessary for the above information processing. The information stored in the storage unit 25 includes a computer program executed by the information processing unit 24. The storage unit 25 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0020] Next, the operation terminal 30 will be described. The operation terminal 30 is a user interface operated by a user to change settings related to the beacon signals of the lighting fixtures 20 and to remotely control the lighting fixtures 20. The operation terminal 30 is, for example, a dedicated remote controller for the lighting system 10, but may also be realized by installing a predetermined application program on a general-purpose information terminal. The general-purpose information terminal is, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal. Specifically, the operation terminal 30 includes an operation reception unit 31, a display unit 32, a communication unit 33, an information processing unit 34, and a storage unit 35.

[0021] The operation reception unit 31 receives operations from a user. Specifically, the operation reception unit 31 is realized by a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, or the like.

[0022] The display unit 32 is a display on which an image visually recognized by a user is displayed, and is realized by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel.

[0023] The communication unit 33 is a communication circuit for the operation terminal 30 to communicate with each of the beacon setting server 60 and the lighting control server 70 through the wide area communication network 90. ​​The communication unit 33 may be a wireless communication circuit for performing wireless communication, or a wired communication circuit for performing wired communication.

[0024] Information processing unit 34 performs information processing for causing operation terminal 30 to function as a user interface when changing settings related to the beacon signals of lighting device 20 and when remotely controlling lighting device 20. Information processing unit 34 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The functions of information processing unit 34 are realized when hardware such as a microcomputer or processor constituting information processing unit 34 executes a computer program (software) stored in storage unit 35.

[0025] The storage unit 35 is a storage device that stores information necessary for the above information processing. The information stored in the storage unit 35 includes a computer program executed by the information processing unit 34. The storage unit 35 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0026] Next, the mobile terminal 40 will be described. The mobile terminal 40 is a portable information terminal carried by a general user who visits a facility (such as the commercial facility in FIG. 2) in which the lighting fixture 20 is installed. The mobile terminal 40 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal digital assistant (PDA). Specifically, the mobile terminal 40 includes an operation acceptance unit 41, a display unit 42, a receiving unit 43, an information processing unit 44, and a storage unit 45.

[0027] The operation reception unit 41 receives operations from general users. Specifically, the operation reception unit 41 is realized by a touch panel or the like.

[0028] The display unit 42 is a display on which an image to be visually recognized by a general user is displayed, and is realized by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel.

[0029] Receiving unit 43 receives a beacon signal emitted by lighting fixture 20. Specifically, receiving unit 43 is a wireless communication circuit that receives a beacon signal in accordance with a communication protocol (communication standard) such as BLE.

[0030] The information processing unit 44 performs information processing for notifying general users (for example, distributing advertisements and coupons) based on the beacon signal received by the receiving unit 43. The information processing unit 44 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The functions of the information processing unit 44 are realized by hardware such as a microcomputer or a processor constituting the information processing unit 44 executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 35.

[0031] The storage unit 45 is a storage device that stores information necessary for the above information processing. The information stored in the storage unit 45 includes computer programs executed by the information processing unit 44. The computer programs are, for example, so-called application programs (hereinafter, also simply referred to as apps) that are installed in advance in the storage unit 45 by a general user. The storage unit 45 is realized, for example, by a semiconductor memory or the like.

[0032] Next, a description will be given of the gateway device 50, the beacon setting server 60, and the lighting control server 70. The gateway device 50 is a communication device that enables each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 to connect to the wide area communication network 90. ​​Note that if each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 has the functionality of the gateway device 50, the lighting system 10 does not need to have the gateway device 50.

[0033] The beacon setting server 60 is a cloud server that performs information processing to enable a user operating the operation terminal 30 to remotely change settings related to the beacon signals of the lighting fixtures 20. Specifically, the beacon setting server 60 includes a communication unit 61, an information processing unit 62, and a storage unit 63.

[0034] The communication unit 61 is a communication circuit that enables the beacon setting server 60 to communicate with the operation terminal 30 and each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 via the wide area communication network 90. ​​The communication unit 61 may be a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication, or may be a wired communication circuit that performs wired communication.

[0035] The information processing unit 62 performs information processing for changing settings related to the beacon signal. The information processing unit 62 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The information processing unit 62 includes a first acquisition unit 64 and a setting unit 65 as functional components. The functions of the first acquisition unit 64 and the setting unit 65 are realized by hardware such as a microcomputer or a processor constituting the information processing unit 62 executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 63.

[0036] The storage unit 63 is a storage device that stores information necessary for the above information processing. The information stored in the storage unit 63 includes a computer program executed by the information processing unit 62. The storage unit 63 is realized by, for example, a HDD (Hard Disc Drive), but may also be realized by a semiconductor memory.

[0037] Note that storage unit 63 stores beacon setting management information indicating current settings related to beacon signals of multiple lighting devices 20. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the beacon setting management information. As shown in Fig. 3, the beacon setting management information includes identification information of lighting device 20, installation locations of lighting device 20, identification information of transmitting unit 23 (beacon transmitter), and current settings related to the beacon signal. In other words, the beacon setting management information is information that links the identification information of lighting device 20 with the identification information of transmitting unit 23 that is provided in lighting device 20 and emits a beacon signal.

[0038] The current settings for the beacon signal include, as setting items, on / off of the transmission of the beacon signal, the time interval at which the beacon signal is transmitted, the frequency at which the beacon signal is transmitted, the transmission time of the beacon signal, the transmission power of the beacon signal, the protocol type of the beacon signal, and identification information included in the beacon signal. The protocol type of the beacon signal is specifically iBeacon (registered trademark), and the identification information included in the beacon signal is UUID (Universally Unique IDentifier), Major, Minor, and the like for iBeacon (registered trademark).

[0039] The lighting control server 70 is a cloud server that performs information processing to enable a user operating the operation terminal 30 to remotely control the lighting fixtures 20. Specifically, the lighting control server 70 includes a communication unit 71, an information processing unit 72, and a storage unit 73.

[0040] The communication unit 71 is a communication circuit that enables the lighting control server 70 to communicate with the operation terminal 30 and each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 via the wide area communication network 90. ​​The communication unit 71 may be a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication, or a wired communication circuit that performs wired communication.

[0041] Information processing unit 72 processes information related to the remote control of lighting fixture 20. Information processing unit 72 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. Information processing unit 72 includes, as functional components, a second acquisition unit 74 and a control unit 75. The functions of second acquisition unit 74 and control unit 75 are realized by hardware such as a microcomputer or processor constituting information processing unit 72 executing a computer program (software) stored in storage unit 73.

[0042] The storage unit 73 is a storage device that stores information necessary for the above information processing. The information stored in the storage unit 73 includes a computer program executed by the information processing unit 72. The storage unit 73 is realized by, for example, a HDD, but may also be realized by a semiconductor memory.

[0043] Storage unit 73 stores control state management information indicating the current control states (operating states) of multiple lighting devices 20. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the control state management information. As shown in Fig. 4, the control state management information includes identification information of lighting device 20, the installation location of lighting device 20, and the current control state of lighting device 20.

[0044] [Beacon signal setting operation] In the lighting system 10, the lighting fixtures 20 are used as beacon transmitters. Since the lighting fixtures 20 are installed on the ceiling at approximately equal intervals in a comprehensive manner, when the lighting fixtures 20 are used as beacon transmitters, there is an advantage that the beacon transmitters are automatically arranged in a comprehensive manner. In addition, since the lighting fixtures 20 are installed on the ceiling where there are few obstacles, there is an advantage that there are few obstacles for the beacon signal (radio waves) when the lighting fixtures 20 are used as beacon transmitters. In addition, when a dedicated beacon transmitter separate from the lighting fixtures 20 is installed, the power supply to the beacon transmitter (wiring of a power line) becomes an issue, but when the lighting fixtures 20 are used as beacon transmitters, there is an advantage that there is no need to consider the power supply.

[0045] As described above, when lighting device 20 is installed in a commercial facility or the like, the beacon signal is used, for example, to distribute advertisements and coupons to general users of mobile terminal 40. In order to change the content of the advertisements and coupons and the period for which the advertisements and coupons are provided, it is necessary to change the settings related to the beacon signal. However, it would be inconvenient if the settings related to the beacon signal could not be changed without going to the commercial facility (where lighting device 20 is installed).

[0046] Therefore, in the lighting system 10, a user can remotely change the settings related to the beacon signal by operating the operation terminal 30. Such a setting operation related to the beacon signal will be described below. Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the setting operation related to the beacon signal.

[0047] First, the user inputs a first access key for the operation terminal 30 to access the beacon setting server 60, and the operation reception unit 31 receives such input operation (S11). For example, the processing from step S12 onward is executed on the condition that the correct first access key is input.

[0048] When the correct first access key is input, the information processing unit 34 uses the communication unit 33 to access the beacon setting management information (FIG. 3) of the beacon setting server 60 (S12), and displays the current settings related to the beacon signals of the multiple lighting devices 20 on the display unit 32 (S13). In step S13, for example, a screen that visualizes the beacon setting management information (FIG. 3) is displayed. The current settings related to the beacon signals of the multiple lighting devices 20 may be displayed by an indicator.

[0049] When information processing unit 34 accesses beacon setting server 60 in step S12, information processing unit 62 may update the beacon setting management information by inquiring of the latest setting status (operating status) of multiple lighting devices 20 using communication unit 61. This allows information processing unit 34 to access the latest beacon setting management information in step S12. Information processing unit 34 can also display the latest setting on display unit 32 in step S13. Specifically, when an error has recently occurred in a lighting device 20, information processing unit 34 can display this on display unit 32.

[0050] Next, the user performs a selection operation to select the lighting fixture 20 for which the user wishes to change the settings related to the beacon signal, and operation receiving unit 31 receives such selection operation (S14). It is also possible to select multiple lighting fixtures 20 in step S14. It is sufficient that one or more lighting fixtures 20 are selected in step S14.

[0051] Next, the user performs a designation operation to designate how the settings related to the beacon signal of the lighting device 20 selected in step S14 are to be changed (the contents of the setting information), and operation acceptance unit 31 accepts such designation operation (S15). When the designation operation is being performed, display unit 32 displays how the settings related to the beacon signal are to be changed (the contents of the setting information).

[0052] When the designation operation is accepted, the information processing unit 34 generates setting information having the content designated by the designation operation (S16). The setting information is information for setting at least one of the following: on / off of beacon signal transmission, time interval at which the beacon signal is transmitted, frequency at which the beacon signal is transmitted, transmission time of the beacon signal, transmission power of the beacon signal, protocol type of the beacon signal, and identification information included in the beacon signal.

[0053] The setting information also includes identification information of the lighting fixture 20 selected in step S14. The setting information may also include identification information of transmitter 23 included in the lighting fixture 20 selected in step S14.

[0054] Next, the information processing unit 34 uses the communication unit 33 to transmit the setting information generated in step S16 to the beacon setting server 60 (S17).

[0055] Communication unit 61 of beacon setting server 60 receives the setting information. First acquisition unit 64 acquires the received setting information (S18), and setting unit 65 transmits the acquired setting information to lighting device 20 having identification information included in the setting information (S19). More specifically, the setting information is transmitted by communication unit 61 to lighting device 20 via wide area communication network 90.

[0056] Communication unit 22 of lighting device 20 receives the setting information. Information processing unit 24 stores the received setting information in storage unit 25 (S20), and thereafter controls transmitting unit 23 in accordance with the stored setting information. In other words, transmitting unit 23 transmits a beacon signal with the settings indicated by the stored setting information. Note that if the setting information is stored in a non-volatile area (non-volatile memory) of storage unit 25, the setting information can be maintained even if the power supply to lighting device 20 is turned off.

[0057] On the other hand, the setting unit 65 of the beacon setting server 60 updates the beacon setting management information based on the setting information acquired in step S18 (S21).

[0058] As described above, the lighting system 10 includes a first acquisition unit 64 that acquires setting information related to a beacon signal transmitted by a lighting fixture 20 and having content specified by a user, and a setting unit 65 that transmits the acquired setting information to the lighting fixture 20 via the wide area communication network 90. ​​The lighting fixture 20 includes a transmission unit 23 that emits a beacon signal, and a communication unit 22 that receives setting information related to the beacon signal and having content specified by a user from a beacon setting server 60 (information processing device) via the wide area communication network 90. ​​The transmission unit 23 (lighting fixture 20) transmits a beacon signal with the settings indicated by the received setting information.

[0059] In such lighting system 10, a user can change settings related to beacon signals remotely (via wide area communication network 90) without going to the installation location (e.g., the commercial facility in FIG. 2) of lighting fixture 20. In other words, lighting system 10 can improve user convenience.

[0060] A program may be installed in lighting fixture 20 to enable remote changing of settings related to the beacon signal of lighting fixture 20. This program is a program for causing lighting fixture 20 to execute a method for transmitting a beacon signal, the transmission method including a receiving step of receiving setting information related to the beacon signal, the setting information having contents specified by a user, from an information processing device via wide area communication network 90, and a transmitting step of transmitting a beacon signal with settings indicated by the received setting information. This program may be a main program, a program for upgrading an existing main program, or an add-on program.

[0061] [Remote control of lighting fixtures] Furthermore, a user can remotely control lighting device 20 by operating operation terminal 30. Such remote control operation of lighting device 20 will be described below. Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the remote control operation of lighting device 20.

[0062] First, the user inputs a second access key for the operation terminal 30 to access the lighting control server 70, and the operation reception unit 31 receives such input operation (S31). For example, the processing from step S32 onwards is executed on the condition that the correct second access key is input.

[0063] When the correct second access key is entered, information processing unit 34 uses communication unit 33 to access control status management information (FIG. 4) of lighting control server 70 (S32), and displays the current control statuses of multiple lighting fixtures 20 on display unit 32 (S33). In step S33, for example, a screen that visualizes the control status management information (FIG. 4) is displayed. The current control statuses of multiple lighting fixtures 20 may be displayed by indicators.

[0064] When information processing unit 34 accesses beacon setting server 60 in step S32, information processing unit 62 may update the beacon setting management information by inquiring of the latest setting status (operating status) of multiple lighting devices 20 using communication unit 61. This allows information processing unit 34 to access the latest beacon setting management information in step S32. Information processing unit 34 can also display the latest setting on display unit 32 in step S33. Specifically, when an error has recently occurred in a lighting device 20, information processing unit 34 can display this on display unit 32.

[0065] Next, the user performs a selection operation to select the lighting fixture 20 that the user wishes to control, and operation receiving unit 31 receives such selection operation (S34). It is also possible to select multiple lighting fixtures 20 in step S34. It is sufficient that one or more lighting fixtures 20 are selected in step S34.

[0066] Next, the user performs a designation operation to specify how lighting device 20 selected in step S34 is to be controlled (control content), and operation acceptance unit 31 accepts such designation operation (S35). When the designation operation is being performed, display unit 32 displays how lighting device 20 is to be changed (control information content).

[0067] When the designation operation is accepted, information processing unit 34 generates control information having the content designated by the designation operation (S36). The control information is information for controlling the emission of light by lighting device 20. The control information includes identification information of lighting device 20 selected in step S34.

[0068] Next, the information processing unit 34 uses the communication unit 33 to transmit the control information generated in step S36 to the lighting control server 70 (S37).

[0069] Communication unit 71 of lighting control server 70 receives the control information. Second acquisition unit 74 acquires the received control information (S38), and control unit 75 transmits the acquired control information to lighting device 20 having the identification information included in the control information (S39). More specifically, the control information is transmitted by communication unit 71 to lighting device 20 via wide area communication network 90.

[0070] Communication unit 22 of lighting device 20 receives the control information. Information processing unit 24 stores the received control information in storage unit 25 (S40), and thereafter controls lighting unit 21 in accordance with the stored control information. In other words, lighting unit 21 turns on (or off) the light in accordance with the stored control information. Note that if the control information is stored in a non-volatile area (non-volatile memory) of storage unit 25, the control information can be maintained even if the power supply to lighting device 20 is turned off.

[0071] On the other hand, the control unit 75 of the lighting control server 70 updates the control state management information based on the control information acquired in step S38 (S41).

[0072] As described above, lighting system 10 includes second acquirer 74 that acquires control information for controlling light emission of lighting fixture 20, the control information having content specified by a user, and controller 75 that transmits the acquired control information to the lighting fixture via wide area communication network 90. ​​Lighting fixture 20 includes communication unit 22 that receives the control information from lighting control server 70 (information processing device) via wide area communication network 90, and lighting unit 21 that emits light based on the received control information.

[0073] In such lighting system 10, a user can remotely control lighting fixture 20 (via wide area communication network 90) without going to the location where lighting fixture 20 is installed (e.g., the commercial facility in FIG. 2). In other words, lighting system 10 can improve user convenience.

[0074] [First access key and second access key] The first access key for the operation terminal 30 to access the beacon setting server 60 may be the same as the second access key for the operation terminal 30 to access the lighting control server 70, or may be different.

[0075] 2, when lighting fixture 20 is installed in a commercial facility, it is assumed that lighting fixture 20 will be controlled by a salesperson or the like located in the commercial facility (one example of a user of operation terminal 30). On the other hand, since the beacon signal is used to distribute advertisements and coupons to general users of mobile terminal 40, it is assumed that settings related to the beacon signal will be changed by a salesperson or the like located in a head office away from the commercial facility (another example of a user of operation terminal 30) who plans sales promotions.

[0076] In such a case, the first access key and the second access key are set to different access keys, and the salesperson or the like is notified of the second access key and the sales representative or the like is notified of the first access key. This prevents the salesperson or the like from controlling lighting device 20 against the will of the salesperson or the like and prevents the salesperson or the like from changing settings related to the beacon signal against the will of the salesperson or the like.

[0077] 1 illustrates only one operation terminal 30, in reality, multiple operation terminals 30 can access the beacon setting server 60 and the lighting control server 70, respectively, by inputting an access key. In other words, in reality, a salesperson or the like can access the beacon setting server 60 using a first operation terminal 30, and a salesperson or the like can access the lighting control server 70 using a second operation terminal 30 different from the first operation terminal 30.

[0078] Although input of the first access key is required to access the beacon setting server 60 using the operation terminal 30, input of the first password may be required to change the settings related to the beacon signal. This prevents the settings related to the beacon signal from being changed against the user's will.

[0079] Similarly, input of the second access key is required to access lighting control server 70 using operation terminal 30, and input of a second password may also be required to transmit control information to lighting device 20. This prevents lighting device 20 from being remotely controlled against one's will. In other words, security is enhanced.

[0080] [System configuration variation 1] In the above embodiment, the beacon setting server 60 and the lighting control server 70 have been described as separate servers, but the lighting system 10 may include one server having the functions of both the beacon setting server 60 and the lighting control server 70. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the lighting system 10 according to such a modified example.

[0081] 7, lighting system 10 may include a server 80 instead of beacon setting server 60 and lighting control server 70. Server 80 is a cloud server that performs information processing for a user operating operation terminal 30 to remotely change settings related to beacon signals of lighting device 20, and information processing for a user operating operation terminal 30 to remotely control lighting device 20. Server 80 specifically includes a communication unit 81, an information processing unit 82, and a storage unit 83.

[0082] The communication unit 81 is a communication circuit that enables the server 80 to communicate with the operation terminal 30 and each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 via the wide area communication network 90. ​​The communication unit 81 may be a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication, or a wired communication circuit that performs wired communication.

[0083] Information processing unit 82 processes information for changing settings related to beacon signals and information related to remote control of lighting fixture 20. Information processing unit 72 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. Information processing unit 72 includes, as functional components, a first acquisition unit 84, a second acquisition unit 85, a setting unit 86, and a control unit 87. The functions of first acquisition unit 84, second acquisition unit 85, setting unit 86, and control unit 87 are similar to those of first acquisition unit 64, second acquisition unit 74, setting unit 65, and control unit 75, and first acquisition unit 64, second acquisition unit 74, setting unit 65, and control unit 75 in the above embodiment may be replaced with first acquisition unit 84, second acquisition unit 85, setting unit 86, and control unit 87. The functions of the first acquisition unit 84, the second acquisition unit 85, the setting unit 86, and the control unit 87 are realized by hardware such as a microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 82 executing a computer program (software) stored in the memory unit 83.

[0084] The storage unit 83 is a storage device that stores information necessary for the above information processing. The information stored in the storage unit 83 includes a computer program executed by the information processing unit 82. The storage unit 83 is realized by, for example, a HDD, but may also be realized by a semiconductor memory.

[0085] Note that beacon setting management information (FIG. 3) and control state management information (FIG. 4) are stored in storage unit 83. That is, storage unit 83 stores information linking identification information of lighting device 20 with identification information of transmitter 23 that emits a beacon signal and is provided in lighting device 20.

[0086] [System configuration variation 2] In the above embodiment, the beacon setting server 60 has been described as a cloud server located outside the facility where the lighting fixture 20 is installed, but it may be an on-premise server located within the facility where the lighting fixture 20 is installed. The functions of the beacon setting server 60 can also be realized by a personal computer or the like. That is, remote changes to settings related to beacon signals can be realized by various first information processing devices such as a cloud server, an on-premise server, or a personal computer. The lighting system 10 only needs to include at least one of various first information processing devices such as a cloud server, an on-premise server, or a personal computer.

[0087] Also, although the lighting control server 70 has been described as a cloud server located outside the facility in which the lighting fixtures 20 are installed, it may be an on-premise server located within the facility in which the lighting fixtures 20 are installed. The functions of the lighting control server 70 may also be implemented by a personal computer or the like. That is, remote control of the lighting fixtures 20 can be implemented by various types of second information processing devices, such as a cloud server, an on-premise server, or a personal computer. The lighting system 10 may include at least one of various types of second information processing devices, such as a cloud server, an on-premise server, or a personal computer.

[0088] Also, although the server 80 has been described as a cloud server located outside the facility in which the lighting fixtures 20 are installed, it may be an on-premise server located within the facility in which the lighting fixtures 20 are installed. The functions of the server 80 may also be realized by a personal computer or the like. That is, remote changes to settings related to beacon signals and remote control of the lighting fixtures 20 can be realized by various information processing devices such as a cloud server, an on-premise server, or a personal computer. The lighting system 10 may include at least one of various information processing devices such as a cloud server, an on-premise server, or a personal computer.

[0089] [Other variations] In the above embodiment, the beacon signal is used to provide advertisements or coupons, but may be used for other purposes. For example, the beacon signal may be used to measure the location of the mobile terminal 40. In this case, the mobile terminal 40 can measure the current location of the mobile terminal 40 based on the received signal strength of the beacon signal.

[0090] [Effects, etc.] Hereinafter, examples of inventions that can be obtained from the disclosure of this specification will be given, and the effects and the like that can be obtained from the inventions will be described.

[0091] Invention 1 is a lighting system 10 comprising a first acquisition unit 64 that acquires setting information relating to a beacon signal transmitted by a lighting fixture 20, the setting information having content specified by a first user, and a setting unit 65 that transmits the acquired setting information to the lighting fixture 20 via a wide area communication network 90, and the lighting fixture 20 transmits a beacon signal with the settings indicated by the received setting information.

[0092] According to such lighting system 10, the first user can remotely change the settings related to the beacon signal without going to the installation location of the lighting device 20. In other words, the lighting system 10 can improve the convenience for the first user.

[0093] Invention 2 is the lighting system 10 of Invention 1, wherein the setting information is information for setting at least one of the following: on / off of the transmission of a beacon signal, the time interval at which the beacon signal is transmitted, the frequency at which the beacon signal is transmitted, the transmission time of the beacon signal, the transmission power of the beacon signal, the protocol type of the beacon signal, and the identification information included in the beacon signal.

[0094] With such a lighting system 10, a first user can remotely change at least one of the following: turning the beacon signal on and off, the time interval at which the beacon signal is transmitted, the frequency at which the beacon signal is transmitted, the transmission time of the beacon signal, the transmission power of the beacon signal, the protocol type of the beacon signal, and the identification information included in the beacon signal.

[0095] Invention 3 is the lighting system 10 of Invention 1 or 2, in which the lighting device 20 stores the received setting information in a non-volatile memory.

[0096] According to such lighting system 10, lighting fixture 20 can maintain the setting information even when the power supply to lighting fixture 20 is turned off.

[0097] Invention 4 is the lighting system 10 of any of Inventions 1 to 3, further comprising a second acquisition unit 74 that acquires control information for controlling the light emission of the lighting fixtures 20, the control information having content specified by a second user who is the same as or different from the first user, and a control unit 75 that transmits the acquired control information to the lighting fixtures 20 via the wide area communication network 90, and the lighting fixtures 20 emit light based on the received control information.

[0098] Such lighting system 10 allows the second user to remotely control lighting device 20 without going to the installation location of lighting device 20. In other words, lighting system 10 can improve convenience for the second user.

[0099] Invention 5 is the lighting system 10 of Invention 4, in which a first user can specify the contents of the setting information by inputting a first access key, and a second user can specify the contents of the control information by inputting a second access key.

[0100] Such a lighting system 10 can enhance security regarding the designation of the contents of the setting information related to the beacon signal and the designation of the contents of the control information.

[0101] Invention 6 is the lighting system 10 of Invention 5, in which the first access key and the second access key are different.

[0102] Such a lighting system 10 can distinguish between a user who is permitted to specify the contents of setting information related to a beacon signal and a user who is permitted to specify the contents of control information.

[0103] Invention 7 is the lighting system 10 of any of Inventions 1 to 6, further comprising a memory unit 63 that stores information linking identification information of the lighting fixture 20 with identification information of a transmitter 23 that emits a beacon signal provided in the lighting fixture 20.

[0104] Such a lighting system 10 can both change settings related to beacon signals and remotely control the lighting fixtures 20 based on the information stored in the memory unit 63.

[0105] Invention 8 is a lighting fixture 20 comprising a transmitting unit 23 that emits a beacon signal and a communication unit 22 that receives setting information relating to the beacon signal, the setting information having content specified by a user, from an information processing device via a wide area communication network 90, and the transmitting unit 23 transmits a beacon signal with the settings indicated by the received setting information.

[0106] Such lighting device 20 allows a user to change settings related to a beacon signal remotely without going to the location where lighting device 20 is installed. In other words, lighting device 20 can improve user convenience.

[0107] Invention 9 is a program for causing lighting fixture 20 to execute a method for transmitting a beacon signal, the transmission method including a receiving step of receiving setting information relating to a beacon signal, the setting information having content specified by a user, from an information processing device via wide area communication network 90, and a transmitting step of transmitting a beacon signal with settings indicated by the received setting information.

[0108] Such a program allows settings related to the beacon signal of lighting device 20 to be changed remotely, thereby improving user convenience.

[0109] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0110] For example, the method of communication between the devices in the above-described embodiment is not particularly limited. Also, a relay device (not shown) may be involved in the communication between the devices.

[0111] In the above embodiment, the process executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. The order of multiple processes may be changed, or multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

[0112] In the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

[0113] Furthermore, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or an integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit, or a dedicated circuit.

[0114] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0115] For example, the present invention may be realized as the lighting system, the operation terminal, or the mobile terminal of the above-mentioned embodiments. The present invention may be realized as a method executed by a computer. The present invention may be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute such a method, or as a non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded. Such programs include an application program for causing a general-purpose information terminal (computer) to function as the operation terminal of the above-mentioned embodiments, and an application program installed in a mobile terminal.

[0116] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art may think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 10. Lighting System 20 Lighting equipment 21 Lighting Department 22, 33, 61, 71, 81 Communications Department 23. Communications Department 24, 34, 44, 62, 72, 82 Information Processing Unit 25, 35, 45, 63, 73, 83 storage section 30 Operation terminal 31, 41 Operation reception section 32, 42 display section 40 Mobile Devices 43 Receiving section 50 Gateway Device 60 Beacon Configuration Server 64, 84 1st acquisition part 65, 86 Setting section 70 Lighting control server 74, 85 2nd acquisition part 75, 87 Control section 80 Servers 90 Wide Area Communication Network

Claims

1. a first acquisition unit that acquires setting information related to a beacon signal transmitted by the lighting device, the setting information having content designated by a first user; a setting unit that transmits the acquired setting information to the lighting device via a wide area communication network, The lighting device transmits the beacon signal with the setting indicated by the received setting information. Lighting system.

2. The setting information is information for setting at least one of the following: on / off of transmission of the beacon signal, the time interval at which the beacon signal is transmitted, the frequency at which the beacon signal is transmitted, the transmission time of the beacon signal, the transmission power of the beacon signal, the protocol type of the beacon signal, and identification information included in the beacon signal.

10. The lighting system of claim 1.

3. The lighting device stores the received setting information in a non-volatile memory.

3. A lighting system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The lighting system further comprises: a second acquisition unit that acquires control information for controlling light emission of the lighting device, the control information having content specified by a second user that is the same as or different from the first user; a control unit that transmits the acquired control information to the lighting device via the wide area communication network; The lighting device emits light based on the received control information.

3. A lighting system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the first user can specify the content of the setting information by inputting a first access key; The second user can specify the content of the control information by inputting a second access key.

5. A lighting system according to claim 4.

6. The first access key and the second access key are different 6. A lighting system according to claim 5.

7. The lighting device further includes a storage unit that stores information linking identification information of the lighting device with identification information of a transmitter that transmits the beacon signal and is provided in the lighting device.

3. A lighting system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. A transmitter that emits a beacon signal; a communication unit that receives setting information related to the beacon signal, the setting information having content designated by a user, from an information processing device via a wide area communication network; The transmitting unit transmits the beacon signal with the setting indicated by the received setting information. Lighting fixtures.

9. A program for causing a lighting fixture to execute a beacon signal transmission method, The transmission method includes: a receiving step of receiving setting information related to the beacon signal, the setting information having content designated by a first user, from an information processing device via a wide area communication network; and a transmitting step of transmitting the beacon signal with the setting indicated by the received setting information. program.

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