Control equipment, communication systems, control methods, and programs

Abstract

To provide a control device that can improve the efficiency of mapping controlled devices. [Solution] The control device 30 comprises a wireless communication unit 33, a display unit 32, and an information processing unit 34. The information processing unit 34 identifies the position and direction of the control device 30, estimates the distance between the control device 30 and the controlled device 20 and the installation direction of the controlled device 20, identifies the estimated direction of the controlled device 20 based on the identified position and direction of the control device 30 and the estimated distance between the control device 30 and the controlled device 20 and the installation direction of the controlled device 20, displays multiple icons 322 corresponding to multiple controlled devices 20 on a map image 324 according to the estimated position of the identified controlled device 20, changes the control state of the controlled device 20 corresponding to the icon 322 selected by the user, and registers the identification information of the controlled device 20 and the installation position of the controlled device 20 in association with each other in the storage unit 35.

Description

Technical Field

[0006]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to control devices and the like.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for constructing a mesh network using communication devices such as lighting fixtures having a wireless communication function are known. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for mapping lighting fixtures in order to construct a mesh network.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the lighting control system described in Patent Document 1, by operating the terminal device (that is, the control device) under the lighting fixture to be mapped (that is, the controlled device), it is possible to prevent unintended lighting fixtures from being mapped. However, when there are many lighting fixtures to be mapped, or when the lighting fixtures to be mapped are installed in a vast space, it is conceivable that the operator will take time to identify the detected lighting fixtures, and the mapping work will be laborious.

[0005] The present invention provides a control device and the like that can improve the working efficiency of mapping of controlled devices.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A control device according to one aspect of the present invention is a control device that registers identification information of a plurality of controlled devices and the installation locations of the plurality of controlled devices in association, and comprises a wireless communication unit that communicates with each of the plurality of controlled devices and receives a first wireless signal transmitted from each of the plurality of controlled devices, a display unit, and an information processing unit, wherein the information processing unit identifies the position and direction of the control device, estimates the distance between the control device and the controlled device and the installation direction of the controlled device based on the received first wireless signal, and combines the identified position and direction of the control device with the estimated distance between the control device and the controlled device and the controlled device Based on the installation direction, the estimated position of the controlled device is identified, and a plurality of icons corresponding to the plurality of controlled devices that are the source of the received first wireless signal are displayed on the map image displayed on the display unit according to the estimated position of the identified controlled device, and a second wireless signal is transmitted via the wireless communication unit to the controlled device corresponding to the icon selected by the user from among the plurality of icons to change the control state of the controlled device, and based on the user's operation to register the installation position of the controlled device whose control state has been changed, the identification information of the controlled device and the installation position of the controlled device are registered in the storage unit in association with each other.

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

[0008] A control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a control method performed by a control device that includes a display unit and registers identification information of a plurality of controlled devices and the installation locations of the plurality of controlled devices in association, wherein the control device communicates with each of the plurality of controlled devices and receives a first radio signal transmitted from each of the plurality of controlled devices, and the control method includes the steps of: identifying the position and direction of the control device; estimating the distance between the control device and the controlled device and the installation direction of the controlled device based on the received first radio signal; and using the identified position and direction of the control device and the estimated distance between the control device and the controlled device and the controlled device The system includes the steps of: identifying the estimated position of the controlled device based on the installation direction; displaying a plurality of icons corresponding to the plurality of controlled devices that are the source of the received first radio signal on a map image displayed on the display unit according to the estimated position of the identified controlled device; transmitting a second radio signal to the controlled device corresponding to an icon selected by the user from among the plurality of icons to change the control state of the controlled device; and registering the identification information of the controlled device and the installation position of the controlled device in association with each other in the storage unit based on the user's operation to register the installation position of the controlled device whose control state has been changed.

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

[0010] The control devices disclosed herein can improve the efficiency of mapping the controlled devices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a mesh network. [Figure 3]Figure 3 shows an example of a table that correlates the type of lighting fixture with a correction factor. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an overview of the initial setup process. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A is a first sequence diagram of the initial setup operation for the comparative example. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B is a second sequence diagram of the initial setup operation related to the comparative example. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the control device's display unit in step S101 of Figure 5A. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the control device's display unit in step S302 of Figure 5B. [Figure 8A] Figure 8A shows an example of an initial setup screen displayed on the control device's display unit before step S307 in Figure 5B is executed. [Figure 8B] Figure 8B shows an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the control device's display unit when step S307 in Figure 5B is executed. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a sequence diagram of the initial setup operation according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of a notification screen displayed on the display unit of the control device in step S311 of Figure 9. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the control device's display unit in step S318 of Figure 9. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the display unit when the user requests to specify the installation location of a lighting fixture. [Figure 13A] Figure 13A shows a first modified example of the initial setup screen displayed on the display unit when the operation to specify the installation position of a lighting fixture is received. [Figure 13B] Figure 13B shows a second modified example of the initial setup screen displayed on the display unit when the operation to specify the installation position of a lighting fixture is received. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a modification of the display mode of a plurality of icons displayed on a map image. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an operation example for the information processing unit to update the estimated position of the lighting fixture and display it on the map image. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example in which the display mode of a plurality of icons is changed. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an operation example 1 for the information processing unit to display some of a plurality of icons on a map image. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an operation example 2 for the information processing unit to display some of a plurality of icons on a map image. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of an initial setting screen when some of a plurality of icons are displayed on a map image.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below shows a specific example of the present disclosure. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, as well as the steps (steps) and the order of the steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Therefore, among the components in the following embodiments, the components not described in the independent claims of the present disclosure are described as arbitrary components.

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

[0014] (Embodiment) [Configuration] First, the configuration of the communication system according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication system 10 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 10 comprises a plurality of lighting fixtures 20 and a control device 30. In Figure 1, an example is shown in which the communication system 10 comprises a plurality of lighting fixtures 20 and a control device 30, but the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 is an example of a plurality of controlled devices 20. For example, the communication system 10 may be equipped with a plurality of other devices such as a plurality of sensors or a plurality of schedulers instead of a plurality of lighting fixtures 20. In this embodiment, the case in which a plurality of lighting fixtures 20 is used as an example of a plurality of controlled devices 20 will be described.

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

[0016] Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram of a mesh network. In Figure 2, each circle corresponds to a lighting fixture 20 (in other words, a communication node). In a mesh network, when information is transmitted from one communication node to another, the information is transmitted, for example, by a routing method, but it may also be transmitted by other methods such as a flooding method.

[0017] The information transmitted through the mesh network may include, for example, control information for controlling the lighting fixture 20 to turn on, turn off, or dim, or setting information that the control device 30 sets for the lighting fixture 20 (e.g., control group settings, control scene settings, wireless settings, etc.). In addition, if the mesh network includes environmental sensors as described later, the measured values ​​(sensing information) of the environmental sensors may also be transmitted.

[0018] Returning to the explanation in Figure 1, let's first describe the lighting fixture 20. The lighting fixture 20 is a base light, etc., installed on the ceiling of an indoor space to illuminate the space. As described above, each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 has a wireless communication function, and the multiple lighting fixtures 20 form a mesh network. The form of the lighting fixture 20 is not particularly limited and may be a ceiling light, downlight, spotlight, etc. Specifically, the lighting fixture 20 comprises a wireless communication unit 21, a light source 22, and a storage unit 23.

[0019] The wireless communication unit 21 is a processing unit that performs wireless communication (more specifically, radio wave communication) for the lighting fixture 20 to communicate wirelessly with other lighting fixtures 20 and control equipment 30, and is, for example, a wireless communication circuit. After the lighting fixture 20 joins the mesh network, the wireless communication unit 21 performs communication through the mesh network as described above. Before the lighting fixture 20 joins the mesh network, the wireless communication unit 21 periodically transmits beacon signals (sometimes called advertisement signals, etc.) and performs individual wireless communication with control equipment 30 that receive the beacon signals. Specifically, the wireless communication unit 21 performs wireless communication according to communication standards such as BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) or Bluetooth® mesh.

[0020] The light source 22 emits white light into the room so that the lighting fixture 20 can illuminate the room. The light source 22 is implemented by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element, but may also be implemented by other light-emitting elements such as a semiconductor laser, organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), or inorganic EL.

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

[0022] Next, the configuration of the control device 30 will be described. The control device 30 is an information terminal used by the user to configure settings related to the mesh network (initial setup and setting changes) and to control multiple lighting fixtures 20. The control device 30 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, tablet, or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). The control device 30 may also be a dedicated remote controller used in the communication system 10. Specifically, the control device 30 comprises an operation reception unit 31, a display unit 32, a wireless communication unit 33, an information processing unit 34, and a storage unit 35.

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

[0024] The display unit 32 displays various images. The display unit 32 is implemented by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel.

[0025] The wireless communication unit 33 is a processing unit that performs wireless communication (more specifically, radio wave communication) for the control device 30 to communicate wirelessly with each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20, and is, for example, a wireless communication circuit. Specifically, the wireless communication unit 33 performs wireless communication in accordance with communication standards such as BLE.

[0026] The wireless communication unit 33 has multiple antennas (antenna arrays) 331. The wireless communication unit 33 uses the multiple antennas 331 to receive wireless signals (hereinafter also referred to as first wireless signals) transmitted from each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 and measures the received strength of the wireless signals. The received strength of the first wireless signal changes depending on the distance between the control device 30 and the lighting fixtures 20. For example, the closer the distance between the control device 30 and the lighting fixtures 20, the stronger the received strength of the first wireless signal, and the farther the distance between the control device 30 and the lighting fixtures 20, the weaker the received strength of the first wireless signal. The wireless communication unit 33 also transmits wireless signals (hereinafter also referred to as second wireless signals) to the lighting fixtures 20 to control the lighting state of the lighting fixtures 20.

[0027] The information processing unit 34 causes the wireless communication unit 33 to transmit a wireless signal in response to user operations received by the operation reception unit 31. The information processing unit 34 is implemented, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor or dedicated circuit. The functions of the information processing unit 34 are realized by the execution of computer programs (software) stored in the storage unit 35 by the hardware, such as the microcomputer or processor that constitutes the information processing unit 34.

[0028] Furthermore, the information processing unit 34 may correct the received strength of the first radio signal measured by the wireless communication unit 33 depending on the type of controlled device 20. For example, the amount of attenuation of the beacon signal periodically transmitted by the wireless communication unit 21 of the lighting fixture 20 differs depending on the structure and material of the housing of the lighting fixture 20. In other words, the received strength of the first radio signal measured by the wireless communication unit 33 may depend on the type of lighting fixture 20. In such cases, the information processing unit 34 corrects the received strength of the first radio signal measured by the wireless communication unit 33 using the table shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a table that associates the type of lighting fixture 20 with a correction coefficient. The table shown in Figure 3 is stored in, for example, the storage unit 35.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, a correction coefficient is associated with each type of lighting fixture 20. For example, if the information processing unit 34 identifies the type of lighting fixture 20 as "device A", the information processing unit 34 corrects the received strength of the first radio signal measured by the wireless communication unit 33 by multiplying it by "1.1". Information regarding the type of lighting fixture 20 is included in the first radio signal.

[0030] Returning to the explanation in Figure 1, the memory unit 35 is a storage device that stores information necessary for information processing, such as computer programs executed by the information processing unit 34. The memory unit 35 is implemented, for example, by semiconductor memory. The computer programs stored in the memory unit 35 include dedicated application programs (also referred to as dedicated apps) for operating the control device 30 as either a setting terminal or a control terminal.

[0031] [Initial setup operation related to the comparative example] Next, the initial setup operation for the comparative example will be described. The control device 30 can build a mesh network by performing the initial setup operation. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an overview of the initial setup operation. As shown in Figure 4, the initial setup operation includes the detection phase S10, the setup phase S20, and the identification and registration phase S30 in that order. The specific processes performed in each phase will be described below with reference to the sequence diagrams. Figures 5A and 5B are sequence diagrams of the initial setup operation for the comparative example. The initial setup operation shown in Figures 5A and 5B is performed, for example, after multiple lighting fixtures 20 have been installed on the ceiling by the installer. The installer is an example of a user.

[0032] First, let's explain the process performed in the detection phase S10. The operation reception unit 31 of the control device 30 receives a start operation from the user to instruct the start of the initial setup operation (S101). Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the display unit 32 of the control device 30 in step S101 of Figure 5A. As shown in Figure 6, the initial setup screen displays a device registration icon 321 that accepts an instruction from the user to start the initial setup operation. In other words, by selecting the device registration icon 321 on the display screen in Figure 6, the operation reception unit 31 receives a start operation from the user.

[0033] Furthermore, the display screen in Figure 6 also shows a map image 324. The map image 324 is a view from above of an area where multiple lighting fixtures 20 are installed. In the example in Figure 6, the pre-planned installation locations of the lighting fixtures 20 are indicated by icons (hereinafter also referred to as planned installation icons). The planned installation icons are displayed on the map image 324 based on location information entered by the user. In other words, the map image 324 is an image showing the installation locations of multiple lighting fixtures 20. The map image 324 is stored in the storage unit 35 in advance. The strings such as "Temporary L001" shown on the planned installation icons are identification numbers automatically assigned by the information processing unit 34. The same applies to Figures 7, 8A, and 8B thereafter.

[0034] Returning to the explanation in Figure 5A, each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 periodically transmits a beacon signal (sometimes called an advertisement signal, etc.) before joining the mesh network (S102). Upon acceptance of the start operation in step S101, the wireless communication unit 33 of the control device 30 receives the beacon signal (i.e., the first wireless signal). The beacon signal emitted by each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 contains identification information for that lighting fixture 20. The identification information is, for example, a MAC (Media Access Control) address, but it can be any identification information that can uniquely identify the lighting fixture 20.

[0035] The processes described above in steps S101 to S102 are the processes performed in the detection phase S10. Next, we will explain the processes performed in the configuration phase S20. The processes performed in the configuration phase S20 are also called provisioning processes.

[0036] The information processing unit 34 establishes a communication connection between the wireless communication unit 33 and any one of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 that are the source of the beacon signal received in step S102 (S201), and begins individual communication with the lighting fixture 20. The information processing unit 34 causes the wireless communication unit 33 to transmit setting information to the lighting fixture 20 (S202). The lighting fixture 20 receives the setting information and stores it in the storage unit 23 provided in the lighting fixture 20 (S203).

[0037] The configuration information is the information required for the lighting fixture 20 to join the mesh network. The configuration information includes the network ID of the mesh network to which the lighting fixture 20 belongs, and the address information (unicast address) of the lighting fixture 20 used for communication within the mesh network. The configuration information may also include, if necessary, a security passcode (authentication information) used for communication within the mesh network, information regarding the wireless communication frequency channel, and identification information of the control device 30 that performed the initial setup operation. Once the configuration information is stored in the storage unit 23, the lighting fixture 20 can join the mesh network.

[0038] When the lighting fixture 20 has finished storing the setting information, it sends a setting completion notification to the control device 30 (S204). When the information processing unit 34 of the control device 30 receives the setting completion notification by the wireless communication unit 33, it disconnects the communication connection with the lighting fixture 20 that it connected to in step S201 (S205).

[0039] The process from steps S201 to S205 is repeated until all lighting fixtures 20 have joined the mesh network. In other words, the information processing unit 34 of the control device 30 performs configuration processing by establishing a communication connection with each of the lighting fixtures 20 that were able to receive the beacon signal in step S102. Lighting fixtures 20 that have joined the mesh network either stop the periodic transmission of beacon signals that they were performing before joining, or continue the periodic transmission of beacon signals while increasing the transmission interval of the beacon signals.

[0040] The processes described above in steps S201 to S205 constitute the processes performed in the configuration phase S20 (also referred to as the configuration process). Next, we will explain the processes performed in the registration phase S30.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5B, the information processing unit 34 establishes a communication connection between the wireless communication unit 33 and any one of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 that have joined the mesh network (S301). Note that the process in step S301 can be omitted by not terminating (maintaining) the communication connection with the lighting fixture 20 that last transmitted the setting information in the setting phase S20. Furthermore, the process in step S301 can also be omitted when the control device 30 joins the mesh network (the control device 30 itself is a communication node in the mesh network).

[0042] Next, the information processing unit 34 displays icons for the multiple lighting fixtures 20 that have joined the mesh network on the display unit 32 (S302). For example, the information processing unit 34 displays multiple icons 322 corresponding to the multiple lighting fixtures 20 in a horizontal row, as shown in the initial setup screen of Figure 7. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the display unit 32 of the control device 30 in step S302 of Figure 5B.

[0043] Returning to the explanation in Figure 5B, the operation reception unit 31 receives a selection operation from the user for one of the multiple icons 322 (S303). The selection operation is, for example, a tap operation on one of the multiple icons 322 on the display screen in Figure 7. The information processing unit 34 transmits a blinking command via the mesh network to the lighting fixture 20 (hereinafter also referred to as the target lighting fixture 20) corresponding to the selected icon 322 (S304). More specifically, the blinking command is transmitted from the wireless communication unit 33 of the control device 30 to the lighting fixture 20 wirelessly connected in step S301, and then transmitted to the target lighting fixture 20 via the mesh network. The blinking command is also transmitted, for example, after the selection operation on the display screen in Figure 7, triggered by the reception of a tap operation on the blinking icon 323. Note that in step S304, the blinking command that the information processing unit 34 has the wireless communication unit 33 transmit corresponds to the second wireless signal.

[0044] The flashing command is a signal to selectively flash the target lighting fixture 20. When the target lighting fixture 20 receives the flashing command, it flashes (S305). This allows the user to identify the target lighting fixture 20. Note that the flashing of the target lighting fixture 20 in step S305 corresponds to a change in the control state of the controlled device 20.

[0045] The user visually confirms the actual installation location of the flashing light fixture 20 (S306) and specifies the installation location of the flashing light fixture 20 on the map image 324 (for example, one installation icon from among multiple installation icons). The operation reception unit 31 receives the user's operation to specify the installation location of the light fixture 20 in the map image 324 (S307). Figure 8A shows an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the display unit 32 of the control device 30 before step S307 of Figure 5B is executed, and Figure 8B shows an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the display unit 32 of the control device 30 when step S307 of Figure 5B is executed.

[0046] In the display screen shown in Figure 8A, if the lighting fixture 20 that the user has visually confirmed (in the example of Figure 8A, the lighting fixture 20 corresponding to the icon 322 displayed in inverted black and white) is installed at the location of the planned installation icon with identification number "Temporary L003", for example, the user taps the planned installation icon with identification number "Temporary L003" to select it. When the operation reception unit 31 receives the tap operation from the user, the information processing unit 34 displays a display screen on the display unit 32 as shown in Figure 8B. Specifically, the information processing unit 34 displays a display screen on the display unit 32 showing a selection icon 325 near the planned installation icon. Then, when the user taps the selection icon 325 to select it, the operation reception unit 31 receives the operation to specify the installation location of the lighting fixture 20 in step S307.

[0047] Returning to the explanation in Figure 5B, upon receiving the specified operation in step S307, the information processing unit 34 associates the identification information indicated by the icon 322 selected in step S303 with the installation position (coordinates) specified in step S307 and stores (registers) it in the storage unit 35 (S308). The information processing unit 34 also removes the display of the icon 322 for which the association has been completed (S309). In other words, the number of icons 322 displayed in step S302 decreases by one.

[0048] The process from steps S303 to S309 is repeated until all icons 322 (identification information) displayed in step S302 are associated with their installation locations. As a result, the storage unit 35 stores the identification information of multiple lighting fixtures 20 and correspondence information indicating the relationship between their installation locations. In other words, multiple lighting fixtures 20 are registered with the control device 30.

[0049] The processes described above in steps S301 to S309 are the processes performed in the identification and registration phase S30.

[0050] Furthermore, in the initial setup operation described above, the setup phase S20 and the identification and registration phase S30 may be swapped. In other words, steps S301 to S309 may be executed first, followed by steps S201 to S205. In such a case, during the identification and registration phase S30, the control device 30 receives beacon signals emitted by multiple lighting fixtures 20 in advance and communicates individually with any one of the multiple lighting fixtures 20.

[0051] As explained above, the control device 30 can bring multiple lighting fixtures 20 into the mesh network by performing an initial setup operation. In other words, the control device 30 can build a mesh network.

[0052] [Initial setup operation according to the embodiment] As explained in step S306 above, the user visually checks the actual installation location of the lighting fixture 20 against its location on the map image 324. In such cases, if there are hundreds or thousands of lighting fixtures 20 installed in a large space, the user may not be able to determine the exact installation location of a flashing lighting fixture 20 because it is far away from them.

[0053] To address these challenges, when displaying multiple icons 322 corresponding to multiple lighting fixtures 20 on the display unit 32, a configuration can be considered in which the information processing unit 34 displays the estimated positions of the lighting fixtures 20 on the map image 324 displayed on the display unit 32 (i.e., the initial setup screen).

[0054] More specifically, the control device 30 identifies the estimated location of the lighting fixture 20 that is the source of the first wireless signal, based on the first wireless signal received from the multiple lighting fixtures 20, and displays an icon 322 corresponding to the lighting fixture 20 on the map image 324 according to the estimated location of the lighting fixture 20. Once the approximate estimated locations of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 are displayed on the map image 324, the user can prioritize flashing the lighting fixture 20 that is considered to be nearby and whose exact installation location is easy to determine. Figure 9 is a sequence diagram of the initial setup operation according to this embodiment.

[0055] The processing in steps S101 to S102, steps S201 to S205, and step S301 is as described above. After step S301, the information processing unit 34 displays a notification screen on the display unit 32 to specify to the user how to hold the control device 30 (S311). Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the notification screen displayed on the display unit 32 of the control device 30 in step S311 of Figure 9.

[0056] As shown in Figure 10, the information processing unit 34 may display a notification screen 326 as a pop-up (overlaid display) for the user to specify how to hold the control device 30.

[0057] Returning to the explanation in Figure 9, the information processing unit 34 determines the position and direction of the control device 30 (S312). For example, the information processing unit 34 may determine the position and direction of the control device 30 based on input from the user, or it may determine the position and direction of the control device 30 based on measurements taken by the control device 30 itself. The measurements taken by the control device 30 itself may be achieved, for example, by using GPS (Global Positioning System), or by using radio waves (third radio signal) from another device installed in the building where the multiple lighting fixtures 20 are installed. The third radio signal may include position information of the other device, etc.

[0058] The wireless communication unit 33 of the control device 30 measures the received strength of the beacon signal (i.e., the first wireless signal) received in step S102 (S313), and the information processing unit 34 estimates (in other words, identifies) the distance between the control device 30 and the lighting fixture 20 based on the received strength of the first wireless signal measured by the wireless communication unit 33 (S314).

[0059] Furthermore, the information processing unit 34 calculates the time difference when multiple antennas 331 of the wireless communication unit 33 receive the first radio signal transmitted from one lighting fixture 20 (S315). For example, the information processing unit 34 calculates the difference in timing (time difference) when multiple antennas 331 receive the first radio signal according to the AoA (Angle of Arrival) method. Based on the time difference calculated in step S315, the information processing unit 34 estimates (in other words, identifies) the direction of arrival of the first radio signal and estimates (in other words, identifies) the installation direction of the lighting fixture 20 (S316).

[0060] Furthermore, the information processing unit 34 determines the estimated position of the lighting fixture 20 based on the position and direction of the control device 30 identified in step S312, and the distance between the control device 30 and the lighting fixture 20 and the installation direction of the lighting fixture 20 estimated in steps S314 and S316 (S317). Then, the information processing unit 34 displays an icon 322 corresponding to the lighting fixture 20, which is the source of the first radio signal received by the wireless communication unit 33, on the map image 324 (initial setting screen) according to the estimated position of the lighting fixture 20 identified in step S317 (S318). Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the initial setting screen displayed on the display unit 32 of the control device 30 in step S318 of Figure 9.

[0061] As shown in Figure 11, the information processing unit 34 displays multiple icons 322 on the map image 324, corresponding to multiple lighting fixtures 20 that are the sources of the first radio signal received by the wireless communication unit 33. Each of the multiple icons 322 is displayed at a location corresponding to the position of the lighting fixture 20 estimated by the information processing unit 34.

[0062] Furthermore, the current location display icon 327 shown on the map image 324 is an icon indicating the location and direction of the control device 30 identified in step S312 of Figure 9.

[0063] Furthermore, an example of an initial setup screen displayed when the control device 30 receives an operation to specify the installation position of the lighting fixture 20 in the initial setup operation according to the embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 12. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of an initial setup screen displayed on the display unit 32 when an operation to specify the installation position of the lighting fixture 20 is received. Note that Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of an initial setup screen after the user has specified the installation position of the lighting fixture 20.

[0064] As shown in Figure 12, the information processing unit 34 displays a screen on the display unit 32 in which a selection icon 325 is shown near the icon 322 selected by the user. When the user taps the selection icon 325 to select it, the operation reception unit 31 accepts the operation to specify the installation position of the lighting fixture 20 in step S307.

[0065] Note that the installation icon does not need to be displayed in the initial setup screens shown in Figures 11 and 12.

[0066] The processes described above in steps S301, S311-S318, and S303-S309 are the processes performed in the identification and registration phase S30 of the initial setup operation according to this embodiment.

[0067] In this way, the information processing unit 34 displays multiple icons 322 corresponding to the lighting fixture 20 that is the source of the first wireless signal received by the wireless communication unit 33 on the map image 324 displayed on the display unit 32, according to the estimated location of the lighting fixture 20. This makes it easier for the user to predict the installation location of the target lighting fixture 20 by visually inspecting the target lighting fixture 20, thereby shortening the setup time.

[0068] Furthermore, in step S311, the control device 30 can reduce the influence of how the control device 30 is held by displaying a notification screen 326 on the display unit 32 for the user to specify how to hold the control device 30. As a result, the control device 30 can more accurately estimate the direction of the control device 30 itself and the installation direction of the lighting fixture 20.

[0069] [Specifying the installation location of lighting fixtures] The control device 30 may accept an operation to modify the position of the icon 322 displayed on the map image 324 when specifying the installation location of the lighting fixture 20. Figure 13A shows a first modified example of the initial setup screen displayed on the display unit 32 when an operation to specify the installation location of the lighting fixture 20 is accepted. Figure 13B shows a second modified example of the initial setup screen displayed on the display unit 32 when an operation to specify the installation location of the lighting fixture 20 is accepted.

[0070] Figure 13A shows an example of an initial setup screen that appears when the position of one icon 322 displayed on the map image 324 is corrected so that it overlaps with the installation location icon whose identification number is "Temporary L003". For example, if the lighting fixture 20 that the user has visually confirmed is installed at the location of the installation location icon whose identification number is "Temporary L003", the user corrects the position of one icon 322 by dragging it so that it overlaps with the installation location icon whose identification number is "Temporary L003". When the operation reception unit 31 receives the operation from the user to specify the installation location of the lighting fixture 20, the information processing unit 34 displays a selection icon 325 on the display unit 32 near the icon 322. Then, when the user taps the selection icon 325 to select it, the operation reception unit 31 accepts the operation to specify the installation location of the lighting fixture 20.

[0071] Figure 13B is an example of an initial setup screen that appears when the position of one icon 322 displayed on the map image 324 is corrected so that it does not overlap with the installation location icon whose identification number is "Temporary L003". For example, the user corrects the position of one icon 322 by dragging it to a position where it does not overlap with the installation location icon whose identification number is "Temporary L003". When the operation reception unit 31 receives an operation from the user to specify the installation location of the lighting fixture 20, the information processing unit 34 displays a selection icon 325 on the display unit 32 near the icon 322. Then, when the user taps the selection icon 325 to select it, the operation reception unit 31 accepts the operation to specify the installation location of the lighting fixture 20.

[0072] Furthermore, the information processing unit 34 may correct the estimated position of the lighting fixture 20 identified in the initial setup operation described above, based on the history of operations specifying the installation position of the lighting fixture 20, including operations to correct the position of the icon 322. For example, if the position corrected by the user is farther than the position estimated by the information processing unit 34, the information processing unit 34 may add a distance correction value corresponding to the difference to the distance estimated in step S314 of Figure 9 to estimate the distance between the control device 30 and the lighting fixture 20. Also, if the position corrected by the user is directionally different from the position estimated by the information processing unit 34, the information processing unit 34 may add an angle correction value corresponding to the difference to the installation direction estimated in step S316 of Figure 9 (i.e., the angle when viewing the lighting fixture 20 from the control device 30) to estimate the installation direction of the lighting fixture 20.

[0073] [Variations in the display of multiple icons] When the information processing unit 34 displays a plurality of icons 322 on the map image 324 in step S318 of Figure 9, it may also display information about the devices along with the plurality of icons 322. Figure 14 shows a modified example of the display of a plurality of icons 322 displayed on the map image 324.

[0074] As shown in Figure 14, for example, the information processing unit 34 may display the words "Dimming" shown above the icon 322 and the string "L001" shown below the icon 322 as information about the device. The words "Dimming" shown above the icon 322 indicate the type of device of the lighting fixture 20 (controlled device 20). The string "L001" shown below the icon 322 is the identification number of the lighting fixture 20, and is a display identification number automatically assigned by the control device 30 for each piece of identification information of the lighting fixture 20.

[0075] [Updated estimated location of lighting fixtures] The control device 30 may update the positions of the multiple icons 322 displayed on the map image 324 in real time by continuously receiving the first wireless signal. Whether or not the control device 30 updates the positions of the multiple icons 322 in real time may be set by the user as appropriate.

[0076] For example, the information processing unit 34 may update the estimated position of the lighting fixture 20 in real time each time the first wireless signal is received by the wireless communication unit 33, and change the position of the icon 322 displayed on the map image 324. Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation by which the information processing unit 34 updates the estimated position of the lighting fixture 20 and displays it on the map image 324.

[0077] First, the information processing unit 34 determines whether or not a first radio signal has been newly received by the wireless communication unit 33 (S401). If the wireless communication unit 33 has newly received a first radio signal, it may measure the received strength of the first radio signal without waiting for the determination process in step S401 by the information processing unit 34.

[0078] If the information processing unit 34 determines that a first radio signal has been newly received (Yes in S401), it calculates the time difference when the first radio signal was received by the multiple antennas 331 of the wireless communication unit 33 (S402), and estimates the installation direction of the lighting fixture 20 based on the calculated time difference (S403). The information processing unit 34 also estimates the distance between the control device 30 and the lighting fixture 20 based on the received signal strength of the first radio signal measured by the wireless communication unit 33 (S404). The information processing unit 34 updates the estimated position of the lighting fixture 20 based on the position and direction of the control device 30 identified in step S312 in Figure 9A, and the installation direction of the lighting fixture 20 and the distance between the control device 30 and the lighting fixture 20 estimated in steps S403 and S404 (S405). The information processing unit 34 displays an icon 322 corresponding to the lighting fixture 20, which is the source of the first radio signal newly received by the wireless communication unit 33, on the map image 324 (initial setting screen) according to the estimated position of the lighting fixture 20 updated in step S405 (S406).

[0079] On the other hand, if the information processing unit 34 determines that no new first radio signal has been received (No in S401), it does not update the estimated position of the lighting fixture 20 (S407). In other words, the information processing unit 34 does not change the position of the icon 322 displayed on the map image 324 (initial settings screen).

[0080] In this way, the control device 30 updates the estimated position of the lighting fixture 20 and displays the updated map image 324 with the positions of multiple icons 322 on the display unit 32, for example, when the user operating the control device 30 moves. This allows the control device 30 to provide the user with the latest information.

[0081] [Updated the display of multiple icons] The control device 30 may update the display patterns of the multiple icons 322 displayed on the map image 324 in accordance with the update of the estimated position of the lighting fixture 20 as described above. Whether or not the control device 30 updates the display patterns of the multiple icons 322 in real time may be set as appropriate by the user.

[0082] Specifically, the information processing unit 34 may either delete the icon 322 corresponding to the lighting fixture 20, which is the source of the first wireless signal that can no longer be received, from the initial setup screen, or it may display it on the initial setup screen in the same way it was displayed before the first wireless signal could no longer be received.

[0083] Furthermore, the information processing unit 34 may or may not display an icon 322 corresponding to the lighting fixture 20, which is the source of the newly received first wireless signal, on the initial setup screen. When the information processing unit 34 displays a new icon 322 on the initial setup screen, the information processing unit 34 may change the display manner of the multiple icons 322 so that it can identify the timing at which each icon 322 was displayed on the initial setup screen. For example, as shown in Figure 16, the information processing unit 34 may display the second icon 322b, which was displayed on the initial setup screen at a more recent timing, with a solid line (for example, a darker color), and the first icon 322a, which was displayed on the initial setup screen at an older timing, with a dashed line (for example, a lighter color). Figure 16 is a diagram showing an example in which the display manner of multiple icons 322 is changed.

[0084] [Example of initial setup screen] In step S318 of Figure 9A, the display process of the icon 322 is shown in an example in which the information processing unit 34 displays multiple icons 322 corresponding to the lighting fixture 20, which is the source of the received first radio signal, on the map image 324. However, the information processing unit 34 may display only some of the multiple icons 322 on the map image 324. Figure 17 is a flowchart showing an example of operation 1 for the information processing unit 34 to display some of the multiple icons 322 on the map image 324.

[0085] First, the information processing unit 34 determines whether the received strength of the first radio signal measured by the wireless communication unit 33 is above a predetermined threshold (S501).

[0086] If the information processing unit 34 determines that the measured received strength of the first radio signal is above a predetermined threshold (Yes in S501), it displays an icon 322 corresponding to the lighting fixture 20 that is the source of the first radio signal on the map image 324 (S502). On the other hand, if the measured received strength of the first radio signal is below a predetermined threshold (No in S501), the information processing unit 34 does not display an icon 322 corresponding to the lighting fixture 20 that is the source of the first radio signal on the map image 324 (S503).

[0087] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing an example of operation 2 for the information processing unit 34 to display some of the icons 322 out of a plurality of icons 322 on the map image 324.

[0088] First, the information processing unit 34 determines whether the wireless communication unit 33 has received a first wireless signal from more than a predetermined number of lighting fixtures 20 (S601).

[0089] If the information processing unit 34 determines that the wireless communication unit 33 has received the first radio signal from more than a predetermined number of lighting fixtures 20 (Yes in S601), it selects icons 322 corresponding to the lighting fixtures 20 up to a predetermined number, in descending order of the received signal strength of the first radio signal measured by the wireless communication unit 33, and displays them on the map image 324 (S602). On the other hand, if the information processing unit 34 determines that the wireless communication unit 33 has not received the first radio signal from more than a predetermined number of lighting fixtures 20 (No in S601), it displays all icons 322 corresponding to the lighting fixtures 20 that are the sources of the received first radio signal on the map image 324 (S603).

[0090] Figure 19 shows an example of the initial setup screen when some of the multiple icons 322 are displayed on the map image 324. For the explanation of Figure 19, Figure 11 will also be used for comparison.

[0091] Unlike the initial setup screen shown in Figure 11, in the initial setup screen shown in Figure 19, two icons 322 located far from the current location display icon 327 (in other words, two icons 322 displayed near the installation target icons with identification numbers "L009" and "L010") are not displayed on the map image 324. In this way, the information processing unit 34 displays icons 322 that meet predetermined conditions on the map image 324, so the user only needs to focus on the controlled equipment 20 installed nearby when visually confirming the target controlled equipment 20, thereby shortening the setup time.

[0092] [Regarding the estimation of the distance between control equipment and lighting fixtures] In the initial setup operation according to the embodiment described above, the distance between the control device 30 and the lighting fixture 20 estimated in step S406 of Figure 15 can be estimated using, for example, the following two methods. Specifically, in step S405, the information processing unit 34 may calculate the straight-line distance between the control device 30 and the lighting fixture 20 (hereinafter also referred to as the first distance), or it may calculate the horizontal distance between the lighting fixture 20 and the control device 30 (hereinafter also referred to as the second distance).

[0093] First, an example will be described in which the information processing unit 34 calculates the straight-line distance (first distance) between the lighting fixture 20 and the control device 30. The information processing unit 34 calculates the first distance based on the received strength of the first radio signal measured by the wireless communication unit 33. Alternatively, the information processing unit 34 may calculate the first distance based on the corrected received strength of the first radio signal.

[0094] Next, an example of how the information processing unit 34 calculates the horizontal distance (second distance) between the lighting fixture 20 and the control device 30 will be explained. In order to calculate the second distance, the information processing unit 34 calculates, in addition to the first distance, the distance between the control device 30 and the floor (hereinafter also referred to as the third distance) and the distance between the control device 30 and the ceiling (hereinafter also referred to as the fourth distance).

[0095] The information processing unit 34 may, for example, assume that the control device 30 is operated at a height of 0 cm to 200 cm, and may set the median value of 100 cm (initial value) as the third distance. Alternatively, the information processing unit 34 may set a value entered by the user as the third distance. Furthermore, if the control device 30 has a function to calculate the distance between the control device 30 and the floor, the information processing unit 34 may set the value calculated by that function as the third distance.

[0096] Furthermore, if the information processing unit 34 assumes that the ceiling on which the lighting fixture 20 is installed is of a predetermined height, it may set the distance from the floor to the ceiling to a specific value (initial value). For example, if the information processing unit 34 assumes that the distance from the floor to the ceiling is between 200 cm and 300 cm, it may set the median value of 250 cm to the initial value. Alternatively, it may set the value entered by the user into the control device 30 to be the distance from the floor to the ceiling. The information processing unit 34 may then calculate the fourth distance by subtracting the third distance calculated above from the initial value or the entered value. If the control device 30 has a function to calculate the distance between the control device 30 and the ceiling, the information processing unit 34 may set the value calculated by that function to be the fourth distance.

[0097] As described above, the information processing unit 34 uses the calculated first distance and fourth distance to estimate the horizontal distance (second distance) between the lighting fixture 20 and the control device 30.

[0098] [Other variations] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the multiple controlled devices 20 were multiple lighting fixtures 20, but they do not have to be multiple lighting fixtures 20. The multiple controlled devices 20 may be multiple lighting fixtures 20 and multiple other devices, or they may be multiple other devices alone.

[0099] Other devices mentioned above include a remote lighting controller, a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) dimmer, a scheduler, and an AC (Alternating Current) relay, which are operated by the user to control the lighting fixture 20.

[0100] A PWM dimmer is a device that can dim the lighting fixture 20 attached to the PWM dimmer. A scheduler is a device that turns the lighting fixture 20 on, off, or dims it according to a pre-set schedule.

[0101] AC relays include the following two types: first AC relay and second AC relay. The first AC relay is a device that is mounted on a wiring duct and can turn on and off a single device mounted on the wiring duct by switching the AC power to that device on and off. The second AC relay is a device that is mounted at the base of a wiring duct and can turn on and off all devices mounted on the wiring duct by switching the AC power supply to the wiring duct on and off. Alternatively, an AC relay may be a wireless control switch or the like that does not utilize a wiring duct.

[0102] Furthermore, the other devices mentioned above may include devices not directly related to lighting, such as air conditioners, ventilation systems, cameras, speakers, motion sensors, or environmental sensors. Environmental sensors include temperature sensors, humidity sensors, carbon dioxide concentration sensors, and PM (Particle Matter) sensors.

[0103] [Effects, etc.] The above describes examples of inventions that can be obtained from the disclosures in this specification, and explains the effects and other benefits that can be obtained from such inventions.

[0104] Invention 1 is a control device 30 that registers the identification information of a plurality of controlled devices 20 and the installation locations of the plurality of controlled devices 20 in association with each of the plurality of controlled devices 20, comprising a wireless communication unit 33 that communicates with each of the plurality of controlled devices 20 and receives a first wireless signal transmitted from each of the plurality of controlled devices 20, a display unit 32, and an information processing unit 34, wherein the information processing unit 34 identifies the position and direction of the control device 30, estimates the distance between the control device 30 and the controlled devices 20 and the installation direction of the controlled devices 20 based on the received first wireless signal, and controls the controlled devices based on the identified position and direction of the control device 30 and the estimated distance between the control device 30 and the controlled devices 20 and the installation direction of the controlled devices 20 The control device 30 identifies the estimated direction of the control device 20, displays multiple icons 322 corresponding to multiple controlled devices 20 that are the source of the received first radio signal on a map image 324 displayed on the display unit 32 according to the estimated position of the identified controlled device 20, transmits a second radio signal via the wireless communication unit 33 to the controlled device 20 corresponding to the icon 322 selected by the user from among the multiple icons 322 to change the control state of the controlled device 20, and registers the identification information of the controlled device 20 and the installation position of the controlled device 20 in association with each other in the storage unit 35 based on the user's operation to register the installation position of the controlled device 20 whose control state has been changed.

[0105] Such a control device 30 displays multiple icons 322 corresponding to multiple controlled devices 20 on a map image 324 according to the estimated location of the identified controlled device 20. This makes it easier for the user to predict the installation location of the target controlled device 20 during visual inspection, thereby reducing the time required for setup. As a result, the control device 30 can improve the efficiency of mapping the controlled devices 20.

[0106] Invention 2 is a control device 30 of Invention 1, wherein the wireless communication unit 33 receives a third wireless signal transmitted from a device different from the plurality of controlled devices 20, and the information processing unit 34 determines the position and direction of the control device 30 based on the received third wireless signal.

[0107] Such a control device 30 can determine its position and orientation based on a third radio signal transmitted from a device different from the multiple controlled devices 20, and thereby determine the estimated position of the controlled devices 20.

[0108] Invention 3 is a control device 30 of Invention 1 or Invention 2 in which the information processing unit 34 corrects the received strength of the measured first radio signal according to the type of controlled device 20.

[0109] Such a control device 30 corrects the received strength of the first radio signal measured according to the type of controlled device 20, so that the estimated position of the controlled device 20 can be determined using the received strength of the first radio signal with higher accuracy.

[0110] Invention 4 is a control device 30 of any of Inventions 1 to 3, wherein the information processing unit 34 displays an icon 322 corresponding to a controlled device 20 whose measured received strength of the first radio signal is above a predetermined threshold, and does not display an icon 322 corresponding to a controlled device 20 whose measured received strength of the first radio signal is below a predetermined threshold.

[0111] Since this control device 30 displays only icons 322 corresponding to controlled devices 20 that are estimated to be installed within a certain distance from the control device 30, the user only needs to focus on the controlled devices 20 installed nearby when visually confirming the target controlled devices 20, thereby reducing the time required for setup. As a result, the control device 30 can further improve the efficiency of mapping the controlled devices 20.

[0112] Invention 5 is a control device 30 in which the information processing unit 34 displays on the display unit 32 icons 322 that correspond to a predetermined number of controlled devices 20, in descending order of the measured received strength of the first wireless signal from among a plurality of icons 322.

[0113] Such a control device 30 displays a predetermined number of icons 322 corresponding to the controlled devices 20 that are presumed to be installed near the control device 30. Therefore, when visually confirming the target controlled device 20, the user only needs to focus on the controlled devices 20 installed nearby, thus shortening the setup time. As a result, the control device 30 can further improve the efficiency of the mapping work for the controlled devices 20.

[0114] Invention 6 is a communication system 10 comprising a control device 30 from any of Inventions 1 to 5 and a plurality of controlled devices 20.

[0115] Such a communication system 10 provides the same effects as the control device 30 described above.

[0116] Invention 7 is a control method performed by a control device 30 equipped with a display unit 32, wherein the control device 30 communicates with each of a plurality of controlled devices 20, measures the received strength of a first radio signal transmitted from each of the plurality of controlled devices 20, and the control method includes the steps of: identifying the position and direction of the control device 30 (S312); estimating the distance between the control device 30 and the controlled device 20 and the installation direction of the controlled device 20 based on the received first radio signal (S314 and S316); identifying the estimated position of the controlled device 20 based on the identified position and direction of the control device 30, the estimated distance between the control device 30 and the controlled device 20 and the installation direction of the controlled device 20 (S317); and receiving The control method includes the steps of: displaying a plurality of icons 322 corresponding to a plurality of controlled devices 20 that are the source of the first wireless signal on a map image 324 displayed on the display unit 32 according to the estimated location of the identified controlled device 20 (S318); transmitting a second wireless signal to a controlled device 20 corresponding to an icon 322 selected by the user from among the plurality of icons 322 to change the control state of the controlled device 20 (S303-S304); and registering the identification information of the controlled device 20 and the installation location of the controlled device 20 in association with each other in the storage unit 35 based on an operation by the user to register the installation location of the controlled device 20 whose control state has been changed (S307-S308).

[0117] This control method displays information regarding the received strength of the first wireless signal for each of the multiple icons 322 corresponding to the multiple controlled devices 20. As a result, the user can more easily predict the installation location of the target controlled device 20 by visually inspecting the device, thereby reducing the time required for setup. This allows the control method to improve the efficiency of mapping the controlled devices 20.

[0118] Invention 8 is a program for causing a computer to execute the control method of Invention 7.

[0119] Such a program produces the same effects as the control method described above.

[0120] (modified version) Although control devices, etc., relating to one or more embodiments have been described above based on the above embodiments, this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. Without departing from the spirit of this disclosure, various modifications that a person skilled in the art can conceive of may be applied to the above embodiments, and forms constructed by combining components from different embodiments may also be included within the scope of one or more embodiments.

[0121] For example, in the above embodiment, a process executed by one processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. Furthermore, the order of multiple processes may be changed, or multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

[0122] Furthermore, the communication method between devices in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. In addition, relay devices (not shown) may be involved in the communication between devices.

[0123] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each component may be implemented by being composed of dedicated hardware or by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program stored on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0124] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the control device according to the above embodiment may be realized by a processor such as a CPU executing a program.

[0125] Some or all of the components constituting each of the above devices may consist of detachable IC cards or standalone modules attached to each device. The IC card or module is a computer system composed of a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. The IC card or module may include a highly functional LSI. The microprocessor operates according to a computer program, thereby enabling the IC card or module to achieve its function. The IC card or module may also be tamper-resistant.

[0126] Furthermore, the general or specific embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. They may also be implemented in any combination of systems, apparatus, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, and recording media.

[0127] For example, the present invention may be implemented as a communication system or information terminal as described in the above embodiment, or as a setting method executed by an information terminal. The present invention may be implemented as a program for causing an information terminal (computer) to execute such a setting method, or as a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium on which such a program is recorded. In other words, the program is a computer program product. Such a program includes an application program for causing a computer, such as a general-purpose information terminal, to function as an information terminal as described in the above embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 10 Communication Systems 20 Lighting equipment (controlled equipment) 30 Control equipment 32 Display section 322 icons 324 Map Images 326 Notification screen 33 Wireless Communication Section 331 Antenna 34 Information Processing Section

Claims

1. A control device that registers the identification information of multiple controlled devices and the installation locations of the multiple controlled devices in association, A wireless communication unit that communicates with each of the plurality of controlled devices and receives a first wireless signal transmitted from each of the plurality of controlled devices, Display unit and It is equipped with an information processing unit, The aforementioned information processing unit, The position and orientation of the control device are determined, Based on the received first wireless signal, the distance between the control device and the controlled device and the installation direction of the controlled device are estimated. Based on the identified position and direction of the control device, the estimated distance between the control device and the controlled device, and the installation direction of the controlled device, the estimated position of the controlled device is determined. Multiple icons corresponding to the multiple controlled devices that are the source of the received first wireless signal are displayed on the map image displayed on the display unit according to the estimated location of the identified controlled device. A second wireless signal is transmitted via the wireless communication unit to the controlled device corresponding to the icon selected by the user from among the plurality of icons, thereby changing the control state of the controlled device. Based on the user's operation to register the installation location of the controlled device whose control state has been changed, the identification information of the controlled device and the installation location of the controlled device are registered in the storage unit in association with each other. Control equipment.

2. The wireless communication unit receives a third wireless signal transmitted from a device different from the plurality of controlled devices. The information processing unit determines the position and direction of the control device based on the received third wireless signal. The control device according to claim 1.

3. The wireless communication unit measures the received strength of the first wireless signal, The information processing unit estimates the distance between the control device and the controlled device based on the measured received strength of the first wireless signal. The control device according to claim 1.

4. The information processing unit corrects the received strength of the first wireless signal measured according to the type of controlled device. The control device according to claim 3.

5. The wireless communication unit has multiple antennas, The information processing unit estimates the installation direction of the controlled device by calculating the time difference when the first wireless signal is received by the multiple antennas. The control device according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned information processing unit, Each time the wireless communication unit receives the first wireless signal, it estimates the distance between the control device and the controlled device and the installation direction of the controlled device based on the newly received first wireless signal. Based on the newly estimated distance and installation direction, the estimated position of the controlled device is updated and displayed on the map image shown on the display unit. The control device according to claim 1.

7. Before determining the position and orientation of the control device, the information processing unit displays a notification screen on the display unit to instruct the user on how to hold the control device. The control device according to claim 1.

8. The wireless communication unit measures the received strength of the first wireless signal, The information processing unit displays on the map image icons corresponding to the controlled devices whose measured received strength of the first wireless signal is above a predetermined threshold, and does not display on the map image icons corresponding to the controlled devices whose measured received strength of the first wireless signal is below the predetermined threshold. The control device according to claim 1.

9. The wireless communication unit measures the received strength of the first wireless signal, The information processing unit displays a predetermined number of icons on the map image, in order from the icons with the highest measured received strength of the first wireless signal. The control device according to claim 1.

10. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The system comprises the aforementioned plurality of controlled devices, Communication system.

11. A control method performed by a control device that includes a display unit and registers the identification information of a plurality of controlled devices in association with the installation locations of the plurality of controlled devices, The aforementioned control device is Communicating with each of the multiple controlled devices, Receiving a first radio signal transmitted from each of the aforementioned plurality of controlled devices, The control method described above is The steps include determining the position and orientation of the control device, A step of estimating the distance between the control device and the controlled device and the installation direction of the controlled device based on the received first wireless signal, A step of determining the estimated position of the controlled device based on the identified position and direction of the control device, the estimated distance between the control device and the controlled device, and the installation direction of the controlled device. The steps include displaying a plurality of icons corresponding to the plurality of controlled devices that are the source of the received first radio signal on a map image displayed on the display unit, according to the estimated location of the identified controlled device, The steps include transmitting a second wireless signal to a controlled device corresponding to the icon selected by the user from among the plurality of icons, thereby changing the control state of the controlled device, The process includes the step of registering the identification information of the controlled device and the installation location of the controlled device in association with each other in a storage unit, based on the user's operation to register the installation location of the controlled device whose control state has been changed. Control method.

12. A program for causing the control device to execute the control method described in claim 11.

Images