Information terminal, communication system, network registration method, and program

Abstract

This information terminal reduces the user's effort during the initial setup process for configuring a wireless mesh network, even if the number of devices detected exceeds the maximum number that can be registered in the wireless mesh network. [Solution] The information terminal 30 includes a wireless communication unit 33 that performs wireless communication, and an information processing unit 34 that uses the wireless communication unit 33 to detect multiple wireless devices 20 and performs registration processing to allow the detected multiple wireless devices 20 to enter the communication network. If allowing all of the detected multiple wireless devices 20 to enter the communication network would exceed the upper limit of the number of devices that can be registered in the communication network, the information processing unit 34 selects some of the detected multiple wireless devices 20 and allows the selected portion of the wireless devices 20 to enter the communication network.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information terminal and the like.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a terminal device that constitutes a wireless mesh network by lighting fixtures arranged in a space.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] s

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when the terminal device described in Patent Document 1 performs initial settings for constituting a wireless mesh network, it may detect (scan) devices exceeding the upper limit number that can be registered in the wireless mesh network. In order to avoid such a situation, the user needs to perform operations such as turning off devices unnecessary for the configuration of the wireless mesh network or re-executing the scan of the devices, and the work of initial settings for constituting the wireless mesh network may be troublesome.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides an information terminal or the like that can reduce the labor of the user in the initial setting work even when a device exceeding the upper limit number that can be registered in the wireless mesh network is detected when performing the initial settings for constituting the wireless mesh network.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information terminal according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication, and an information processing unit that uses the wireless communication unit to detect a plurality of wireless devices and performs registration processing to allow the detected plurality of wireless devices to enter a communication network. The information processing unit, if allowing all of the detected plurality of wireless devices to enter the communication network would exceed the upper limit of the number of devices that can be registered in the communication network, selects some of the detected plurality of wireless devices and allows the selected portion of wireless devices to enter the communication network.

[0007] A communication system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises the information terminal and the plurality of wireless devices.

[0008] A network registration method according to one aspect of the present invention is a network registration method performed by an information terminal, comprising: a wireless communication step of performing wireless communication; and an information processing step of detecting a plurality of wireless devices that performed wireless communication in the wireless communication step and performing a registration process to allow the detected plurality of wireless devices to enter the communication network, wherein in the information processing step, if allowing all of the detected plurality of wireless devices to enter the communication network would exceed the upper limit of the number of devices that can be registered in the communication network, some of the detected plurality of wireless devices are selected and the selected portion of wireless devices are allowed to enter the communication network.

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

[0010] The information terminals disclosed herein can reduce the effort required from the user during the initial setup process, even if the number of devices detected exceeds the maximum number that can be registered in the wireless mesh network. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [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 information terminal's display unit in step S101 of Figure 4A. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the information terminal's display unit in step S103 of Figure 4A. [Figure 7A] Figure 7A shows an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the information terminal's display unit before step S206 in Figure 4A is executed. [Figure 7B] Figure 7B shows an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the information terminal's display when step S206 in Figure 4A is executed. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the detailed operations performed by the information terminal in steps S101 to S102 of Figure 4A. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing another example of the detailed operations performed by the information terminal in steps S101 to S102 of Figure 4A. [Figure 10A] Figure 10A shows a first example of the specified screen displayed on the display unit in step S411 of Figure 9. [Figure 10B] Figure 10B shows a second example of the specified screen displayed on the display unit in step S411 of Figure 9. [Figure 10C] Figure 10C shows a third example of the specified screen displayed on the display unit in step S411 of Figure 9. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a designation screen on which a plurality of icons arranged based on intensity information are displayed. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a designation screen on which a plurality of icons arranged based on identification information are displayed.

Embodiments of the Invention

[0012] 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, as well as the processes (steps) and the order of the processes shown in the following embodiments 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.

[0013] Note that each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily shown exactly. Also, in each figure, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same configurations, and duplicate explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0014] (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 wireless devices 20 and an information terminal 30.

[0015] In the communication system 10, each of the plurality of wireless devices 20 has a wireless communication function, and the plurality of wireless devices 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] Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram of a mesh network. In Figure 2, each circle represents a single wireless device 20 (in other words, a communication node). In a mesh network, when information is transmitted from one communication node to another, the information is transmitted, for example, using a routing method, but it may also be transmitted using other methods such as a flooding method.

[0017] The information transmitted through a mesh network may include, for example, control information for turning lighting fixtures on, off, or dimming them if the mesh network includes lighting fixtures. In addition, if the mesh network includes environmental sensors, the measured values ​​(sensing information) from those sensors may also be transmitted.

[0018] Returning to the explanation in Figure 1, let's first describe the wireless device 20. The wireless device 20 is, for example, a lighting fixture, sensor, or scheduler that has wireless communication capabilities. For example, if the wireless device 20 is a lighting fixture, the lighting fixture 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 has wireless communication capabilities, and the multiple lighting fixtures form a mesh network. The form of the lighting fixture is not particularly limited and may be a ceiling light, downlight, spotlight, etc. The sensor may be a motion sensor that detects people, or an environmental sensor that measures environmental information of the indoor space. The scheduler is a device that turns the lighting fixture 20 on, off, or dims it according to a pre-set schedule. Specifically, the wireless device 20 comprises a wireless communication unit 21, a light source 22, and a storage unit 23.

[0019] The wireless communication unit 21 is a processing unit that enables wireless communication (more specifically, radio wave communication) between the wireless device 20 and other wireless devices 20 and the information terminal 30, and is, for example, a wireless communication circuit. After the wireless device 20 joins the mesh network, the wireless communication unit 21 communicates through the mesh network as described above. Before the wireless device 20 joins the mesh network, the wireless communication unit 21 periodically transmits beacon signals (sometimes called advertisement signals, etc.) and communicates individually with the information terminal 30 that receives the beacon signals. Specifically, the wireless communication unit 21 performs wireless communication according to communication standards such as BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) or Bluetooth® mesh.

[0020] The light source 22 emits light. Specifically, if the wireless device 20 is a lighting fixture, it emits white light into the room to illuminate the room. If the wireless device 20 is a device other than a lighting fixture, it emits light to inform the user that it is functioning correctly. 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 wireless device 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 information terminal 30 will be described. The 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 wireless devices 20. The information terminal 30 is, for example, a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet, or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). The information terminal 30 may also be a dedicated remote controller used in the communication system 10. Specifically, the information terminal 30 comprises an operation reception unit 31, a display unit 32, a wireless communication unit 33, an information processing unit 34, and a storage unit 35.

[0023] The operation reception unit 31 receives user input. Specifically, the operation reception unit 31 is implemented by 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 processing unit that performs wireless communication (more specifically, radio wave communication) for the information terminal 30 to communicate wirelessly with each of the multiple wireless devices 20, and is, for example, a wireless communication circuit. Specifically, the wireless communication unit 33 performs wireless communication in accordance with a communication standard such as BLE or Bluetooth® mesh.

[0026] The information processing unit 34 uses the wireless communication unit 33 to detect multiple wireless devices 20 and performs registration processing to allow the detected multiple wireless devices 20 to join the mesh network (in other words, the communication network). The information processing unit 34 is implemented by, for example, 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 computer programs stored in the memory unit 35 include dedicated application programs (also referred to as dedicated apps) for operating the information terminal 30 as either a configuration terminal or a control terminal.

[0028] [Initial Operation] Next, the initial setup operation will be described. The information terminal 30 can build a mesh network by performing the initial setup operation (registration process). 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 wireless devices 20 have been installed in an indoor space by the installer. The installer is an example of a user.

[0029] First, let's explain the process performed in the detection phase S10. The operation reception unit 31 of the information terminal 30 receives a start operation from the user to instruct the start of the initial setup operation (S101). Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the display unit 32 of the 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 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.

[0030] Furthermore, the display screen in Figure 5 also shows a map image 324. The map image 324 is a top view of the area where multiple wireless devices 20 are installed. In the example in Figure 5, the pre-planned installation locations of the wireless devices 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 wireless devices 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 type of device included in the wireless devices 20 that are planned to be installed in advance. The same applies to Figures 6, 7A, and 7B thereafter.

[0031] Returning to the explanation in Figure 4A, each of the multiple wireless devices 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 information terminal 30 receives the beacon signal. The beacon signal emitted by each of the multiple wireless devices 20 contains the identification information of that wireless device 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 wireless device 20.

[0032] The information processing unit 34 displays the icon of the wireless device 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 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 wireless devices 20 that are sources of beacon signals, arranged in a horizontal row. The word "Dimming" shown above each icon 322 indicates the type of device included in the wireless device 20, and the string of characters such as "L001" shown below each icon 322 is the identification number of the wireless device 20 assigned by the information processing unit 34.

[0033] At step S103, while the arrangement of multiple wireless devices 20 is known, the location of each wireless device 20 is unknown. In other words, at step S103, the installation location of the wireless devices 20 is not associated with the identification information of the wireless devices 20.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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 wireless device 20 (hereinafter also referred to as the target wireless device 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 wireless device 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 a blinking icon 323.

[0036] The flashing command is a signal that causes the target wireless device 20 to flash selectively. When the target wireless device 20 receives the flashing command, it flashes (S204). This allows the user to identify the target wireless device 20. The flashing of the target wireless device 20 in step S204 corresponds to a change in the control state of the wireless device 20.

[0037] The user visually confirms the actual installation location of the blinking wireless device 20 (S205) and specifies the installation location of the blinking wireless device 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 wireless device 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 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 information terminal 30 when step S206 of Figure 4A is executed.

[0038] In the display screen shown in Figure 7A, if the wireless device 20 that the user has visually confirmed (in the example of Figure 7A, the wireless device 20 corresponding to the icon 322 displayed in inverted black and white) is installed at the location of the installation location icon with identification number "Temporary L006", for example, the user taps the installation location 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 a selection icon 325 near the installation location icon. Then, when the user taps the selection icon 325 to select it, the operation reception unit 31 receives the operation to specify the installation location of the wireless device 20 in step S206.

[0039] 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 location (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 wireless device 20 (S209).

[0040] 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 wireless devices 20 and correspondence information indicating the relationship between their installation locations. In other words, multiple wireless devices 20 are registered with the information terminal 30.

[0041] 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.

[0042] As shown in Figure 4B, the information processing unit 34 of the information terminal 30 establishes a communication connection between the designated wireless device 20 and the wireless communication unit 33 based on an operation to specify one of the wireless devices 20 received by the operation reception unit 31 (S301), and starts individual communication with the wireless device 20. The information processing unit 34 causes the wireless communication unit 33 to transmit setting information to the wireless device 20 (S302). The wireless device 20 receives the setting information and stores it in the storage unit 23 provided in the wireless device 20 (S303).

[0043] The configuration information is the information necessary for the wireless device 20 to join the mesh network. The configuration information includes the network ID of the mesh network to which the wireless device 20 belongs, and the address information (unicast address) of the wireless device 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 information terminal 30 that performed the initial setup operation. Once the configuration information is stored in the storage unit 23, the wireless device 20 can join the mesh network.

[0044] When the wireless device 20 has finished storing the configuration information, it sends a configuration completion notification to the information terminal 30 (S304). When the information processing unit 34 of the information terminal 30 receives the configuration completion notification from the wireless communication unit 33, it disconnects the communication connection with the wireless device 20 that it connected to in step S301 (S305).

[0045] The process in steps S301 to S305 is repeated until all wireless devices 20 have joined the mesh network. Once a wireless device 20 has joined the mesh network, it stops the periodic transmission of beacon signals that it was performing before joining.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] As explained above, the information terminal 30 can allow multiple wireless devices 20 to join the mesh network (communication network) by performing an initial setup operation. In other words, the information terminal 30 can build a mesh network.

[0049] 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.

[0050] [Detailed operation during initial setup] When the information terminal 30 builds a mesh network as described above, it may detect (scan) devices that exceed the maximum number of devices that can be registered in the mesh network. Therefore, to avoid a situation where the information terminal 30 scans for wireless devices 20 that exceed the maximum number of devices that can be registered in the mesh network when performing the initial setup operation to build the mesh network, the user needs to turn off wireless devices 20 that are not needed for building the mesh network, or perform the detection of wireless devices 20 again. In other words, the initial setup operation for building a mesh network can be time-consuming.

[0051] To address these challenges, the information processing unit 34 can be configured such that, if including all of the detected wireless devices 20 in the mesh network would exceed the maximum number of devices, the information processing unit 34 selects some of the detected wireless devices 20 and includes those selected wireless devices 20 in the mesh network. By having the information processing unit 34 select some of the wireless devices 20, the time-consuming work described above can be omitted, thereby reducing the effort required from the user during the initial setup process.

[0052] The following describes the operation when the information processing unit 34 automatically selects some of the detected wireless devices 20. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the detailed operation performed by the information terminal 30 in steps S101 to S102 of Figure 4A. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the operation when the information terminal 30 selects some of the detected wireless devices 20.

[0053] First, the operation reception unit 31 receives a start operation from the user to instruct the start of the initial setup operation (S401). Upon receiving the start operation in step S401, the information processing unit 34 uses the wireless communication unit 33 to detect multiple wireless devices 20 that are the source of beacon signals (wireless signals) (S402).

[0054] The information processing unit 34 determines whether adding all of the multiple wireless devices 20 detected in step S402 to the mesh network (communication network) would exceed the upper limit of the number of wireless devices 20 that can be registered in the communication network (S403). If the information processing unit 34 determines that it will not exceed the upper limit of the number of wireless devices 20 that can be registered in the communication network (No in S403), it adds all of the multiple wireless devices 20 detected in step S402 to the communication network (S404) and displays multiple icons 322 corresponding to the multiple wireless devices 20 on the display unit 32 (S103 in Figure 4A).

[0055] On the other hand, if the information processing unit 34 determines that the number of wireless devices 20 that can be registered in the communication network exceeds the upper limit (Yes in S403), it measures the received signal strength of the wireless signal received using the wireless communication unit 33 in step S402 (S405). Based on the received signal strength measured in step S405, the information processing unit 34 selects some of the wireless devices 20 from the multiple wireless devices 20 detected in step S402 (S406) and allows the selected wireless devices 20 to join the communication network (S407). The information processing unit 34 then displays icons 322 corresponding to the selected wireless devices 20 on the display unit 32 (S103 in Figure 4A).

[0056] Next, we will describe the operation when the user selects some of the detected wireless devices 20. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing another example of the detailed operation performed by the information terminal 30 in steps S101 to S102 of Figure 4A.

[0057] The processing in steps S401 to S404 is as described above. On the other hand, if the information processing unit 34 determines that the number of wireless devices 20 that can be registered in the communication network exceeds the upper limit (Yes in S403), it displays a selection screen on the display unit 32 for the user to select some of the detected wireless devices 20 (S411). The user selects some of the multiple wireless devices 20, and the operation reception unit 31 accepts the user's selection of some of the wireless devices 20 (S412). The information processing unit 34 selects the selected wireless devices 20 specified in step S412 and allows the selected wireless devices 20 to join the communication network (S413).

[0058] As explained above, in the registration process, if allowing all of the detected wireless devices 20 to join the communication network would exceed the upper limit, the information terminal 30 selects some of the detected wireless devices 20 and allows those selected wireless devices 20 to join the communication network. This eliminates the need for the user to perform time-consuming tasks such as turning off wireless devices 20 that are not needed for the communication network or performing wireless device detection again. As a result, the information terminal 30 can reduce the effort required of the user during the registration process.

[0059] [Specific example of a specified screen] The following describes specific examples of the designated screens displayed on the display unit 32 in step S411 of Figure 9. Figures 10A to 10C show examples of designated screens displayed on the display unit 32 in step S411 of Figure 9. Figure 10A shows an example of a designated screen displayed on the display unit 32 by the information processing unit 34 when it is determined that the number of schedulers among the multiple detected wireless devices 20 exceeds the upper limit that can be registered to the communication network. Figure 10B shows an example of a designated screen displayed on the display unit 32 by the information processing unit 34 when it is determined that the number of sensors among the multiple detected wireless devices 20 exceeds the upper limit that can be registered to the communication network. Figure 10C shows an example of a designated screen displayed on the display unit 32 by the information processing unit 34 when it is determined that the number of lighting fixtures among the multiple detected wireless devices 20 exceeds the upper limit that can be registered to the communication network.

[0060] Furthermore, in the selection screens shown in Figures 10A to 10C, multiple icons corresponding to the multiple wireless devices 20 detected by the information processing unit 34 are displayed. Also, in the selection screen of Figure 10A, the background color of the text of the one icon 326 currently selected by the user is changed. Also, in the selection screen of Figure 10B, the background color of the text of the three icons 326 currently selected by the user is changed. Also, in the selection screen of Figure 10C, the background color of the text of the four icons 326 currently selected by the user is changed.

[0061] As shown in Figures 10A to 10C, the information processing unit 34 displays a designated screen on the display unit 32 that includes multiple icons 326 corresponding to the multiple wireless devices 20 detected. The information processing unit 34 also presents the user with at least one of the following information on the designated screen: intensity information 328 relating to the measured received signal strength and identification information 327 for the multiple wireless devices 20.

[0062] In the selection screens shown in Figures 10A to 10C, the signal strength information 328 is displayed using one of the following characters: "Strong," "Normal," or "Weak." Icons 326 corresponding to wireless devices 20 that are assumed to have a high measured received signal strength and are located close to the current information terminal 30 are assigned the character "Strong," while icons 326 corresponding to wireless devices 20 that are assumed to have a low measured received signal strength and are located far from the current information terminal 30 are assigned the character "Weak."

[0063] The intensity information 328 may be displayed in ways other than text; for example, it may be displayed as symbols such as circles, crosses, and triangles, or as numbers such as 1 to 3. Furthermore, the intensity information 328 may be divided into two levels, or into four or more levels. In other words, the information processing unit 34 only needs to display the intensity information in n levels (where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2).

[0064] Furthermore, in the specification screens shown in Figures 10A to 10C, the identification information 327 is, for example, a MAC address, but any identification information that can uniquely identify the wireless device 20 is acceptable.

[0065] As described above, the information terminal 30 presents the user with at least one of the strength information 328 and the identification information 327 on the designated screen, so the user can refer to the presented strength information 328 or identification information 327 to select some of the detected wireless devices 20.

[0066] Furthermore, when the information processing unit 34 detects multiple wireless devices 20 and determines that the number of devices of each type included in the multiple wireless devices 20 exceeds the upper limit, it displays a selection screen for each type of device on the display unit 32. For example, when the information processing unit 34 determines that the number of schedulers, sensors, and lighting fixtures exceeds the upper limit, it first displays the selection screen in Figure 10A to allow the user to select a scheduler, then displays the selection screen in Figure 10B to allow the user to select a sensor, and finally displays the selection screen in Figure 10C to allow the user to select a lighting fixture. The information processing unit 34 may display the selection screens in Figures 10A to 10C in any order.

[0067] [Example of the specified screen] The information processing unit 34 may rearrange and display multiple icons 326 on the designated screen based on intensity information 328 or identification information 327. Figure 11 shows an example of a designated screen where multiple icons 326 rearranged based on intensity information 328 are displayed. Figure 12 shows an example of a designated screen where multiple icons 326 rearranged based on identification information 327 are displayed.

[0068] As shown in Figure 11, the information processing unit 34 displays a selection screen on the display unit 32, in which multiple icons 326, each assigned the strength information 328 to "strong," are shown in order. Therefore, the information terminal 30 can display a more user-friendly selection screen to the user, making it easier for the user to identify wireless devices 20 that are presumed to be located close to the current location of the information terminal 30.

[0069] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, the information processing unit 34 displays a designated screen on the display unit 32 in which multiple icons 326 to which identification information 327 is assigned are rearranged. Specifically, the display unit 32 displays a designated screen on the display unit 32 that shows the identification numbers of the wireless devices 20 in alphabetical order. Therefore, the information terminal 30 can display a more user-friendly designated screen to the user, making it easier for the user to confirm the identification information 327.

[0070] [Other variations] In the above embodiment, the multiple wireless devices 20 are described as, for example, lighting fixtures, sensors, or schedulers having wireless communication capabilities, but they may be other devices. For example, other devices include a remote lighting controller operated by the user to control the lighting fixtures 20, a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) dimmer, and an AC (Alternating Current) relay.

[0071] A PWM dimmer is a device that can dim a lighting fixture 20 attached to the PWM dimmer.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] [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.

[0075] Invention 1 is an information terminal 30 comprising a wireless communication unit 33 that performs wireless communication, and an information processing unit 34 that uses the wireless communication unit 33 to detect a plurality of wireless devices 20 and performs registration processing to allow the detected plurality of wireless devices 20 to enter the communication network. The information processing unit 34 is an information terminal 30 that, if allowing all of the detected plurality of wireless devices 20 to enter the communication network would exceed the upper limit of the number of devices that can be registered in the communication network, selects some of the detected plurality of wireless devices 20 and allows the selected plurality of wireless devices 20 to enter the communication network.

[0076] In the registration process, if allowing all of the detected wireless devices 20 to join the communication network would exceed the maximum number of devices, the information terminal 30 selects some of the detected wireless devices 20 and allows only those selected wireless devices 20 to join the communication network. This eliminates the need for the user to perform cumbersome tasks such as turning off wireless devices 20 that are not needed for the communication network or performing wireless device detection again. As a result, the information terminal 30 can reduce the user's workload during the registration process.

[0077] Invention 2 is an information terminal 30 of Invention 1, in which the information processing unit 34 measures the received signal strength of wireless signals emitted by a plurality of wireless devices 20, selects some of the detected wireless devices 20 based on the measured received signal strength, and allows the selected wireless devices 20 to enter the communication network.

[0078] Such an information terminal 30 selects some of the multiple wireless devices 20 based on the received signal strength measured by the information processing unit 34, so that wireless devices 20 that are presumed to be installed near the information terminal 30 can be given priority in joining the communication network.

[0079] Invention 3 further includes a display unit 32 that displays a designation screen for the user to specify some of the detected wireless devices 20, and an information processing unit 34 that selects some of the wireless devices 20 specified by the user from the detected wireless devices 20 and allows the selected wireless devices 20 to enter the communication network, which is the information terminal 30 of Invention 1.

[0080] Such an information terminal 30 selects some of the wireless devices 20 specified by the user from among multiple wireless devices 20, so that the wireless devices 20 specified by the user can be given priority in joining the communication network.

[0081] Invention 4 is an information terminal 30 of Invention 3, wherein the information processing unit 34 measures the received signal strength of wireless signals emitted by a plurality of wireless devices 20, and on a designated screen, presents to the user at least one of the strength information 328 related to the measured received signal strength and the identification information 327 of the plurality of wireless devices 20 included in the signal.

[0082] Such an information terminal 30 presents the user with at least one of the strength information 328 and identification information 327 on a designated screen, so that the user can refer to the presented strength information 328 or identification information 327 to select some of the detected wireless devices 20.

[0083] Invention 5 is an information terminal 30 of Invention 4, wherein the designated screen includes a plurality of icons 326 corresponding to a plurality of detected wireless devices 20, and the information processing unit 34 displays the designated screen, which includes the plurality of icons 326 rearranged in order based on strength information 328, on the display unit 32.

[0084] Such an information terminal 30 displays a selection screen on the display unit 32 that includes multiple icons 326 rearranged in order based on strength information 328, thus providing the user with a more user-friendly selection screen. This makes it easier for the user to identify wireless devices 20 that are presumed to be located close to the current location of the information terminal 30.

[0085] Invention 6 is an information terminal 30 of Invention 4 or Invention 5, wherein the designated screen includes a plurality of icons 326 corresponding to a plurality of detected wireless devices 20, and the information processing unit 34 displays the designated screen, which includes the plurality of icons 326 rearranged in order based on identification information 327, on the display unit 32.

[0086] Such an information terminal 30 displays a designated screen containing multiple icons 326 rearranged in order based on identification information 327 on the display unit 32, thereby displaying a more user-friendly designated screen to the user. This makes it easier for the user to verify the identification information 327.

[0087] Invention 7 is an information terminal 30 from Inventions 1 to 6, wherein the maximum number of devices that can enter the communication network differs for each type of device included in the multiple wireless devices 20.

[0088] Such an information terminal 30 can perform registration processing even if the maximum number of devices that can join the communication network differs for each type of device included in the multiple wireless devices 20.

[0089] Invention 8 is a communication system 10 comprising an information terminal 30 of any of Inventions 1 to 7 and a plurality of wireless devices 20.

[0090] Such a communication system 10 has the same effects as the information terminal 30 described above.

[0091] Invention 9 is a network registration method performed by an information terminal 30, comprising a wireless communication step (S401) in which wireless communication is performed, and an information processing step (S403-S404, or S403 and S405-S407) in which a plurality of wireless devices 20 that have been wirelessly transmitted in the wireless communication step (S401) are detected and registration processing is performed to allow the detected plurality of wireless devices 20 to enter the communication network, wherein in the information processing step, if allowing all of the detected plurality of wireless devices 20 to enter the communication network would exceed the upper limit of the number of devices that can be registered in the communication network, some of the detected plurality of wireless devices 20 are selected and the selected plurality of wireless devices 20 are allowed to enter the communication network.

[0092] This network registration method, in the registration process, selects some of the detected wireless devices 20 if including all of them in the communication network would exceed the maximum number of devices. Therefore, the user does not need to perform cumbersome tasks such as turning off wireless devices 20 that are not needed for the network or re-detecting wireless devices 20. This reduces the user's workload during the registration process.

[0093] Invention 10 is a program for causing the information terminal 30 to execute the network registration method of Invention 9.

[0094] Such a program produces the same effects as the network registration method described above.

[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 information terminal 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 Information terminals 32 Display section 326 icons 327 Identification Information 328 Strength Information 33 Wireless Communication Section 34 Information Processing Section

Claims

1. The wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication, The system includes an information processing unit that uses the wireless communication unit to detect multiple wireless devices and performs registration processing to allow the detected multiple wireless devices to enter the communication network. The aforementioned information processing unit, If allowing all of the detected wireless devices to enter the communication network would exceed the maximum number of devices that can be registered in the communication network, then some of the detected wireless devices are selected, and the selected wireless devices are allowed to enter the communication network. Information terminal.

2. The aforementioned information processing unit, The received signal strength of the wireless signals emitted by the aforementioned multiple wireless devices is measured. Based on the measured received signal strength, select some of the detected wireless devices and allow the selected wireless devices to enter the communication network. The information terminal according to claim 1.

3. Furthermore, it includes a display unit that shows a selection screen for the user to specify some of the detected wireless devices, The information processing unit selects some of the wireless devices specified by the user from among the multiple wireless devices detected, and allows the selected wireless devices to enter the communication network. The information terminal according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned information processing unit, The received signal strength of the wireless signals emitted by the aforementioned multiple wireless devices is measured. On the designated screen, the user is presented with information on at least one of the intensity information relating to the measured received signal strength and the identification information of the multiple wireless devices included in the signal. The information terminal according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned designation screen includes multiple icons corresponding to the multiple wireless devices that have been detected. The information processing unit displays the specified screen, which includes the plurality of icons rearranged in order based on the intensity information, on the display unit. The information terminal according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned designation screen includes multiple icons corresponding to the multiple wireless devices that have been detected. The information processing unit displays the designated screen, which includes the plurality of icons rearranged in order based on the identification information, on the display unit. The information terminal according to claim 4.

7. The maximum number of devices that can enter the aforementioned communication network differs for each type of device included in the plurality of wireless devices. The information terminal according to claim 1.

8. An information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The above-mentioned plurality of wireless devices are included, Communication system.

9. A network registration method performed by an information terminal, Wireless communication step for performing wireless communication, The system includes an information processing step which detects a plurality of wireless devices that have performed wireless communication in the wireless communication step, and performs registration processing to allow the detected plurality of wireless devices to enter the communication network. In the aforementioned information processing step, If allowing all of the detected wireless devices to enter the communication network would exceed the maximum number of devices that can be registered in the communication network, then some of the detected wireless devices are selected, and the selected wireless devices are allowed to enter the communication network. How to register for the network.

10. A program for causing the information terminal to execute the network registration method described in claim 9.

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