Setting terminal, setting system, setting method and program

Abstract

To provide a setting terminal capable of controlling a desired device using any control terminal, a setting system, a setting method, and a program.SOLUTION: A setting terminal 20 includes: a communication unit 21 that communicates with multiple control terminals 30, each of which controls a device 40 according to the operation by a user; and a setting unit 222 that sets which device 40 is controlled and how the device is controlled by the operation on each of the multiple control terminals 30 by transmitting setting information to each of the multiple control terminals 30 using the communications unit 21. The setting unit 222 is capable of performing the same settings on multiple control terminals 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a setting terminal, a setting system, a setting method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] A technique has been disclosed in which a parent terminal is used to configure a plurality of control terminals that communicate with each other (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-153998 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, different settings are made for each of a plurality of control terminals, and therefore, when a device is controlled using a control terminal, the control terminal must be distinguished and recognized, which is a problem.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a setting terminal, a setting system, a setting method, and a program that enable a desired device to be controlled using an arbitrary control terminal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of a setting terminal according to the present disclosure includes a communication unit that communicates with a plurality of control terminals, each of which controls equipment in response to user operation, and a setting unit that uses the communication unit to send setting information to each of the plurality of control terminals, thereby setting in each of the plurality of control terminals which equipment will be controlled by the operation and how, and the setting unit can make the same setting to the plurality of control terminals.

[0007] Furthermore, one aspect of a setting system according to the present disclosure includes the setting terminal, the plurality of control terminals, and the device.

[0008] Furthermore, one aspect of the setting method according to the present disclosure is a method executed by a computer of a setting terminal, and includes a setting step of sending setting information to each of a plurality of control terminals, each of which controls equipment in accordance with user operation, thereby setting in each of the plurality of control terminals which equipment will be controlled by the operation and how, and the setting step can make the same setting in the plurality of control terminals.

[0009] The present invention can be realized not only as the setting method described above, but also as a program for causing a computer to execute the setting method, and further as a computer-readable recording medium storing the program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The setting terminal, setting system, setting method, and program according to the present disclosure can control a desired device using any control terminal. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a setting system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Schematic diagram of a network of a setting system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the appearance of a control terminal according to an embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of a setting system according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a setting terminal during operation of the setting system according to the embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, embodiments of a setting terminal, a setting system, a setting method, and a program according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below represents a preferred specific example of the present invention. The numerical values, components, component placement and connection configurations, 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 constituting a preferred embodiment.

[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] [composition] First, the configuration of a setting system according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a setting system 10 according to the embodiment. The setting system 10 includes a setting terminal 20, a plurality of control terminals 30, and a plurality of devices 40.

[0015] In the setting system 10, the plurality of control terminals 30 and the plurality of devices 40 each have a wireless communication function, and the plurality of control terminals 30 and the plurality of devices 40 form a wireless mesh network 50 (hereinafter also simply referred to as mesh network 50). The wireless mesh network 50 is an example of a wireless network.

[0016] 2 is a schematic diagram of a network of the setting system 10 according to the embodiment. Each circle in FIG. 2 corresponds to one control terminal 30 or one device 40 (in other words, a communication node). In the mesh network 50, 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] For example, when the device 40 is a lighting device, the information transmitted through the mesh network 50 is control information for controlling the on / off or dimming of the device 40. Also, for example, when the device 40 is an environmental sensor, the information transmitted is measurement values ​​(sensing information) of the environmental sensor.

[0018] First, the setting terminal 20 will be described. The setting terminal 20 is an information terminal used by a user to control the multiple devices 40 that make up the mesh network 50. The setting terminal 20 is also an information terminal used to configure the multiple control terminals 30 that make up the mesh network 50. The setting terminal 20 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). The setting terminal 20 may also be a dedicated remote controller used in the setting system 10. Specifically, the setting terminal 20 includes a communication unit 21, an information processing unit 22, a storage unit 23, a display unit 24, and an operation reception unit 25.

[0019] The communication unit 21 is a communication circuit that enables the setting terminal 20 to communicate (more specifically, wirelessly communicate) with each of the multiple control terminals 30 or the multiple devices 40. Specifically, the communication unit 21 performs wireless communication in accordance with a communication standard such as BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) mesh.

[0020] The information processing unit 22 processes information in response to a user operation received by the setting terminal 20 via the operation receiving unit 25. The information processing unit 22 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 22 are realized by hardware such as a microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 22 executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 23. Specifically, the information processing unit 22 includes an acquisition unit 221, a setting unit 222, and an output unit 223.

[0021] The acquisition unit 221 acquires the user's operation etc. accepted by the operation acceptance unit 35 .

[0022] The setting unit 222 processes information related to settings for allowing the control terminal 30 to control the device 40 .

[0023] The output unit 223 outputs setting information for causing the control terminal 30 to control the device 40 .

[0024] The storage unit 23 is a storage device that stores setting information indicating which devices 40 are to be controlled and how, and information necessary for information processing, such as computer programs executed by the information processing unit 22. The storage unit 23 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory. The computer programs stored in the storage unit 23 include a dedicated application program for operating the setting terminal 20 as a setting terminal.

[0025] The display unit 24 displays various images and is realized by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel.

[0026] The operation reception unit 25 receives operations from the user and is realized by, for example, a touch panel.

[0027] Next, the control terminal 30 will be described. The control terminal 30 has a wireless communication function, and a plurality of control terminals 30, together with a plurality of devices 40, form a mesh network 50. The control terminal 30 is, for example, a remote controller for controlling the devices 40. The control terminal 30 may be portable. Specifically, the control terminal 30 includes a wireless communication unit 31, an information processing unit 32, a storage unit 33, a notification unit 34, and an operation reception unit 35.

[0028] The wireless communication unit 31 is a wireless communication circuit that enables the control terminal 30 to perform wireless communication (more specifically, radio wave communication) with the setting terminal 20, the devices 40, and other control terminals 30. After the control terminal 30 joins the mesh network 50, the wireless communication unit 31 performs communication through the mesh network 50. Before the control terminal 30 joins the mesh network 50, the wireless communication unit 31 periodically transmits a beacon signal (sometimes referred to as an advertisement signal, etc.) and performs wireless communication individually with setting terminals 20 that receive the beacon signal. Specifically, the wireless communication unit 31 performs wireless communication in accordance with a communication standard such as BLE or Bluetooth (registered trademark) mesh.

[0029] The information processing unit 32 executes information processing and the like for the control terminal 30 to control the device 40. The information processing unit 32 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The functions of the information processing unit 32 are realized by hardware such as a microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 32 executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 33. Specifically, the information processing unit 32 includes an acquisition unit 321, a control unit 322, and an output unit 323.

[0030] The acquisition unit 321 acquires setting information and the like from the setting terminal 20.

[0031] The control unit 322 configures the control terminal 30 based on the configuration information acquired by the acquisition unit 321. The control unit 322 also controls the device 40 based on the operation accepted by the operation acceptance unit .

[0032] The output unit 323 outputs a signal for controlling the device 40, etc.

[0033] The storage unit 33 is a storage device that stores setting information set in the control terminal 30 and information necessary for information processing, such as computer programs executed by the information processing unit 32. The storage unit 33 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory. The computer programs stored in the storage unit 33 include dedicated application programs for operating the control terminal 30 as a control terminal for the device 40.

[0034] The notification unit 34 notifies the user of the status of the control terminal 30. The notification unit 34 is realized by, for example, a light-emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and notifies the user of the status of the control terminal 30 by flashing in a predetermined pattern. The notification unit 34 may also be realized by, for example, a speaker, and notifies the user of the status of the control terminal 30 by a predetermined sound.

[0035] The operation acceptance unit 35 accepts user operations and is realized by, for example, a push button or the like.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the exterior of a control terminal 30 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the control terminal 30 is a portable remote controller. The control terminal 30 includes five buttons, "Button 1," "Button 2," "Button 3," "Button 4," and a "Settings button," as an operation reception unit 35. The control terminal 30 also includes a notification unit 34 having an LED. For example, by pressing "Button 1," a user can control a device 40 based on the setting information associated with "Button 1." Furthermore, for example, by pressing the "Settings button," the control terminal 30 can be changed to a state in which it can accept an instruction to change the settings of the control terminal 30. For example, by checking that the LED of the notification unit 34 flashes at a predetermined interval, the user can confirm that the setting terminal 20 and the control terminal 30 are in communication.

[0037] Next, the device 40 will be described. The device 40 has a wireless communication function, and a plurality of devices 40, together with a plurality of control terminals 30, form a mesh network 50. The device 40 is, for example, a lighting device such as a base light that is installed on the ceiling of an indoor space and illuminates the indoor space. The type of lighting device is not particularly limited, and may be a ceiling light, a downlight, a spotlight, or the like. Specifically, the device 40 includes a wireless communication unit 41, an information processing unit 42, a storage unit 43, and a function realization unit 44.

[0038] The wireless communication unit 41 is a wireless communication circuit that enables the device 40 to perform wireless communication (more specifically, radio wave communication) with the setting terminal 20, the control terminal 30, and other devices 40. After the device 40 joins the mesh network 50, the wireless communication unit 41 performs communication through the mesh network 50. Before the device 40 joins the mesh network 50, the wireless communication unit 41 periodically transmits a beacon signal (sometimes referred to as an advertisement signal, etc.) and performs wireless communication individually with the setting terminal 20 that receives the beacon signal. Specifically, the wireless communication unit 41 performs wireless communication in accordance with a communication standard such as BLE or Bluetooth (registered trademark) mesh.

[0039] The information processing unit 42 executes information processing and the like for the operation of the device 40. The information processing unit 42 operates the device 40 by controlling the function realization unit 44. The information processing unit 42 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 42 are realized by hardware such as a microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 42 executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 43.

[0040] The storage unit 43 is a storage device that stores various types of information required for the operation of the device 40. The storage unit 43 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory or the like.

[0041] The function realization unit 44 is a device for realizing the functions of the device 40 when the device 40 operates. The function realization unit 44 is controlled by the information processing unit 42. For example, if the device 40 is a lighting device, the function realization unit 44 is a light source. The light source irradiates white light into an indoor space so that the lighting device 40 can illuminate the indoor space. The light source is realized by, for example, an LED element, but may also be realized by other light-emitting elements such as a semiconductor laser, an organic EL element, or an inorganic EL element.

[0042] [Operation] Next, the operation of the setting system 10 will be described. As described above, in the setting system 10, a plurality of control terminals 30 and a plurality of devices 40 configure a mesh network 50 as shown in FIG. 2, for example. Wireless communication (hereinafter also simply referred to as communication) between the plurality of control terminals 30 and the plurality of devices 40 is performed, for example, according to a first communication protocol for mesh networks. The first communication protocol is, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) mesh.

[0043] On the other hand, the setting terminal 20 does not belong to the mesh network 50 and cannot communicate with the multiple control terminals 30 and the multiple devices 40 using the first communication protocol. However, the setting terminal 20 has a communication function using a second communication protocol for one-to-one communication. The second communication protocol is a communication protocol different from the first communication protocol, such as BLE. Note that the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol are communication protocols that use, for example, the same frequency band (e.g., the 2.4 GHz band).

[0044] The setting terminal 20 can change the settings of the control terminal 30 when communicating one-to-one with the control terminal 30 using the second communication protocol. The setting terminal 20 can also change the settings of a desired control terminal 30 by communicating with the control terminals 30 or devices 40 that make up the mesh network 50 using the second communication protocol, and then communicating with a desired control terminal 30 using the first communication protocol. The operation of such a setting terminal 20 will be described below.

[0045] 4 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the setting terminal 20 according to the embodiment. The setting terminal 20 performs wireless communication with the control terminal 30 directly or via the mesh network 50.

[0046] First, the user changes the control terminal 30 to a setting standby state (S11). The setting standby state is a state in which the control terminal 30 is ready to accept an instruction to change the settings of the control terminal 30. The user changes the control terminal 30 to the setting standby state, for example, by pressing the "setting button" on the control terminal 30. The control unit 322 may notify the user that the control terminal 30 is in the setting standby state, for example, by flashing the LED of the notification unit 34 at a predetermined interval.

[0047] When the control terminal 30 enters a configuration standby state, the output unit 323 of the control terminal 30 transmits a control terminal identification signal to the configuration terminal 20 (S12). The control terminal identification signal is an identification signal set for each control terminal 30, and the configuration terminal 20 can identify the control terminal 30 with which it is communicating based on the control terminal identification signal. When the configuration terminal 20 and the control terminal 30 are communicating via the mesh network 50, the output unit 323 transmits the control terminal identification signal to the configuration terminal 20 via the wireless communication unit 31, the mesh network 50, and the communication unit 21. When the configuration terminal 20 and the control terminal 30 are communicating directly, the output unit 323 transmits the control terminal identification signal to the configuration terminal 20 via the wireless communication unit 31 and the communication unit 21.

[0048] When the acquisition unit 221 of the setting terminal 20 acquires the control terminal identification signal, the setting unit 222 identifies the control terminal 30 that is in a setting standby state based on the acquired control terminal identification signal (S13). The setting unit 222 may notify the user via the display unit 24 that the control terminal 30 has been identified.

[0049] Next, the operation reception unit 25 receives the selection of setting information (S14). The user selects the setting information to be set in the control terminal 30 from among the setting information candidates. The setting information candidates are set in advance by the user in the setting terminal 20 and stored in the storage unit 23. Alternatively, the user may input the setting information to be set in the control terminal 30 in step S14.

[0050] FIG. 5 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the setting terminal 20 during operation of the setting system 10 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the display unit 24 displays setting information stored in the connected control terminal 30 and candidate setting information. The setting information includes information associated with each of "area," "zone," "button 1," "button 2," "button 3," and "button 4." The "area" and "zone" are information indicating the space and location where the device 40 to be controlled is installed. The "button 1," "button 2," "button 3," and "button 4" are information indicating how each button on the operation reception unit 35 of the control terminal 30 controls the device 40 to be controlled. If the device 40 is a lighting device, the dimming rate, color temperature, etc. are set.

[0051] For example, "Control Terminal A" shown in FIG. 5 stores "Setting Information 2," and by pressing "Button 2" on "Control Terminal A," it is possible to light up device 40 (here, lighting equipment) installed in "Area" "A2: Area 2" and "Zone" "Z3: Zone 3" at a dimming rate of 100% and a color temperature of 6500K.

[0052] When the operation reception unit 25 receives the selection of the setting information, the output unit 223 transmits the selected setting information to the control terminal 30 (S15 in FIG. 4). The output unit 223 transmits the setting information to the control terminal 30 via the communication unit 21 (and the mesh network 50) and the wireless communication unit 31.

[0053] When the acquisition unit 321 of the control terminal 30 acquires the setting information, the control unit 322 updates the setting of the control terminal 30 based on the acquired setting information (S16 in FIG. 4). In other words, the control unit 322 changes the setting information stored in the storage unit 33.

[0054] When the setting information stored in the storage unit 33 is changed, the output unit 323 transmits acquisition completion information to the setting terminal 20 via the wireless communication unit 31 (and mesh network 50) and the communication unit 21 (S17 in FIG. 4). The acquisition completion information is information indicating that the setting information stored in the control terminal 30 has been updated. When the acquisition unit 221 of the setting terminal 20 acquires the acquisition completion information, the setting unit 222 uses the display unit 24 to notify the user that the setting information of the control terminal 30 has been changed. At this time, the acquisition completion information acquired by the acquisition unit 221 (identification information of the control terminal 30 whose setting information has been changed) is not stored in the storage unit 23. In other words, the setting terminal 20 does not manage what setting has been made to which control terminal 30. Note that the acquisition completion information may be stored in the storage unit 23. In other words, the setting terminal 20 may manage what setting has been made to which control terminal 30.

[0055] Finally, the user controls the device 40 using the control terminal 30 (S18 in FIG. 4). For example, the user controls the device 40 based on the setting information associated with "Button 1" by pressing "Button 1" on the operation reception unit 35. Specifically, first, the acquisition unit 321 acquires the user's operation accepted by the operation reception unit 35. The output unit 323 transmits a control signal via the wireless communication unit 31 (and the mesh network 50) and the wireless communication unit 41 in accordance with the acquired user's operation. The information processing unit 42 of the device 40 controls the function realization unit 44 in accordance with the acquired control signal, thereby realizing the function of the device 40.

[0056] Through the above operations, the setting terminal 20 updates the setting information of one control terminal 30 belonging to the mesh network 50 specified by the user. Therefore, according to such setting system 10, the user can use the setting terminal 20 to set up any one of the control terminals 30 that make up the mesh network 50, and then use that control terminal 30 to control the devices 40 that make up the mesh network 50.

[0057] For example, if multiple control terminals 30 each have their own unique settings, when a user wants to control a specific device 40, the user needs to find and operate the specific control terminal 30 that can control that specific device 40.

[0058] In contrast, in the setting system 10, the setting terminal 20 does not manage what settings are made to which control terminals 30, and the same settings are allowed for multiple control terminals 30 in the setting system 10. When a user wants to control a specific device 40, the user changes the settings of a control terminal 30 close to the user so that the specific device 40 can be controlled using the setting terminal 20. This allows the user to control the specific device 40 by operating a nearby control terminal 30 without having to search for the specific control terminal 30.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the devices 40 included in the mesh network 50 are lighting devices, but they do not have to be lighting devices. The devices 40 may be lighting-related devices other than lighting devices. An example of lighting-related devices other than lighting devices is a projector. A projector is a device that projects an image onto a target such as a wall or a screen. The image output from the projector is, for example, an image that imitates a natural subject such as sunlight filtering through the trees (shadows of trees), a sandy beach, a waterfall, or the surface of water.

[0060] Furthermore, the device 40 may be a device other than a lighting-related device. The other device may be a device not directly related to lighting, such as an air conditioner, a ventilation system, a camera, a speaker, a motion sensor, or an environmental sensor. The environmental sensor may include a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a carbon dioxide concentration sensor, and a PM (Particle Matter) sensor.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the plurality of control terminals 30 and the plurality of devices 40 constitute a mesh network 50, but this does not have to be the case. In other words, the setting system 10 may be realized by the plurality of control terminals 30 and the plurality of devices 40 that constitute a communication network other than the mesh network 50.

[0062] [Effects, etc.] Below, examples of techniques derived from the disclosure of this specification will be given, and the effects and the like obtained from the exemplified techniques will be described.

[0063] Technique 1 is a setting terminal 20 that includes a communication unit 21 that communicates with a plurality of control terminals 30, each of which controls a device 40 in response to user operation, and a setting unit 222 that uses the communication unit 21 to send setting information to each of the plurality of control terminals 30, thereby setting which device 40 is to be controlled by operation and how, on each of the plurality of control terminals 30, the setting unit 222 being capable of making the same setting on the plurality of control terminals 30.

[0064] Such a setting terminal 20 sets multiple control terminals 30 so that the multiple control terminals 30 control the same device with the same settings. Therefore, by using the setting terminal 20 to set up any control terminal 30, a user can use any control terminal 30 to control a desired device 40.

[0065] Technique 2 is a setting terminal 20 of technique 1 in which the communication unit 21 receives acquisition completion information from the control terminal 30 indicating that the control terminal 30 has acquired the setting information, and the setting unit 222 does not perform processing to associate the identification information of the control terminal 30 contained in the received acquisition completion information with the contents of the setting information sent to the control terminal 30.

[0066] Such a setting terminal 20 can save memory capacity of the storage unit 23 by not storing the identification information and setting information of the control terminal 30. Note that the setting unit 222 may or may not store in the storage unit 23 what settings have been made to the multiple control terminals 30.

[0067] Technique 3 is a setting terminal 20 of Technique 1 or 2 in which the setting unit 222 sends setting information to one of the multiple control terminals 30, thereby setting how the equipment is controlled by operating each of the multiple control buttons provided on the one control terminal 30.

[0068] Such a setting terminal 20 allows one control terminal 30 to control the device 40 using a plurality of control methods.

[0069] Technique 4 is a setting terminal 20 according to any of techniques 1 to 3, in which the device 40 is installed in an indoor space including a plurality of areas, and the setting unit 222 transmits setting information to one of the plurality of control terminals 30, thereby setting which of the plurality of areas the one control terminal 30 is to control the device 40 installed in.

[0070] According to such a setting terminal 20, the user can distinguish between the multiple areas in which the devices 40 are set and control the devices 40 using one control terminal 30.

[0071] Technique 5 is a setting terminal 20 according to any one of techniques 1 to 4, in which the device 40 is a lighting-related device.

[0072] According to such a setting terminal 20, a user can use the setting terminal 20 to set up any control terminal 30, and thereby control lighting-related devices using any control terminal 30.

[0073] In technique 6, the device 40 and the control terminal 30 constitute a mesh network 50, and are the setting terminal 20 of any of techniques 1 to 5.

[0074] With such a setting terminal 20, a user can use the setting terminal 20 to configure any one of the multiple control terminals 30 that make up the mesh network 50, and then use that control terminal 30 to control the devices 40 that make up the mesh network 50.

[0075] In technique 7, the control terminal 30 is a portable setting terminal 20 according to any one of techniques 1 to 6.

[0076] According to such a setting terminal 20, the user can configure the portable control terminal 30, and thereby control the desired device 40 using the control terminal 30 that is held in his / her hand.

[0077] Technique 8 is a setting system 10 including a setting terminal 20 according to any one of techniques 1 to 7, a plurality of control terminals 30, and a device 40.

[0078] According to such a setting system 10, a user can use the setting terminal 20 to set up any control terminal 30, thereby enabling the user to control a desired device 40 using any control terminal 30.

[0079] Technique 9 is a method executed by a computer of a setting terminal 20, and includes a setting step for setting, in each of the plurality of control terminals 30, which control devices 40 in response to user operations, which devices 40 are controlled by the operations and in what way, by transmitting setting information to each of the plurality of control terminals 30, and the setting step is a setting method in which the same setting can be made to the plurality of control terminals 30.

[0080] According to this setting method, the user can use the setting terminal 20 to set up any control terminal 30, and thereby control a desired device 40 using any control terminal 30.

[0081] Technique 10 is a program for executing the setting method of Technique 9.

[0082] Such a program can assist a user in controlling a desired device 40 using any control terminal 30 by using the setting terminal 20 to configure the desired control terminal 30 .

[0083] (Other embodiments) The setting terminal, setting system, setting method, and program according to the present invention have been described above based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. As long as they do not deviate from the gist of the present invention, various modifications that a person skilled in the art can conceive of to the embodiments, and other forms constructed by combining some of the components of the embodiments, are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the setting system is realized by a plurality of devices. As such, the "system" in this specification may be configured by a plurality of devices or may be configured by a single device. When a system is configured by a plurality of devices, the components (especially functional components) of the system may be distributed among the plurality of devices in any manner.

[0085] Furthermore, the method of communication between the devices in the above-described embodiment is not particularly limited. Furthermore, a relay device (such as a broadband router, not shown) may be involved in the communication between the devices.

[0086] In the above-described embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. The order of multiple processing operations may be changed, or multiple processing operations may be performed in parallel.

[0087] In the above-described embodiments, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for that component, or 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.

[0088] Furthermore, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 10. Configuration System 20 Setting terminal 21 Communications Department 222 Settings 23 Memory section 30 Control Terminal 40 equipment 50 mesh networks

Claims

1. a communication unit that communicates with a plurality of control terminals that each control a device in response to a user's operation; a setting unit that transmits setting information to each of the plurality of control terminals using the communication unit, thereby setting which of the devices is to be controlled and how in each of the plurality of control terminals by the operation; The setting unit can perform the same setting on the plurality of control terminals. Setting terminal.

2. the communication unit receives, from the control terminal, acquisition completion information indicating that the control terminal has acquired the setting information; the setting unit does not perform a process of associating the identification information of the control terminal included in the received acquisition completion information with the content of the setting information transmitted to the control terminal. The setting terminal according to claim 1.

3. The setting unit transmits the setting information to one of the control terminals, thereby setting how the device is controlled by the operation on each of a plurality of control buttons provided on the one control terminal.

3. The setting terminal according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The device is installed in an indoor space including a plurality of areas, The setting unit transmits the setting information to one of the control terminals, thereby performing the setting of which area of ​​the plurality of areas the one control terminal should control the device installed in.

3. The setting terminal according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The device is a lighting-related device.

3. The setting terminal according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The device and the control terminal form a mesh network.

3. The setting terminal according to claim 1 or 2.

7. the control terminal is portable; 3. The setting terminal according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The setting terminal according to claim 1 or 2; the plurality of control terminals; The device, Settings system.

9. A method executed by a computer of a setting terminal, comprising: a setting step of transmitting setting information to each of a plurality of control terminals each controlling a device in response to a user operation, thereby setting in each of the plurality of control terminals which device is to be controlled in what manner by the user operation; The setting step can perform the same setting on the plurality of control terminals. How to set it up.

10. A program for executing the setting method according to claim 9.

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