Lighting fixture, lighting system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide a lighting fixture that can permit, also for other information terminals, a setting change related to a wireless communication network made by a specific information terminal.SOLUTION: A lighting fixture 20 includes a wireless communication unit 21 that receives first setting information from a first information terminal, and a control unit 23 that stores the received first setting information in a memory unit 24 and thereby causes the lighting fixture 20 to join the first wireless communication network. The wireless communication unit 21 receives a communication connection request from a second information terminal. The control unit 23, while operating in the first mode, permits a communication connection with the second information terminal on the condition that the communication connection request is successfully authenticated using first authentication information included in the first setting information. When a predetermined operation is performed on a control device 40 that can control the light emission state of the lighting fixture 20, the control unit transitions from the first mode to the second mode, and while operating in the second mode, permits a communication connection with the second information terminal without the condition that the communication connection request is successfully authenticated using the first authentication information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to lighting fixtures that form part of a wireless communication network. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system for performing a factory reset of a lighting fixture. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6895027 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Meanwhile, there is known a technology for forming a wireless communication network using communication devices such as lighting fixtures that have wireless communication capabilities.

[0005] The present invention provides a lighting fixture or the like that can permit other information terminals to change settings related to a wireless communication network made by a specific information terminal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A lighting fixture according to one embodiment of the present invention is a lighting fixture comprising a light source, a memory unit, a wireless communication unit that receives first setting information from a first information terminal, and a control unit that stores the received first setting information in the memory unit, thereby causing the lighting fixture to join a first wireless communication network. The wireless communication unit receives a communication connection request from a second information terminal that is the same as or different from the first information terminal. The control unit, while operating in a first mode, allows a communication connection with the second information terminal on the condition that authentication of the communication connection request using first authentication information included in the first setting information is successful. When a predetermined operation is performed on a control device that can control the light-emitting state of the lighting fixture, the lighting fixture transitions from the first mode to a second mode. During operation in the second mode, the control unit allows a communication connection with the second information terminal without the condition that authentication of the communication connection request using the first authentication information is successful.

[0007] A lighting system according to one aspect of the present invention includes the information terminal and the lighting fixture.

[0008] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing method executed by a lighting device, wherein the lighting device joins a first wireless communication network by storing first setting information received from a first information terminal, and the information processing method includes the steps of: receiving a communication connection request from a second information terminal that is the same as or different from the first information terminal; allowing a communication connection with the second information terminal during operation in a first mode, on the condition that authentication of the communication connection request using first authentication information included in the first setting information is successful; transitioning from the first mode to a second mode when a predetermined operation is performed on a control device that can control the light-emitting state of the lighting device; and allowing a communication connection with the second information terminal during operation in the second mode, without the condition that authentication of the communication connection request using the first authentication information is successful.

[0009] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing the lighting device to execute the information processing method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, a lighting fixture or the like is realized that can permit other information terminals to change settings related to a wireless communication network made by a specific information terminal. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a lighting system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a mesh network. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of the initial setting operation. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a first sequence diagram of the initial setting operation. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a second sequence diagram of the initial setting operation. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the initial setting screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of two mesh networks. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a mode transition operation. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the operation for determining whether or not a communication connection is permitted. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram of the resetting operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection forms, steps, and step order 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 not recited in independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0013] It should be noted that the drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily strict illustrations. In addition, in the drawings, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0014] (Embodiment) [composition] First, the configuration of a lighting system according to an embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a lighting system according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, a lighting system 10 includes a plurality of lighting fixtures 20, a plurality of information terminals 30, and a plurality of control devices 40.

[0015] In the lighting system 10, each of the lighting fixtures 20 has a wireless communication function, and the lighting fixtures 20 form 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.

[0016] Figure 2 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a mesh network. Each circle in Figure 2 corresponds to a lighting fixture 20 (in other words, a communication node). In a mesh network, when information is transmitted from one 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 transmitted, for example, by a routing method, but may also be transmitted by other methods such as a flooding method.

[0017] The information transmitted through the mesh network is, for example, control information for controlling the turning on, turning off, or dimming of lighting fixtures 20. In addition, if an environmental sensor is included in the mesh network as described below, the measurement values (sensing information) of the environmental sensor may also be transmitted.

[0018] 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. As described above, each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 has a wireless communication function, and the multiple lighting fixtures 20 form a mesh network. 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 wireless communication unit 21 and a light source 22.

[0019] The wireless communication unit 21 is a wireless communication circuit that enables the lighting fixture 20 to communicate wirelessly (more specifically, via radio waves) with other lighting fixtures 20 and with the information terminal 30. After the lighting fixture 20 joins the mesh network, the wireless communication unit 21 communicates via the mesh network. Before the lighting fixture 20 joins the mesh network, the wireless communication unit 21 periodically transmits a beacon signal (also referred to as an advertisement signal) and individually communicates wirelessly with the information terminal 30 that receives the beacon signal. Specifically, the wireless communication unit 21 communicates wirelessly according to a communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy (BLE) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) mesh.

[0020] Light source 22 emits white light into the indoor space so that lighting fixture 20 can illuminate the indoor space. Light source 22 is realized by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element, but may also be realized by other light-emitting elements such as a semiconductor laser, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), or an inorganic EL.

[0021] The control unit 23 performs light emission control of the light source 22. Light emission control includes on / off control, dimming control, and light emission color control (color adjustment control). The control unit 23 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The functions of the control unit 23 are realized by hardware such as a microcomputer or processor constituting the control unit 23 executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 24.

[0022] The storage unit 24 is a storage device that stores information necessary for information processing including light emission control, such as computer programs executed by the control unit 23. The storage unit 24 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0023] Next, the configuration of the information terminal 30 will be described. The information terminal 30 is an information terminal that a user uses to configure the mesh network (initial configuration and setting changes) and control multiple lighting fixtures 20. The information terminal 30 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). The information terminal 30 may also be a dedicated remote controller used in the lighting system 10. Specifically, the information terminal 30 includes an operation reception unit 31, a display unit 32, a wireless communication unit 33, an information processing unit 34, and a storage unit 35.

[0024] The operation reception unit 31 receives operations from a user. Specifically, the operation reception unit 31 is realized by a touch panel or the like.

[0025] The display unit 32 displays various images and is realized by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel.

[0026] Wireless communication unit 33 is a wireless communication circuit that enables information terminal 30 to perform wireless communication (more specifically, radio wave communication) with each of multiple lighting fixtures 20. Specifically, wireless communication unit 33 performs wireless communication in accordance with a communication standard such as BLE or Bluetooth (registered trademark) mesh.

[0027] The information processing unit 34 performs information processing in response to a user operation received by the operation receiving unit 31. The information processing unit 34 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 34 are realized by hardware such as a microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 34 executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 35.

[0028] The storage unit 35 is a storage device that stores information necessary for information processing, such as a computer program executed by the information processing unit 34. The storage unit 35 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory. The computer programs stored in the storage unit 35 include dedicated application programs (also referred to as dedicated apps) for operating the information terminal 30 as either a setting terminal or a control terminal.

[0029] Control device 40 is a device separate from information terminal 30 that a user operates to change the light-emitting state of multiple lighting fixtures 20. Control device 40 may be a wall switch, a portable remote controller (such as an infrared remote controller), or a stationary remote controller that is installed on a wall or the like (such as a remote controller with an operation panel). Control device 40 may be a device with wireless communication capabilities that is included in the mesh network, or it may be a device that is not included in the mesh network.

[0030] [Initial setting operation] The information terminal 30 can establish a mesh network by performing an initial setup operation. The initial setup operation will now be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an overview of the initial setup operation. As shown in FIG. 3, the initial setup operation includes a detection phase S10, an identification and registration phase S20, and a setup phase S30, in this order. Specific processing performed in each phase will be described below with reference to sequence diagrams. FIGS. 4A and 4B are sequence diagrams of the initial setup operation. The initial setup operation shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B is performed, for example, after an installer has installed multiple lighting fixtures 20 on a ceiling.

[0031] First, the processing performed in the detection phase S10 will be described. The operation accepting unit 31 of the information terminal 30 accepts a start operation from the user instructing the start of an initial setup operation (S10a). Before joining the mesh network, each of the plurality of lighting devices 20 periodically transmits a beacon signal (also called an advertisement signal) (S10b). When the start operation in step S10a is accepted, the wireless communication unit 33 of the information terminal 30 receives the beacon signal. The beacon signal emitted by each of the plurality of lighting devices 20 includes identification information for that lighting device 20. The identification information is, for example, a Media Access Control (MAC) address, but any identification information may be used as long as it can uniquely identify the lighting device 20.

[0032] The information processing unit 34 displays icons of the lighting fixtures 20 that transmitted the received beacon signals on the display unit 32 (S10c). Figure 5 shows an example of a display screen (initial setup screen) for the icons of the lighting fixtures 20. As shown in Figure 5, the initial setup screen displays multiple icons 32a corresponding to the multiple lighting fixtures 20 that transmitted the beacon signals, arranged in a horizontal row.

[0033] A map image 32m is also displayed on the display screen in Fig. 5. Map image 32m is a top view of an area in which multiple lighting fixtures 20 are installed, and in the example of Fig. 5, installation positions P1 to P6 of lighting fixtures 20 are indicated by circles. In other words, map image 32m is an image showing the installation positions of multiple lighting fixtures 20. The map image is stored in advance in storage unit 35.

[0034] At the time of step S10c, it is known how the lighting devices 20 are arranged, but it is not known which lighting devices 20 are located in which locations. In other words, at the time of step S10c, the installation locations of the lighting devices 20 have not been associated with the identification information of the lighting devices 20.

[0035] The processing of steps S10a to S10c explained above is the processing carried out in the detection phase S10. Next, the processing carried out in the identification and registration phase S20 will be explained.

[0036] The operation receiving unit 31 receives a selection operation of one of the plurality of icons 32a from the installer (S20a). The selection operation is, for example, a tap operation on one of the plurality of icons 32a. Based on the selection operation received by the operation receiving unit 31, the information processing unit 34 establishes a communication connection between the wireless communication unit 33 and the lighting device 20 corresponding to the selected icon 32a (hereinafter also referred to as the target lighting device 20) (S20b), and starts individual communication (one-to-one communication) with the target lighting device 20. The information processing unit 34 causes the wireless communication unit 33 to transmit a blinking command (S20c). The blinking command is transmitted, for example, when a tap operation on the blinking icon 32b is received after the selection operation.

[0037] The blink command is a signal for selectively blinking the target lighting device 20. When the target lighting device 20 receives the blink command, it blinks (S20d). This allows the user to identify the target lighting device 20.

[0038] The user visually confirms the actual installation location of the blinking target lighting fixture 20 (S20e) and specifies the installation location of the blinking target lighting fixture 20 on map image 32m (for example, one of installation locations P1 to P6). The operation receiving unit 31 receives from the user an operation to specify the installation location of the lighting fixture 20 on map image 32m (S20f). In response, the information processing unit 34 associates the identification information indicated by the icon 32a selected in step S20a with the installation location (coordinates) specified in step S20f, and stores the association in the storage unit 35 (S20g). The information processing unit 34 also cancels the display of the icon 32a for which the association has been completed (S20h). That is, the number of icons 32a displayed in step S10c is reduced by one. The information processing unit 34 then cancels the communication connection with the target lighting fixture 20 (S20i).

[0039] The processing of steps S20a to S20i is repeated until all of the icons 32a (identification information) displayed in step S10c have been associated with their installation locations. As a result, storage unit 35 stores correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the identification information of multiple lighting devices 20 and their installation locations. In other words, multiple lighting devices 20 are registered in information terminal 30.

[0040] The processing of steps S20a to S20i described above is the processing performed in the identification and registration phase S20. Next, the processing performed in the setting phase S30 will be described. The processing performed in the setting phase S30 is processing also called provisioning or the like.

[0041] Based on an operation to specify one of lighting fixtures 20 accepted by operation accepting unit 31, information processing unit 34 establishes a communication connection between the specified lighting fixture 20 and wireless communication unit 33 (S30a) and starts individual communication with the specified lighting fixture 20. Information processing unit 34 then causes wireless communication unit 33 to transmit setting information to the specified lighting fixture 20 (S30b). Wireless communication unit 21 of lighting fixture 20 receives the setting information, and control unit 23 stores the received setting information in memory unit 24 (S30c).

[0042] The setting information is information for the lighting fixture 20 to join the mesh network. The setting information includes the network ID of the mesh network to which the lighting fixture 20 belongs and address information (unicast address) of the lighting fixture 20 used for communication within the mesh network. The setting information also includes, as necessary, a security passcode (hereinafter also referred to as authentication information) used for communication within the mesh network, information regarding the frequency channel of wireless communication, and identification information of the information terminal 30 that performed the initial setting operation. A lighting fixture 20 whose setting information has been stored in the storage unit 24 can join the mesh network. In other words, the control unit 23 can allow the lighting fixture 20 to join the mesh network by storing the received setting information in the storage unit 24.

[0043] Once lighting device 20 has finished storing the setting information, it transmits a setting completion notification to information terminal 30 (S30d). When wireless communication unit 33 of information terminal 30 receives the setting completion notification, information processing unit 34 of information terminal 30 terminates the communication connection with lighting device 20 established in step S30a (S30e).

[0044] The processing of steps S30a to S30e is repeated until all lighting devices 20 have joined the mesh network. Lighting devices 20 that have joined the mesh network may stop the periodic transmission of beacon signals that they were performing before joining, as necessary. Note that lighting devices 20 that have joined the mesh network do not have to stop transmitting beacon signals.

[0045] The processing of steps S30a to S30e described above is the processing performed in the setting phase S30 (also referred to as setting processing).

[0046] The process of step S20i and the process of step S30a may be omitted. That is, the process of steps S30b to S30e may be performed without releasing the communication connection in step S20i.

[0047] As described above, information terminal 30 can allow multiple lighting devices 20 to participate in a mesh network by performing an initial setup operation. In other words, information terminal 30 can build a mesh network.

[0048] [Mode transition operation] It is assumed that information terminal 30a among the multiple information terminals 30 performs the above initial setting operation to construct mesh network A, and information terminal 30b among the multiple information terminals 30 performs the above initial setting operation to construct mesh network B. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the configurations of mesh networks A and B. Mesh network A is an example of a first wireless communication network, and mesh network B is an example of a second wireless communication network.

[0049] In the example of Fig. 6, mesh network A includes multiple lighting devices 20a and 20c, and mesh network B includes multiple lighting devices 20b. Here, assume that lighting device 20c is a lighting device 20 that should have joined mesh network B but mistakenly joined mesh network A. In this case, a process is required to remove lighting device 20c from mesh network A and allow it to join mesh network B.

[0050] To establish a communication connection with lighting device 20c, terminal-side authentication information corresponding to the authentication information (part of the setting information) stored in storage unit 24 of lighting device 20c in step S30c above is required. This terminal-side authentication information is stored in storage unit 35 of information terminal 30a, which transmitted the authentication information to lighting device 20c, but is not stored in storage unit 35 of information terminal 30b. Therefore, information terminal 30b cannot establish a communication connection with lighting device 20c, and therefore cannot allow lighting device 20c to join mesh network B.

[0051] Therefore, in lighting system 10, control unit 23 of lighting device 20 can operate in a normal mode in which a communication connection with information terminal 30 is permitted only if a communication connection request using authentication information is successfully authenticated. In addition, control unit 23 can also operate in an initialization mode in which a communication connection with information terminal 30 is permitted without the requirement that a communication connection request using authentication information be successfully authenticated. A mode transition operation for transitioning lighting device 20 from the normal mode to the initialization mode is described below. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the mode transition operation. In the following description of the mode transition operation, control device 40 is assumed to be a wall switch that can turn on and off the power supply from power source 50 to lighting device 20.

[0052] The user performs a predetermined operation on control device 40, which can turn the power supply to lighting device 20 that the user wants to transition to the initialization mode on and off. Control device 40 turns the power supply to lighting device 20 on and off in response to the predetermined operation. The predetermined operation is, for example, turning the power supply off and on twice within five seconds (pressing the switch four times). As a result, the power supply to lighting device 20 is turned off and on in a predetermined pattern corresponding to the predetermined operation.

[0053] When control unit 23 of lighting device 20c detects a predetermined pattern of power supply being turned on and off (S42) during operation in normal mode (S41), it transitions from normal mode to initialization mode (S43). In other words, when a predetermined operation is performed on control device 40, control unit 23 transitions from normal mode to initialization mode.

[0054] The control unit 23 determines whether a certain period of time has elapsed since the transition to the initialization mode (S44). The certain period of time is, for example, a period of several tens of seconds to several minutes. If the control unit 23 determines that the certain period of time has not elapsed (No in S44), it continues operation in the initialization mode, and if it determines that the certain period of time has elapsed (Yes in S44), it transitions (returns) from the initialization mode to the normal mode (S41).

[0055] In this way, when a predetermined operation is performed on control device 40, lighting device 20 transitions from normal mode to initialization mode, and then returns to normal mode after a certain period of time has passed. In other words, lighting device 20 allows a communication connection from an information terminal 30 that does not hold terminal-side authentication information for only a certain period of time. In the case of FIG. 6 above, when a predetermined operation is performed on control device 40 of lighting device 20c, lighting device 20c allows a communication connection from information terminal 30b for only a certain period of time, and the user can change the settings of lighting device 20c using information terminal 30b.

[0056] The predetermined operation for transitioning lighting device 20 to the initialization mode is not limited to turning the power supply to lighting device 20 off and on two or more times within a predetermined period, as described above. Control device 40 that accepts the predetermined operation may be a portable remote controller or a stationary remote controller, rather than a wall switch. If the predetermined operation on control device 40 changes the light-emitting state of lighting device 20 (light source 22), and controller 23 can detect the change in the light-emitting state, controller 23 can transition from the normal mode to the initialization mode.

[0057] [Determination of whether or not to allow communication connections] As described above, while operating in the initialization mode, lighting device 20 allows communication connections from information terminals 30 that do not hold terminal authentication information. The operation of determining whether to allow or deny a communication connection will be described below. Figure 8 is a flowchart of the operation of determining whether to allow or deny a communication connection.

[0058] Wireless communication unit 21 of lighting fixture 20 receives a communication connection request from information terminal 30 (S51). Control unit 23 authenticates the terminal-side authentication information included in the communication connection request against the authentication information stored in storage unit 24 (S52). If the authentication is successful (Yes in S52), control unit 23 permits the communication connection of information terminal 30 (S54). As a result, one-to-one communication between lighting fixture 20 and information terminal 30 begins.

[0059] On the other hand, if the authentication fails, the control unit 23 determines whether the information terminal 30 is operating in the initialization mode (S53). If the control unit 23 determines that the information terminal 30 is operating in the initialization mode (Yes in S53), the control unit 23 permits the communication connection of the information terminal 30 (S54). On the other hand, if the control unit 23 determines that the information terminal 30 is operating in the normal mode rather than the initialization mode (No in S53), the control unit 23 denies the communication connection of the information terminal 30 (S55).

[0060] In this way, if lighting device 20 successfully authenticates the terminal-side authentication information included in the communication connection request, lighting device 20 allows information terminal 30 to connect to the communication network regardless of whether the information terminal is operating in normal mode or initialization mode. If lighting device 20 fails to authenticate the terminal-side authentication information included in the communication connection request, lighting device 20 allows information terminal 30 to connect to the communication network, provided that the information terminal is operating in initialization mode.

[0061] Such lighting device 20 can permit communication connection with information terminal 30 without requiring successful authentication only for a certain period of time while in the initialization mode, thereby ensuring security.

[0062] In the determination operation of FIG. 8, authentication processing is performed even during operation in the initialization mode, but authentication processing may be omitted during operation in the initialization mode, and communication connection may be permitted without authentication.

[0063] [Resetting behavior] 6, a description will be given of the operation (resetting operation) when using information terminal 30b to cause lighting device 20c to leave mesh network A and join mesh network B. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram of the resetting operation.

[0064] The user performs a predetermined operation on control device 40, and control device 40 accepts the predetermined operation (S61). As a result, the power supply to lighting device 20c and lighting devices 20b is turned on and off according to a predetermined pattern.

[0065] When controller 23 of lighting device 20c operating in normal mode detects a predetermined pattern of power supply being turned off and on (S62), it transitions from normal mode to initialization mode (S63).

[0066] Information processing unit 34 of information terminal 30b uses wireless communication unit 33 to transmit a communication connection request to lighting device 20c (S64). The communication connection request is transmitted, for example, by broadcast.

[0067] Wireless communication unit 21 of lighting device 20c receives the communication connection request. Since control unit 23 is operating in the initialization mode, it responds to the received communication connection request and permits the communication connection (S65).

[0068] 6, when lighting device 20c and multiple lighting devices 20b are connected to the same power source 50, not only lighting device 20c but also multiple lighting devices 20b transition to the initialization mode in step S63, and not only lighting device 20c but also multiple lighting devices 20b respond to the communication connection request in step S65. At this time, because the multiple lighting devices 20b have already been registered with information terminal 30b (have joined mesh network B), information processing unit 34 can narrow down the communication connection partners to unregistered lighting device 20c.

[0069] The response to the communication connection request may include information indicating whether authentication was successful. As described above in FIG. 8, multiple lighting devices 20b respond (permit communication connection) after successfully authenticating, whereas lighting device 20c responds (permits communication connection) even though authentication was not successful. Therefore, the information processing unit 34 of information terminal 30b can identify lighting device 20c that has not joined mesh network B based on the information indicating whether authentication was successful.

[0070] When the communication connection between information terminal 30b and lighting device 20c is established, information processing unit 34 of information terminal 30b uses wireless communication unit 33 to send an initialization request to lighting device 20c (S66).

[0071] Wireless communication unit 21 of lighting device 20 receives the initialization request. Based on the received initialization request, control unit 23 initializes (deletes) the setting information stored in storage unit 24, thereby causing lighting device 20c to leave mesh network A (S67).

[0072] Furthermore, the initialization of the setting information triggers control unit 23 to cause light source 22 to emit light in a predetermined pattern (S68). The predetermined pattern of light emission may be, for example, a flashing pattern, but may also be a change in the color of the emitted light, and is not particularly limited. In this way, control unit 23 can notify that lighting device 20c has left mesh network A by controlling the light emission state of light source 22.

[0073] After the initialization, information processing unit 34 of information terminal 30b transmits setting information (setting request) to lighting fixture 20c using wireless communication unit 33 (S69).

[0074] Wireless communication unit 21 of lighting device 20 receives the setting information. Control unit 23 stores the received setting information in storage unit 24, thereby allowing lighting device 20c to join mesh network B (S70). That is, after permitting communication connection with information terminal 30b, control unit 23 causes lighting device 20c to leave mesh network A based on the initialization request received by wireless communication unit 21 from information terminal 30b.

[0075] Furthermore, the storage of the setting information triggers control unit 23 to cause light source 22 to emit light in a predetermined pattern (S71). The predetermined pattern of light emission may be, for example, a flashing pattern, but may also be a change in the color of the emitted light, and is not particularly limited. The predetermined pattern in step S71 may be the same as or different from the predetermined pattern in step S68. In this way, control unit 23 can notify that lighting device 20c has joined mesh network B by controlling the light emission state of light source 22.

[0076] The notifications in steps S68 and S71 may be performed as needed, and only one of the notifications in steps S68 and S71 may be performed, or neither of them may be performed.

[0077] Furthermore, when an opportunity arises for information terminal 30b to communicate with information terminal 30a, information terminal 30b may transmit a setting change notification to information terminal 30a indicating that lighting device 20c has left mesh network A (S72).

[0078] For example, before causing lighting device 20c to leave mesh network A, information processing unit 34 of information terminal 30b acquires from lighting device 20c the identification information of information terminal 30a, which is included in the original setting information. After causing lighting device 20c to leave mesh network A, information processing unit 34 associates the separation information indicating that lighting device 20c has left mesh network A with the identification information of information terminal 30a and stores the separation information in storage unit 35. This allows information terminal 30b to transmit a setting change notice to information terminal 30a indicating that lighting device 20c has left mesh network A when an opportunity arises for information terminal 30b to communicate with information terminal 30a. Note that the setting change notice may include at least a portion of the setting information transmitted to lighting device 20c in step S69.

[0079] As described above, lighting device 20c transitions to the initialization mode and allows communication connection from information terminal 30b for a certain period of time without requiring successful authentication. This allows the user to use information terminal 30b to cause lighting device 20c to leave mesh network A and join mesh network B.

[0080] [Variations] In the above embodiment, the mesh network is configured by a plurality of lighting fixtures 20, but the mesh network may also be configured by an information terminal 30 and a plurality of lighting fixtures 20. The mesh network may also be configured by a plurality of other devices (devices other than lighting fixtures 20). The mesh network may also include other devices in addition to the plurality of lighting fixtures 20.

[0081] Examples of the other device include a lighting remote controller (such as control device 40) that a user operates to control lighting fixture 20, and an AC relay. An AC relay is a device that is attached to a wiring duct and can turn on and off a single lighting fixture attached to the wiring duct by turning on and off the AC power to that lighting fixture. The AC relay may also be a device that is attached to the base of a wiring duct and can turn on and off all lighting fixtures attached to the wiring duct by turning on and off the supply of AC power to that wiring duct.

[0082] The other devices may also be devices not directly related to lighting, such as air conditioners, ventilation devices, cameras, motion sensors, or environmental sensors. Environmental sensors include temperature sensors, humidity sensors, carbon dioxide concentration sensors, and PM (Particle Matter) sensors.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the identification information of lighting fixture 20 is associated with its installation location when the lighting fixture 20 is registered in information terminal 30. However, it is not essential to associate the installation location with the identification information of lighting fixture 20 during registration. For example, if lighting fixtures 20 that have joined the mesh network are displayed on display unit 32 in a list format rather than a map format, it is not necessary to associate the identification information of lighting fixture 20 with its installation location.

[0084] [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 these inventions will be explained.

[0085] Invention 1 is lighting fixture 20 comprising light source 22, memory unit 24, wireless communication unit 21 that receives first setting information from a first information terminal, and control unit 23 that stores the received first setting information in memory unit 24, thereby causing lighting fixture 20 to join a first wireless communication network, wherein wireless communication unit 21 receives a communication connection request from a second information terminal that is the same as or different from the first information terminal, and control unit 23, while operating in a first mode, permits a communication connection with the second information terminal on the condition that authentication of the communication connection request using first authentication information included in the first setting information is successful, and when a predetermined operation is performed on control device 40 that can control the light-emitting state of lighting fixture 20, lighting fixture 20 transitions from the first mode to a second mode, and while operating in the second mode, permits a communication connection with the second information terminal without the condition that authentication of the communication connection request using the first authentication information is successful. The first information terminal and the second information terminal are one of the multiple information terminals 30 in the above embodiment, and the first mode is, for example, the normal mode in the above embodiment, and the second mode is, for example, the initialization mode in the above embodiment.

[0086] When a predetermined operation is performed on control device 40, lighting device 20 as described above can allow the second information terminal to change the settings of the first wireless communication network that are made by the first information terminal.

[0087] Invention 2 is lighting device 20 of Invention 1, in which control unit 23 transitions to the first mode after a certain time has elapsed since transitioning to the second mode.

[0088] Such lighting device 20 can allow the second information terminal to change settings related to the first wireless communication network made by the first information terminal for a certain period of time after a predetermined operation is performed on control device 40.

[0089] Invention 3 is lighting fixture 20 of Invention 1 or 2, wherein the second information terminal is an information terminal different from the first information terminal, and control unit 23, after allowing a communication connection with the second information terminal, causes lighting fixture 20 to leave the first wireless communication network based on an initialization request received by wireless communication unit 21 from the second information terminal.

[0090] Such lighting fixture 20 can leave the first wireless communication network based on an initialization request received from the second information terminal.

[0091] Invention 4 is lighting fixture 20 of Invention 3, in which wireless communication unit 21 receives second setting information from the second information terminal after lighting fixture 20 leaves the first wireless communication network, and control unit 23 stores the received second setting information in memory unit 24, thereby causing lighting fixture 20 to join the second wireless communication network.

[0092] Such lighting fixture 20 can join the second wireless communication network based on the second setting information received from the second information terminal.

[0093] Invention 5 is lighting fixture 20 of Invention 4, in which control unit 23 notifies lighting fixture 20 of at least one of the fact that lighting fixture 20 has left the first wireless communication network and the fact that lighting fixture 20 has joined the second wireless communication network by controlling the light emission state of light source 22.

[0094] Such lighting fixture 20 can use the light source 22 for illumination to notify the user that it has left the wireless communication network and / or that it has joined a second wireless communication network.

[0095] A sixth aspect of the present invention is lighting device 20 of any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, wherein the predetermined operation is an operation of turning the power supply to lighting device 20 off and on at least two times within a predetermined period of time.

[0096] Such lighting device 20 can allow the second information terminal to change the settings of the first wireless communication network made by the first information terminal when the power supply to lighting device 20 is turned off and on two or more times within a predetermined period.

[0097] A seventh invention is a lighting system 10 including a lighting fixture 20 according to any one of the first to sixth inventions and a control device 40.

[0098] When a predetermined operation is performed on the control device 40, the lighting system 10 as described above can permit the second information terminal to also change the settings of the first wireless communication network that are performed by the first information terminal.

[0099] Invention 8 is a lighting system 10 comprising a lighting fixture 20 according to any one of Inventions 3 to 5 and a second information terminal, wherein the second information terminal notifies the first information terminal that the lighting fixture 20 has left the first wireless communication network.

[0100] In such a lighting system 10, the second information terminal can notify the first information terminal that the lighting fixture 20 has left the first wireless communication network.

[0101] Invention 9 is an information processing method executed by lighting fixture 20, in which lighting fixture 20 joins a first wireless communication network by storing first setting information received from a first information terminal, and the information processing method includes the steps of receiving a communication connection request from a second information terminal which is the same as or different from the first information terminal, allowing a communication connection with the second information terminal while operating in the first mode, on the condition that authentication of the communication connection request using first authentication information included in the first setting information is successful, transitioning from the first mode to the second mode when a predetermined operation is performed on control device 40 which can control the light-emitting state of lighting fixture 20, and allowing a communication connection with the second information terminal while operating in the second mode, without the condition that authentication of the communication connection request using the first authentication information is successful.

[0102] In this information processing method, when a predetermined operation is performed on control device 40, the second information terminal can also be permitted to change the settings for the first wireless communication network that are performed by the first information terminal.

[0103] Invention 10 is a program for causing lighting fixture 20 to execute the information processing method of Invention 9.

[0104] According to this program, when a predetermined operation is performed on control device 40, lighting device 20 can allow the second information terminal to also change the settings of the first wireless communication network that are made by the first information terminal.

[0105] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0106] For example, in the above embodiment, a process executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. Also, the order of multiple processes may be changed, or multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

[0107] In the above-described embodiments, components such as the control unit 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 processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0108] Furthermore, components such as the control unit may be realized by hardware. For example, components such as the control unit may be circuits (or integrated circuits). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or may be separate circuits. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0109] 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 as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0110] For example, the present invention may be realized as the lighting system or lighting fixture of the above-described embodiment, or as an information processing method executed by the lighting fixture. The present invention may also be realized as a program for causing a computer (lighting fixture) to execute such an information processing method, or as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0111] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art would think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 10. Lighting System 20, 20a, 20b, 20c lighting fixtures 21 Radio Communication Department 22 Light source 23 Control Unit 24, 35 Storage section 30, 30a, 30b Information terminal 31 Operation reception section 32 Display section 32a Icon 32b Flashing Icon 32m map image 33 Radio Communication Department 34 Information Processing Department 40 Control Equipment 50 power supply

Claims

1. A lighting fixture, comprising: A light source and A memory unit; a wireless communication unit that receives first setting information from the first information terminal; a control unit that stores the received first setting information in the storage unit to cause the lighting device to join the first wireless communication network, the wireless communication unit receives a communication connection request from a second information terminal that is the same as or different from the first information terminal; The control unit during operation in the first mode, permitting a communication connection with the second information terminal on the condition that authentication of the communication connection request using first authentication information included in the first setting information is successful; a transition from the first mode to a second mode when a predetermined operation is performed on a control device capable of controlling the light emission state of the lighting device; During operation in the second mode, a communication connection with the second information terminal is permitted without the requirement that authentication of the communication connection request using the first authentication information be successful. Lighting fixtures.

2. The control unit transitions to the first mode after a certain time has elapsed since the transition to the second mode.

10. The lighting fixture of claim 1.

3. the second information terminal is an information terminal different from the first information terminal, The control unit allows the lighting device to be connected to the second information terminal for communication, and then causes the lighting device to leave the first wireless communication network based on an initialization request received by the wireless communication unit from the second information terminal.

10. The lighting fixture of claim 1.

4. the wireless communication unit receives second setting information from the second information terminal after the lighting device has left the first wireless communication network; The control unit stores the received second setting information in the storage unit, thereby causing the lighting device to join the second wireless communication network.

4. A lighting fixture according to claim 3.

5. The control unit notifies at least one of that the lighting device has left the first wireless communication network and that the lighting device has joined a second wireless communication network by controlling the light emission state of the light source.

5. A lighting fixture according to claim 4.

6. The predetermined operation is an operation of turning off and on the power supply to the lighting fixture two or more times within a predetermined period.

10. The lighting fixture of claim 1.

7. A lighting fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 6; The control device Lighting system.

8. The lighting fixture according to any one of claims 3 to 5, the second information terminal, The second information terminal notifies the first information terminal that the lighting device has left the first wireless communication network. Lighting system.

9. 1. An information processing method executed by a lighting fixture, comprising: the lighting device joins the first wireless communication network by storing first setting information received from the first information terminal; The information processing method includes: receiving a communication connection request from a second information terminal which is the same as or different from the first information terminal; permitting a communication connection with the second information terminal on the condition that authentication of the communication connection request using first authentication information included in the first setting information is successful during operation in a first mode; transitioning from the first mode to a second mode when a predetermined operation is performed on a control device capable of controlling a light emission state of the lighting device; and during operation in the second mode, permitting a communication connection with the second information terminal without requiring successful authentication of the communication connection request using the first authentication information. Information processing methods.

10. A program for causing the lighting fixture to execute the information processing method of claim 9.

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