Communication system

Abstract

This invention provides a communication system that allows for the omission of the information sharing phase between two information terminals when performing maintenance on wireless equipment from another information terminal. [Solution] The communication system 10 comprises a wireless device 20, a first information terminal 30, and a second information terminal 40. The first information terminal 30 uses one or more channels selected from a plurality of target channels as the first channel for wireless communication with the wireless device 20, depending on the ease of communication between the wireless device 20 and the first information terminal 30. Regardless of the ease of communication between the wireless device 20 and the first information terminal 30, it uses one or more predetermined channels from a plurality of target channels as the second channel for wireless communication with the wireless device 20. The second information terminal 40 uses the second channel to communicate wirelessly with the wireless device 20 when performing maintenance on the wireless device 20.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] This disclosure relates to a communication system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a terminal device (i.e., an information terminal) that constitutes a wireless mesh network by lighting fixtures installed in a space.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In this space, when not only the wireless communication signal used in the wireless mesh network but also another wireless communication signal having a different communication standard but overlapping frequency bands is used, there is a concern that the communication quality in the wireless mesh network may deteriorate due to the occurrence of radio wave interference or the like. Therefore, in order to avoid interference with other wireless communication signals, it is conceivable for the information terminal to change the frequency channel of the wireless communication signal used in the wireless mesh network.

[0005] In such a case, when another information terminal different from the information terminal performs wireless communication with the wireless device in order to perform maintenance of the wireless device, the frequency channel used in the wireless mesh network is unknown, and the wireless device cannot be wirelessly communicated with that information terminal. Therefore, another information terminal requires a phase for sharing information with the information terminal regarding which frequency channel should be used in communication with the wireless device.

[0006] The present invention provides a communication system that allows for the omission of the information sharing phase between two information terminals when performing maintenance on wireless equipment from another information terminal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A communication system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a wireless device, a first information terminal for wireless communication with the wireless device, and a second information terminal for wireless communication with the wireless device. The first information terminal wirelessly communicates with the wireless device using a plurality of target channels, each with a different frequency band. Depending on the ease of communication between the wireless device and the first information terminal, one or more channels selected from the plurality of target channels are used as the first channel for wireless communication with the wireless device. Regardless of the ease of communication between the wireless device and the first information terminal, one or more predetermined channels from the plurality of target channels are used as the second channel for wireless communication with the wireless device. The second information terminal is an information terminal for performing maintenance on the wireless device, and when performing the maintenance, it wirelessly communicates with the wireless device using the second channel. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The communication system of this disclosure can omit the phase of sharing information between two information terminals when performing maintenance on wireless equipment from another information terminal. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication 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 displayed on the display unit of the first information terminal in step S101 of Figure 4A. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the display unit of the first information terminal in step S103 of Figure 4A. [Figure 7A] Figure 7A shows an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the display unit of the first information terminal before step S206 of Figure 4A is executed. [Figure 7B] Figure 7B shows an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the display unit of the first information terminal when step S206 of Figure 4A is executed. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of the first frequency channel of the first wireless communication signal and the second frequency channel of the second wireless communication signal. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an overview of the communication system in this embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the second frequency channel determination process. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of a list screen displayed on the display unit. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing another example of the second frequency channel determination process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below shows a specific example of the present disclosure. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components shown in the following embodiments, as well as the processes (steps) and the order of the processes, etc. are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Therefore, among the components in the following embodiments, the components not described in the independent claims of the present disclosure are described as optional components.

[0011] 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 redundant descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0012] (Embodiment) [Configuration] First, the configuration of the communication system according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication system 10 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 10 includes a plurality of lighting fixtures 20, a first information terminal 30, and a second information terminal 40. Note that in FIG. 1, an example in which the communication system 10 includes a plurality of lighting fixtures 20, a first information terminal 30, and a second information terminal 40 is shown, but the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 are an example of a plurality of wireless devices 20. For example, the communication system 10 may include a plurality of other devices such as a plurality of sensors or a plurality of schedulers instead of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20. In the present embodiment, a case where a plurality of lighting fixtures 20 are used as an example of the plurality of wireless devices 20 will be described.

[0013] In the communication 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.

[0014] FIG. 2 conceptually shows a mesh network. The circles in FIG. 2 correspond to one lighting fixture 20 (in other words, a communication node). In a mesh network, when transmitting information from one communication node to another 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.

[0015] The information transmitted through the mesh network is, for example, control information for controlling the lighting fixture 20 to turn on, turn off, or dim. Also, when an environmental sensor is included in the mesh network as described later, there may be cases where the measured value (sensing information) of the environmental sensor is transmitted.

[0016] Returning to the description in FIG. 1, first, the lighting fixture 20 will be described. The lighting fixture 20 is a base light or the like installed on the ceiling of an indoor space to illuminate the indoor space. As described above, each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 has a wireless communication function, and the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 construct a mesh network. Note that the form of the lighting fixture 20 is not particularly limited, and it may be a ceiling light, a downlight, a spotlight, or the like. Specifically, the lighting fixture 20 includes a wireless communication unit 21, a light source 22, and a storage unit 23.

[0017] The wireless communication unit 21 is a processing unit that performs wireless communication (more specifically, radio wave communication) for the lighting fixture 20 to perform wireless communication with other lighting fixtures 20 and the first information terminal 30. For example, it is a wireless communication circuit. After the lighting fixture 20 joins the mesh network, the wireless communication unit 21 performs communication through the above-described mesh network. Also, before the lighting fixture 20 joins the mesh network, the wireless communication unit 21 periodically transmits a beacon signal (which may also be called an advertisement signal or the like) and performs individual wireless communication with the first information terminal 30 that has received the beacon signal. Specifically, the wireless communication unit 21 performs wireless communication in accordance with a communication standard such as BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) mesh.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] Next, the configuration of the first information terminal 30 will be described. The first information terminal 30 is a terminal device 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 first information terminal 30 is, for example, a portable terminal device such as a smartphone, tablet, or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). The first information terminal 30 may also be a dedicated remote controller used in the communication system 10. Specifically, the first information terminal 30 comprises an operation reception unit 31, a display unit 32, a wireless communication unit 33, an information processing unit 34, and a storage unit 35.

[0021] The operation reception unit 31 receives user input. Specifically, the operation reception unit 31 is implemented by a touch panel or the like.

[0022] 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.

[0023] The wireless communication unit 33 is a processing unit that performs wireless communication (more specifically, radio wave communication) for the first information terminal 30 to communicate wirelessly with each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20, and is, for example, a wireless communication circuit. Specifically, the wireless communication unit 33 includes a first wireless communication circuit that supports Wi-Fi® and a second wireless communication circuit that supports BLE and Bluetooth® mesh. In other words, the wireless communication unit 33 is capable of transmitting and receiving first wireless communication signals that support Wi-Fi® and second wireless communication signals that support BLE and Bluetooth® mesh. In the following, Wi-Fi® will be referred to as the first communication standard, and Bluetooth® mesh will also be referred to as the second communication standard.

[0024] The information processing unit 34 causes the wireless communication unit 33 to transmit a wireless signal 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.

[0025] 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 computer programs stored in the memory unit 35 include dedicated application programs (also referred to as dedicated apps) for operating the first information terminal 30 as either a configuration terminal or a control terminal.

[0026] Next, the configuration of the second information terminal 40 will be described. The second information terminal 40 is a terminal device used by the administrator of the communication system 10 to perform maintenance on multiple lighting fixtures 20. Maintenance of multiple lighting fixtures 20 includes software updates for multiple lighting fixtures 20 and initialization settings for multiple lighting fixtures 20. The second information terminal 40 may be a portable terminal device such as a smartphone, tablet, or PDA, or a stationary terminal device such as a personal computer. The second information terminal 40 may also be a dedicated remote controller used in the communication system 10. Specifically, the second information terminal 40 comprises an operation reception unit 41, a display unit 42, a wireless communication unit 43, an information processing unit 44, and a storage unit 45.

[0027] The operation reception unit 41 receives input from the user. Specifically, the operation reception unit 41 is implemented by a touch panel, or by a mouse and keyboard, etc.

[0028] The display unit 42 displays various screens. The display unit 42 is implemented by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel.

[0029] The wireless communication unit 43 is a processing unit that performs wireless communication (more specifically, radio wave communication) for the second information terminal 40 to communicate wirelessly with each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20, and is, for example, a wireless communication circuit. Specifically, the wireless communication unit 43 performs wireless communication in accordance with a communication standard such as BLE or Bluetooth® mesh.

[0030] The information processing unit 44 performs information processing in response to user operations received by the operation reception unit 41. The information processing unit 44 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 44 are realized by the execution of computer programs (software) stored in the storage unit 45 by the hardware, such as the microcomputer or processor that constitutes the information processing unit 44.

[0031] The memory unit 45 is a storage device that stores information necessary for information processing, such as computer programs executed by the information processing unit 44. The memory unit 45 is implemented, for example, by semiconductor memory. The computer programs stored in the memory unit 45 include dedicated application programs (also referred to as dedicated apps) for operating the second information terminal 40 as either a configuration terminal or a control terminal.

[0032] [Differences between the first and second information terminals] The following explains the differences between the first information terminal 30 and the second information terminal 40. First, the first information terminal 30 can only perform control (and communicate wirelessly) over lighting fixtures 20 for which it has configured settings related to the mesh network, but it cannot perform control over lighting fixtures 20 for which a different first information terminal 30 has configured settings related to the mesh network. On the other hand, the second information terminal 40 can communicate wirelessly to perform maintenance on all lighting fixtures 20 included in the communication system 10.

[0033] [Initial Operation] Next, the initial setup operation will be described. The first information terminal 30 can build a mesh network by performing the initial setup operation. Figure 3 is a flowchart outlining 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. 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. The installer is an example of a user.

[0034] First, let's explain the process performed in the detection phase S10. The operation reception unit 31 of the first information terminal 30 receives a start operation from the user to instruct the start of the initial setup operation (S101). Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the display unit 32 of the first information terminal 30 in step S101 of Figure 4A. As shown in Figure 5, the initial setup screen displays a device registration icon 321 that accepts an instruction from the user to start the initial setup operation. In other words, by the user selecting the device registration icon 321 on the display screen of Figure 5, the operation reception unit 31 receives a start operation from the user.

[0035] Furthermore, the display screen in Figure 5 also shows a map image 324. The map image 324 is a view from above of an area where multiple lighting fixtures 20 are installed. In the example in Figure 5, the pre-planned installation locations of the lighting fixtures 20 are indicated by icons (hereinafter also referred to as planned installation icons). The planned installation icons are displayed on the map image 324 based on location information entered by the user. In other words, the map image 324 is an image showing the installation locations of multiple lighting fixtures 20. The map image 324 is stored in the storage unit 35 in advance. The strings such as "Temporary L001" shown on the planned installation icons are identification numbers assigned by the information processing unit 34. The word "Dimming" shown on the planned installation icons is the equipment type of the lighting fixture 20 that is planned to be installed in advance. The same applies to Figures 6, 7A, and 7B thereafter.

[0036] Returning to the explanation in Figure 4A, each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 periodically transmits a beacon signal (sometimes called an advertisement signal, etc.) before joining the mesh network (S102). Upon acceptance of the start operation in step S101, the wireless communication unit 33 of the first information terminal 30 receives the beacon signal. The beacon signal emitted by each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 contains the identification information of that lighting fixture 20. The identification information is, for example, a MAC (Media Access Control) address, but it can be any identification information that can uniquely identify the lighting fixture 20.

[0037] 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 (S103). Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the display unit 32 of the first information terminal 30 in step S103 of Figure 4A. As shown in Figure 6, the initial setup screen displays multiple icons 322 corresponding to multiple lighting fixtures 20 that are the sources of the beacon signal, arranged in a horizontal row. The word "Dimming" shown above each icon 322 is the equipment type of the lighting fixture 20, and the string of characters such as "L001" shown below each icon 322 is the identification number of the lighting fixture 20 assigned by the information processing unit 34.

[0038] At step S103, while the arrangement of multiple lighting fixtures 20 is known, the location of each lighting fixture 20 is unknown. In other words, at step S103, the installation location of the lighting fixtures 20 is not associated with the identification information of the lighting fixtures 20.

[0039] The processes described above in steps S101 to S103 constitute the processes performed in the detection phase S10. Next, the processes performed in the identification and registration phase S20 will be explained.

[0040] Returning to the explanation in Figure 4A, the operation reception unit 31 receives a selection operation from the user for one of the multiple icons 322 (S201). The selection operation is, for example, a tap operation on one of the multiple icons 322 on the display screen in Figure 6. 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 322 and the wireless communication unit 33 (S202), 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 (S203). The blinking command is sent, for example, after the selection operation on the display screen in Figure 6, triggered by the reception of a tap operation on the blinking icon 323.

[0041] The flashing command is a signal to selectively flash the target lighting fixture 20. When the target lighting fixture 20 receives the flashing command, it flashes (S204). This allows the user to identify the target lighting fixture 20. Note that the flashing of the target lighting fixture 20 in step S204 corresponds to a change in the control state of the wireless device 20.

[0042] The user visually confirms the actual installation location of the flashing light fixture 20 (S205) and specifies the installation location of the flashing light fixture 20 on the map image 324 (for example, one installation icon from among multiple installation icons). The operation reception unit 31 receives the user's operation to specify the installation location of the light fixture 20 in the map image 324 (S206). Figure 7A shows an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the display unit 32 of the first information terminal 30 before step S206 of Figure 4A is executed, and Figure 7B shows an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the display unit 32 of the first information terminal 30 when step S206 of Figure 4A is executed.

[0043] In the display screen shown in Figure 7A, if the lighting fixture 20 that the user has visually confirmed (in the example of Figure 7A, the lighting fixture 20 corresponding to the icon 322 displayed in inverted black and white) is installed at the location of the planned installation icon with identification number "Temporary L006", for example, the user taps the planned installation icon with identification number "Temporary L006" to select it. When the operation reception unit 31 receives the tap operation from the user, the information processing unit 34 displays a display screen on the display unit 32 as shown in Figure 7B. Specifically, the information processing unit 34 displays a display screen on the display unit 32 showing an installation location selection icon 325 near the planned installation icon. Then, when the user taps the installation location selection icon 325 to select it, the operation reception unit 31 receives the operation to specify the installation location of the lighting fixture 20 in step S206.

[0044] Returning to the explanation in Figure 4A, upon receiving the specified operation in step S206, the information processing unit 34 associates the identification information indicated by the icon 322 selected in step S201 with the installation position (coordinates) specified in step S206 and stores it in the storage unit 35 (S207). The information processing unit 34 also removes the display of the icon 322 for which the association has been completed (S208). In other words, the number of icons 322 displayed in step S103 decreases by one. Then, the information processing unit 34 disconnects the communication connection with the target lighting fixture 20 (S209).

[0045] The processes in steps S201 to S209 are repeated until all icons 322 (identification information) displayed in step S103 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 first information terminal 30.

[0046] The processes described above in steps S201 to S209 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.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4B, the information processing unit 34 of the information terminal 30 establishes a communication connection between the designated lighting fixture 20 and the wireless communication unit 33 (S301) 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 (S302). The lighting fixture 20 receives the setting information and stores it in the storage unit 23 provided in the lighting fixture 20 (S303).

[0048] The configuration information is the information necessary 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, information regarding the wireless communication frequency channel, and identification information of the first 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.

[0049] When the lighting fixture 20 has finished storing the setting information, it sends a setting completion notification to the first information terminal 30 (S304). When the information processing unit 34 of the first 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 S301 (S305).

[0050] The process in steps S301 to S305 is repeated until all lighting fixtures 20 join the mesh network. Once a lighting fixture 20 joins the mesh network, it stops periodically transmitting beacon signals, which it did before joining.

[0051] The processes described above in steps S301 to S305 are the processes (also referred to as the configuration process) that are performed in the configuration phase S30.

[0052] Note that the processing in step S209 and step S301 can be omitted. In other words, the processing in steps S302 to S305 may be performed without disconnecting the communication connection in step S209.

[0053] As explained above, the first information terminal 30 can bring multiple lighting fixtures 20 into the mesh network by performing an initial setup operation. In other words, the first information terminal 30 can build a mesh network.

[0054] In addition, in the initial setup operation described above, the identification and registration phase S20 and the setup phase S30 may be swapped. That is, steps S301 to S305 may be executed first, followed by steps S201 to S209. In such a case, in the setup phase S30, the first information terminal 30 communicates individually with any one of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 that are the source of the beacon signal received in step S102. Also, in the identification and registration phase S20, the first information terminal 30 wirelessly connects with one lighting fixture 20 that has joined the mesh network set up in the setup phase S30, and communicates with multiple lighting fixtures 20 through the mesh network.

[0055] [Frequency channel determination process] In a mesh network, a second wireless communication signal in the 2.4GHz band based on the second communication standard is transmitted and received. However, in an indoor space where multiple lighting fixtures 20 are installed, if a first wireless communication signal in the 2.4GHz band based on the first communication standard is transmitted and received by a Wi-Fi® router or the like, the frequency bands of the second wireless communication signal and the first wireless communication signal overlap, raising concerns that the communication quality in the mesh network may deteriorate due to radio wave interference.

[0056] Figure 8 shows an example of the first frequency channel for the first wireless communication signal and the second frequency channels for the second wireless communication signal. In the example in Figure 8, one first frequency channel is set and three second frequency channels are set. When transmitting the first wireless communication signal, the first wireless communication signal is transmitted using the first frequency channel, and when transmitting the second wireless communication signal, the second wireless communication signal is transmitted in parallel using the three second frequency channels. As shown in Figure 8, if the spacing between the three second frequency channels is wider than the channel width of the first frequency channel, and the second frequency channels are set to avoid the first frequency channel, then even if a new first frequency channel appears that interferes with one of the second frequency channels, communication in the mesh network using the other second frequency channels is possible, thereby improving the communication quality in the mesh network.

[0057] However, if the first information terminal 30 sets multiple second frequency channels while avoiding the first frequency channel, it is possible that each indoor space where multiple lighting fixtures 20 are installed will have different second frequency channels. In such a case, the second information terminal 40 does not know which second frequency channel is used in the mesh network when wirelessly communicating with multiple wireless devices 20 in order to perform maintenance on the multiple lighting fixtures 20. Therefore, the second information terminal 40 needs a phase to share information with the first information terminal 30 regarding which frequency channel must be used for communication with the multiple lighting fixtures 20. This necessitates a phase that complicates the maintenance work on the multiple lighting fixtures 20.

[0058] To address these challenges, a configuration is conceivable in which the first information terminal 30 fixes and sets one or more channels from the second frequency channels. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an overview of the communication system 10 in this embodiment. In the example in Figure 9, three channels, X, Y, and Z, are set for the second frequency channels. The two channels X and Y are channels set considering the frequency band of the first frequency channel, while channel Z is a fixed channel that is not related to the frequency band of the first frequency channel. As shown in the example in Figure 9, a configuration is conceivable in which the first information terminal 30 sets multiple channels, including one or more predetermined channels (channel Z), as the second frequency channels. If one or more predetermined channels are set as the second frequency channels, the second information terminal 40 can wirelessly communicate with multiple lighting fixtures 20 by using that one or more channels, thus eliminating the need for a phase of information sharing with the first information terminal 30. The second information terminal 40 may store the one or more channels in advance, or the user using the second information terminal 40 may specify the one or more channels.

[0059] Note that while Figure 9 shows an example where three channels X, Y, and Z are set as second frequency channels, it is sufficient for at least two channels to be set as second frequency channels.

[0060] Furthermore, in the following explanation, channels set considering the frequency band of the first frequency channel, such as channels X and Y, that is, channels set according to the ease of communication between the first information terminal 30 and the multiple lighting fixtures 20, may be referred to as the first channel. Also, fixed channels that are not related to the frequency band of the first frequency channel, such as channel Z, that is, channels predetermined regardless of the ease of communication between the first information terminal 30 and the multiple lighting fixtures 20, may be referred to as the second channel.

[0061] The following describes the operation for determining the second frequency channel of the first information terminal 30. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation for determining the second frequency channel. Note that Figure 10 is a flowchart showing when the second frequency channel is selected by the user possessing the first information terminal 30.

[0062] A user possessing the first information terminal 30 is located in an indoor space where multiple lighting fixtures 20 are installed and performs a predetermined operation on the first information terminal 30. The operation reception unit 31 of the first information terminal 30 receives the predetermined operation (S401). Once the predetermined operation is received, the information processing unit 34 scans the first wireless communication signal using the wireless communication unit 33 (S402). In step S402, the wireless communication unit 33 measures the received signal strength in each frequency band of the first wireless communication signal. Based on the measured received signal strength, the information processing unit 34 calculates the first frequency channel of the first wireless communication signal and the channel width of the first frequency channel. In the example in Figure 8, the channel width of the first frequency channel is 16 MHz, but it may also be 20 MHz, etc.

[0063] Next, the information processing unit 34 determines the ease of communication for each target channel based on the calculated first frequency channel and the channel width of the first frequency channel (S403). The target channel refers to the channel that the first information terminal 30 can set as the second frequency channel, and in the example in Figure 8, it refers to the 40 channels from ch0 to ch39. The ease of communication is an index that indicates the expected communication quality if each of the multiple target channels were selected as the second frequency channel.

[0064] For example, the information processing unit 34 determines the ease of communication as good for frequency channels where the received signal strength of the first wireless communication signal is low and the communication quality of the second wireless communication signal is expected to be good. Conversely, the information processing unit 34 determines the ease of communication as poor for frequency channels where the received signal strength of the first wireless communication signal is high and the communication quality of the second wireless communication signal is expected to be poor. Furthermore, the information processing unit 34 determines the ease of communication as normal for frequency channels where the received signal strength of the first wireless communication signal is moderate and the communication quality of the second wireless communication signal is expected to be normal.

[0065] Based on the determination result of step S403, the information processing unit 34 displays a list screen showing multiple target channels on the display unit 32. Figure 11 shows an example of the list screen displayed on the display unit 32. In the list screen of Figure 11, all frequency channels that may be selected as second frequency channels (first channel and second channel) are displayed, and the background color of the text for the three currently set second frequency channels is changed.

[0066] As shown in Figure 11, the list screen displays a channel display area 326, a start icon 327, and a settings change icon 328.

[0067] The channel display area 326 displays multiple target channels and the judgment result in step S403 of Figure 10. In the example in Figure 10, information indicating the ease of communication between the first information terminal 30 and the multiple lighting fixtures 20 (circle, cross, and triangle symbols) is shown for each of the multiple target channels. In the list screen of Figure 10, a circle is assigned to frequency channels where the received signal strength of the first wireless communication signal is low and the communication quality of the second wireless communication signal is assumed to be good, and a cross is assigned to frequency channels where the received signal strength of the first wireless communication signal is high and the communication quality of the second wireless communication signal is assumed to be poor. A triangle is assigned to frequency channels where the received signal strength of the first wireless communication signal is moderate and the communication quality of the second wireless communication signal is assumed to be normal. In other words, a circle symbol indicates that the information processing unit 34 has determined the ease of communication to be good, a triangle symbol indicates that the information processing unit 34 has determined the ease of communication to be average, and an X symbol indicates that the information processing unit 34 has determined the ease of communication to be poor.

[0068] The start icon 327 is an icon that allows the first information terminal 30 to receive a predetermined operation from the user. In other words, when the user selects the start icon 327, the information processing unit 34 executes the process in step S402 of Figure 10.

[0069] The setting change icon 328 is an icon for accepting a setting that the target channel selected by the user will be designated as the second frequency channel. In other words, when the user selects the setting change icon 328, the information processing unit 34 stores in the storage unit 35 the setting that CH1, CH19, and CH26 will be designated as the second frequency channels, as shown in the example in Figure 11.

[0070] In the example shown in Figure 11, CH1 (channel Z) is a second channel, which is a predetermined channel, while CH19 (channel Y) and CH26 (channel X) are first channels, which are set according to the ease of communication between the first information terminal 30 and the multiple lighting fixtures 20. The user may, for example, deselect CH19 and CH26 and select a different channel, but cannot deselect CH1.

[0071] Figure 11 illustrates an example where the information processing unit 34 sets CH19 and CH26 as the first channel. However, the information processing unit 34 may set any one channel from among multiple target channels as the first channel, or it may set three or more channels as the first channel. In other words, the information processing unit 34 only needs to set one or more channels selected from among multiple target channels as the first channel. Similarly, an example where the information processing unit 34 sets CH1 as the second channel is illustrated, but it may also set two or more predetermined channels as the second channel. In other words, the information processing unit 34 only needs to set one or more predetermined channels from among multiple target channels as the second channel. Therefore, the first information terminal 30 stores which of the set second frequency channels is the first channel and which is the second channel.

[0072] Furthermore, information indicating the ease of communication between the first information terminal 30 and the multiple lighting fixtures 20 may be indicated by means other than symbols. For example, the information processing unit 34 may indicate the ease of communication with an icon representing the number of antennas, or with words such as "Good," "Average," or "Poor."

[0073] Furthermore, while Figure 11 shows an example where the information processing unit 34 displays information indicating ease of communication in three stages, it may also display it in two stages, or even in four or more stages. In other words, the information processing unit 34 only needs to display information indicating ease of communication in n stages (where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2).

[0074] Next, we will describe another method for determining the second frequency channel of the first information terminal 30. Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the second frequency channel determination process. Note that Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the process when the second frequency channel is automatically selected by the first information terminal 30.

[0075] The processes shown in steps S501 to S503 are the same as the processes shown in steps S401 to S403 in Figure 10. After step S503, the information processing unit 34 selects a first channel and a second channel based on the determination result of step S503 (S504). In step S504, the information processing unit 34 sets one or more channels from the target channels that it has determined to have good communication ease as the first channel, and sets one or more predetermined channels as the second channel.

[0076] As explained above, the communication system 10 configures the first information terminal 30 to use one or more predetermined channels for wireless communication with the wireless device 20. This allows the second information terminal 40 to omit the phase of sharing information about which of the multiple target channels is used for wireless communication with the wireless device 20, simply by using one or more predetermined channels. Therefore, since the communication system 10 omits the above phase, maintenance work on the wireless device 20 can be simplified.

[0077] [Other variations] In the above embodiment, the example described shows that the multiple wireless devices 20 are multiple lighting fixtures 20, but they do not have to be multiple lighting fixtures 20. The multiple wireless devices 20 may be multiple lighting fixtures 20 and multiple other devices, or they may be multiple other devices alone.

[0078] Other devices mentioned above include a remote lighting controller, a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) dimmer, a scheduler, and an AC (Alternating Current) relay, which are operated by the user to control the lighting fixture 20.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes a case in which the communication system 10 includes multiple wireless devices 20, the communication system 10 may include only one wireless device 20.

[0083] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the information processing unit 34 of the first information terminal 30 may determine the ease of communication for each target channel based on indicators other than the received signal strength of the first wireless communication signal. For example, the information processing unit 34 of the first information terminal 30 may determine the ease of communication for the target channel by taking into account the noise generated by interference between the first frequency channel and the second frequency channel.

[0084] [Effects, etc.] The above 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.

[0085] Invention 1 is a communication system 10 comprising a wireless device 20, a first information terminal 30 that communicates wirelessly with the wireless device 20, and a second information terminal 40 that communicates wirelessly with the wireless device 20. The first information terminal 30 communicates wirelessly with the wireless device 20 using a plurality of target channels, each with a different frequency band. Depending on the ease of communication between the wireless device 20 and the first information terminal 30, one or more channels selected from the plurality of target channels are used as the first channel for wireless communication with the wireless device 20. Regardless of the ease of communication between the wireless device 20 and the first information terminal 30, one or more predetermined channels from the plurality of target channels are used as the second channel for wireless communication with the wireless device 20. The second information terminal 40 is an information terminal for performing maintenance on the wireless device 20, and when performing the maintenance, it communicates wirelessly with the wireless device 20 using the second channel.

[0086] In this communication system 10, the first information terminal 30 is configured to use one or more predetermined channels for wireless communication with the wireless device 20. As a result, when the second information terminal 40 uses one or more predetermined channels for wireless communication with the wireless device 20, the phase of sharing information about which of the multiple target channels is used for wireless communication with the wireless device 20 can be omitted. Therefore, since the above phase is omitted, the maintenance work on the wireless device 20 can be simplified.

[0087] Invention 2 is a communication system 10 of Invention 1, wherein the first information terminal 30 is equipped with a display unit 32 that displays a list screen of multiple target channels, and one or more channels selected by the user from among the multiple target channels displayed on the list screen are used as the first channel for wireless communication with the wireless device 20.

[0088] Since this communication system 10 uses one or more channels selected by the user as the first channel, it is possible to improve the communication quality in the communication system 10.

[0089] Invention 3 is the communication system 10 of Invention 2, wherein the list screen includes information indicating the ease of communication between the first information terminal 30 and the wireless device 20 when using each of the multiple target channels.

[0090] This communication system 10 displays a list screen on the display unit 32 that includes information indicating the ease of communication between the first information terminal 30 and the wireless device 20, so that the user can select a channel from among multiple target channels based on this information. As a result, the communication system 10 can improve the communication quality within the communication system 10.

[0091] Invention 4 is a communication system 10 of Invention 1, wherein the first information terminal 30 selects one or more channels from a plurality of target channels according to the ease of communication between the wireless device 20 and the first information terminal 30, and uses the selected one or more channels as the first channel for wireless communication with the wireless device 20.

[0092] Since this communication system 10 uses one or more channels selected by the first information terminal 30 as the first channel, it is possible to improve the communication quality in the communication system 10.

[0093] Invention 5 is a communication system 10 according to any of Inventions 1 to 4, wherein maintenance of the wireless device 20 includes software updates for the wireless device 20.

[0094] In such a communication system 10, the second information terminal 40 can perform software updates on the wireless device 20.

[0095] (Other embodiments) Although information terminals and the like relating to one or more embodiments have been described above based on the above embodiments, this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. Without departing from the spirit of this disclosure, various modifications that a person skilled in the art could conceive of may be applied to the above embodiments, and forms constructed by combining components from different embodiments may also be included within the scope of one or more embodiments.

[0096] For example, in the above embodiment, a process executed by one processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. Furthermore, the order of multiple processes may be changed, or multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

[0097] Furthermore, the communication method between devices in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. In addition, relay devices (not shown) may be involved in the communication between devices.

[0098] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each component may be implemented by being composed of dedicated hardware or by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program stored on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0099] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the first and second information terminals according to the above embodiment may be realized by a processor such as a CPU executing a program.

[0100] Some or all of the components constituting each of the above devices may consist of detachable IC cards or standalone modules attached to each device. The IC card or module is a computer system composed of a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. The IC card or module may include a highly functional LSI. The microprocessor operates according to a computer program, thereby enabling the IC card or module to achieve its function. The IC card or module may also be tamper-resistant.

[0101] Furthermore, the general or specific embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. They may also be implemented in any combination of systems, apparatus, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, and recording media.

[0102] For example, the present invention may be implemented as a communication system or information terminal as described in the above embodiment, or as a setting 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 setting 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 an information terminal as described in the above embodiment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0103] 10 Communication Systems 20 Lighting equipment (wireless equipment) 30. First Information Terminal 32 Display section 40. Second Information Terminal

Claims

1. Wireless equipment and A first information terminal that communicates wirelessly with the aforementioned wireless device, The system includes a second information terminal that communicates wirelessly with the aforementioned wireless device, The first information terminal is, Wireless communication is performed with the aforementioned wireless device using multiple target channels, each with a different frequency band. Depending on the ease of communication between the wireless device and the first information terminal, one or more channels selected from the plurality of target channels are used as the first channel for wireless communication with the wireless device. Regardless of the ease of communication between the wireless device and the first information terminal, one or more predetermined channels from the plurality of target channels are used as the second channel for wireless communication with the wireless device. The aforementioned second information terminal is, This is an information terminal for performing maintenance on the aforementioned wireless equipment. When performing the aforementioned maintenance, wireless communication is performed with the wireless device using the second channel. Communication system.

2. The first information terminal is, The system includes a display unit that shows a list of the multiple target channels, Of the multiple target channels displayed on the list screen, one or more channels selected by the user are used as the first channel for wireless communication with the wireless device. The communication system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned list screen includes information indicating the ease of communication between the first information terminal and the wireless device when using each of the multiple target channels. The communication system according to claim 2.

4. The first information terminal is, Depending on the ease of communication between the wireless device and the first information terminal, one or more channels are selected from the plurality of target channels. The selected one or more channels are used as the first channel for wireless communication with the wireless device. The communication system according to claim 1.

5. Maintenance of the aforementioned wireless equipment includes, A communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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