Control terminal, equipment control system, control method, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides a control terminal that can include lighting fixtures 20, for which no settings related to identification information used for control have been configured, as targets of said control. [Solution] The control terminal 30 includes a wireless communication unit 33 that communicates with multiple lighting fixtures 20, a reception unit 31 that receives settings from the user regarding a group to which the multiple lighting fixtures 20 belong, or identification information indicating the control content to be instructed to the multiple lighting fixtures 20, and an information processing unit 34 that, when the multiple lighting fixtures 20 include unconfigured fixtures in which the settings have not been reflected, and when a first control performed by specifying identification information is to be instructed to the multiple lighting fixtures 20, uses the wireless communication unit 33 to (a) instruct the multiple lighting fixtures 20 to perform the first control, and further (b) instruct the unconfigured fixtures to perform the same control as the first control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control terminal used in an equipment control system.

Background Art

[0002] A technique for controlling a lighting device (lighting fixture) by wireless communication is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a lighting system capable of individually controlling a plurality of lighting devices and collectively managing their controls.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By grouping a plurality of lighting fixtures and setting group identification information in the plurality of lighting fixtures, a control terminal that controls the plurality of lighting fixtures by wireless communication can transmit control information specifying the group identification information to the plurality of lighting fixtures, thereby controlling the plurality of lighting fixtures in units of groups. However, if the setting of the group identification information is not reflected in a lighting fixture where the setting should originally be made, this lighting fixture will be left out of the control in units of groups.

[0005] The present invention provides a control terminal or the like that can include a device for which the setting regarding the identification information used for control is not set in the control target.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A control terminal according to one aspect of the present invention includes a wireless communication unit that communicates with a plurality of devices, a receiving unit that receives from a user settings regarding groups to be assigned to the plurality of devices, or identification information indicating control content to be instructed to the plurality of devices, and an information processing unit that, when the plurality of devices includes an unconfigured device to which the settings are not reflected, and when a first control performed by specifying the identification information is to be instructed to the plurality of devices, uses the wireless communication unit to (a) instruct the plurality of devices to perform the first control, and further (b) instruct the unconfigured device to perform the same control as the first control.

[0007] A device control system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises the control terminal and the plurality of devices.

[0008] A control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a control method performed by a control terminal that communicates wirelessly with a plurality of devices, and includes the steps of: receiving from a user a setting relating to a group to be assigned to the plurality of devices, or identification information indicating the control content to be instructed to the plurality of devices; and when the plurality of devices includes an unconfigured device to which the setting is not reflected, and when a first control performed by specifying the identification information is to be instructed to the plurality of devices, the steps of (a) instructing the plurality of devices to perform the first control, and further (b) instructing the unconfigured device to perform the same control as the first control, via wireless communication.

[0009] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing the control terminal to execute the control method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, a control terminal or the like is realized that can include devices for which settings related to identification information used for control have not been made as targets of said control. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the equipment control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a mesh network. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of area and scene setting operations. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of area information. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of scene information. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of configuration management information. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of area control. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of scene control. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a combined control system. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a sequence diagram showing a modified example of area control. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a sequence diagram showing a modified example of scene control. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.

[0013] Please note that each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0014] (Embodiment) [Configuration] First, the configuration of the device control system according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the device control system according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the device control system 10 includes a plurality of lighting fixtures 20 and a control terminal 30. Each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 is an example of a device to be controlled in the device control system 10.

[0015] In the device control system 10, each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 has a wireless communication function, and the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 constitute a wireless mesh network (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a mesh network). The wireless mesh network is an example of a wireless communication network.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a diagram conceptually showing the mesh network. The circles in FIG. 2 correspond to one lighting fixture 20 (in other words, a communication node). In the mesh network, when transmitting information from a certain communication node (also described as the first communication node) to another communication node (also described as the second communication node), the information is transmitted, for example, in a routing manner, but may also be transmitted in other manners such as a flooding manner.

[0017] The information transmitted through the mesh network is, for example, control information for controlling the lighting fixture 20 to be turned on, turned off, or dimmed. Also, as will be described later, when an environmental sensor is included in the mesh network, there may be a case where the measured value (sensing information) of the environmental sensor is transmitted.

[0018] 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.

[0019] The wireless communication unit 21 is a wireless communication circuit that enables the lighting fixture 20 to communicate wirelessly (more specifically, via radio waves) with other lighting fixtures 20 and the control terminal 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 the control terminal 30 that receives the beacon signals. Specifically, the wireless communication unit 21 communicates wirelessly according to communication standards such as BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) or Bluetooth® mesh.

[0020] 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.

[0021] The memory unit 23 is a storage device that stores various information necessary for the operation of the lighting fixture 20, such as the setting information described later. The memory unit 23 is implemented, for example, by a semiconductor memory.

[0022] Next, the configuration of the control terminal 30 will be described. The control 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 control terminal 30 is, for example, a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet, or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). The control terminal 30 may also be a dedicated remote controller used in the equipment control system 10. Specifically, the control terminal 30 comprises a reception unit 31, a display unit 32, a wireless communication unit 33, an information processing unit 34, and a storage unit 35.

[0023] The reception unit 31 receives user input. Specifically, the reception unit 31 is implemented using a touch panel or the like.

[0024] 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.

[0025] The wireless communication unit 33 is a wireless communication circuit that enables the control 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.

[0026] The information processing unit 34 performs information processing in response to user operations received by the 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.

[0027] 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 semiconductor memory. The memory unit 35 stores (registers) identification information of multiple lighting fixtures 20 included in the mesh network, installation location information of multiple lighting fixtures 20, and so on.

[0028] [Area and Scene Settings Operation] The control terminal 30 can group multiple lighting fixtures 20 and issue control instructions for each group. The control terminal 30 can reduce the number of communications by sending control information to which identification information indicating the group is specified as the destination. In the following, an area is given as an example of a group of multiple lighting fixtures 20, the identification information indicating the group is referred to as area identification information, and the control of the lighting fixtures 20 using area identification information is referred to as area control.

[0029] Furthermore, the control terminal 30 can set identification information indicating a scene for the content of the control applied to the lighting fixture 20. The control terminal 30 can reduce the amount of communication by sending control information that specifies the scene identification information to the lighting fixture 20 instead of control information that includes specific command values ​​corresponding to the content of the control. Hereinafter, the identification information indicating a scene will be referred to as scene identification information, and the control of the lighting fixture 20 using the scene identification information will also be referred to as scene control.

[0030] To perform area control and scene control, the user needs to configure area settings (settings related to area identification information) and scene settings (settings related to scene identification information) for multiple lighting fixtures 20 and the control terminal 30. The following describes the area and scene setting operations performed by the control terminal 30 based on user operations. Figure 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of area and scene setting operations. Note that Figure 3 shows an example in which an area is set for one lighting fixture 20, and then a scene is set for that area, and it is assumed that the control terminal 30 and the lighting fixture 20 are connected by communication.

[0031] The user performs an area setting operation to define an area, and the reception unit 31 of the control terminal 30 accepts the area setting operation (S11). The area setting operation includes specifying area identification information (for example, an area number such as Area 1) to which the lighting fixture 20 that is currently connected to the communication should belong. In other words, in step S11, the reception unit 31 accepts the setting related to the area identification information.

[0032] When the information processing unit 34 receives an area setting operation, it updates the area information stored in the storage unit 35 (S12). Figure 4 shows an example of area information, in which area identification information and the identification information of the lighting fixture 20 belonging to that area are associated. For example, if in step S11 an operation is performed to add the lighting fixture 20 with identification information L0019 to area 1, L0019 is added to the identification information of the lighting fixture 20 associated with area 1 in the area information. As a result, the area setting of the lighting fixture 20 is reflected in the control terminal 30. Note that one lighting fixture 20 may belong to multiple areas.

[0033] Next, the user performs a scene setting operation to set a scene, and the reception unit 31 of the control terminal 30 accepts the scene setting operation (S13). The scene setting operation includes specifying area identification information and the content of the control for each scene identification information (for example, a scene number such as Scene 1) for controlling the lighting fixtures 20 belonging to that area. In other words, in step S13, the reception unit 31 accepts the settings related to the scene identification information.

[0034] When the information processing unit 34 receives a scene setting operation, it updates the scene information stored in the storage unit 35 (S14). Figure 5 shows an example of scene information, in which area identification information and the content of control for each scene identification information (for example, a scene number such as Scene 1) for controlling the lighting fixtures 20 belonging to that area are associated. For example, if an operation to set a scene for area 1 is performed in step S13, the content of control for each scene for area 1 is added. As a result, the scene setting for area 1 is reflected in the control terminal 30. Note that it is not necessary for the scenes (control content) to be different for each area, and the scenes may be area-independent and common to all lighting fixtures 20.

[0035] Next, the user performs a setting reflection operation to set the area settings and scene settings for the lighting fixture 20 (to reflect the settings on the lighting fixture 20), and the reception unit 31 receives the setting reflection operation (S15). When the information processing unit 34 receives the setting reflection operation, it uses the wireless communication unit 33 to transmit setting information to the lighting fixture 20 to which the settings should be reflected (S16).

[0036] The wireless communication unit 21 of the lighting fixture 20 receives setting information. The lighting fixture 20 stores the received setting information in the storage unit 23 (S17), and the wireless communication unit 21 transmits setting completion information to the control terminal 30 (S18).

[0037] The wireless communication unit 33 of the control terminal 30 receives setting completion information. The information processing unit 34 updates the setting management information stored in the storage unit 35 based on the received setting completion information (S19). Figure 6 shows an example of setting management information. For example, if the area setting content and scene setting content are transmitted to the lighting fixture 20 with identification information L0019, and the setting completion information is successfully received, in step S19, the area setting and scene setting for the lighting fixture 20 with identification information L0019 are changed from "not set" to "set". If the setting completion information is not received due to a communication error or the like, the area setting and scene setting for the lighting fixture 20 with identification information L0019 remain "not set".

[0038] Furthermore, after the setting completion information is received and the status becomes "set," if the area setting and scene setting for the lighting fixture 20 of L0019 are changed at the reception unit 31 of the control terminal 30, the area setting and scene setting for the lighting fixture 20 of L0019 will change from "set" to "not set." In other words, the setting management information indicates whether the settings for the lighting fixture 20 held by the control terminal 30 match the settings held by the lighting fixture 20.

[0039] As described above, the user can use the control terminal 30 to set areas for the lighting fixtures 20 belonging to the mesh network. The user can also use the control terminal 30 to set scenes for the lighting fixtures 20 belonging to the mesh network.

[0040] [Example of area control] The user can perform area control, such as turning on the lighting fixtures 20 belonging to area 1, using the control terminal 30. Here, the area setting is reflected in the area information (Figure 4) stored in the memory unit 35 of the control terminal 30, but it may not be reflected in the lighting fixtures 20. Specifically, this could occur if the user forgets to perform the setting reflection operation in step S15 of Figure 3, or if the setting information transmitted in step S16 does not reach the lighting fixtures 20 due to a communication error or the like.

[0041] As a result, even if a user instructs the system to execute area control with the intention of turning on lighting fixtures 20 belonging to area 1, lighting fixtures 20 that do not reflect the area settings will not turn on.

[0042] Therefore, the control terminal 30 uses the setting management information to perform a process to allow lighting fixtures 20 whose area settings have not been reflected to participate in area control. An example of such area control is described below. Figure 7 is a flowchart of an example of area control.

[0043] The user performs an instruction operation to command area control, and the reception unit 31 of the control terminal 30 receives the instruction operation for area control (S21). The instruction operation for area control includes specifying area identification information (such as Area 1) and specifying the control content (such as lighting up). Hereinafter, the specified area will be referred to as the target area, and the specified control content will also be referred to as the target control.

[0044] When the information processing unit 34 receives an instruction operation for area control, it uses the wireless communication unit 33 to transmit control information (control information in which the content of the target control is specified by a command value) to the target area for executing the target control (S22). In the control information addressed to the target area, the area identification information of the target area is specified.

[0045] As a result, lighting fixtures 20 belonging to the target area will basically illuminate (or turn off) according to the content of the target control. However, even if a lighting fixture 20 is indicated as belonging to the target area in the area information, if the area setting is not reflected in the lighting fixture 20, it will not illuminate (or turn off) according to the content of the target control.

[0046] Therefore, the information processing unit 34 determines whether there are any lighting fixtures 20 that do not reflect the area setting (hereinafter also referred to as fixtures with no area setting) (S23). Specifically, the information processing unit 34 determines whether the lighting fixtures 20 that belong to the target area in the area information (Figure 4) stored in the storage unit 35 include lighting fixtures 20 for which no area has been set in the setting management information (Figure 6).

[0047] If it is determined that there are no devices without an area assigned (No in S23), the operation ends. On the other hand, if the information processing unit 34 determines that there are devices without an area assigned (Yes in S23), it uses the wireless communication unit 33 to individually transmit control information to the devices without an area assigned, in order to perform the same control as the target control (S24). As a result, the devices without an area assigned will light up (or turn off) according to the content of the target control.

[0048] Thus, when the control terminal 30 (information processing unit 34) detects that the area setting is not reflected in the multiple lighting fixtures 20 that are subject to area control, and when it instructs the multiple lighting fixtures 20 to perform area control by specifying area identification information, it uses the wireless communication unit 33 to instruct the multiple lighting fixtures 20 to perform area control (S22), and further instructs the multiple lighting fixtures 20 to perform the same control as the area control (S24).

[0049] As a result, the control terminal 30 can make the lighting fixtures 20 belonging to the target area illuminate (or turn off) according to the content of the target control, regardless of whether the area setting for the lighting fixtures 20 has already been reflected. In other words, the control terminal 30 can achieve area control as intended by the user.

[0050] [Example of scene control] The user can use the control terminal 30 to perform scene control, such as controlling the illumination (or extinguishing) of multiple lighting fixtures 20 based on the control content of Scene 1. Here, although the scene setting is reflected in the scene information (Figure 5) stored in the memory unit 35 of the control terminal 30, it may not be reflected in the lighting fixtures 20. Specifically, this may occur if the user forgets to perform the setting reflection operation in step S15 of Figure 3, or if the setting information transmitted in step S15 does not reach the lighting fixtures 20 due to a communication error or the like.

[0051] As a result, even if a user instructs the execution of scene control with the intention of turning on (or off) multiple lighting fixtures 20 based on the control content of Scene 1, lighting fixtures 20 that do not reflect the scene settings will not turn on (or off).

[0052] Therefore, the control terminal 30 uses the setting management information to perform a process to allow lighting fixtures 20 that have not yet had the scene settings applied to participate in the scene control. An example of such scene control is described below. Figure 8 is a flowchart of an example of scene control. In the following, it is assumed that in the scene information (Figure 5), the scene is common to all lighting fixtures 20 and does not differ from area to area.

[0053] The user performs an instruction operation to instruct scene control, and the reception unit 31 of the control terminal 30 receives the scene control instruction operation (S31). The scene control instruction operation includes specifying the multiple lighting fixtures 20 to be controlled and specifying scene identification information (such as Scene 1). Hereinafter, the specified multiple lighting fixtures 20 will be referred to as target fixtures, and the specified scene will also be referred to as the target scene.

[0054] When the information processing unit 34 receives a scene control instruction, it uses the wireless communication unit 33 to transmit control information for executing scene control (in other words, control information specifying the identification information of the target scene) to the target device (S32). As a result, the target device basically lights up (or turns off) according to the content of the target scene. However, target devices that do not reflect the scene setting will not light up (or turn off) according to the content of the target scene.

[0055] Therefore, the information processing unit 34 determines whether there are any lighting fixtures 20 in which the scene setting is not reflected (hereinafter also referred to as "scene-unset fixtures") (S33). Specifically, the information processing unit 34 determines whether the lighting fixtures 20 designated as target fixtures in step S31 include lighting fixtures 20 in which the scene is not set in the setting management information (Figure 6).

[0056] If it is determined that there are no devices without a scene set (No in S33), the operation ends. On the other hand, if the information processing unit 34 determines that there are devices without a scene set (Yes in S33), it uses the wireless communication unit 33 to individually transmit control information to the devices without a scene set as the destination, so that the same control as the target scene is executed by command values ​​(not scene identification information) (S34). As a result, the devices without a scene set will light up (or turn off) according to the content of the target control.

[0057] Thus, when the control terminal 30 (information processing unit 34) detects that the scene setting is not reflected in any of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 that are the target of scene control, and when it instructs the multiple lighting fixtures 20 to perform scene control by specifying scene identification information, it uses the wireless communication unit 33 to instruct the multiple lighting fixtures 20 to perform scene control (S32), and further instructs the non-scene-set fixture to perform the same control as the target scene (S34).

[0058] As a result, the control terminal 30 can turn on (or off) multiple lighting fixtures 20 according to the content of the target scene, regardless of whether the scene setting for the lighting fixtures 20 has already been reflected. In other words, the control terminal 30 can achieve scene control exactly as the user intends.

[0059] [Example of complex control] The user can use the control terminal 30 to perform combined control that combines area control and scene control, such as turning on (or off) the lighting fixtures 20 belonging to area 1 according to scene 1. Here, the area setting is reflected in the area information (Figure 4) stored in the memory unit 35 of the control terminal 30, but it may not be reflected in the lighting fixtures 20. Similarly, the scene setting is reflected in the scene information (Figure 5) stored in the memory unit 35 of the control terminal 30, but it may not be reflected in the lighting fixtures 20.

[0060] Therefore, the control terminal 30 uses the setting management information to perform a process to allow lighting fixtures 20 that do not have area settings or scene settings reflected to participate in the composite control. An example of such composite control is described below. Figure 9 is a flowchart of an example of composite control.

[0061] The user performs an instruction operation to instruct the combined control, and the reception unit 31 of the control terminal 30 receives the instruction operation for combined control (S41). The instruction operation for combined control includes specifying area identification information (such as Area 1) and specifying scene identification information (such as Scene 1). Hereinafter, the specified area will be referred to as the target area, and the specified scene will also be referred to as the target scene.

[0062] When the information processing unit 34 receives a complex control instruction, it uses the wireless communication unit 33 to transmit control information specifying the identification information of the target scene, with the target area as the destination (S42). The control information with the target area as the destination includes the area identification information of the target area.

[0063] As a result, lighting fixtures 20 belonging to the target area will basically illuminate (or turn off) according to the content of the target scene. However, lighting fixtures 20 for which at least one of the area setting and scene setting is not reflected will not illuminate (or turn off) according to the content of the target scene.

[0064] Therefore, the information processing unit 34 determines whether or not there are any lighting fixtures 20 that do not reflect the scene setting (hereinafter also referred to as "scene-unset fixtures") (S43). Specifically, the information processing unit 34 determines whether or not the area information (Figure 4) stored in the storage unit 35 includes lighting fixtures 20 for which no scene is set in the setting management information (Figure 6).

[0065] If the information processing unit 34 determines that there are no fixtures without a scene setting (No in S43), it determines whether there are any lighting fixtures 20 whose area setting is not reflected (hereinafter also referred to as fixtures without an area setting) (S44). Specifically, the information processing unit 34 determines whether the lighting fixtures 20 belonging to the target area in the area information (Figure 4) stored in the storage unit 35 include lighting fixtures 20 for which no area is set in the setting management information (Figure 6).

[0066] If it is determined that there are no devices without an area assigned (No in S44), the operation ends. On the other hand, if the information processing unit 34 determines that there are devices without an area assigned (Yes in S44), it uses the wireless communication unit 33 to individually transmit control information specifying the identification information of the target scene to the devices without an area assigned (S45). As a result, lighting fixtures 20 that are not devices without an area assigned but are not devices without a scene assigned will light up (or turn off) according to the content of the target scene.

[0067] On the other hand, if the information processing unit 34 determines in step S43 that there are fixtures without a scene set (Yes in S43), it uses the wireless communication unit 33 to transmit control information to the target area, with the same control content as the target scene specified in the command value (S46). The control information to the target area includes the area identification information of the target area. As a result, lighting fixtures 20 that are not fixtures without an area set but are fixtures without a scene set will emit light (or turn off) according to the content of the target scene.

[0068] Furthermore, the information processing unit 34 determines whether or not there are any devices whose area has not been set (S47). The processing in step S47 is the same as the processing in step S44.

[0069] If it is determined that there are no devices without an area assigned (No in S47), the operation ends. On the other hand, if the information processing unit 34 determines that there are devices without an area assigned (Yes in S47), it uses the wireless communication unit 33 to individually transmit control information, in which the same control content as the target scene is specified by the command value, to the devices without a scene assigned (S48). As a result, lighting fixtures 20 that are both devices without an area assigned and devices without a scene assigned will emit light (or turn off) according to the content of the target scene.

[0070] Thus, when the control terminal 30 (information processing unit 34) finds that among the multiple lighting fixtures 20 that are the target of composite control, there are unconfigured fixtures in which at least one of the area setting and scene setting settings is not reflected, and when it instructs the multiple lighting fixtures 20 to perform composite control by specifying area identification information and scene identification information, it uses the wireless communication unit 33 to instruct the multiple lighting fixtures 20 to perform composite control (S42), and further instructs the unconfigured fixtures to perform the same control as the composite control (S45, S46, and S48).

[0071] As a result, the control terminal 30 can make the lighting fixtures 20 belonging to the target area light up (or turn off) according to the content of the target scene, regardless of whether the area setting and scene setting for the lighting fixtures 20 have already been reflected. In other words, the control terminal 30 can achieve complex control as intended by the user.

[0072] [A variation of area control] In the area control described above, the presence or absence of devices without area settings was determined based on the setting management information. However, it is not essential that the determination is made based on the setting management information. For example, when a device without area settings receives control information addressed to the target area, it may send an unset notification to the control terminal 30 indicating that no area is set for that device. As a result, the control terminal 30, upon receiving the unset notification, can detect the device without area settings even if the setting management information is not stored in the storage unit 35. Figure 10 is a sequence diagram showing a modified example of such area control.

[0073] The user performs an instruction operation to command area control, and the reception unit 31 of the control terminal 30 receives the instruction operation for area control (S51). The instruction operation for area control includes specifying area identification information (such as Area 1) and specifying the control content (such as lighting up). Hereinafter, the specified area will be referred to as the target area, and the specified control content will also be referred to as the target control.

[0074] When the information processing unit 34 receives an instruction operation for area control, it uses the wireless communication unit 33 to transmit control information (control information in which the content of the target control is specified by a command value) to the target area as the destination (S52). In the control information to which the target area is the destination, the area identification information of the target area is specified.

[0075] Lighting fixtures 20 that belong to the target area and have been configured will illuminate (or turn off) according to the content of the target control when they receive control information (S53). On the other hand, unconfigured fixtures (lighting fixtures 20 without area configuration) that have not had area configurations reflected will not illuminate (or turn off) according to the content of the target control even when they receive control information. In this modified example, the unconfigured fixture will send an unconfigured notification to the control terminal 30 indicating that no area has been assigned to it (S54).

[0076] The wireless communication unit 33 of the control terminal 30 receives an unconfigured notification. Based on the received unconfigured notification, the information processing unit 34 can detect an area-unconfigured device. Having detected an area-unconfigured device, the information processing unit 34 uses the wireless communication unit 33 to transmit control information for executing target control, with the area-unconfigured device as the destination (S55).

[0077] When a device with no area set receives control information, it will illuminate (or turn off) according to the content of the target control (S56).

[0078] Thus, after area control, which is performed by specifying area identification information, is instructed from the control terminal 30 to the multiple lighting fixtures 20, the control terminal 30 receives an unconfigured notification from the unconfigured fixtures indicating that no area has been set for them. Based on the received unconfigured notifications, the control terminal 30 (information processing unit 34) detects that there are unconfigured nodes among the multiple lighting fixtures 20 whose settings have not been reflected.

[0079] As a result, the control terminal 30 can detect unconfigured devices without having to manage the presence or absence of unconfigured devices in advance using setting management information or the like. Note that variations similar to this modified example may be applied to scene control or composite control.

[0080] [A variation of scene control] In scene control, if an old scene is set for a fixture that does not have a scene set, and the latest scene is not set (the scene setting has not been updated), then the lighting fixture 20 with the latest scene set and the lighting fixture 20 with the old scene set will perform different actions (on or off).

[0081] In such cases, each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 that operate based on the control information specified by the scene identification information notifies the control terminal 30 of its operating status. The control terminal 30 can then detect the lighting fixtures 20 that have the old scene set and instruct the detected lighting fixtures 20 to perform the same control as the new scene. Figure 11 is a sequence diagram showing a modified example of this scene control. In this modified example, lighting fixtures 20 that do not reflect the latest scene setting and still have the old scene setting are referred to as fixtures with no scene set.

[0082] The user performs an instruction operation to instruct scene control, and the reception unit 31 of the control terminal 30 receives the scene control instruction operation (S61). The scene control instruction operation includes specifying the multiple lighting fixtures 20 to be controlled and specifying scene identification information (such as Scene 1). Hereinafter, the specified multiple lighting fixtures 20 will be referred to as target fixtures, and the specified scene will also be referred to as the target scene.

[0083] When the information processing unit 34 receives a scene control instruction, it uses the wireless communication unit 33 to transmit control information for executing scene control (in other words, control information specifying the identification information of the target scene) to the target device (S62). As a result, the target device basically lights up (or turns off) according to the content of the target scene (S63). However, a target device that does not reflect the latest scene setting will light up (or turn off) according to the content of an older scene that is different from the target scene (S64).

[0084] In this modified example, when each of the target devices starts executing scene control, it sends an operation status notification to the control terminal 30 indicating the operation status while scene control is being executed (S65).

[0085] The wireless communication unit 33 of the control terminal 30 receives an operating status notification. Based on the received operating status notification, the information processing unit 34 can detect a fixture with no scene set (in this case, a lighting fixture 20 that does not reflect the latest scene setting and still has the old scene setting). Having detected a fixture with no scene set, the information processing unit 34 uses the wireless communication unit 33 to send control information, with the same control content as the target scene specified by the command value, to the fixture with no scene set (S66).

[0086] When a device without a scene set receives control information, it will illuminate (or turn off) according to the content of the target control (S67).

[0087] In this manner, after the control terminal 30 instructs the multiple lighting fixtures 20 to perform scene control by specifying scene identification information, it receives an operation status notification from each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 indicating the operating status of that lighting fixture 20. Based on the received operation status notifications, the control terminal 30 (information processing unit 34) detects that among the multiple lighting fixtures 20, there are some fixtures that have not been configured and whose latest settings have not been reflected.

[0088] As a result, the control terminal 30 can detect unconfigured devices without having to manage the presence or absence of unconfigured devices in advance using setting management information or the like. Note that variations similar to this modified example may be applied to area control or composite control.

[0089] [Provision of area information, scene information, and setting management information to control devices] Multiple nodes constituting the mesh network may include devices other than the lighting fixtures 20. For example, they may include a control device different from the control terminal 30 that can control multiple lighting fixtures 20. The control device may be, for example, a device that receives user operations and controls multiple lighting fixtures 20 in response to those operations, or it may be a scheduler that controls multiple lighting fixtures 20 according to a pre-set schedule.

[0090] Here, the information processing unit 34 of the control terminal 30 may use the wireless communication unit 33 to transmit (provide) area information, scene information, and setting management information (information indicating unconfigured devices) to the control equipment as described above.

[0091] The control device can operate in the same way as the control terminal 30 by receiving area information, scene information, and setting management information from the control terminal 30. In other words, when the control device has multiple lighting fixtures 20, including some fixtures that are not configured and do not reflect area or scene settings, and when it instructs multiple lighting fixtures 20 to perform a control that is performed by specifying area identification information or scene identification information, it can wirelessly instruct the multiple lighting fixtures 20 to perform the said control, and further instruct the unconfigured fixtures to perform the same control.

[0092] [Differentiation] In the above embodiment, each of the multiple nodes constituting the mesh network was a lighting fixture 20, but it does not have to be a lighting fixture 20. The multiple nodes may include lighting fixtures 20 and other devices, or they may not include lighting fixtures 20 and only include other devices.

[0093] Other devices mentioned above include a remote lighting controller, 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] Furthermore, the other 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.

[0097] In the above embodiment, it was explained that the control terminal 30 is not included in the mesh network, but it may be included in the mesh network. Below, we will provide supplementary information on how to transmit control information when the control terminal 30 is not included in the mesh network. The information processing unit 34 of the control terminal 30 uses the wireless communication unit 33 to establish a one-to-one communication connection with any one of the multiple lighting fixtures 20, and by transmitting a control signal to this one lighting fixture 20, it is possible to transmit control information to the other lighting fixtures 20 through that one lighting fixture 20.

[0098] [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.

[0099] Invention 1 is a control terminal 30 comprising: a wireless communication unit 33 that communicates with multiple devices; a reception unit 31 that receives from a user settings regarding a group to which the multiple devices belong, or identification information indicating the control content to be instructed to the multiple devices; and an information processing unit 34 that, when the multiple devices include unconfigured devices in which the settings have not been reflected, and when a first control performed by specifying identification information is to be instructed to the multiple devices, uses the wireless communication unit 33 to (a) instruct the multiple devices to perform the first control, and further (b) instruct the unconfigured devices to perform the same control as the first control.

[0100] Such a control terminal 30 can include devices for which the identification information used in the first control has not been set, by performing not only the process described in (a) but also the process described in (b) above, as targets of the first control.

[0101] Invention 2 is a control terminal 30 of Invention 1, wherein the reception unit 31 receives settings related to group identification information, which is identification information indicating a group, and the first control is performed by specifying the group identification information.

[0102] Such a control terminal 30 can include devices that have not been configured with group identification information used for group control as targets for group control.

[0103] Invention 3 is a control terminal 30 of Invention 1, wherein the receiving unit 31 receives settings related to scene identification information, which is identification information indicating the control content, and the first control is performed by specifying the scene identification information.

[0104] Such a control terminal 30 can include devices that have not been configured with settings related to scene identification information used for scene control as targets for scene control.

[0105] Invention 4 is a control terminal 30 of Invention 1 in which the receiving unit 31 receives both settings related to group identification information, which is identification information indicating a group, and settings related to scene identification information, which is identification information indicating the control content, and the first control is performed by specifying the group identification information and the scene identification information.

[0106] Such a control terminal 30 can include devices that have not been configured with group identification information and scene identification information used in composite control as targets for composite control.

[0107] Invention 5 is a control terminal 30 of any of Inventions 1 to 4, wherein the information processing unit 34 uses the wireless communication unit 33 to transmit information indicating an unconfigured device to a control device different from the control terminal 30 and capable of controlling multiple devices. The information indicating an unconfigured device is, for example, the configuration management information of the above embodiment.

[0108] Such a control terminal 30 can assist the control device in performing the processing described in (b) above.

[0109] Invention 6 is a control terminal 30 of Invention 2 or 4, wherein the wireless communication unit 33 receives an unconfigured notification from an unconfigured device indicating that a group has not been set for the unconfigured device after a first control, which is performed by specifying group identification information, has been instructed from the control terminal 30 to multiple devices, and the information processing unit 34 detects, based on the received unconfigured notification, that there is an unconfigured device among the multiple devices whose settings have not been reflected.

[0110] Such a control terminal 30 can detect unconfigured devices without having to manage the presence or absence of unconfigured devices in advance.

[0111] Invention 7 is a control terminal 30 of any of Inventions 1 to 6, wherein the wireless communication unit 33 receives an operation status notification from each of the multiple devices indicating the operating status of the device after a first control, which is performed by specifying scene identification information, has been instructed from the control terminal 30 to multiple devices, and the information processing unit 34 detects, based on the received operation status notification, that there is an unconfigured device among the multiple devices whose settings have not been reflected.

[0112] Such a control terminal 30 can detect unconfigured devices without having to manage the presence or absence of unconfigured devices in advance.

[0113] Invention 8 is a control terminal 30 of any of Inventions 1 to 7, in which multiple devices include lighting fixtures 20.

[0114] Such a control terminal 30 can control the lighting fixture 20.

[0115] Invention 9 is a device control system 10 comprising a control terminal 30 according to any of claims 1 to 8 and a plurality of devices.

[0116] Such a device control system 10 can include devices for which the identification information used in the first control has not been set, as targets of the first control, by performing not only the process described in (a) above but also the process described in (b) above.

[0117] Invention 10 is a control method performed by a control terminal 30 that communicates wirelessly with multiple devices, comprising the steps of: receiving from a user a setting regarding a group to be assigned to the multiple devices, or identification information indicating the control content to be instructed to the multiple devices; and, when the multiple devices include an unconfigured device in which the settings have not been reflected, and when a first control performed by specifying the identification information is to be instructed to the multiple devices, the control method further includes the steps of (a) instructing the multiple devices to perform the first control, and (b) instructing the unconfigured device to perform the same control as the first control, via wireless communication.

[0118] This control method, by performing not only the process described in (a) above but also the process described in (b) above, makes it possible to include devices for which the identification information used in the first control has not been set as targets of the first control.

[0119] Invention 11 is a program for causing the control terminal 30 to execute the control method of Invention 10.

[0120] According to such a program, the control terminal 30 can include devices for which the identification information used in the first control has not been set, by performing not only the process described in (a) above but also the process described in (b) above, as targets of the first control.

[0121] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0122] For example, in the above embodiment, a process performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. Furthermore, the order of multiple processes may be changed, or multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

[0123] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each component 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.

[0124] Furthermore, each component may be implemented by hardware. For example, a component such as a control unit may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or they may be separate circuits. Also, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0125] 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.

[0126] For example, the present invention may be implemented as a device control system or control terminal as described in the above embodiment, or as a control method executed by a control terminal. The present invention may be implemented as a program for causing a control terminal (computer) to execute such a control method, or as a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium on which such a program is recorded. In other words, the program is a computer program product. Such a program includes an application program for causing a computer, such as a general-purpose information terminal, to function as a control terminal as described in the above embodiment.

[0127] 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]

[0128] 10. Equipment control system 20 Lighting fixtures 21, 33 Wireless Communication Section 22 Light source 23, 35 Storage section 30 Control terminals 31 Reception Department 32 Display section 34 Information Processing Section

Claims

1. A wireless communication unit that communicates with multiple devices, A receiving unit that receives from the user settings regarding groups to which the above-mentioned multiple devices belong, or identification information indicating the control content to be instructed to the above-mentioned multiple devices, If the plurality of devices include an unconfigured device in which the settings are not reflected, and when the first control performed by specifying the identification information is instructed to the plurality of devices, the wireless communication unit is used to (a) instruct the plurality of devices to perform the first control, and (b) an information processing unit is used to instruct the unconfigured device to perform the same control as the first control. Control terminal.

2. The reception unit receives settings related to the group identification information, which is the identification information indicating the group. The first control is performed by specifying the group identification information. The control terminal according to claim 1.

3. The receiving unit receives settings related to scene identification information, which is the identification information indicating the control content. The first control is performed by specifying the scene identification information. The control terminal according to claim 1.

4. The receiving unit receives both settings related to group identification information, which is the identification information indicating the group, and settings related to scene identification information, which is the identification information indicating the control content. The first control is performed by specifying the group identification information and the scene identification information. The control terminal according to claim 1.

5. The information processing unit uses the wireless communication unit to transmit information indicating the unconfigured device to a control device different from the control terminal that is capable of controlling the multiple devices. The control terminal according to claim 1.

6. After the first control, which is performed by specifying the group identification information, is instructed from the control terminal to the multiple devices, the wireless communication unit receives an unset notification from the unset device indicating that no group has been set for that device. The information processing unit detects, based on the received notification of unconfigured settings, that among the multiple devices, there is an unconfigured device whose settings have not been reflected. The control terminal according to claim 2.

7. The wireless communication unit, after the first control, which is performed by specifying the scene identification information, is instructed from the control terminal to the plurality of devices, receives an operating status notification from each of the plurality of devices indicating the operating status of the device. The information processing unit detects, based on the received operating status notification, that among the multiple devices, there is an unconfigured device in which the settings have not been applied. The control terminal according to claim 1.

8. The aforementioned devices include lighting fixtures. The control terminal according to claim 1.

9. A control terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The plurality of devices Equipment control system.

10. A control method performed by a control terminal that communicates wirelessly with multiple devices, A step of receiving from the user a setting regarding a group to which the multiple devices belong, or identification information indicating the control content to be instructed to the multiple devices, If the plurality of devices include an unconfigured device in which the settings are not reflected, and the first control performed by specifying the identification information is instructed to the plurality of devices, the wireless communication includes the steps of (a) instructing the plurality of devices to perform the first control, and (b) instructing the unconfigured device to perform the same control as the first control. Control method.

11. A program for causing the control terminal to execute the control method described in claim 10.

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