Processing system, processing method, and program

Abstract

The objective of this disclosure is to provide a processing system that can achieve precise control of lighting fixtures with a simple configuration. [Solution] The processing system 100 comprises an acquisition unit 2a, a generation unit 2b, and a communication unit 2c. The acquisition unit 2a acquires first information necessary for controlling the lighting fixture 1. The generation unit 2b performs calculation processing based on the first information and generates second information for controlling the lighting fixture 1, taking into account the arrangement of the lighting fixture 1. The communication unit 2c transmits the second information to the device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a processing system, a processing method, and a program, and more particularly, to a processing system, a processing method, and a program for performing arithmetic processing related to the control of lighting fixtures.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a lighting control system including a plurality of lighting fixtures and a lighting controller. The lighting controller controls the plurality of lighting fixtures via wireless communication.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Generally, since the arrangement of lighting fixtures varies for each user, in the lighting control system of Patent Document 1, it may not be possible to accurately control the lighting fixtures.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a processing system, a processing method, and a program that can achieve accurate control of lighting fixtures with a simple configuration.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A processing system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit, a generation unit, and a communication unit. The acquisition unit acquires first information necessary for controlling a lighting fixture. The generation unit performs arithmetic processing based on the first information and generates second information for controlling the lighting fixture in consideration of the arrangement of the lighting fixture. The communication unit transmits the second information to a device.

[0007] A processing method according to one aspect of this disclosure comprises an acquisition step, a generation step, and a communication step. In the acquisition step, first information necessary for controlling a lighting fixture is acquired. In the generation step, calculation processing is performed based on the first information to generate second information for controlling the lighting fixture, taking into account the arrangement of the lighting fixture. In the communication step, the second information is transmitted to a device.

[0008] A program according to one aspect of this disclosure is a program that causes one or more processors to execute the processing method described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The processing system, processing method, and program disclosed herein have the effect of enabling precise control of lighting fixtures with a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the generation unit included in the processing system described above. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of server operation included in the processing system described above. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a terminal device included in the processing system described above. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the first settings screen displayed by the terminal device described above. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the second settings screen displayed by the terminal device mentioned above. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example (initial state) of the scene list screen displayed by the terminal device mentioned above. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the scene list screen displayed by the same terminal device (with a new scene added). [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of a plurality of lighting fixtures in a room included in the above-described processing system. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining the cooperation between the above-described processing system and other systems. Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] (1) Overview First, the overview of the processing system 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described using FIGS. 1 and 9.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the processing system 100 includes an acquisition unit 2a, a generation unit 2b, and a communication unit 2c.

[0013] (1-1) Acquisition Unit and First Information The acquisition unit 2a acquires first information. The first information is information necessary for controlling the lighting fixture 1.

[0014] Acquiring the first information may, for example, involve receiving the first information input by the user, or acquiring the first information from the lighting fixture 1 that stores the first information through communication (that is, receiving the first information transmitted from the lighting fixture 1).

[0015] Basically, the number of lighting fixtures 1 to be controlled is plural (two or more), but it may also be singular (only one). The lighting fixture 1 is, for example, a ceiling light 1a, a floor light 1b, a line light 1c (see FIG. 9), etc.

[0016] The first information is, for example, identification information, group information, specification information, lighting parameters, etc.

[0017] In the present embodiment, the first information includes at least one of identification information and group information for each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 1. Further, the first information in the present embodiment may further include at least one of specification information and lighting parameters for each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 1.

[0018] That is, the acquisition unit 2a in the present embodiment acquires first information including at least one of identification information and group information for each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 1. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 2a in the present embodiment may acquire first information including at least one of identification information and group information and at least one of specification information and lighting parameters for each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 1.

[0019] (1-1-1) Identification information The identification information is information for identifying the lighting fixture 1. The identification information is, for example, character information such as a fixture name like "ceiling light" or a nickname like "behind the TV". In the present embodiment, the fixture name is a name pre-assigned to the lighting fixture 1. The fixture name is included in, for example, the storage information (described later) stored in the lighting fixture 1. The nickname is an alias given to the lighting fixture 1 by the user. The nickname is included in, for example, the input information (described later) input by the user.

[0020] Alternatively, the identification information may be, for example, image information such as icons or thumbnails indicating various lighting fixtures 1 (see FIG. 9) such as ceiling light 1a, floor light 1b, and line light 1c.

[0021] (1-1-2) Group information The group information is information regarding the group to which the lighting fixture 1 belongs. The group information is, for example, a pair of a fixture name and a group name.

[0022] In other words, group information is information about grouping multiple lighting fixtures 1. For example, as shown in Figure 9, if a ceiling light 1a, a floor light 1b, and a line light 1c are placed in the living room, the ceiling light 1a, floor light 1b, and line light 1c may be classified into a single group called "living room". In this case, the group information may be, for example, a combination of multiple fixture names "ceiling light", "floor light", and "line light" and the group name "living room". Note that the group is not limited to rooms such as "living room", but may also be a floor such as "second floor", or the entire house.

[0023] (1-1-3) Specifications Specification information refers to information regarding the specifications of lighting fixture 1. Specification information includes, for example, the name of the fixture ("ceiling light," etc.), performance (brightness, color temperature, beam angle, etc.), and functions (presence or absence of dimming function, presence or absence of color temperature adjustment function, etc.).

[0024] The first information, such as identification information, group information, and specification information, preferably includes related information RI1 ("behind the TV", "ceiling light", etc.) related to the arrangement of the lighting fixture 1.

[0025] Furthermore, if the same fixture name (for example, "floor light") is obtained from multiple lighting fixtures 1, the acquisition unit 2a may distinguish the multiple lighting fixtures 1 from each other by assigning sequential numbers to the same fixture name (for example, "floor light 1", "floor light 2", etc.).

[0026] (1-1-4) Lighting parameters Lighting parameters are parameters related to lighting. Changing the settings of lighting parameters changes the state of the lighting. Lighting parameters include, for example, brightness (bright / dim, etc.) and color tone (warm white / daylight white, etc.). Alternatively, lighting parameters may also include, for example, timer information (off after n hours / on after m hours, etc.), fade-out information (with / without fade-out, etc.), and schedule information (multiple time periods to realize various scenes: ("Study, 19:00-21:00", "Relax, 21:00-22:30", etc.)).

[0027] In this embodiment, the lighting parameters include one or more parameters from among brightness, hue, timer information, fade-out information, and schedule information.

[0028] (1-1-5) Input information and stored information In this embodiment, the input information refers to the information entered by the user from the first information acquired by the acquisition unit 2a. The stored information refers to the information stored in the lighting fixture 1 from the first information acquired by the acquisition unit 2a. The input information is basically a part of the first information, but may also be all of the first information. The stored information is basically a part of the first information, but the stored information does not necessarily have to be included in the first information.

[0029] In this embodiment, the first information acquired by the acquisition unit 2a may be, for example, input information entered by the user, or stored information stored in the lighting fixture 1. The input information may be, for example, identification information and group information, specifically a nickname such as "behind the TV" assigned to the line light 1c, and group information such as "living room" assigned to the ceiling light 1a, floor light 1b, and line light 1c. The stored information may be, for example, specification information, specifically a fixture name such as "ceiling light," performance information such as "X lumens" and "warm white," and information indicating functions such as "dimmable."

[0030] (1-2) Generation unit, and second information The generation unit 2b performs calculations based on the first information and generates second information for controlling the lighting fixture 1, taking into account the arrangement of the lighting fixture 1.

[0031] In this embodiment, the generation unit 2b performs calculation processing based on the first information acquired by the acquisition unit 2a, for example, the first information which includes at least one of identification information and group information for each of the multiple lighting fixtures 1, and generates second information for controlling the lighting fixtures 1, taking into account the arrangement of the lighting fixtures 1.

[0032] Alternatively, the generation unit 2b in this embodiment may perform calculation processing for each of the multiple lighting fixtures 1 based on first information, which includes at least one of identification information and group information, and at least one of specification information and lighting parameters, to generate second information for controlling the lighting fixtures 1, which takes into account the arrangement of the lighting fixtures 1 and at least one of the specifications and lighting parameters of the lighting fixtures 1.

[0033] (1-2-1) Calculation process The calculation process is, for example, the process of obtaining the second information corresponding to the first information obtained by the acquisition unit 2a from the storage unit 2d which stores the corresponding information (described later). Alternatively, the calculation process may be an estimation process and a proposal process using a trained model (both described later).

[0034] Furthermore, the calculation process may include, for example, a conversion process from lighting parameters (bright / dim, etc.) input by the user to lighting parameters (X lumens / Y lumens, etc.) to be output to lighting fixture 1.

[0035] (1-2-2) Arrangement of lighting fixtures The arrangement of lighting fixture 1 refers to the position of lighting fixture 1 in a given space. The given space is, for example, a room such as a living room, as shown in Figure 9. The position is, for example, the ceiling CL1, wall surface BW1, floor surface FL1, etc.

[0036] The arrangement of lighting fixtures 1 may be, for example, the position of each of the multiple lighting fixtures 1, or the positional relationship between the multiple lighting fixtures 1.

[0037] Alternatively, the placement of lighting fixture 1 may be relative to other equipment (for example, television TV1). In the example in Figure 9, television TV1 is installed near wall BW1 of the room, and line light 1c is installed between the back of television TV1 and wall BW1, so the placement of line light 1c may be "behind the television," etc.

[0038] (1-2-3) Control of lighting fixtures The control of the lighting fixture 1 may be, for example, the individual control of each of the multiple lighting fixtures 1 (ceiling light 1a, floor light 1b, and line light 1c, etc.: see Figure 9), or it may be the collective control of the multiple lighting fixtures 1. Collective control is, for example, the control of turning the multiple lighting fixtures 1 on / off in groups.

[0039] Alternatively, the collective control may be scene control. Scene control is a control method for realizing various scenes by controlling multiple lighting fixtures 1 collectively (for example, by controlling them in groups).

[0040] Alternatively, a unified control method could be scene switching control. Scene switching control is a control method that switches between various scenes according to schedule information.

[0041] (1-2-4) Scene control information The second type of information is, for example, scene control information. Scene control information is information used for scene control.

[0042] (1-2-5) Schedule Information The second piece of information may be schedule information. Schedule information is information used for scene switching control.

[0043] (1-2-6) Communications section and equipment The communication unit 2c (see Figure 1) transmits the second information to the device.

[0044] The devices to which the second piece of information is transmitted include, for example, the terminal device 4 and the lighting fixture 1 shown in Figure 1. The terminal device 4 is, for example, a mobile communication terminal (smartphone, tablet, etc.) carried by the user. Alternatively, the device may be a control device that controls the lighting fixture 1 (handheld remote control, tablet terminal for lighting control, etc.).

[0045] (1-2-7) Advantages In this way, the processing system 100 has an acquisition unit 2a that acquires first information, a generation unit 2b that performs calculation processing based on the first information to generate second information for controlling the lighting fixture 1 while taking into account the arrangement of the lighting fixture 1, and a communication unit 2c that transmits the second information to the device.

[0046] According to the processing system 100, precise control of the lighting fixture 1 can be achieved with a simple configuration.

[0047] (2) System Configuration As shown in Figure 1, the processing system 100 of this embodiment includes a lighting fixture 1, a terminal device 4, and a server 2.

[0048] (2-1) Lighting fixtures Lighting fixtures 1 include, for example, a ceiling light 1a, a floor light 1b, and a linear light 1c, as shown in Figure 9. Each of the ceiling light 1a, floor light 1b, and linear light 1c is placed, for example, in the living room. Specifically, the ceiling light 1a is mounted on the ceiling CL1, the floor light 1b is installed at the edge of the floor surface FL1, and the linear light 1c is installed between the back of the television TV1 and the wall surface BW1 (behind the television).

[0049] (2-2) Terminal device As shown in Figure 1, the terminal device 4 includes a display unit 4a and an input unit 4b.

[0050] Terminal device 4 is a portable communication terminal carried by the user, such as a smartphone or tablet.

[0051] (2-2-1) Display unit and settings screen The display unit 4a displays a settings screen. The settings screen is a screen for making settings related to the lighting fixture 1. The settings screens include, for example, the first settings screen SR1 (see Figure 5) and the second settings screen SR2 (see Figure 6). The first settings screen SR1 and the second settings screen SR2 will be described later.

[0052] The display unit 4a displays a settings screen, for example, on the display of the terminal device 4.

[0053] (2-2-2) Input section The input unit 4b accepts input of various types of information. These types of information include, for example, the first type of information.

[0054] The input unit 4b of this embodiment receives input of first information via a setting screen displayed by the display unit 4a.

[0055] (2-2-3) Server Server 2 comprises an acquisition unit 2a, a generation unit 2b, and a communication unit 2c.

[0056] (2-2-4) Advantages of the system configuration According to the processing system 100, precise control of the lighting fixture 1 can be achieved with a simple configuration including the lighting fixture 1, terminal device 4, and server 2.

[0057] (3) Details Next, the details of the embodiment will be explained using Figures 1, 2, and 5 to 9. Note that explanations of matters already mentioned in "(1) Overview" have been omitted or simplified below.

[0058] (3-1) Details of the processing system (3-1-1) Multiple lighting fixtures The processing system 100 in this embodiment includes a plurality of lighting fixtures 1, as shown in Figure 1. The plurality of lighting fixtures 1 include the lighting fixtures 1 described in "(1) Overview". Each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 1 may be a lighting fixture 1 described in "(1) Overview".

[0059] (3-1-2) First settings screen, and identification information and group information The input unit 4b can accept various operations. These operations include, for example, operations related to the input of first information.

[0060] The operation related to inputting the first piece of information is, for example, the operation of inputting a nickname assigned to each of the multiple lighting fixtures 1. The nickname could be, for example, "behind the TV" for a lighting fixture 1 (line light 1c) installed between the back of the TV 1 and the wall BW1 behind the back of the TV.

[0061] The operation for inputting the first information may also be an operation for grouping multiple lighting fixtures 1. For example, the operation for grouping multiple lighting fixtures 1 may be an operation to assign three lighting fixtures 1 (ceiling light 1a, floor light 1b, and line light 1c) placed in one room (living room), as shown in Figure 9, to a group and set the group name "living room" to be assigned to that group.

[0062] Alternatively, the various operations may be operations related to various settings, separate from the operations for inputting the first information.

[0063] In addition to operations related to the input of the first information, the input unit 4b of this embodiment also accepts operations related to various settings.

[0064] Operations related to various settings include, for example, setting a timer for on / off control. Setting a timer for on / off control might involve setting lighting fixture 1 to turn off after 1 hour, or setting lighting fixture 1 to turn on after 10 hours. Operations related to various settings may also include canceling the set timer.

[0065] Operations related to various settings may also be operations for setting a schedule for scene control. Setting a schedule for scene control is, for example, the operation of setting the time periods for various scenes such as "study" and "relax" so that they switch automatically.

[0066] The input unit 4b is, for example, a touch panel provided on the display surface of the terminal device 4's display, which accepts input of first information and operations related to various settings.

[0067] The input unit 4b receives the input of the first information, for example, via the first setting screen SR1 as shown in Figure 5.

[0068] The first information includes, for each of the multiple lighting fixtures 1, at least one of identification information and group information. As mentioned above, identification information is information that identifies lighting fixture 1, and group information is information that indicates the group to which lighting fixture 1 belongs. Identification information is, for example, input information, specifically a nickname ("behind the TV," etc.). Group information is, for example, textual information such as "living room" or "children's room."

[0069] The first settings screen SR1, as shown in Figure 5, includes two strings, "Group 1" and "Group 2," an input field IB1 corresponding to "Group 1," and an input field IB2 corresponding to "Group 2."

[0070] Furthermore, the first setting screen SR1 includes three strings corresponding to "Group 1": "Lighting fixture 1: Ceiling light", "Lighting fixture 2: Floor light", and "Lighting fixture 3: Line light", as well as an input field IB11 for a nickname corresponding to "Lighting fixture 1: Ceiling light", an input field IB12 for a nickname corresponding to "Lighting fixture 2: Floor light", and an input field IB13 for a nickname corresponding to "Lighting fixture 3: Line light". Here, "Ceiling light" is the device name obtained from ceiling light 1a, "Floor light" is the device name obtained from floor light 1b, and "Line light" is the device name obtained from line light 1c.

[0071] Furthermore, the first settings screen SR1 also includes the string "Lighting fixture 1: Ceiling light" associated with "Group 2," and the nickname input field IB21 associated with "Lighting fixture 1: Ceiling light." Here, "Ceiling light" is the name of the device obtained from the ceiling light installed in the child's room.

[0072] In the first setting screen SR1 configured as described above, the input field IB1 corresponding to "Group 1" is populated with the string "Living Room," as shown in Figure 5. The nickname input field IB13, corresponding to "Lighting Fixture 3: Line Light," is populated with the string "Behind the TV." Furthermore, the input field IB2, corresponding to "Group 2," is populated with the string "Children's Room." Input section 4b accepts these three strings: "Living Room," "Behind the TV," and "Children's Room." The remaining three input fields IB11, IB12, and IB21 are left blank.

[0073] Note that the input of the first information is not limited to text input; for example, it may be a selection from multiple options (such as a pull-down menu) displayed on the first settings screen SR1.

[0074] With this configuration, the terminal device 4 can accurately control multiple lighting fixtures 1 by receiving input of first information, which includes at least one of identification information and group information, for each of the multiple lighting fixtures 1 via a settings screen.

[0075] (3-1-3) Second settings screen and lighting parameters The display unit 4a further displays, for example, a second setting screen SR2 as shown in Figure 6. The second setting screen SR2 is a different screen from the first setting screen SR1, which is a setting screen. The second setting screen SR2 is a screen for performing setting operations to set lighting parameters for each of the multiple lighting fixtures 1.

[0076] The input unit 4b accepts input of lighting parameters to be set by the setting operation for each of the multiple lighting fixtures 1 via the second setting screen SR2.

[0077] As shown in Figure 6, the second settings screen SR2 consists of two strings corresponding to "Group 1" and "Group 2," and includes the two strings "Living Room" and "Children's Room" entered via the first settings screen SR1.

[0078] Furthermore, the second settings screen SR2 includes three strings corresponding to "Living Room": "Ceiling Light," "Floor Light," and "Behind the TV," as well as the string "Ceiling Light" corresponding to "Children's Room." Here, "Behind the TV" is the nickname assigned to "Line Light" on the first settings screen SR1, and is the string entered in input field IB13 on the first settings screen SR1. On the other hand, "Ceiling Light" and "Floor Light," which correspond to "Living Room," are the device names corresponding to the two blank input fields IB11 and IB12 on the first settings screen SR1. Similarly, "Ceiling Light," which corresponds to "Children's Room," is the device name corresponding to the blank input field IB21 on the first settings screen SR1.

[0079] Furthermore, the second settings screen SR2 further includes input fields IB11a for "brightness" and IB11b for "hue," corresponding to the "ceiling light" in the "living room." Furthermore, the second settings screen SR2 further includes input fields IB12a for "brightness" and IB12b for "hue," corresponding to the "floor lamp" in the "living room." Furthermore, the second settings screen SR2 further includes input fields IB13a for "brightness" and IB13b for "hue," corresponding to the "behind the TV" in the "living room." Furthermore, the second settings screen SR2 further includes input fields IB21a for "brightness" and IB21b for "hue," corresponding to the "ceiling light" in the "children's room."

[0080] In the second settings screen SR2 configured as described above, for the "Ceiling Light" associated with the "Living Room," "Dim" is entered in the "Brightness" input field IB11a, and "Warm White" is entered in the "Hue Color" input field IB11b. Also, for the "Floor Lamp" associated with the "Living Room," "Off" is entered in the "Brightness" input field IB12a, and "-" is displayed in the "Hue Color" input field IB12b. Note that "-" is a symbol indicating that input is not required. Also, for the "Behind the TV" associated with the "Living Room," "Bright" is entered in the "Brightness" input field IB13a, and "Warm White" is entered in the "Hue Color" input field IB13b. Furthermore, for the "Ceiling Light" associated with the "Children's Room," "Off" is entered in the "Brightness" input field IB21a, and the symbol "-" is displayed in the "Hue Color" input field IB11b.

[0081] Input section 4b accepts the six strings entered in this way: "dark", "incandescent color", "off", "bright", "incandescent color", and "off".

[0082] The acquisition unit 2a, for example, uses the first setting screen SR1 to acquire at least one of identification information and group information for each of the multiple lighting fixtures 1. The acquisition unit 2a may also use the second setting screen SR2 to acquire lighting parameters for each of the multiple lighting fixtures 1. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 2a may acquire specification information from each of the multiple lighting fixtures 1 via communication. As a result, first information is acquired for each of the multiple lighting fixtures 1, including, for example, at least one of identification information and group information, and at least one of specification information and lighting parameters.

[0083] The generation unit 2b generates second information for control that takes into account the arrangement, specifications, and lighting parameters of each of the multiple lighting fixtures 1 by performing calculation processing based on the multiple first information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "first information group") corresponding to the multiple lighting fixtures 1 acquired by the acquisition unit 2a.

[0084] The calculation process may include, for example, a conversion process from lighting parameters input by the user (e.g., bright / dim) to lighting parameters output to lighting fixture 1 (e.g., X lumens / Y lumens).

[0085] Control that further considers lighting parameters includes, for example, control that takes into account the brightness and color of lighting fixture 1, as well as the scene switching schedule.

[0086] The communication unit 2c transmits the second information generated by the generation unit 2b to the device.

[0087] With this configuration, the terminal device 4 can receive input of at least one of identification information and group information for each of the multiple lighting fixtures 1 via the first setting screen SR1, and also receive input of lighting parameters via the second setting screen SR2, thereby enabling more precise control of the multiple lighting fixtures 1.

[0088] (3-1-4) Details of scenes, scene control, and scene control information The second type of information is, for example, scene control information. As mentioned earlier, scene control information is information for controlling the scene.

[0089] Scene control is the control method used to create a scene. A scene is a lighting state created by multiple lighting fixtures. Scene control is the coordinated control of multiple lighting fixtures.

[0090] Scene control information, more specifically, is information for realizing a predetermined scene through the simultaneous control of multiple lighting fixtures 1. A predetermined scene is, for example, a first scene SS1 corresponding to "studying" and a second scene SS2 corresponding to "relaxing," as shown in Figure 7. The first scene SS1 corresponding to "studying" is a lighting state suitable for the user to study. The second scene SS2 corresponding to "relaxing" is a lighting state suitable for the user to relax.

[0091] Scene control information includes, for example, first scene control information and second scene control information. First scene control information is control information for realizing the first scene SS1, which corresponds to "studying," and second scene control information is control information for realizing the second scene SS2, which corresponds to "relaxing."

[0092] Alternatively, the second piece of information may be screen information relating to the scene list screen SR3, as shown in Figure 7. The scene list screen SR3 is a screen that allows multiple scenes to be viewed in a list. The multiple scenes include, for example, a first scene SS1 corresponding to "studying" and a second scene SS2 corresponding to "relaxing". The scene list screen SR3 in Figure 7 includes an image of the first scene SS1 corresponding to "studying" and an image of the second scene SS2 corresponding to "relaxing".

[0093] The image for the first scene SS1 corresponding to "studying" is, for example, a photograph taken of a room (see Figure 9) in which multiple lighting fixtures 1 (e.g., a ceiling light 1a, a floor light 1b, and a line light 1c) are arranged, while the multiple lighting fixtures 1 are being controlled based on the first scene control information, or a thumbnail of such a photograph.

[0094] The image for the second scene SS2 corresponding to "relaxation" is, for example, a photograph taken of a room where multiple lighting fixtures 1 are arranged (see Figure 9) while the multiple lighting fixtures 1 are being controlled based on the second scene control information, or a thumbnail of such a photograph.

[0095] The screen information for the Scene List screen SR3 includes multiple images corresponding to multiple scenes, and layout information indicating the layout of these multiple images within the screen.

[0096] The second piece of information may include schedule information. For example, the schedule information may include information indicating that a "study" scene will take place from 8pm to 10pm, followed by a "relax" scene from 10pm to 12am.

[0097] The "study" scene is realized, for example, by first scene control information that turns on the ceiling light 1a, sets the brightness of the ceiling light 1a to "bright," and sets the color temperature of the ceiling light 1a to "daylight."

[0098] The "relaxation" scene is realized, for example, by second scene control information that turns off the ceiling light 1a while turning on the floor light 1b, setting the brightness of the floor light 1b to "bright" and the color temperature of the floor light 1b to "warm white".

[0099] In this embodiment, the first scene control information and the second scene control information are pre-stored in the storage unit 2d (described later) as default scene control information.

[0100] The generation unit 2b may acquire second information, including new scene control information, using one or more types of information from the first information group, i.e., the first setting screen SR1 (see Figure 5), which contains identification information and group information set for each of the multiple lighting fixtures 1, and the second setting screen SR2 (see Figure 6), which contains lighting parameters set for each of the multiple lighting fixtures 1 and specification information obtained from each of the multiple lighting fixtures 1.

[0101] For example, the third scene control information is obtained using the identification information and group information set for each of the multiple lighting fixtures 1 using the first setting screen SR1 (see Figure 5), the lighting parameters set for each of the multiple lighting fixtures 1 using the second setting screen SR2 (see Figure 6), and the specification information obtained from each of the multiple lighting fixtures 1.

[0102] This configuration allows for the creation of more precise lighting conditions by setting lighting parameters for each of the one or more lighting fixtures. Furthermore, saving the set lighting parameters improves the reproducibility of the achieved lighting conditions.

[0103] (3-2) Memory unit and corresponding information In this embodiment, the server 2 further includes a storage unit 2d, as shown in Figure 1.

[0104] The memory unit 2d stores correspondence information. Correspondence information is information relating to the correspondence between first information and second information. Correspondence information includes, for example, a plurality of first information items that include the first information, and a plurality of second information items that include the second information and correspond to each of the plurality of first information items. In other words, the correspondence information in this embodiment is a set of pairs of first information and second information.

[0105] (3-2-1) Acquisition process The calculation process includes an acquisition process. The acquisition process is the process of obtaining the second information corresponding to the first information acquired by the acquisition unit 2a from the storage unit 2d which stores the corresponding information.

[0106] The acquisition process involves, for example, calculating the similarity between each of the multiple first pieces of information included in the correspondence information and the first piece of information (input information) input to the input unit 4b, and then acquiring from the storage unit 2d the second piece of information that corresponds to the first piece of information with the highest similarity among the multiple first pieces of information included in the correspondence information.

[0107] In other words, in response to the input information being input to the input unit 4b, the generation unit 2b calculates the similarity between each of the multiple first pieces of information contained in the corresponding information stored in the storage unit 2d and the input information. Next, based on the multiple similarities corresponding to the multiple first pieces of information thus calculated, the generation unit 2b identifies the first piece of information with the highest similarity to the input information from among the multiple first pieces of information. Next, the generation unit 2b retrieves from the storage unit 2d the second piece of information that corresponds to the first piece of information thus identified from among the multiple second pieces of information contained in the corresponding information.

[0108] This configuration enables simple and accurate control of the lighting fixture 1 through an acquisition process that obtains second information based on the similarity between each of the multiple stored first pieces of information and the input first piece of information.

[0109] (3-3) Addition process When the generation unit 2b generates second information by performing calculations based on the input information, the storage unit 2d performs an appending process. The input information is the first information input to the input unit 4b, as described above.

[0110] The appending process is the process of adding a pair of first and second pieces of information. More specifically, the appending process is the process of associating the input information with the second piece of information generated by the generation unit 2b through arithmetic processing based on the input information, and then appending it to the corresponding information stored in the storage unit 2d.

[0111] For example, a "theater" scene is created by third scene control information that, for instance, dims the ceiling light 1a while turning on the line light 1c, setting the brightness of the line light 1c to "bright" and the color of the line light 1c to "incandescent color".

[0112] This configuration allows for more precise control of the lighting fixture 1 through the appending process.

[0113] (3-4) Second information recipient The communication unit 2c of server 2 receives, for example, first information from terminal device 4 and transmits second information generated by generation unit 2b to at least one of a plurality of devices, including the device described in "(1) Overview". The plurality of devices include terminal device 4, lighting fixture 1, and control device.

[0114] A control device is a device that controls the lighting fixture 1. Examples of control devices include handheld remote controls and tablet terminals.

[0115] (3-4-1) Specific examples of destinations for the second piece of information, and processing at the destination. The communication unit 2c may, for example, transmit second information, including screen information of the scene list screen SR3 (see Figure 7), to the terminal device 4. The terminal device 4 receives the second information transmitted from the server 2.

[0116] In terminal device 4, display unit 4a displays scene list screen SR3 based on screen information included in second information. Input unit 4b accepts an operation to select a scene from the displayed scene list screen SR3. For example, when an operation to select the first scene SS1 is accepted, information that the first scene SS1 has been selected is sent from terminal device 4 to server 2.

[0117] When the communication unit 2c of server 2 receives information from terminal device 4 that the first scene SS1 has been selected, it transmits first scene control information to realize the first scene SS1 to multiple lighting fixtures 1 directly or via control devices. The multiple lighting fixtures 1 receive the first scene control information directly or via control devices from server 2 and operate based on the received first scene control information. This realizes the first scene SS1, that is, a lighting state suitable for "studying".

[0118] Furthermore, the communication unit 2c of server 2 may transmit schedule information to the control device. When the control device receives schedule information from server 2, it performs scene switching control based on the received schedule information. As a result, various scenes such as "study" and "relax" are automatically switched according to the schedule information.

[0119] With this configuration, the second information can be transmitted to at least one of the terminal device 4, the lighting fixture 1, and the control device, thereby allowing the lighting fixture 1 to be controlled directly or indirectly via the terminal device 4 or the control device.

[0120] (3-5) Acquisition of stored information from lighting fixtures via communication Lighting fixture 1 is capable of storing at least a portion of the first information. In the following, the first information stored in lighting fixture 1 may be referred to as "stored information."

[0121] The communication unit 2c can receive stored information from the lighting fixture 1. When the communication unit 2c receives stored information from the lighting fixture 1, the generation unit 2b generates second information by performing calculation processing based on the stored information received by the communication unit 2c.

[0122] With this configuration, accurate control of the lighting fixture 1 can be achieved not only by using the first information (input information) input to the terminal device 4, but also by using the first information (storage information) stored in the lighting fixture 1.

[0123] (3-5-1) Information specific to each of the multiple lighting fixtures In this embodiment, each of the multiple lighting fixtures 1 is capable of storing stored information. The stored information stored by each of the multiple lighting fixtures 1 is information unique to each of the multiple lighting fixtures 1. Information unique to each of the multiple lighting fixtures 1 is, for example, specification information. Specification information is information related to the specifications of the lighting fixture 1. The specifications of the lighting fixture 1 are, for example, shape, color, function, and performance. The shape is, for example, spherical, straight tube, ring, etc. The color is, for example, incandescent color, daylight color, etc. The function is, for example, whether or not there is a dimming function, whether or not there is a color adjustment function, etc. Performance is, for example, brightness, beam angle, power consumption, etc.

[0124] The communication unit 2c can receive stored information from each of the multiple lighting fixtures 1 that each of the multiple lighting fixtures 1 stores. When the communication unit 2c receives stored information from each of the multiple lighting fixtures 1, the generation unit 2b generates second information that takes into account the arrangement of the multiple lighting fixtures 1 by performing calculation processing based on the multiple stored information corresponding to the received multiple lighting fixtures 1.

[0125] With this configuration, accurate control of multiple lighting fixtures 1 can be achieved by using the stored information stored in each of the multiple lighting fixtures 1.

[0126] (4) Example of operation Next, an example of the operation of the processing system 100 will be described.

[0127] (4-1) Example of server operation The server 2, which constitutes the processing system 100, executes processing according to the flowchart in Figure 3, for example. The processing in Figure 3 is started, for example, when the server 2 is started, or when the input unit 4b of the terminal device 4 receives an operation instructing it to acquire second information (for example, scene control information).

[0128] When the process shown in Figure 3 begins, the acquisition unit 2a of server 2 sets the initial value of variable i to "1" (step S1). Variable i is used to sequentially select the multiple lighting fixtures 1 that make up the processing system 100.

[0129] Next, the acquisition unit 2a acquires first information regarding the i-th lighting fixture 1 (step S2).

[0130] Next, the acquisition unit 2a determines whether or not it has acquired the first information for all lighting fixtures 1 (step S3). If it determines that it has not acquired the first information for all lighting fixtures 1 (No in step S3), the acquisition unit 2a increments the variable i (step S4). After that, the process returns to step S2.

[0131] If it is determined in step S3 that the first information has been obtained for all lighting fixtures 1 (Yes), the process proceeds to step S5.

[0132] In step S5, the generation unit 2b generates second information (for example, scene control information) by performing calculations based on the first information group obtained through the iterative execution of step S2.

[0133] Next, the communication unit 2c transmits the second information generated in step S5 to the device (for example, terminal device 4) (step S6). After that, the server 2 terminates the process shown in Figure 3.

[0134] (4-2) Example of terminal device operation Terminal device 4 executes a process according to the flowchart in Figure 4, for example. The process in Figure 4 starts, for example, when terminal device 4 is turned on, and ends when terminal device 4 stops operating.

[0135] When the process shown in Figure 4 begins, the input unit 4b determines whether an operation to start setting at least one of the identification information and group information has been performed (step S11). If it is determined that an operation to start setting at least one of the identification information and group information has not been performed (No in step S11), the process proceeds to step S14.

[0136] If it is determined in step S11 that an operation to start setting at least one of the identification information and group information has been performed (Yes), the display unit 4a displays the first setting screen SR1 (step S12).

[0137] Next, the input unit 4b receives input of at least one of the identification information and group information via the first setting screen SR1 displayed in step S12 (step S13). After that, the process proceeds to step S18.

[0138] In step S14, the input unit 4b determines whether or not the operation to start setting the lighting parameters has been performed. If it is determined that the operation to start setting the lighting parameters has not been performed (No in step S14), the process proceeds to step S19.

[0139] If it is determined in step S14 that the operation to start setting the lighting parameters has been performed (Yes), the display unit 4a displays the second setting screen (step S15).

[0140] Next, the input unit 4b accepts input of lighting parameters for each of the multiple lighting fixtures 1 via the second setting screen SR2 displayed in step S15 (step S16).

[0141] Next, terminal device 4 transmits the information received in step S16 (i.e., multiple lighting parameters corresponding to multiple lighting fixtures 1; hereinafter referred to as the "lighting parameter group") to lighting fixture 1 (step S17). After that, the process proceeds to step S18.

[0142] In step S18, terminal device 4 transmits a first information group to server 2, which includes the information received in step S13 (at least one of the identification information and group information) or the information received in step S16 (lighting parameter group). After that, the process returns to step S11.

[0143] In step S19, terminal device 4 determines whether or not it has received the second information from server 2. If it determines that it has not received the second information from server 2 (No in step S19), the process returns to step S11.

[0144] If it is determined in step S19 that the second information has been received from server 2 (Yes), the display unit 4a displays the scene list screen SR3 (step S20).

[0145] Next, terminal device 4 performs scene selection (step S21). Specifically, input unit 4b accepts the operation to select a scene via the scene list screen SR3 displayed in step S20.

[0146] Next, terminal device 4 transmits scene control information corresponding to the scene selected in step S21 to multiple lighting fixtures 1 (step S22). After that, the process returns to step S11.

[0147] (5) Advantages of the embodiment As described above, in the processing system 100, the terminal device 4 displays the first setting screen SR1 and the second setting screen SR2, and accepts input information for each of the multiple lighting fixtures 1, including at least one of identification information and group information, and lighting parameters. The server 2 obtains the input information for each of the multiple lighting fixtures 1, including at least one of identification information and group information, and lighting parameters, from the terminal device 4 via communication. The server 2 generates second information for batch control that takes into account the arrangement of the multiple lighting fixtures 1 and the lighting parameter group by performing calculation processing based on the first information group, which is a set of first information including the input information including at least one of identification information and group information, and lighting parameters. The server 2 transmits the second information for batch control that takes into account the arrangement of the multiple lighting fixtures 1 and the lighting parameter group to equipment such as the terminal device 4, the lighting fixtures 1, and the control device. As a result, the processing system 100 can achieve more accurate control of the multiple lighting fixtures 1.

[0148] (6) Variant Next, various modifications of the embodiment will be described. In the following, explanations of matters common to the embodiment will be omitted or simplified, and the differences will be explained in detail.

[0149] (6-1) Variations related to computational processing: Use of AI In the calculation process of this embodiment, as explained in "(3-2-1) Acquisition Process," the similarity between each of the multiple first pieces of information contained in the correspondence information stored in the storage unit 2d and the first piece of information (input information) input to the input unit 4b is calculated. Then, based on the multiple calculation results corresponding to the multiple first pieces of information, the second piece of information corresponding to the first piece of information with the highest similarity to the input information is acquired from the storage unit 2d among the multiple second pieces of information contained in the correspondence information.

[0150] In contrast, the computational processing in this modified example utilizes AI to estimate the placement of the equipment and propose control methods that take the equipment placement into consideration.

[0151] (6-1-1) Related Information The first information in this modified example includes related information RI1. Related information RI1 is information related to the arrangement of multiple lighting fixtures 1. Related information RI1 is text information that includes characters or strings related to the location of the lighting fixtures 1, such as "living room," "ceiling light," or "behind the TV." Related information RI1 is included in at least one of the identification information and the group information.

[0152] Alternatively, the related information RI1 may be image information including icons or thumbnails that indicate a type of lighting fixture 1 installed in a specific location, such as the ceiling light 1a and floor light 1b shown in Figure 9.

[0153] (6-1-2) Proposal Information The second piece of information in this modified version includes proposed information PI1. Proposed information PI1 is information that proposes a new scene. The new scene is, for example, a third scene SS3 corresponding to "Theater," as shown in Figure 8. Proposed information PI1 is, for example, third scene control information for realizing the third scene SS3 corresponding to "Theater."

[0154] (6-1-3) Pre-trained models The generation unit 2b may generate second information based on the first information using a trained AI (Artificial Intelligence) model.

[0155] In the processing system 100, as shown in Figure 2, the first trained model M1 and the second trained model M2 are stored in the storage unit 2d.

[0156] (6-1-3a) First pre-trained model The first pre-trained model M1 is a model for obtaining estimation results regarding the arrangement of lighting fixtures 1 based on the first information. For example, the first pre-trained model M1 takes related information RI1 acquired by the acquisition unit 2a as input and outputs estimation result ER1, which estimates the arrangement of multiple lighting fixtures 1.

[0157] The estimation result ER1 includes, for example, a first estimation result stating that ceiling light 1a is installed on the living room ceiling CL1, and a second estimation result stating that line light 1c is located between the back of television TV1, which is installed near the living room wall BW1, and wall BW1.

[0158] (6-1-3b) Second pre-trained model The second pre-trained model M2 is a model for obtaining proposed information regarding the control of lighting fixture 1 based on the estimation results regarding the arrangement of lighting fixture 1. For example, the second pre-trained model M2 takes the estimation result ER1 as input and outputs proposed information PI1 for controlling multiple lighting fixtures 1 that take the estimation result ER1 into consideration.

[0159] Proposed information PI1 is, for example, an image of the third scene SS3 (see Figure 8) corresponding to "theater". The image of the third scene SS3 corresponding to "theater" is, for example, a photograph taken of a room (see Figure 9) in which multiple lighting fixtures 1 (e.g., a ceiling light 1a, a floor light 1b, and a line light 1c) are arranged, while the multiple lighting fixtures 1 are controlled based on the third scene control information, or a thumbnail of such a photograph.

[0160] Alternatively, the proposed information PI1 could be a scene list screen SR3 as shown in Figure 8, in which a new third scene SS3 corresponding to "theater" is added to a scene list screen SR3 that includes an image of the first scene SS1 corresponding to "studying" and an image of the second scene SS2 corresponding to "relaxing," as shown in Figure 7.

[0161] However, the proposed information PI1 is not limited to an image; for example, it could be a string of characters indicating "theater."

[0162] (6-1-4) Computational processing using a pre-trained model The calculation process for this modified version includes estimation and proposal processes.

[0163] (6-1-4a) Estimation process The estimation process involves obtaining an estimation result regarding the arrangement of lighting fixture 1 using the first trained model M1, based on the first information. For example, the estimation process involves obtaining an estimation result ER1 using the first trained model M1, based on the related information RI1 included in the first information.

[0164] (6-1-4b) Proposal Processing The proposal process is a process that uses the second trained model M2 to obtain proposal information regarding the control of lighting fixture 1, based on the estimation results of the estimation process. For example, the proposal process is a process that uses the second trained model M2 to obtain proposal information PI1 based on the estimation result ER1 obtained by the estimation process.

[0165] (6-1-5) Recipient of proposal information In this modified example, the communication unit 2c of server 2 transmits second information, including the proposed information PI1, to the terminal device 4. The terminal device 4 receives the second information, including the proposed information PI1, from server 2, and the display unit 4a displays a screen including the proposed information PI1.

[0166] If the operation to display the scene list screen SR3 is performed before the proposed information P11 is acquired, the display of terminal device 4 will show, for example, the scene list screen SR3 as shown in Figure 7. The scene list screen SR3 in Figure 7 includes the image of the first scene SS1 corresponding to "studying" and the image of the second scene SS2 corresponding to "relaxing" as the first and second options.

[0167] Assuming that the proposed information P11 is acquired while the scene list screen SR3 shown in Figure 7 is displayed on the terminal device 4's display, the scene list screen SR3 in Figure 7 is updated, for example, as shown in Figure 8. In the scene list screen SR3 of Figure 8, the image of the third scene SS3, which corresponds to the proposed information PI1 "Theater," is newly added as the third option to the scene list screen SR3 of Figure 7.

[0168] According to this modified version, proposal information PI1 is obtained based on related information RI1 using the first trained model M1 and the second trained model M2, and transmitted to the terminal device 4, thereby making a proposal to the user via the terminal device 4.

[0169] (6-2) Variations of integration with other systems In this modified example, as shown in Figure 10, Server 2 of Processing System 100 (hereinafter referred to as "First Server 2A") cooperates with a server of another system 200 (hereinafter referred to as "Second Server 2B").

[0170] The second server 2B is a different server from the first server 2A. The second server 2B manages the second device. The second device is a different device from the device of the embodiment (the first device). The first device is, as mentioned above, for example, a terminal device 4, a lighting device 1, etc. The second device is, for example, a household electrical appliance (home appliance) such as a television TV 1 (see Figure 9), a cleaning robot, a webcam, etc. In other words, in this modified example, the processing system 100 is a lighting control system that controls the lighting device 1, and the other system 200 may be a home appliance management system that manages home appliances.

[0171] In the first server 2A, the communication unit 2c can receive status information regarding the usage status of the second device from the second server 2B via the communication network 201. When the communication unit 2c receives status information from the second server 2B, the generation unit 2b performs calculation processing based on the status information received by the communication unit 2c to generate second information for controlling the lighting fixture 1 that further takes into account the usage status of the second device. The communication unit 2c transmits the second information for controlling the lighting fixture 1 that further takes into account the usage status of the second device to the first device.

[0172] According to this modified version, the first server 2A can cooperate with the second server 2B, which manages the second device, to control the lighting fixture 1 while further considering the usage status of the second device.

[0173] (6-3) First modified example of the processing system This modified processing system 100 is a system in which both the functions of the terminal device 4 and the server 2 are realized in a single device, as in the processing system 100 of the embodiment. The device that realizes both the functions of the terminal device 4 and the server 2 may be, for example, a tablet terminal, a handheld remote control, etc.

[0174] (6-4) Other Modifications (6-4-1) Modifications relating to terminal devices In this embodiment, terminal device 4 is a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, but in this modified example, it is not limited to a personal terminal, but may be, for example, a handy remote control for remotely controlling the lighting fixture 1.

[0175] In this embodiment, the display destination for the settings screen and the like by the display unit 4a is the display of the terminal device 4. However, in this modified example, it may be a display of a device other than the terminal device 4, such as the display of the television TV1 (see Figure 9).

[0176] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reception of the first information (input information) by the input unit 4b is performed via the touch panel of the terminal device 4, but in this modified example, it may be done using, for example, the remote control of the television TV 1.

[0177] (6-4-2) Variations related to servers In this embodiment, the first scene control information and the second scene control information are pre-stored in the storage unit 2d as default scene control information. However, in this modified example, at least one of the first scene control information and the second scene control information may be generated by the generation unit 2b and stored in the storage unit 2d.

[0178] In this embodiment, the server 2 is equipped with a storage unit 2d, but in this modified example, the storage unit 2d does not have to be a component of the server 2. The storage unit 2d may be equipped with a device other than the server 2 within the processing system 100. Alternatively, the storage unit 2d may be located outside the processing system 100. For example, an external storage device that can communicate with the server 2 may be equipped with a storage unit 2d.

[0179] In this embodiment, the generation unit 2b obtains from the storage unit 2d the second information corresponding to the first information with the highest similarity to the input first information among a plurality of first information. However, in this modified example, the second information corresponding to the first information with the highest similarity to the input first information among a plurality of first information may be obtained from the storage unit 2d. In other words, in this modified example, if any of the multiple similarities corresponding to the plurality of first information fall below the threshold, the second information is not obtained.

[0180] Alternatively, if none of the multiple similarity scores corresponding to the multiple first pieces of information meet the threshold, the generation unit 2b may randomly acquire the second piece of information.

[0181] Alternatively, the storage unit 2d may store frequency information obtained by the generation unit 2b, associated with each of the multiple second pieces of information included in the corresponding information. If none of the multiple similarity scores corresponding to the multiple first pieces of information are below a threshold, the generation unit 2b may obtain the second pieces of information in descending order of frequency indicated by the frequency information.

[0182] (6-4-3) Modification of the source of the first information In this embodiment, the server 2 acquires the first information by communication from the terminal device 4 or the lighting fixture 1. However, in this modified example, a portion of the first information may be acquired by communication from equipment other than the terminal device 4 and the lighting fixture 1, for example, from an external device that uses or manages a portion of the first information. Alternatively, in this modified example, a portion of the first information may be recorded on a recording medium, and the server 2 may acquire a portion of the first information by reading from the recording medium.

[0183] (6-4-4) Modifications relating to input information and stored information In this embodiment, the identification information, group information, and lighting parameters are each a type of input information and are input via the input section 4b of the terminal device 4. In contrast, in this modified example, the identification information, group information, and lighting parameters are each a type of stored information and may be stored in, for example, the lighting fixture 1 or a device that controls the lighting fixture 1. The server 2 in this modified example may acquire the identification information and group information, which are a type of stored information, from the lighting fixture 1 or a device such as a control device, via communication.

[0184] In this embodiment, the specification information is a type of stored information and is stored in the lighting fixture 1, but in this modified example, it is a type of input information and may be input via the input section 4b of the terminal device 4.

[0185] Thus, the various types of information included in the first information (for example, identification information, group information, lighting parameters, specification information, etc.) may be classified as either input information or stored information. Furthermore, the stored information is not limited to the lighting fixture 1, but may be stored in any device that can communicate with the server 2, such as a control device or an external storage device.

[0186] (7) Processing method, program and recording medium Functions similar to those of the processing system 100 may be embodied in a processing method, a computer program, or a non-temporary recording medium on which a program is stored.

[0187] The processing method performed by the processing system 100 comprises an acquisition step, a generation step, and a communication step. In the acquisition step, first information necessary for controlling the lighting fixture 1 is acquired. In the generation step, calculation processing is performed based on the first information to generate second information for controlling the lighting fixture 1, taking into account the arrangement of the lighting fixture 1. In the communication step, the second information is transmitted to the device. The program is a program that causes the computer system to function as the communication method described above.

[0188] (8) Computer systems The processing system 100 in this disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system mainly consists of a processor and memory as hardware. The processing system 100 functions as described in this disclosure when the processor executes a program recorded in the computer system's memory. The program may be pre-recorded in the computer system's memory, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive that is readable by the computer system. The processor of the computer system consists of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuits referred to here, such as ICs or LSIs, are named differently depending on the degree of integration and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, VLSIs (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSIs (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Furthermore, FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) that are programmed after the manufacture of the LSI, or logic devices that allow for the reconfiguration of junction relationships or circuit compartments within the LSI, can also be used as processors. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated onto a single chip or distributed across multiple chips. Multiple chips may be integrated onto a single device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller also consists of one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits or large-scale integrated circuits.

[0189] Furthermore, it is not essential for the processing system 100 to have multiple functions integrated into a single enclosure; the components of the processing system 100 may be distributed across multiple enclosures. In addition, at least some of the functions of the processing system 100 may be implemented by the cloud (cloud computing) or the like.

[0190] (9) Summary The processing system (100) according to the first embodiment comprises an acquisition unit (2a), a generation unit (2b), and a communication unit (2c). The acquisition unit (2a) acquires first information necessary for controlling the lighting fixture (1). The generation unit (2b) performs calculation processing based on the first information and generates second information for controlling the lighting fixture (1) that takes into account the arrangement of the lighting fixture (1). The communication unit (2c) transmits the second information to the device.

[0191] According to this embodiment, precise control of the lighting fixture (1) can be achieved with a simple configuration.

[0192] The processing system (100) according to the second embodiment includes, in the first embodiment, a lighting fixture (1), a terminal device (4), and a server (2). The terminal device (4) includes a display unit (4a) and an input unit (4b). The display unit (4a) displays a settings screen. The settings screen is a screen for making settings related to the lighting fixture (1). The input unit (4b) accepts input of first information via the settings screen. The server (2) includes an acquisition unit (2a), a generation unit (2b), and a communication unit (2c).

[0193] According to this embodiment, precise control of the lighting fixture (1) can be achieved with a simple configuration including a lighting fixture (1), a terminal device (4), and a server (2).

[0194] The processing system (100) according to the third embodiment includes a plurality of lighting fixtures (1), including a lighting fixture (1), in the second embodiment. The input unit (4b) receives input information, which is at least a part of the first information, for each of the plurality of lighting fixtures (1) via a setting screen. The input information includes at least one of identification information that identifies the lighting fixture (1) and group information that indicates the group to which the lighting fixture (1) belongs. The acquisition unit (2a) acquires the input information for each of the plurality of lighting fixtures (1) from a terminal device (4) via communication through the communication unit (2c). The generation unit (2b) generates second information for the collective control of the plurality of lighting fixtures (1) taking into account the arrangement of the plurality of lighting fixtures (1) by performing calculation processing based on the first information group, which is a set of first information including the input information acquired by the acquisition unit (2a) for each of the plurality of lighting fixtures (1). The communication unit (2c) transmits the second information for collective control to the device.

[0195] In this embodiment, the terminal device (4) receives input information for each of the multiple lighting fixtures (1) via a settings screen, which includes at least one of identification information and group information. The server (2) receives the input information for each of the multiple lighting fixtures (1) from the terminal device (4) via communication and performs calculation processing based on the first information group, which is a set of first information including the acquired input information, to generate second information for coordinated control that takes into account the arrangement of the multiple lighting fixtures (1). The server (2) then transmits the generated second information to the equipment, thereby enabling accurate control of the multiple lighting fixtures (1).

[0196] In the processing system (100) according to the fourth embodiment, in the third embodiment, the display unit (4a) displays a first setting screen (SR1), which is a setting screen, and a second setting screen (SR2), which is a different screen from the first setting screen (SR1). The second setting screen (SR2) is a screen for performing setting operations to set lighting parameters for each of the multiple lighting fixtures (1). The input unit (4b) receives input information, which is at least a part of the first information, for each of the multiple lighting fixtures (1) via the first setting screen (SR1) and the second setting screen (SR2). The input information includes at least one of identification information and group information, and lighting parameters. The acquisition unit (2a) acquires input information, which includes at least one of identification information and group information and lighting parameters, for each of the multiple lighting fixtures (1) from the terminal device (4) via communication through the communication unit (2c). The generation unit (2b) generates second information for the collective control of multiple lighting fixtures (1) by performing calculations based on the first information group, which is a set of first information including input information acquired by the acquisition unit (2a) for each of the multiple lighting fixtures (1), i.e., input information including at least one of identification information and group information and lighting parameters. The second information for collective control of multiple lighting fixtures (1) takes into account the arrangement of the multiple lighting fixtures (1) and the lighting parameter group for each of the multiple lighting fixtures (1). The communication unit (2c) transmits the second information generated by the generation unit (2b), i.e., the second information for collective control that takes into account the arrangement of the multiple lighting fixtures (1) and the lighting parameter group, to the device.

[0197] In this embodiment, the terminal device (4) receives input information for each of the multiple lighting fixtures (1) via the first setting screen (SR1) and the second setting screen (SR2), which includes at least one of identification information and group information, as well as lighting parameters. The server (2) receives the input information for each of the multiple lighting fixtures (1) from the terminal device (4) via communication and performs calculation processing based on the first information group, which is a collection of first information including the acquired input information, to generate second information for unified control that takes into account the arrangement of the multiple lighting fixtures (1) and the lighting parameter group. The server (2) then transmits the generated second information to the equipment, thereby enabling more accurate control of the multiple lighting fixtures (1).

[0198] In the processing system (100) according to the fifth embodiment, in the third or fourth embodiment, the second information is scene control information. The scene control information is information for realizing a predetermined scene by controlling a plurality of lighting fixtures (1) together.

[0199] According to this embodiment, a more precise lighting state can be achieved by setting lighting parameters for each of one or more lighting fixtures 1. Furthermore, by saving the set lighting parameters, the reproducibility of the achieved lighting state can be improved.

[0200] In the processing system (100) according to the sixth embodiment, correspondence information is stored in a storage unit (2d) in any of the first to fifth embodiments. The correspondence information includes a plurality of first pieces of information, including a first piece of information, and a plurality of second pieces of information, including a second piece of information, each corresponding to one of the plurality of first pieces of information. The calculation process includes an acquisition process. The acquisition process calculates the similarity between each of the plurality of first pieces of information included in the correspondence information and the first piece of information input to the input unit (4b), and acquires from the storage unit (2d) the second piece of information that corresponds to the first piece of information with the highest similarity among the plurality of first pieces of information included in the correspondence information.

[0201] According to this embodiment, the lighting fixture (1) can be easily and accurately controlled by an acquisition process that acquires second information based on the similarity between each of the multiple stored first pieces of information and the input first piece of information.

[0202] In the processing system (100) according to the seventh embodiment, in the sixth embodiment, the server (2) further comprises a storage unit (2d). When the generation unit (2b) generates second information by performing calculations based on the input information, the storage unit (2d) performs an appending process. The input information is the first information input to the input unit (4b). The appending process is a process of associating the input information with the second information generated by the generation unit (2b) by performing calculations based on the input information and appending it to the corresponding information.

[0203] According to this embodiment, the appending process makes it possible to achieve more precise control of the lighting fixture (1).

[0204] In the processing system (100) according to the eighth embodiment, in any of the second to seventh embodiments, the communication unit (2c) receives first information from the terminal device (4) and transmits the second information generated by the generation unit (2b) to at least one of a plurality of devices, including equipment. The plurality of devices include the terminal device (4), a lighting fixture (1), and a control device. The control device controls the lighting fixture (1).

[0205] According to this embodiment, the lighting fixture (1) can be controlled directly or indirectly via the terminal device (4) or the control device by transmitting the second information to at least one of the terminal device (4), the lighting fixture (1), and the control device.

[0206] The processing system (100) according to the ninth embodiment includes a plurality of lighting fixtures (1), including a lighting fixture (1), as in the eighth embodiment. The first information includes related information (RI1). The related information (RI1) is information related to the arrangement of the plurality of lighting fixtures (1). A first trained model (M1) and a second trained model (M2) are stored in the storage unit (2d). The first trained model (M1) is a model that takes the related information (RI1) acquired by the acquisition unit (2a) as input and outputs an estimation result (ER1) which estimates the arrangement of the plurality of lighting fixtures (1). The second trained model (M2) is a model that takes the estimation result (ER1) as input and outputs proposed information (PI1) for controlling the plurality of lighting fixtures (1) taking the estimation result (ER1) into consideration. The calculation process includes estimation processing and proposal processing. The estimation processing is a process that acquires estimation results (ER1) using the first trained model (M1) based on the related information (RI1) included in the first information. The proposal process is a process that uses a second trained model (M2) to obtain proposal information (PI1) based on the estimation result (ER1) obtained by the estimation process. The communication unit (2c) transmits the second information, including the proposal information (PI1), to the terminal device (4).

[0207] According to this embodiment, proposal information (PI1) is acquired based on related information (RI1) using the first trained model (M1) and the second trained model (M2), and transmitted to the terminal device (4), thereby making a proposal to the user via the terminal device (4).

[0208] In the processing system (100) according to the tenth embodiment, in any of the second to ninth embodiments, the lighting fixture (1) is capable of storing stored information which is at least a part of the first information. The communication unit (2c) is capable of receiving stored information stored by the lighting fixture (1) from the lighting fixture (1). When the communication unit (2c) receives stored information from the lighting fixture (1), the generation unit (2b) generates second information by performing calculation processing based on the stored information received by the communication unit (2c).

[0209] According to this embodiment, accurate control of the lighting fixture (1) can be achieved not only by using input information entered into the terminal device (4), but also by using stored information stored in the lighting fixture (1).

[0210] The processing system (100) according to the eleventh embodiment includes a plurality of lighting fixtures (1), including a lighting fixture (1), in the tenth embodiment. Each of the plurality of lighting fixtures (1) is capable of storing memory information which is information unique to each of the plurality of lighting fixtures (1).

[0211] According to this embodiment, accurate control of multiple lighting fixtures (1) can be achieved by using the stored information stored in each of the multiple lighting fixtures (1).

[0212] In the processing system (100) according to the twelfth embodiment, in any of the second to eleventh embodiments, the communication unit (2c) manages a second device different from the first device, which is a piece of equipment, and can receive status information regarding the usage status of the second device from a second server (2B) different from the first server (2A), which is a server (2). When the communication unit (2c) receives status information from the second server (2B), the generation unit (2b) performs calculation processing based on the status information received by the communication unit (2c) to generate second information for controlling the lighting fixture (1) that further considers the usage status of the second device. The communication unit (2c) transmits the second information for controlling the lighting fixture (1) that further considers the usage status of the second device to the first device.

[0213] According to this embodiment, the lighting fixture (1) can be controlled in cooperation with a second server (2B) that manages the second device, taking into further consideration the usage status of the second device.

[0214] The processing method according to the 13th embodiment comprises an acquisition step, a generation step, and a communication step. In the acquisition step, first information necessary for controlling the lighting fixture (1) is acquired. In the generation step, calculation processing is performed based on the first information to generate second information for controlling the lighting fixture (1) that takes into account the arrangement of the lighting fixture (1). In the communication step, the second information is transmitted to the device.

[0215] According to this embodiment, precise control of the lighting fixture (1) can be achieved with a simple configuration.

[0216] The program according to the 14th aspect is a program that causes one or more processors to execute the processing method according to the 13th aspect.

[0217] According to this embodiment, precise control of the lighting fixture (1) can be achieved with a simple configuration. [Explanation of symbols]

[0218] 100 Processing Systems 1 Lighting fixtures 2(2A) Server (1st Server) 2B Second Server 2a Acquisition part 2b Generator 2c Communications Department 2d storage section 4 Terminal devices 4a Display section 4b Input section SR1 First Settings Screen SR2 Second Settings Screen M1 First pre-trained model M2 Second Pre-trained Model RI1 related information ER1 Estimated Results PI1 Proposal Information

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires first information necessary for controlling the lighting fixture, A generation unit that performs calculation processing based on the first information and generates second information for controlling the lighting fixtures, taking into account the arrangement of the lighting fixtures, A communication unit that transmits the second information to a device, Processing system.

2. The aforementioned lighting fixture, A terminal device comprising a display unit that displays a settings screen for making settings related to the lighting fixture, and an input unit that receives input of the first information via the settings screen, A server comprising the acquisition unit, the generation unit, and the communication unit, The processing system according to claim 1.

3. Includes multiple lighting fixtures, including the aforementioned lighting fixture, The input unit receives input information for each of the plurality of lighting fixtures via the setting screen, which is at least a part of the first information and includes at least one of identification information that identifies the lighting fixture and group information that indicates the group to which the lighting fixture belongs. The acquisition unit acquires the input information for each of the plurality of lighting fixtures from the terminal device via communication through the communication unit. The generation unit generates second information for the simultaneous control of the plurality of lighting fixtures, taking into account the arrangement of the plurality of lighting fixtures, by performing the calculation processing based on the first information group, which is a set of first information including the input information acquired by the acquisition unit for each of the plurality of lighting fixtures. The communication unit transmits the second information for the collective control to the device. The processing system according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned display unit is The first settings screen, which is the aforementioned settings screen, and This screen is different from the first setting screen and displays a second setting screen for performing setting operations to set lighting parameters for each of the multiple lighting fixtures. The input unit receives input of input information for each of the plurality of lighting fixtures, which is at least a part of the first information and includes at least one of the identification information and the group information and the lighting parameters, via the first setting screen and the second setting screen. The acquisition unit acquires, for each of the plurality of lighting fixtures, the input information, which includes at least one of the identification information and the group information and the lighting parameters, from the terminal device via communication through the communication unit. The generation unit generates second information for the collective control of the plurality of lighting fixtures, taking into account the arrangement of the plurality of lighting fixtures and a lighting parameter group, which is a set of lighting parameters for each of the plurality of lighting fixtures, by performing the calculation processing based on the first information group, which is a set of first information including the input information, which includes at least one of the identification information and the group information and the lighting parameters, acquired by the acquisition unit for each of the plurality of lighting fixtures. The communication unit transmits the second information for the coordinated control, which takes into account the arrangement of the plurality of lighting fixtures and the lighting parameter group, to the device. The processing system according to claim 3.

5. The second information is scene control information for realizing a predetermined scene by the simultaneous control of the plurality of lighting fixtures. The processing system according to claim 3.

6. Correspondence information is stored in the storage unit, which includes a plurality of first pieces of information including the first piece of information, and a plurality of second pieces of information including the second piece of information and corresponding to each of the plurality of first pieces of information. The calculation process includes calculating the similarity between each of the plurality of first pieces of information included in the correspondence information and the first piece of information input to the input unit, and obtaining from the storage unit the second piece of information corresponding to the first piece of information with the highest similarity among the plurality of first pieces of information included in the correspondence information. The processing system according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

7. The server further comprises the storage unit, When the generation unit generates the second information by performing the calculation process based on the input information, which is the first information, input to the input unit, the storage unit performs an appending process to append the input information and the second information generated by the generation unit by performing the calculation process based on the input information to the corresponding information, thereby associating the input information with each other. The processing system according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned communications unit is The terminal device receives the first information, The second information generated by the generation unit is transmitted to at least one of a plurality of devices, including the device. The plurality of devices include the terminal device, the lighting fixture, and the control device for controlling the lighting fixture. The processing system according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

9. Includes multiple lighting fixtures, including the aforementioned lighting fixture, The first information includes related information relating to the arrangement of the plurality of lighting fixtures, A first trained model is stored in the storage unit, which takes the related information acquired by the acquisition unit as input and outputs an estimation result that estimates the arrangement of the multiple lighting fixtures, and a second trained model is stored in the storage unit, which takes the estimation result as input and outputs proposed information for the control of the multiple lighting fixtures that takes the estimation result into consideration. The aforementioned arithmetic process is, An estimation process that obtains the estimation result using the first trained model based on the related information contained in the first information, and The proposal process includes obtaining the proposal information using the second trained model based on the estimation results obtained by the estimation process, The communication unit transmits the second information, including the proposed information, to the terminal device. The processing system according to claim 8.

10. The lighting fixture is capable of storing memory information which is at least a part of the first information, The communication unit is capable of receiving the stored information stored by the lighting fixture from the lighting fixture. The generation unit generates the second information by performing the calculation processing based on the stored information received by the communication unit when the communication unit receives the stored information from the lighting fixture. The processing system according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

11. Includes multiple lighting fixtures, including the aforementioned lighting fixture, Each of the plurality of lighting fixtures is capable of storing the memory information which is information unique to each of the plurality of lighting fixtures. The processing system according to claim 10.

12. The communication unit manages a second device which is different from the first device which is the aforementioned equipment, and is capable of receiving status information regarding the usage status of the second device from a second server which is different from the first server which is the aforementioned server. When the communication unit receives the status information from the second server, the generation unit generates the second information for controlling the lighting fixture, which further takes into account the usage status of the second device, by performing the calculation processing based on the status information received by the communication unit. The communication unit transmits to the first device the second information for controlling the lighting fixture, which further takes into account the usage status of the second device. The processing system according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

13. An acquisition step to obtain the first information necessary for controlling the lighting fixture, A generation step involves performing calculations based on the first information to generate second information for controlling the lighting fixtures, taking into account the arrangement of the lighting fixtures. A communication step of transmitting the second information to a device, Processing method.

14. To cause one or more processors to execute the processing method described in claim 13, program.

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