Information terminal, communication system, display method, and program

Abstract

This invention provides an information terminal that can display information indicating the distance from the information terminal to the wireless communication device when displaying the icon for the wireless communication device. [Solution] The information terminal 30 includes a wireless communication unit 33 that receives a beacon signal emitted by the lighting fixture 20, a measurement unit 36 ​​that measures the received signal strength of the received beacon signal, an information processing unit 34 that corrects the measured received signal strength based on correction information contained in the received beacon signal, and a display unit 32. The information processing unit 34 displays an icon representing the lighting fixture 20 on the display unit 32 when a beacon signal is received, and displays the corrected received signal strength on the display unit 32 in association with the icon.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to an information terminal used for initial setup of a communication system, etc. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a lighting control system that can easily perform mapping of lighting fixtures. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-003601 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] The present invention provides an information terminal, etc., that can display information indicating the distance from the information terminal to the wireless communication device when displaying an icon for the wireless communication device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An information terminal according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a wireless communication unit that receives a beacon signal emitted by a wireless communication device, a measurement unit that measures the received signal strength of the received beacon signal, an information processing unit that corrects the measured received signal strength based on correction information contained in the received beacon signal, and a display unit. The information processing unit displays an icon representing the wireless communication device on the display unit when the beacon signal is received, and displays the corrected received signal strength on the display unit in association with the icon.

[0006] A communication system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises the information terminal and the wireless communication device.

[0007] A display method according to one aspect of the present invention is a display method performed by an information terminal equipped with a display unit, and includes the steps of: receiving a beacon signal emitted by a wireless communication device; measuring the received signal strength of the received beacon signal; correcting the measured received signal strength based on correction information contained in the received beacon signal; and displaying an icon representing the wireless communication device on the display unit when the beacon signal is received, and displaying the corrected received signal strength on the display unit in association with the icon.

[0008] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program that causes the information terminal to execute the display method described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The information terminal of the present invention can display information indicating the distance from the information terminal to the wireless communication device when displaying the icon of the wireless communication device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a lighting system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a mesh network. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an overview of the initial setup process. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is the first sequence diagram of the initial setup operation. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is the second sequence diagram of the initial setup operation. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the initial setup screen. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of how icons are displayed according to the received signal strength. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a sequence diagram of the operation example 1 of the detection phase when displaying the received signal strength. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram of Operation Example 2 in the detection phase when displaying the received signal strength. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of correction value information in Operation Example 2. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the directivity of radio wave intensity. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram of Operation Example 3 in the detection phase when displaying the received signal strength. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of correction value information in Operation Example 3.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below shows comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, steps, order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, among the components in the following embodiments, the components not described in the independent claims are described as optional components.

[0012] Note that each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily drawn precisely. Also, in each figure, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same configurations, and duplicate explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0013] (Embodiment) [Configuration] First, the configuration of the lighting system according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the lighting system according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the lighting system 10 includes a plurality of lighting fixtures 20 and an information terminal 30.

[0014] In the lighting system 10, each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 has a wireless communication function, and the multiple lighting fixtures 20 constitute a wireless mesh network (hereinafter also simply referred to as a mesh network). A wireless mesh network is an example of a wireless communication network.

[0015] Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram of a mesh network. In Figure 2, each circle corresponds to a single light fixture 20 (in other words, a communication node). In a mesh network, when information is transmitted from one communication node (also referred to as the first communication node) to another communication node (also referred to as the second communication node), the information is transmitted, for example, by routing, but may also be transmitted by other methods such as flooding.

[0016] The information transmitted through the mesh network may include, for example, control information for turning the lighting fixture 20 on, off, or dimming it. Furthermore, if the mesh network includes environmental sensors, as described later, the measured values ​​(sensing information) from these environmental sensors may also be transmitted.

[0017] First, let's describe the lighting fixture 20. The lighting fixture 20 is a base light or the like that is installed on the ceiling of an indoor space to illuminate 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, downlight, spotlight, etc. Specifically, the lighting fixture 20 comprises a wireless communication unit 21, a light source 22, and a storage unit 23.

[0018] 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 information terminals 30. After the lighting fixture 20 joins the mesh network, the wireless communication unit 21 communicates through the mesh network. Before the lighting fixture 20 joins the mesh network, the wireless communication unit 21 periodically transmits beacon signals (sometimes called advertisement signals, etc.) and communicates wirelessly individually with information terminals 30 that receive the beacon signals. Specifically, the wireless communication unit 21 communicates wirelessly according to communication standards such as BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) or Bluetooth® mesh.

[0019] The light source 22 emits white light into the room so that the lighting fixture 20 can illuminate the room. The light source 22 is implemented by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element, but may also be implemented by other light-emitting elements such as a semiconductor laser, organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), or inorganic EL.

[0020] The memory unit 23 is a storage device that stores various information necessary for the operation of the lighting fixture 20, such as identification information, setting information (described later), and correction information (described later). The memory unit 23 is implemented, for example, by a semiconductor memory.

[0021] Next, the configuration of the information terminal 30 will be described. The information terminal 30 is an information terminal used by the user to configure settings related to the mesh network (initial setup and setting changes) and to control multiple lighting fixtures 20. The information terminal 30 is, for example, a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet, or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). Alternatively, the information terminal 30 may be a dedicated remote controller used in the lighting system 10. Specifically, the information terminal 30 comprises an operation reception unit 31, a display unit 32, a wireless communication unit 33, an information processing unit 34, a storage unit 35, and a measurement unit 36.

[0022] The operation reception unit 31 receives user input. Specifically, the operation reception unit 31 is implemented by a touch panel or the like.

[0023] The display unit 32 displays various images. The display unit 32 is implemented by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel.

[0024] The wireless communication unit 33 is a wireless communication circuit that enables the information terminal 30 to communicate wirelessly (more specifically, via radio waves) with each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20. Specifically, the wireless communication unit 33 performs wireless communication in accordance with communication standards such as BLE.

[0025] The information processing unit 34 performs information processing in response to user operations received by the operation reception unit 31. The information processing unit 34 is implemented, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor or dedicated circuit. The functions of the information processing unit 34 are realized by the execution of computer programs (software) stored in the storage unit 35 by the hardware, such as the microcomputer or processor that constitutes the information processing unit 34.

[0026] The memory unit 35 is a storage device that stores information necessary for information processing, such as computer programs, executed by the information processing unit 34. The memory unit 35 is implemented, for example, by a semiconductor memory.

[0027] The measurement unit 36 ​​is a measurement circuit that measures the received signal strength (RSSI: Received Signal Strength Indicator) of the beacon signal emitted by the lighting fixture 20, which is received by the wireless communication unit 33. The measurement unit 36 ​​may be included in the wireless communication circuit of the wireless communication unit 33.

[0028] [Initial Operation] The information terminal 30 can build a mesh network by performing an initial setup operation. The initial setup operation will now be described. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an overview of the initial setup operation. As shown in Figure 3, the initial setup operation includes the detection phase S10, the identification and registration phase S20, and the configuration phase S30 in that order. The specific processes performed in each phase will be described below with reference to the sequence diagrams. Figures 4A and 4B are sequence diagrams of the initial setup operation. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the initial setup screen. The initial setup operation shown in Figures 4A and 4B is performed, for example, after multiple lighting fixtures 20 have been installed on the ceiling by the installer.

[0029] First, let's explain the process that takes place in the detection phase S10. The operation reception unit 31 of the information terminal 30 receives a start operation from the user to begin detecting (scanning) the lighting fixtures 20 (S10a). The start operation is a tap operation on the detection icon 32c on the initial setup screen in Figure 5.

[0030] Each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 periodically transmits a beacon signal (sometimes called an advertisement signal, etc.) before joining the mesh network (S10b). Upon acceptance of the start operation in step S10a, the wireless communication unit 33 of the information terminal 30 receives the beacon signal. The beacon signal emitted by each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 contains identification information for that lighting fixture 20. The identification information is, for example, a MAC (Media Access Control) address, but is not limited to a MAC address as long as it can uniquely identify the lighting fixture 20.

[0031] The information processing unit 34 displays an icon of the lighting fixture 20 that is the source of the received beacon signal on the display unit 32 (S10c). As shown in Figure 5, the initial setup screen displays multiple icons 32a corresponding to multiple lighting fixtures 20 that are sources of the beacon signal, arranged in a horizontal row.

[0032] Furthermore, the initial setup screen in Figure 5 also displays a map image 32m. The map image 32m is a top-down view of the area where multiple lighting fixtures 20 are installed, and in the example in Figure 5, the installation positions P1 to P6 of the lighting fixtures 20 are indicated by circles. In other words, the map image 32m is an image showing the installation positions of multiple lighting fixtures 20. The map image 32m is stored in the memory unit 35 in advance.

[0033] At step S10c, while the arrangement of multiple lighting fixtures 20 is known, the location of each lighting fixture 20 is unknown. In other words, at step S10c, the installation location of the lighting fixtures 20 is not associated with the identification information of the lighting fixtures 20.

[0034] The processes described above in steps S10a to S10c constitute the processes performed in the detection phase S10. Next, the processes performed in the identification and registration phase S20 will be explained.

[0035] The operation reception unit 31 receives a selection operation from the installer for one of several icons 32a (S20a). The selection operation is, for example, a tap operation on one of the icons 32a. Based on the selection operation received by the operation reception unit 31, the information processing unit 34 establishes a communication connection between the lighting fixture 20 (hereinafter also referred to as the target lighting fixture 20) corresponding to the selected icon 32a and the wireless communication unit 33 (S20b), and starts individual communication (one-to-one communication) with the target lighting fixture 20. The information processing unit 34 causes the wireless communication unit 33 to send a blinking command (S20c). The blinking command is sent, for example, after the selection operation, triggered by the reception of a tap operation on a blinking icon 32b.

[0036] The flashing command is control information (control command) for selectively flashing the target lighting fixture 20. When the target lighting fixture 20 receives the flashing command, it flashes (S20d). This allows the user to identify the target lighting fixture 20.

[0037] The user visually confirms the actual installation location of the flashing light fixture 20 (S20e) and specifies the installation location of the flashing light fixture 20 on the map image 32m (for example, one of installation locations P1 to P6). The operation reception unit 31 receives the user's operation to specify the installation location of the light fixture 20 in the map image 32m (S20f). Then, 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 it in the storage unit 35 (S20g). The information processing unit 34 also removes the display of the icon 32a for which the association has been completed (S20h). In other words, the number of icons 32a displayed in step S10c decreases by one. Then, the information processing unit 34 disconnects the communication connection with the target light fixture 20 (S20i).

[0038] The processing in steps S20a to S20i is repeated until all icons 32a (identification information) displayed in step S10c are associated with their installation locations. As a result, the storage unit 35 stores the identification information of multiple lighting fixtures 20 and correspondence information indicating the relationship between their installation locations. In other words, multiple lighting fixtures 20 are registered in the information terminal 30.

[0039] The processes described above in steps S20a to S20i constitute the processes performed in the identification and registration phase S20. Next, we will explain the processes performed in the configuration phase S30. The processes performed in the configuration phase S30 are also known as provisioning processes.

[0040] The information processing unit 34 establishes a communication connection between the designated lighting fixture 20 and the wireless communication unit 33 (S30a) based on an operation to specify one of the lighting fixtures 20 received by the operation reception unit 31, and starts individual communication with the lighting fixture 20. The information processing unit 34 causes the wireless communication unit 33 to transmit setting information to the lighting fixture 20 (S30b). The lighting fixture 20 receives the setting information and stores it in the storage unit 23 provided in the lighting fixture 20 (S30c).

[0041] The configuration information is the information required for the lighting fixture 20 to join the mesh network. The configuration information includes the network ID of the mesh network to which the lighting fixture 20 belongs, and the address information (unicast address) of the lighting fixture 20 used for communication within the mesh network. The configuration information may also include, if necessary, a security passcode (authentication information) used for communication within the mesh network, channel information indicating the frequency channel used for wireless communication in the mesh network, and identification information of the information terminal 30 that performed the initial setup operation. Once the configuration information is stored in the storage unit 23, the lighting fixture 20 can join the mesh network.

[0042] When the lighting fixture 20 has finished storing the setting information, it sends a setting completion notification to the information terminal 30 (S30d). When the information processing unit 34 of the information terminal 30 receives the setting completion notification by the wireless communication unit 33, it disconnects the communication connection with the lighting fixture 20 that it connected to in step S30a (S30e).

[0043] The processing in steps S30a to S30e is repeated until all lighting fixtures 20 join the mesh network. Once a lighting fixture 20 joins the mesh network, it stops the periodic transmission of beacon signals that it was performing before joining, as needed.

[0044] The processes described above in steps S30a to S30e constitute the processes performed in the setting phase S30 (also referred to as the setting process).

[0045] Note that the processing in steps S20i and S30a can be omitted. In other words, the processing in steps S30b to S30e may be performed without disconnecting the communication connection in step S20i.

[0046] As explained above, the information terminal 30 can bring multiple lighting fixtures 20 into the mesh network by performing an initial setup operation. In other words, the information terminal 30 can build a mesh network.

[0047] [Display of received signal strength] As explained in step S20e above, the user visually verifies the actual installation location of the lighting fixture 20 against its position on the map image 32m. In step S20a, if the icon 32a of a lighting fixture 20 that is far from the user is selected, the lighting fixture 20 will blink, and the user will not be able to determine the exact installation location of the blinking lighting fixture 20, requiring them to move in order to determine the correct location. In other words, this presents a problem of work delays.

[0048] To address these challenges, when the information terminal 30 displays an icon 32a, it displays the received signal strength of the beacon signal emitted by the lighting fixture 20 corresponding to the icon, associating it with the icon 32a. Specifically, the information terminal 30 superimposes a radio wave mark onto the icon 32a, and displays the received signal strength by the number of curves that are displayed more densely on the radio wave mark. The radio wave mark is an example of information indicating the received signal strength. In other words, the information terminal 30 changes the display mode of the icon 32a according to the received signal strength. Figure 6 shows an example of the display mode of the icon according to the received signal strength.

[0049] As shown in Figure 6, the higher the received signal strength and the closer the lighting fixture 20, the source of the beacon signal, is thought to be located to the information terminal 30, the more densely the curves displayed will be. Conversely, the lower the received signal strength and the further the lighting fixture 20, the source of the beacon signal, is thought to be located to the information terminal 30, the fewer densely the curves displayed will be.

[0050] The word "Dimming" at the top of icon 32a indicates the type (function) of the lighting fixture 20, specifically that the lighting fixture 20 is a dimmable lighting fixture. The text "L001" at the bottom of icon 32a is an identification number used to distinguish icon 32a.

[0051] If the received signal strength is displayed in association with an icon in this way, the installer can prioritize flashing the lighting fixture 20 that has a high received signal strength and is thought to be located near the information terminal 30, thereby suppressing the delays in the work described above.

[0052] Note that the display configuration shown in Figure 6 is just one example, and the display configuration of icon 32a can be achieved by combining one or more elements such as the color, pattern, size, and shape of icon 32a. In other words, the information indicating the received signal strength is not limited to radio wave marks, and various methods can be considered for how to display the received signal strength.

[0053] For example, similar to traffic signals, the background color of icon 32a (the color of the part of the circular enclosure other than the light bulb) may be displayed in blue when the received signal strength is high, in yellow when the received signal strength is moderate, and in red when the received signal strength is low. Additionally, text may be added to icon 32a; for example, the text "Strong" (or "Near") may be added when the received signal strength is high, the text "Medium" may be added when the received signal strength is moderate, and the text "Weak" (or "Far") may be added when the received signal strength is low.

[0054] [Example 1 of detection phase operation when displaying received signal strength] Below, we will describe an example of the operation of detection phase S10 when the received signal strength is displayed as described above. Figure 7 is a sequence diagram of the operation example of detection phase S10.

[0055] The operation reception unit 31 of the information terminal 30 receives a start operation from the user to instruct the start of the initial setup operation (S10a). The wireless communication unit 33 of the information terminal 30 receives a beacon signal (S10b).

[0056] Here, the beacon signal emitted by each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 includes not only the identification information of the lighting fixture 20 but also correction information indicating a correction value for the received signal strength. The correction value indicated by the correction information differs for each type (model) of lighting fixture 20. In other words, the correction value included in the beacon signal emitted by lighting fixture 20 of model A is different from the correction value included in the beacon signal emitted by lighting fixture 20 of model B, which is different from model A. The correction value is determined, for example, so that the received signal strength is normalized based on the transmission strength of the beacon signal of a certain model of lighting fixture 20 (hereinafter also referred to as the reference fixture).

[0057] The measurement unit 36 ​​measures the received signal strength of the received beacon signal (S10d). The information processing unit 34 corrects the received signal strength measured in step S10d with the correction value indicated by the correction information included in the beacon signal being measured (S10g). As a result, the received signal strength is corrected to the value that would be obtained if the lighting fixture 20, the source of the beacon signal, transmitted the beacon signal with the same radio wave strength as the reference fixture. In other words, the information processing unit 34 equalizes the influence of the strength (variation) of radio wave strength (transmission gain) for each model when transmitting the beacon signal on the received signal strength, and can calculate the received signal strength with accuracy.

[0058] The information processing unit 34 displays the icon 32a of the lighting fixture 20 that is the source of the received beacon signal on the display unit 32 (S10c). Specifically, the information processing unit 34 displays the corrected received signal strength on the display unit 32 in association with the icon 32a.

[0059] For example, the information processing unit 34 displays the received signal strength using radio wave marks assigned to icon 32a. If the corrected received signal strength obtained in step S10f is equal to or greater than the first threshold, all curves of the radio wave marks are displayed in a dark color as shown in Figure 6(a). If the corrected received signal strength is less than the first threshold but equal to or greater than the second threshold which is smaller than the first threshold, it is displayed as shown in Figure 6(b). If it is less than the second threshold, it is displayed as shown in Figure 6(c).

[0060] In this way, the information terminal 30 can display the received signal strength in association with an icon 32a. Furthermore, the information terminal 30 can display a highly accurate received signal strength by correcting the received signal strength according to the model of the lighting fixture 20 that is the source of the beacon signal when calculating the received signal strength.

[0061] [Example 2 of the detection phase operation when displaying received signal strength] The following describes example 2 of the operation of detection phase S10 when displaying the received signal strength. Figure 8 is a sequence diagram of example 2 of the operation of detection phase S10.

[0062] The operation reception unit 31 of the information terminal 30 receives a start operation from the user to instruct the start of the initial setup operation (S10a). The wireless communication unit 33 of the information terminal 30 receives a beacon signal (S10b).

[0063] In Operation Example 2, the beacon signal includes correction information (more specifically, model identification information) indicating the model (type) of the lighting fixture 20, but does not include the correction value itself. On the other hand, the storage unit 35 of the information terminal 30 stores correction value information indicating the correction value of the received signal strength for each of the multiple models (multiple types of lighting fixtures 20) of the lighting fixture 20. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the correction value information in Operation Example 2. As shown in Figure 9, in the correction value information, the model identification information of the lighting fixture 20 and the correction value are associated. The correction value is determined, for example, so that the received signal strength is normalized based on the transmission strength of the beacon signal of the reference fixture.

[0064] The measurement unit 36 ​​measures the received signal strength of the received beacon signal (S10d). The information processing unit 34 refers to the correction value information (Figure 9) and identifies the correction value for the model indicated by the correction information included in the beacon signal being measured (S10f). The information processing unit 34 corrects the received signal strength measured in step S10d with the correction value identified in step S10f (S10g). As a result, the received signal strength is corrected to the value assuming that the lighting fixture 20 that transmits the beacon signal transmits the beacon signal with the same radio wave strength as the reference fixture. In other words, the information processing unit 34 can equalize the influence of the strength (variation) of radio wave strength (transmission gain) for each model when transmitting the beacon signal on the received signal strength and calculate the received signal strength with accuracy.

[0065] The information processing unit 34 displays the icon 32a of the lighting fixture 20 that is the source of the received beacon signal on the display unit 32 (S10c). Specifically, the information processing unit 34 displays the corrected received signal strength on the display unit 32 in association with the icon 32a. The processing in step S10c is the same as in operation example 1, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0066] In this way, the information terminal 30 can display the received signal strength in association with an icon 32a. Furthermore, the information terminal 30 can display a highly accurate received signal strength by correcting the received signal strength according to the model of the lighting fixture 20 that is the source of the beacon signal when calculating the received signal strength.

[0067] [Example 3 of detection phase operation when displaying received signal strength] Incidentally, the radio wave intensity (transmission gain) of the beacon signal emitted by the lighting fixture 20 is directional. Figure 10 shows an example of the (two-dimensional) directionality of the radio wave intensity. The correction values ​​explained in operation examples 1 and 2 are determined based on the average radio wave intensity, which varies depending on the direction.

[0068] If the wireless communication unit 33 includes multiple receiving antennas (antenna arrays), the information processing unit 34 can estimate the direction of arrival of the beacon signal based on the phase difference of the beacon signals received by the multiple receiving antennas, according to the AoA (Angle of Arrival) method.

[0069] The following describes Operation Example 3 of the detection phase S10, in which the received signal strength is corrected by further considering the direction of arrival of the beacon signal. Figure 11 is a sequence diagram of Operation Example 3 of the detection phase S10. For the sake of simplicity, the direction of arrival of the beacon signal in Operation Example 3 is assumed to be the two-dimensional direction of arrival (0° to 360°) when viewing the space in which the lighting fixture 20 is installed from above.

[0070] The operation reception unit 31 of the information terminal 30 receives a start operation from the user to instruct the start of the initial setup operation (S10a). The wireless communication unit 33 of the information terminal 30 receives a beacon signal (S10b).

[0071] In Operation Example 3, the beacon signal includes correction information (more specifically, model identification information) indicating the model (type) of the lighting fixture 20, but does not include the correction value itself. On the other hand, the storage unit 35 of the information terminal 30 stores correction value information that shows the correction value of the received signal strength for each of the multiple models (multiple types of lighting fixtures 20) of the lighting fixture 20, for each direction of arrival of the beacon signal. Figure 12 is a diagram showing the correction value information in Operation Example 3. As shown in Figure 12, in the correction value information, the model identification information of the lighting fixture 20, the direction of arrival of the beacon signal, and the correction value are associated. The correction value is determined, for example, so that the received signal strength is normalized based on the transmission strength of the beacon signal of the reference fixture in the reference direction.

[0072] The measurement unit 36 ​​measures the received signal strength of the received beacon signal (S10d). Furthermore, the information processing unit 34 estimates the direction of arrival of the received beacon signal (S10e). In order to estimate the direction of arrival of the beacon signal, information such as the orientation of the information terminal 30 and the orientation of the lighting fixture 20 is input into the information terminal 30 by the installer as needed.

[0073] The information processing unit 34, by referring to the correction value information (Figure 12), identifies a correction value for the model indicated by the correction information included in the beacon signal being measured, which corresponds to the direction closest to the direction of arrival identified in step S10e (S10f). The information processing unit 34 also corrects the received signal strength measured in step S10d with the correction value identified in step S10f (S10g). As a result, the received signal strength is corrected to a value that would be expected if the lighting fixture 20, the source of the beacon signal, transmitted the beacon signal with the same radio wave strength as the beacon signal emitted by the reference fixture in the reference direction. In other words, the information processing unit 34 can equalize the influence of the strength (variation) of radio wave strength (transmission gain) for each model when transmitting the beacon signal, and the directivity of the radio waves on the received signal strength, and calculate the received signal strength with high accuracy.

[0074] The information processing unit 34 displays the icon 32a of the lighting fixture 20 that is the source of the received beacon signal on the display unit 32 (S10c). Specifically, the information processing unit 34 displays the corrected received signal strength on the display unit 32 in association with the icon 32a. The processing in step S10c is the same as in operation examples 1 and 2, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0075] In this way, the information terminal 30 can display the received signal strength in association with an icon 32a. Furthermore, the information terminal 30 can display a highly accurate received signal strength by correcting the received signal strength according to the model of the lighting fixture 20 that is the source of the beacon signal and the direction from which the beacon signal is coming when calculating the received signal strength.

[0076] [Update correction value] After the detection phase S10 of operation example 2 or 3, an identification and registration phase S20 is performed. At this time, if the installation position of the lighting fixture 20 on the map image 32m is specified in step S20f and further the current position of the information terminal 30 in the map image 32m is input, based on the distance from the installation position of the lighting fixture 20 on the map image to the current position of the information terminal 30 and the scale information of the map image 32m, the distance d from the installation position of the lighting fixture 20 in the actual space to the current position of the information terminal 30 can be calculated. The correction value in operation example 2 or 3 may be updated (corrected) based on the distance d obtained in this way.

[0077] The information processing unit 34 of the information terminal 30 calculates the RSSI = f(d) + G x According to the formula, based on the distance d and the correction value G x the RSSI est which is the calculated received signal strength (the received signal strength assumed from the distance d) can be calculated. f(d) is a function for converting the distance d into the received signal strength, and can be obtained, for example, by applying the parameters of the reference device based on the Friis transmission formula.

[0078] Here, if the measured value of the received signal strength measured in step S10d is RSSI rev then the difference RSSI rev between the measured value RSSI est of the received signal strength and the assumed value RSSI gap can be calculated by the formula RSSI gap = RSSI rev - RSSI est Then, the correction value G x ´ that can fill this difference is G x ´ = G x + RSSI gap That is, the information processing unit 34 can update G x in the correction value information to G x ´.

[0079] ​In this way, the information terminal 30 can update the correction value in the correction value information based on the installation position specified in step S20f, and by updating the correction value, the accuracy of the correction of the received signal strength can be improved.

[0080] [Differentiation] In the above embodiment, in the initial setup screen (Figure 5), the multiple icons 32a corresponding to the multiple lighting fixtures 20 that are the sources of the beacon signal are displayed in a horizontal row from left to right in the order in which the beacon signal reception processing is completed. However, the multiple icons 32a may also be displayed in a horizontal row from left to right in order of increasing corrected received signal strength.

[0081] As a result, the icons of the lighting fixtures 20 that have high received signal strength and are the source of the beacon signal are displayed sequentially from left to right, making it easy to register the installation locations by flashing the lighting fixtures 20 that are thought to be located near the information terminal 30 in order.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the initial setup screen (Figure 5) displayed multiple icons 32a corresponding to all lighting fixtures 20 that were able to receive the beacon signal. However, the number of icons 32a displayed on the initial setup screen may be narrowed down. For example, only a predetermined number of icons 32a with the highest corrected received signal strength (i.e., icons 32a with the highest predetermined number of received signal strengths) may be displayed. The predetermined number may be a fixed number, or it may be configurable by the installer's operation on the information terminal 30.

[0083] Furthermore, if, after a tap operation on the first detection icon 32c (hereinafter also referred to as the first scan) displays multiple icons 32a, and then a tap operation on the second detection icon 32c (hereinafter also referred to as the second scan) is performed, the multiple first icons corresponding to the multiple lighting fixtures 20 detected in the first scan will be hidden (deleted), for example, and the multiple second icons corresponding to the multiple lighting fixtures 20 detected in the second scan will be displayed.

[0084] However, multiple first icons may remain displayed while multiple second icons are displayed to their right, or multiple second icons may be displayed while multiple first icons are displayed to their right. When both multiple first icons and multiple second icons are displayed, the multiple first icons may be displayed in a different manner than the multiple second icons. In this case, a different manner means that at least one of the icons is different, such as color, pattern, size, and shape. A different manner may be achieved by superimposing a mark or text onto the icon.

[0085] In the above embodiment, each of the multiple wireless communication devices constituting the mesh network was a lighting fixture 20, but it does not have to be a lighting fixture 20. The multiple wireless communication devices may include lighting fixtures 20 and other devices, or they may not include lighting fixtures 20 and only include other wireless communication devices. Furthermore, the mesh network may include an information terminal 30.

[0086] Other wireless communication devices mentioned above include a remote controller for lighting, a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) dimmer, a scheduler, and an AC (Alternating Current) relay, all of which are operated by the user to control the lighting fixture 20.

[0087] A PWM dimmer is a device that can dim the lighting fixture 20 attached to the PWM dimmer. A scheduler is a device that turns the lighting fixture 20 on, off, or dims it according to a pre-set schedule.

[0088] AC relays include the following two types: first AC relay and second AC relay. The first AC relay is a device that is mounted on a wiring duct and can turn on and off a single device mounted on the wiring duct by switching the AC power to that device on and off. The second AC relay is a device that is mounted at the base of a wiring duct and can turn on and off all devices mounted on the wiring duct by switching the AC power supply to the wiring duct on and off. Alternatively, an AC relay may be a wireless control switch or the like that does not utilize a wiring duct.

[0089] Furthermore, the other wireless communication devices mentioned above may include devices not directly related to lighting, such as air conditioners, ventilation systems, cameras, speakers, motion sensors, or environmental sensors. Environmental sensors include temperature sensors, humidity sensors, carbon dioxide concentration sensors, and PM (Particle Matter) sensors.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the light source 22 of the lighting fixture 20 was used as a status indicator for the installer to visually confirm the installation position of the lighting fixture 20. However, since the wireless communication equipment constituting the mesh network is not limited to the lighting fixture 20, various forms of status indicators provided by wireless communication equipment are conceivable.

[0091] For example, a wireless communication device may be equipped with a light source (such as an LED indicator if the device is not a lighting fixture 20) as a status indicator. A wireless communication device may be equipped with a speaker as a status indicator and indicate its status by sound output. A wireless communication device may use a dedicated function of the device (such as a blower function if the device is an air conditioner) as a status indicator. A wireless communication device should transition to a state different from other wireless communication devices based on a control command (control information) transmitted from the information terminal 30.

[0092] [Effects, etc.] The following describes examples of inventions that can be obtained from the disclosures in this specification, and explains the effects and other benefits that can be obtained from such inventions.

[0093] Invention 1 is an information terminal 30 comprising a wireless communication unit 33 that receives a beacon signal emitted by a wireless communication device, a measurement unit 36 ​​that measures the received signal strength of the received beacon signal, an information processing unit 34 that corrects the measured received signal strength based on correction information contained in the received beacon signal, and a display unit 32. The information processing unit 34 displays an icon 32a indicating a wireless communication device on the display unit 32 when a beacon signal is received, and displays the corrected received signal strength on the display unit 32 in association with the icon 32a.

[0094] Such an information terminal 30 can display the received signal strength (information indicating the distance from the information terminal 30 to the wireless communication device) when displaying the icon 32a of the wireless communication device. Furthermore, the information terminal 30 can improve the accuracy of the received signal strength through correction.

[0095] Invention 2 is an information terminal 30 of Invention 1, wherein the information processing unit 34 displays multiple icons 32a corresponding to multiple wireless communication devices on the display unit 32 in order of corrected received signal strength.

[0096] Such an information terminal 30 can display received signal strength (information indicating the distance from the information terminal 30 to the wireless communication device) when displaying multiple icons 32a corresponding to multiple wireless communication devices.

[0097] Invention 3 is an information terminal 30 of Invention 1 or 2, wherein the information processing unit 34 changes the display mode of the icon 32a according to the corrected received signal strength, thereby displaying the corrected received signal strength in association with the icon 32a on the display unit 32.

[0098] Such an information terminal 30 can display the received signal strength by changing the display mode of the icon 32a.

[0099] Invention 4 is an information terminal 30 of any of Inventions 1 to 3, wherein the correction information indicates a correction value for the received signal strength, and the information processing unit 34 corrects the measured received signal strength based on the correction value indicated by the correction information contained in the received beacon signal.

[0100] Such an information terminal 30 can correct the received signal strength using a correction value included in the beacon signal emitted by the wireless communication device.

[0101] Invention 5 further includes a storage unit 35 that stores correction value information indicating correction values ​​for the received signal strength for each of several types of wireless communication devices, and the information processing unit 34 is an information terminal 30 of any of Inventions 1 to 3 that corrects the measured received signal strength based on the type of wireless communication device indicated by the correction information contained in the received beacon signal and the correction value information.

[0102] Such an information terminal 30 can correct the received signal strength using correction values ​​stored in the memory unit 35. Furthermore, the information terminal 30 can display a highly accurate received signal strength by correcting the received signal strength according to the model of the lighting fixture 20 that is the source of the beacon signal when calculating the received signal strength.

[0103] Invention 6 further includes an operation reception unit 31 that receives a selection operation of an icon 32a displayed on a display unit 32 from the user, an information processing unit 34 that transmits a control command to the wireless communication device indicated by the selected icon 32a using a wireless communication unit 33 to transition the wireless communication device to a state different from other wireless communication devices, the operation reception unit 31 that receives an operation from the user to specify the installation location of the wireless communication device after the wireless communication device has transitioned to a state different from other wireless communication devices based on the control command, the information processing unit 34 stores the identification information of the wireless communication device indicated by the selected icon 32a and the specified installation location in a storage unit 35 in association with each other, and updates the correction value for the wireless communication device in the correction value information based on the specified installation location, which is an information terminal 30 of Invention 5. The installer in the above embodiment is an example of a user.

[0104] Such an information terminal 30 can update the correction value in the correction value information based on the installation position specified in step S20f, and by updating the correction value, the accuracy of the correction of the received signal strength can be improved.

[0105] Invention 7 is an information terminal 30 of Invention 5 or 6, in which the correction value information indicates the correction value of the received signal strength for each of several types of wireless communication devices for each direction of arrival of the beacon signal, and the information processing unit 34 corrects the measured received signal strength based on the direction of arrival of the received beacon signal, the type of wireless communication device indicated by the correction information contained in the received beacon signal, and the correction value information.

[0106] Such an information terminal 30 can display a highly accurate received signal strength by correcting the received signal strength according to the direction of arrival of the beacon signal.

[0107] Invention 8 is an information terminal 30 of Invention 6, in which the process of associating the identification information of the wireless communication device indicated by the selected icon 32a with the designated installation location and storing it in the storage unit 35 of the information terminal 30 is performed as part of the information processing for allowing the wireless communication device to join the mesh network, and the information processing unit 34 further transmits setting information for the wireless communication device to join the mesh network to the wireless communication device using the wireless communication unit 33.

[0108] Such an information terminal 30 can display the received signal strength (information indicating the distance from the information terminal 30 to the lighting fixture 20) when displaying the icon 32a of the lighting fixture 20 as part of the information processing for bringing wireless communication equipment into the mesh network.

[0109] Invention 9 is a wireless communication device which is a lighting fixture 20 having wireless communication functionality, and an information terminal 30 which is one of Inventions 1 to 8.

[0110] Such an information terminal 30 can display the received signal strength (information indicating the distance from the information terminal 30 to the lighting fixture 20) when displaying the icon 32a of the lighting fixture 20.

[0111] Invention 10 is a communication system comprising an information terminal 30 according to any of Inventions 1 to 9 and a wireless communication device. The lighting system 10 of the above embodiment is an example of a communication system.

[0112] Such a communication system can display the received signal strength (information indicating the distance from the information terminal 30 to the wireless communication device) when displaying the icon 32a of the wireless communication device.

[0113] Invention 11 is a display method performed by an information terminal 30 equipped with a display unit 32, and includes the steps of: receiving a beacon signal emitted by a wireless communication device (S10b); measuring the received signal strength of the received beacon signal (S10d); correcting the measured received signal strength based on correction information contained in the received beacon signal (S10g); and displaying an icon 32a indicating a wireless communication device on the display unit 32 when a beacon signal is received (S10c), and displaying the corrected received signal strength on the display unit 32 in association with the icon 32a.

[0114] This display method allows for the display of the received signal strength (information indicating the distance from the information terminal 30 to the wireless communication device) when displaying the icon 32a of the wireless communication device.

[0115] Invention 12 is a program for causing the information terminal 30 to execute the display method of Invention 11.

[0116] According to such a program, the information terminal 30 can display the received signal strength (information indicating the distance from the information terminal 30 to the wireless communication device) when displaying the icon 32a of the wireless communication device.

[0117] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0118] 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.

[0119] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, components such as the control unit may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also 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.

[0120] Furthermore, components such as the control unit may be implemented 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 they may be separate circuits. Also, these circuits may be general-purpose circuits or dedicated circuits.

[0121] Furthermore, general or specific embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Alternatively, they may be implemented as any combination of a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

[0122] For example, the present invention may be implemented as a communication system or information terminal as described in the above embodiment, or as a display method executed by an information terminal. The present invention may be implemented as a program for causing an information terminal (computer) to execute such a display method, or as a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium on which such a program is recorded. In other words, a program is a computer program product. Such a program includes an application program for causing a computer, such as a general-purpose information terminal, to function as an information terminal as described in the above embodiment.

[0123] Furthermore, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art could conceive, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0124] 10. Lighting System (Communication System) 20. Lighting fixtures (wireless communication equipment) 21 Wireless Communication Section 22 Light source 23 Memory section 30 Information terminals 31 Operation reception section 32 Display section 32a Icon 32b Blinking icon 32c detection icon 32m map image 33 Wireless Communication Section 34 Information Processing Section 35 Storage section 36 Measurement Unit

Claims

1. A wireless communication unit that receives beacon signals emitted by wireless communication equipment, A measuring unit that measures the received signal strength of the received beacon signal, An information processing unit corrects the measured received signal strength based on correction information contained in the received beacon signal, It includes a display unit, The information processing unit, upon receiving the beacon signal, displays an icon representing the wireless communication device on the display unit, and displays the corrected received signal strength on the display unit in association with the icon. Information terminal.

2. The information processing unit displays a plurality of icons corresponding to the plurality of wireless communication devices on the display unit, arranged in order of the corrected received signal strength. The information terminal according to claim 1.

3. The information processing unit changes the display mode of the icon according to the corrected received signal strength, thereby displaying the corrected received signal strength in association with the icon on the display unit. The information terminal according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned correction information indicates the correction value for the received signal strength. The information processing unit corrects the measured received signal strength based on the correction value indicated by the correction information contained in the received beacon signal. The information terminal according to claim 1.

5. Furthermore, it includes a storage unit that stores correction value information indicating the correction value of the received signal strength for each of several types of wireless communication devices. The information processing unit corrects the measured received signal strength based on the type of wireless communication device indicated by the correction information contained in the received beacon signal and the correction value information. The information terminal according to claim 1.

6. Furthermore, the display unit includes an operation reception unit that receives selection operations from the user for the icons displayed on the display unit. The information processing unit transmits a control command to the wireless communication device indicated by the selected icon, using the wireless communication unit, to cause the wireless communication device to transition to a state different from other wireless communication devices. The operation reception unit receives an operation from the user to specify the installation location of the wireless communication device after the wireless communication device has transitioned to a different state from the other wireless communication device based on the control command. The aforementioned information processing unit, The identification information of the wireless communication device indicated by the selected icon and the designated installation location are stored in the storage unit in association with each other. Based on the specified installation location, update the correction value for the wireless communication device in the correction value information. The information terminal according to claim 5.

7. The correction value information indicates the correction value of the received signal strength for each of several types of wireless communication devices, for each direction of arrival of the beacon signal. The information processing unit corrects the measured received signal strength based on the direction of arrival of the received beacon signal, the type of wireless communication device indicated by the correction information contained in the received beacon signal, and the correction value information. The information terminal according to claim 5.

8. The process of associating the identification information of the wireless communication device indicated by the selected icon with the designated installation location and storing it in the storage unit of the information terminal is performed as part of the information processing for allowing the wireless communication device to join the mesh network. The information processing unit further transmits configuration information to the wireless communication device using the wireless communication unit, so that the wireless communication device can join the mesh network. The information terminal according to claim 6.

9. The aforementioned wireless communication device is a lighting fixture having wireless communication capabilities. The information terminal according to claim 1.

10. An information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The wireless communication equipment Communication system.

11. A display method performed by an information terminal equipped with a display unit, The steps include receiving a beacon signal emitted by a wireless communication device, The steps include measuring the received signal strength of the received beacon signal, The steps include correcting the measured received signal strength based on the correction information contained in the received beacon signal, The steps include: displaying an icon representing the wireless communication device on the display unit upon receipt of the beacon signal, and displaying the corrected received signal strength on the display unit in association with the icon. Display method.

12. A program for causing the information terminal to execute the display method described in claim 11.

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