Control terminal, communication system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides a control terminal or the like that allows users to more easily change the display format of information related to the wireless lighting network. [Solution] A control terminal 30 for controlling multiple lighting devices 20 constituting a wireless lighting network includes: a setting unit 322 that stores control identification information for identifying a control group for each of the multiple lighting devices 20; a storage unit 33 that stores a first database 51 showing the correspondence between the control identification information and display identification information for identifying a display group; a display control unit 323 that displays information related to the wireless lighting network on a display unit 35 based on the display identification information stored in the storage unit 33 and changes the display identification information based on user input; and a device control unit 324 that controls each of the multiple lighting devices 20 based on the control identification information stored in the storage unit 33.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control terminal, a communication system, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of dividing a plurality of controlled devices into several groups and controlling each group.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a control terminal, a communication system, an information processing method, and a program that enable a user to more easily change the display mode of information related to a wireless lighting network.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect of the control terminal according to the present disclosure is a control terminal for controlling a plurality of lighting devices constituting a wireless lighting network, the control terminal including: a setting unit configured to store control identification information for identifying a control group in each of the plurality of lighting devices; a storage unit configured to store a first database indicating a correspondence relationship between the control identification information and display identification information for identifying a display group; a display control unit configured to display information related to the wireless lighting network on a display unit based on the display identification information stored in the storage unit and change the display identification information based on an input of a user; and a device control unit configured to control each of the plurality of lighting devices based on the control identification information stored in the storage unit.

[0006] Furthermore, one embodiment of the communication system relating to this disclosure comprises a plurality of lighting devices having wireless communication functions and the control terminal described above.

[0007] Furthermore, one aspect of the information processing method relating to this disclosure is an information processing method performed by a control terminal for controlling a plurality of lighting devices constituting a wireless lighting network, comprising: a setting step of causing each of the plurality of lighting devices to store control identification information for identifying a control group; a display step of displaying information relating to the wireless lighting network on a display unit based on display identification information associated with the control identification information; a display control step of changing the display identification information based on user input; and a device control step of controlling each of the plurality of lighting devices based on the control identification information.

[0008] Furthermore, this disclosure can be implemented not only as the above-mentioned information processing method, but also as a program that causes a computer to execute the above-mentioned information processing method. Moreover, it can also be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium that stores the program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The control terminal, communication system, information processing method, and program described herein enable users to more easily change the manner in which information regarding a wireless lighting network is displayed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a network diagram of the communication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A shows an example of the first database according to the embodiment. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B shows an example of a second database according to the embodiment. [Figure 4]Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the display screen shown on the control terminal's display unit during basic operation. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows another example of the display screen shown on the control terminal's display unit during basic operation. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a display screen shown on the control terminal's display unit during an operation to change the control settings of a lighting device. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows another example of the display screen shown on the control terminal's display unit during an operation to change the control content of a lighting device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, embodiments of the control terminal, communication system, information processing method, and program relating to this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all preferred specific examples of this disclosure. The numerical values, components, arrangement and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Furthermore, components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as any component constituting a preferred configuration.

[0012] Please note that each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0013] Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc., in this disclosure do not mean the number or order of components, etc., but are used for the purpose of avoiding confusion and distinguishing similar components, etc.

[0014] [composition] First, the configuration of the communication system according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the communication system 10 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 10 includes a plurality of lighting devices 20 and a control terminal 30.

[0015] In the communication system 10, each of the plurality of lighting devices 20 has a wireless communication function, and when the initial setting operation using the control terminal 30 is completed, the plurality of lighting devices 20 constitute a wireless mesh network (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the mesh network 40). The wireless mesh network is an example of a wireless lighting network.

[0016] The plurality of lighting devices 20 transmit and receive information to and from each other to transmit information within the mesh network 40. FIG. 2 is a network diagram of the communication system 10 according to the embodiment.

[0017] The circles in FIG. 2 correspond to one lighting device 20 (in other words, a communication node). In the mesh network 40, when transmitting information from a certain communication node (also referred to as the first communication node) to another communication node (also referred to as the second communication node), the information is transmitted, for example, by a routing method, but may also be transmitted by other methods such as a flooding method.

[0018] For example, in the routing method, a communication path that can distribute information to communication nodes belonging to the mesh network 40 in advance is set in the mesh network 40. When the first communication node unicast-transmits information including the address information (destination information) of the second communication node based on the set communication path, other communication nodes belonging to the same mesh network 40 as the first communication node that received this information further unicast-transmit the received information based on the set communication path. That is, other communication nodes relay the information. By repeating such information relay within the same mesh network 40, the second communication node can receive the information transmitted by the first communication node.

[0019] Also, for example, in the flooding method, the first communication node broadcasts and transmits information including the address information (destination information) of the second communication node, and each of the other communication nodes belonging to the same mesh network 40 as the first communication node that received this information relays the received information and further broadcasts and transmits it. By repeating such information relay within the same mesh network 40, the above-mentioned information transmitted by the first communication node is distributed to all communication nodes belonging to the same mesh network 40 as the first communication node. Therefore, the second communication node can receive the information transmitted by the first communication node.

[0020] The information transmitted through the mesh network 40 is, for example, control information for controlling the on / off, dimming, color adjustment, color control, or light distribution of each of the multiple lighting devices 20. Also, for example, the information transmitted through the mesh network 40 is configuration information sent by the control terminal 30. This configuration information includes control group configuration information, control scene configuration information, and network information. The control group configuration information indicates a group of lighting devices 20 that perform the same control, and the control scene configuration information indicates the content of the control performed by the lighting devices 20. Network information is necessary for the lighting devices 20 to communicate within the mesh network 40. This network information includes the network ID of the mesh network 40 and the address information of the lighting devices 20 used for communication within the mesh network 40.

[0021] In the communication system 10, wireless communication (hereinafter also simply referred to as communication) between multiple lighting devices 20 is performed, for example, according to a first communication protocol for a mesh network 40. The first communication protocol is, for example, Bluetooth® mesh.

[0022] On the other hand, the control terminal 30, indicated by a square in Figure 2, does not belong to the mesh network 40 and cannot communicate with multiple lighting devices 20 using the first communication protocol. However, the control terminal 30 is equipped with a communication function using a second communication protocol for one-to-one communication. The second communication protocol is a different protocol from the first communication protocol, and is, for example, BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy). Note that the first and second communication protocols may be communication protocols that use the same frequency band (for example, the 2.4 GHz band).

[0023] Returning to Figure 1, the lighting equipment 20 and the control terminal 30 will now be described.

[0024] The lighting equipment 20 has network information configured by the control terminal 30 and joins the mesh network 40. Network information for belonging to the mesh network 40 is stored in the lighting equipment 20. The network information includes the network ID of the mesh network 40 and the address information of the lighting equipment 20 used for communication within the mesh network 40. The lighting equipment 20 is a base light or the like that is installed on the ceiling of an indoor space to illuminate the indoor space. As described above, each of the multiple lighting equipment 20 has a wireless communication function, and the multiple lighting equipment 20 join the mesh network 40 to constitute the mesh network 40. The form of the lighting equipment 20 is not particularly limited and may be a ceiling light, downlight, spotlight, etc. Specifically, the lighting equipment 20 comprises a communication unit 21, an information processing unit 22, a storage unit 23, and a light source 24.

[0025] The communication unit 21 is a wireless communication circuit that enables the lighting device 20 to communicate wirelessly (more specifically, via radio waves) with other lighting devices 20 and the control terminal 30. After the lighting device 20 joins the mesh network 40, the communication unit 21 communicates with other lighting devices 20 via the mesh network 40 using a first communication protocol. The communication unit 21 also communicates one-to-one with the control terminal 30 using a second communication protocol. The communication standards used for wireless communication by the communication unit 21 are specifically BLE or Bluetooth® mesh, etc. In addition, before the lighting device 20 joins the mesh network 40, the communication unit 21 transmits a detection signal, for example, using a broadcast method. The detection signal is also called a beacon signal or advertisement signal. When the control terminal 30 receives the detection signal transmitted by the communication unit 21, it becomes possible to start one-to-one communication between the lighting device 20 and the control terminal 30.

[0026] The information processing unit 22 performs information processing and other operations necessary for the operation of the lighting equipment 20. For example, the information processing unit 22 transmits control information received by one lighting equipment 20 to other lighting equipment 20s. For example, the information processing unit 22 operates the lighting equipment 20 by controlling the light source 24. The information processing unit 22 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor or dedicated circuit. The functions of the information processing unit 22 are realized by the execution of a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 23 by the hardware, such as a microcomputer or processor, that constitutes the information processing unit 22. Specifically, the information processing unit 22 comprises an acquisition unit 221, a control unit 222, and an output unit 223.

[0027] The acquisition unit 221 acquires setting information from the control terminal 30. The acquisition unit 221 also acquires control information transmitted, for example, through the mesh network 40.

[0028] The control unit 222 executes control based on the control information acquired by the acquisition unit 221 and the setting information stored in the storage unit 23.

[0029] The output unit 223 transmits the control information acquired by the acquisition unit 221 to other lighting devices 20 via the mesh network 40.

[0030] The memory unit 23 is a storage device that stores various information necessary for the operation of the lighting equipment 20, such as the configuration information of the mesh network 40. The memory unit 23 stores the configuration information set by the control terminal 30 during the initial setup operation described later. The memory unit 23 is implemented, for example, by semiconductor memory.

[0031] The light source 24 emits white light into the room so that the lighting equipment 20 can illuminate the room. The light source 24 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.

[0032] The control terminal 30 is an information terminal used by a user to control lighting equipment 20 belonging to the mesh network 40. The control terminal 30 is also used by a user to build a mesh network 40 with multiple lighting equipment 20 by adding or removing lighting equipment 20 from the mesh network 40. The control terminal 30 is also used by a user to configure multiple lighting equipment 20 that make up the mesh network 40. The user here is, for example, the installer who performed the installation work on the multiple lighting equipment 20, but it may be any other user. The user may be, for example, the administrator of the communication system 10.

[0033] The control terminal 30 can be implemented as, for example, a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet, or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). Alternatively, the control terminal 30 may be a dedicated remote controller used in the communication system 10. Specifically, the control terminal 30 comprises a communication unit 31, an information processing unit 32, a storage unit 33, an operation reception unit 34, and a display unit 35.

[0034] The communication unit 31 is a communication circuit for the control terminal 30 to communicate (more specifically, wirelessly) with the lighting equipment 20. The communication unit 31 communicates with the lighting equipment 20 using a second communication protocol. The communication standard used for communication by the communication unit 31 is, for example, BLE.

[0035] The information processing unit 32 performs information processing in response to user operations received by the control terminal 30 via the operation reception unit 34. The information processing unit 32 performs information processing to display information about the mesh network 40 on the display unit 35 based on the database 50 (details to be described later) stored in the storage unit 33. The information processing unit 32 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor or dedicated circuit. The functions of the information processing unit 32 are realized by the execution of computer programs (software) stored in the storage unit 33 by the hardware such as the microcomputer or processor that constitutes the information processing unit 32. Specifically, the information processing unit 32 includes an acquisition unit 321, a setting unit 322, a display control unit 323, and an equipment control unit 324.

[0036] The acquisition unit 321 acquires user operations and other information received by the operation reception unit 34.

[0037] The setting unit 322 sets the settings for each of the multiple lighting devices 20 by storing setting information for each of them. The setting information includes a control number. The control number is information used to identify a control group. A control group is a group of lighting devices 20 that perform the same control. In other words, one or more lighting devices 20 with the same control number stored will perform the same control. The control number is an example of control identification information.

[0038] The display control unit 323 displays information about the mesh network 40 on the display unit 35 based on the display number stored in the memory unit 33. The display number is information for identifying a display group. A display group is a group of lighting equipment 20 when displayed on the display unit 35. For example, the display unit 35 displays icons that identify multiple lighting equipment 20 for each display group in a manner that allows the user to recognize that the same display number is assigned to each group. The display number is an example of display identification information.

[0039] Furthermore, the display control unit 323 changes the correspondence between the control number and the display number based on the user's input.

[0040] The equipment control unit 324 controls each of the multiple lighting devices 20 based on the control numbers stored in the memory unit 33.

[0041] The memory unit 33 is a storage device that stores a database 50 (described later) that shows the correspondence between control numbers and display numbers. The memory unit 33 also stores information necessary for information processing, such as computer programs executed by the information processing unit 32. The memory unit 33 is implemented, for example, by a semiconductor memory.

[0042] The operation reception unit 34 receives user input. The operation reception unit 34 is implemented, for example, by a touch panel or the like.

[0043] The display unit 35 displays various images. These images are, for example, necessary for processes such as adding lighting equipment 20 to the mesh network 40 and removing it from the mesh network 40. The display unit 35 is implemented by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel.

[0044] The storage unit 33 stores the database 50. The database 50 includes a first database 51 and a second database 52. More preferably, the database 50 consists of the first database 51 and the second database 52.

[0045] The first database 51 shows the correspondence between control numbers and display numbers. Figure 3A is a diagram showing an example of the first database 51 according to an embodiment.

[0046] In the first database 51 shown in Figure 3A, the control value "001" of control number 53 is associated with the display value "01" of display number 54, and the control value "002" of control number 53 is associated with the display value "02" of display number 54.

[0047] The second database 52 shows the correspondence between device identification information and display numbers. The display control unit 323 displays information about the mesh network 40 on the display unit 35 based on the second database 52. Figure 3B is a diagram showing an example of the second database 52 according to the embodiment.

[0048] In the second database 52 shown in Figure 3B, the device IDs "Device A", "Device B", and "Device C" of the device identification information 55 are associated with the displayed value "01" of the display number.

[0049] In other words, by referring to the first database 51 and the second database 52, it can be confirmed that the control value "001" for control number 53 is stored in the storage unit 23 of the three lighting devices 20 whose device IDs in the device identification information 55 are "Device A", "Device B", and "Device C".

[0050] The first database 51 and the second database 52 may be managed as separate and independent databases, or they may be managed as the same database.

[0051] [Basic operation] Generally, when configuring a mesh network, it is necessary to store information (destination information) indicating that each lighting device in the mesh network is the target of control. In this case, the control terminal often manages which lighting device has stored which destination information. However, if a user changes the display format, such as changing the position where the control group is displayed, while checking the mesh network information displayed on the control terminal, it is necessary to change the destination information stored in the lighting devices as well, which is time-consuming.

[0052] In the communication system 10 according to this embodiment, a display number 54 is set to correspond to the control number 53 and held by the control terminal 30. Based on the display number 54, the control terminal 30 displays information about the mesh network 40 on the display unit 35. By checking the display of information about the mesh network 40, the user can confirm the grouping of lighting equipment 20 that have been assigned the same control number 53.

[0053] At this time, if the user wishes to change the display format of the information regarding the mesh network 40, they only need to change the display number 54, and do not need to change the control number 53. In other words, the display format of the information regarding the mesh network 40 can be changed without updating the information stored in the lighting equipment 20.

[0054] The following describes the operation of the control terminal 30 in the communication system 10 when it realizes such operations. Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control terminal 30 according to the embodiment.

[0055] First, the configuration unit 322 constructs a mesh network 40 (S11). Lighting devices 20 that are not part of the mesh network 40 transmit a detection signal using the communication unit 21. When the control terminal 30 detects a detection signal, it transmits a signal to start communication with the lighting device 20 that transmitted the detected detection signal, and communicates with the lighting device 20 that received the signal. The configuration unit 322 transmits configuration information to the communicating lighting device 20 and stores the configuration information in the storage unit 23, thereby making the lighting device 20 a member of the mesh network 40. The configuration information includes a control number 53. By repeating this for multiple lighting devices 20, the mesh network 40 is constructed. In other words, the configuration unit 322 stores configuration information, including a control number 53 for identifying the control group, for each of the multiple lighting devices 20. At this time, the configuration unit 322 stores the same control number 53 for one or more of the multiple lighting devices 20 that perform the same control. The processing in step S11 is the initial setup operation described above.

[0056] Next, the setting unit 322 assigns a display number 54 to the control number 53 (S12). Specifically, the setting unit 322 associates a display number 54 with each of the one or more control numbers 53 set in step S11 and creates a first database 51. The first database 51 created by the setting unit 322 is stored in the storage unit 33. At the same time, the setting unit 322 creates a second database 52 based on the correspondence between the control numbers 53 and the device identification information 55 held in the storage unit 33, and the first database 51, and stores it in the storage unit 33.

[0057] The processes in steps S11 and S12 are performed when the user uses the control terminal 30 to construct a mesh network 40 consisting of multiple lighting devices 20.

[0058] Next, the display control unit 323 displays information about the mesh network 40 on the display unit 35 based on the second database 52 stored in the storage unit 33 (S13). The display control unit 323 displays information about the mesh network 40 on the display unit 35 when, for example, a user tries to check information about the mesh network 40 using the control terminal 30. Figure 5 shows an example of the display screen displayed on the display unit 35 of the control terminal 30 during basic operation.

[0059] Figure 5 is a display screen shown based on the second database 52 shown in Figure 3B. In the display screen shown in Figure 5, each circle containing an alphabet letter represents a lighting device 20, and the alphabet letter represents the device identification information 55. In Figure 5, in the second database 52 shown in Figure 3B, the display group identified by the display value "01" of display number 54 is displayed as Area 01: "Conference Room". By checking the display screen shown in Figure 5, the user can see that three lighting devices 20 whose device identification information 55 is device ID "Device A", device ID "Device B", and device ID "Device C" are included in the display group for Area 01: "Conference Room".

[0060] Here, we consider a situation where a user wants to change the display mode of the information about the mesh network 40 displayed on the display unit 35, for the purpose of making it easier to operate the lighting equipment 20. Changing the display mode here means customizing the position in which the information about the mesh network 40 is displayed on the display unit 35. More specifically, changing the display mode means customizing the display position of the display groups for displaying the mesh network 40 for each control group on the display unit 35. For example, a user might want to swap the display position of the display group for Area 01: "Conference Room" and the display position of the display group for Area 02: "Floor" on the display screen shown in Figure 5.

[0061] Next, the display control unit 323 receives a request from the user to swap the display number 54 using the operation reception unit 34 (S14). Specifically, the display control unit 323 receives input from the user to swap the display value "01" and the display value "02" of display number 54. For example, the user uses the operation reception unit 34 to drag the area where the display group for area 01: "Conference Room" is displayed between the area where the display group for area 02: "Floor" is displayed and the area where the display group for area 03: "Corridor" is displayed, thereby inputting to swap the display number 54. Swapping the display number 54 means changing the display number 54 while maintaining the grouping of the display groups of the multiple lighting devices 20. In other words, one or more device identification information 55 to which the same display number 54 was associated before the swap of the display number 54 will continue to be associated with the same display number 54 after the swap.

[0062] When the display control unit 323 receives a request from the user to change the display number 54, it updates the database 50 (S15). Specifically, in the first database 51 shown in Figure 3A, the display control unit 323 associates the control value "001" of control number 53 with the display value "02" of display number 54, and associates the control value "002" of control number 53 with the display value "01" of display number 54. At the same time, in the second database 52 shown in Figure 3B, the display control unit 323 associates the device IDs "Device A", "Device B", and "Device C" of the device identification information 55 with the display value "02" of display number 54, and associates the device IDs "Device D" and "Device E" of the device identification information 55 with the display value "01" of display number 54.

[0063] Finally, the display control unit 323 displays information about the mesh network 40 on the display unit 35 based on the updated second database 52 (S16). Figure 6 shows another example of the display screen shown on the display unit 35 of the control terminal 30 during basic operation. Figure 6 corresponds to Figure 5.

[0064] In the display screen shown in Figure 6, the display positions of the "Meeting Room" display group and the "Floor" display group are swapped compared to the display screen shown in Figure 5. Also, the display number 54 of the "Meeting Room" display group has been changed from a display value of "01" to a display value of "02," and the display number 54 of the "Floor" display group has been changed from a display value of "02" to a display value of "01."

[0065] At this time, the setting information stored in the memory unit 23 of the lighting device 20, more specifically the control number 53, is not updated. In other words, the setting unit 322 does not update the control number 53 stored in the lighting device 20.

[0066] With the above operation, the user can change the display of information about the mesh network 40 displayed on the display unit 35 of the control terminal 30 for controlling the lighting equipment 20 without updating the setting information stored in the lighting equipment 20. Therefore, the user can more easily change the display of information about the wireless lighting network.

[0067] [Action to change the control settings of lighting equipment] In the above embodiment, the user could change the display of information about the mesh network 40 displayed on the display unit 35 of the control terminal 30 by changing the display number 54, without changing the control number 53 stored in the memory unit 23 of the lighting equipment 20 belonging to the mesh network 40.

[0068] Here, we consider a situation where the user wants to change the control content or control group of the lighting equipment 20, that is, a situation where the user wants to change the control number 53 stored in the memory unit 23. At this time, the user uses the control terminal 30 to check the information about the mesh network 40 displayed on the display unit 35 and changes the control content performed by the lighting equipment 20, or the grouping of lighting equipment 20 that perform the same control.

[0069] The user can change the control number 53 stored in the lighting device 20 by changing the display number 54 while checking the information about the mesh network 40 displayed on the display unit 35. The following describes how such a user can change the control contents of the lighting device 20.

[0070] Specifically, in step S14 of Figure 4, instead of swapping display numbers 54, the system accepts a change in the grouping of the display groups. When the system receives input from the user to change display numbers 54, in step S15 of Figure 4, the display control unit 323 updates the database 50 as necessary. In other words, based on the input received from the user, it updates the parts of the first database 51 and the second database 52 that need updating. Furthermore, the setting unit 322 updates the control numbers 53 stored in each of the multiple lighting devices 20 based on the updated first database 51 and the second database 52.

[0071] For example, a user can combine two control groups into one control group. In other words, a lighting device 20 that was previously configured to operate with two different control settings can be configured to operate with the same control setting. The display control unit 323 uses the operation reception unit 34 to receive a change from the user to combine multiple display values ​​of display number 54 into a single display value. Specifically, the display control unit 323 receives input from the user to change the display value "02" of display number 54 to the display value "01".

[0072] Next, the display control unit 323 updates the second database 52. Specifically, in the second database 52 shown in Figure 3B, the display control unit 323 changes the display value "02" of the display number 54 associated with the device ID "device D" and device ID "device E" in the device identification information 55 to the display value "01". The setting unit 322 stores the control value "001", which is associated with the display value "01" in the first database 51 shown in Figure 3A, in the lighting equipment 20 indicated by device ID "device D" and device ID "device E".

[0073] Figure 7 shows an example of a display screen shown on the display unit 35 of the control terminal 30 during an operation to change the control content of the lighting equipment 20. Figure 7 corresponds to Figures 5 and 6.

[0074] In the display screen shown in Figure 7, the icons representing lighting equipment 20 with equipment ID "Equipment D" and equipment ID "Equipment E" are displayed as being included in the display group for Area 01: "Conference Room". In other words, compared to the display screen shown in Figure 5, the display group for Area 02: "Floor" appears to have been integrated into the display group for Area 01: "Conference Room".

[0075] Furthermore, for example, a user can divide one control group into two control groups. In other words, multiple lighting devices 20 that were set to operate with the same control content can be set to operate with different control content for some of them. The display control unit 323 receives a change from the user to divide one display value of display number 54 into two display values ​​using the operation reception unit 34. Specifically, the display control unit 323 receives input from the user to change the display value "01" associated with some of the device IDs of the multiple device identification information 55 to which the display value "01" of display number 54 is associated to the display value "04".

[0076] Next, the display control unit 323 updates the database 50. Specifically, in the first database 51 shown in Figure 3A, the display control unit 323 adds and associates the control value "004" of control number 53 with the display value "04" of display number 54. In other words, the display control unit 323 updates the first database 51 to add the correspondence between the control value "004" and the display value "04". At the same time, in the second database 52 shown in Figure 3B, the display control unit 323 changes the display value "01" of display number 54, which is associated with the equipment ID "Equipment C" in the equipment identification information 55, to the display value "04". The setting unit 322 stores the control value "004" in the lighting equipment 20 indicated by equipment ID "Equipment C".

[0077] Figure 8 shows another example of the display screen shown on the display unit 35 of the control terminal 30 during the operation to change the control content of the lighting equipment 20. Figure 8 corresponds to Figures 5 to 7.

[0078] In the display screen shown in Figure 8, compared to the display screen shown in Figure 5, the icon representing lighting equipment 20 with equipment ID "Equipment C" is displayed as being included in the display group for Area 04: "Conference Room B". At this time, the display name of the display group for Area 01 may be changed, as shown in Figure 8 as "Conference Room A".

[0079] With this operation, the user can change the control number 53 stored in the lighting device 20 by changing the display number 54 while checking the information about the mesh network 40 displayed on the display unit 35.

[0080] Note that the arrangement of the control groups for the lighting equipment 20 is not limited to the examples described above. For example, some of the lighting equipment 20 included in one control group can be moved to another control group.

[0081] [Differentiation] In the above embodiment, the display group identified by display number 54 was a group indicating an area such as "conference room" or "floor," but it may also be a group indicating control content. For example, display number 54 may be information for identifying a group indicating control content such as "recreate sunny day" or "preset."

[0082] Furthermore, although the communication system 10 had only one control terminal 30 in the above embodiment, the communication system 10 may have multiple control terminals 30. Each of the multiple storage units 33 of the multiple control terminals 30 individually stores a database 50. In other words, the multiple databases 50 stored in each of the multiple storage units 33 do not synchronize with each other.

[0083] With such a control terminal 30, when the communication system 10 has multiple control terminals 30, the manner in which information about the mesh network 40 is displayed on the display unit 35 of each of the multiple control terminals 30 can be individually customized.

[0084] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, one database 50 was stored in the storage unit 33 of the control terminal 30, but there may be multiple databases 50 stored in the storage unit 33. In other words, for example, if there are multiple users operating the control terminal 30, the database 50 used when one user operates it may be different from the database 50 used when other users operate it.

[0085] At this time, the storage unit 33 stores multiple databases 50, and the display control unit 323 can change the multiple databases 50 individually. For example, when a user starts using the control terminal 30, they perform a login process, and the display control unit 323 and the device control unit 324 may perform information processing based on the database 50 associated with the user account identified by the login process.

[0086] With such a control terminal 30, when the control terminal 30 is shared by multiple users, each of the multiple users can individually customize the way in which information about the mesh network 40 is displayed on the display unit 35.

[0087] Furthermore, in at least one of the following cases, where the communication system 10 has multiple control terminals 30, and where multiple databases 50 are stored in the storage unit 33 of the control terminal 30, that is, where multiple databases 50 exist in the communication system 10, each of the multiple databases 50 is assigned information for identifying that database 50. The setting information that the setting unit 322 transmits to the lighting equipment 20 includes information for identifying the database 50, and the storage unit 23 of the lighting equipment 20 stores setting information that includes information for identifying the database 50. In addition, the control information that the equipment control unit 324 transmits to the lighting equipment 20 includes information for identifying the database 50. When each of the multiple lighting equipment 20 receives control information, it executes control based on the setting information associated with the information for identifying the database 50 included in the control information. As a result, the lighting equipment 20 can realize the desired operation of the user operating the control terminal 30.

[0088] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each of the multiple communication nodes constituting the mesh network 40 was a lighting device 20, but it does not have to be a lighting device 20. The multiple communication nodes may include lighting devices 20 and other devices, or they may not include lighting devices 20 and only include other devices.

[0089] Other devices mentioned above include a remote lighting controller operated by the user to control the lighting equipment 20, a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) dimmer, a scheduler, and an AC (Alternating Current) relay.

[0090] A PWM dimmer is a device that can dim the lighting equipment 20 attached to the PWM dimmer. A scheduler is a device that turns the lighting equipment 20 on, off, or dims it according to a pre-set schedule.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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. If the other devices include environmental sensors, information indicating the measured values ​​of the environmental sensors (sensing information) is transmitted through the mesh network 40. If the other devices include cameras, speakers, or other devices, video, images, audio, other information, or control values ​​are transmitted through the mesh network 40.

[0093] Furthermore, the devices that constitute the mesh network 40 as communication nodes may be devices that have two or more of the individual functions of the devices described above, and the type of device that becomes a communication node is not particularly limited as long as it has communication functionality.

[0094] [Effects, etc.] The technologies derived from the disclosures in this specification include, for example, the following. The technologies derived from the disclosures in this specification will be described below, along with the effects obtained by such technologies.

[0095] Technology 1 is a control terminal 30 for controlling a plurality of lighting devices 20 constituting a wireless lighting network, comprising: a setting unit 322 that stores control identification information for identifying a control group for each of the plurality of lighting devices 20; a storage unit 33 that stores a first database 51 showing the correspondence between the control identification information and display identification information for identifying a display group; a display control unit 323 that displays information related to the wireless lighting network on a display unit 35 based on the display identification information stored in the storage unit 33 and changes the display identification information based on user input; and a device control unit 324 that controls each of the plurality of lighting devices 20 based on the control identification information stored in the storage unit 33. The mesh network 40 in the above embodiment is an example of a wireless lighting network. The control number 53 in the above embodiment is an example of control identification information. The display number 54 in the above embodiment is an example of display identification information.

[0096] Such a control terminal 30 can accept changes to the display of wireless lighting network information displayed on the display unit 35 without changing the control identification information stored in the lighting equipment 20, by holding display identification information. Therefore, with such a control terminal 30, the user can more easily change the display of wireless lighting network information.

[0097] Technology 2 is a control terminal 30 of Technology 1 in which, in the first database 51, the first control identification information and the first display identification information are associated as control identification information and display identification information, and the second control identification information and the second display identification information are associated as control identification information and display identification information. The display control unit 323 updates the first database 51 to associate the first control identification information with the second display identification information and associate the second control identification information with the first display identification information when it receives input from the user to swap the first display identification information and the second display identification information. In the above embodiment, the control value "001" of control number 53 is an example of the first control identification information, and the control value "002" of control number 53 is an example of the second control identification information. Furthermore, the display value "01" for display number 54 in the above embodiment is an example of first display identification information, and the display value "02" for display number 54 is an example of second display identification information.

[0098] Such a control terminal 30 can swap the display position of the group of lighting equipment 20 that stores the first control identification information and the display position of the group of lighting equipment 20 that stores the second control identification information on the display unit 35, based on user input. Furthermore, it is not necessary to change the control identification information stored in the lighting equipment 20 at this time. Therefore, with such a control terminal 30, the user can more easily swap the locations where information related to the wireless lighting network is displayed.

[0099] Technology 3 is a control terminal 30 of Technology 1 or 2, in which a second database 52 showing the correspondence between device identification information 55 for identifying multiple lighting devices 20 and display identification information is stored in the storage unit 33.

[0100] Such a control terminal 30 can display the device identification information 55 of the lighting equipment 20 associated with the same display identification information on the display unit 35. Therefore, with such a control terminal 30, the user can change the display identification information while confirming the device identification information 55 associated with the display identification information.

[0101] Technology 4 is a control terminal 30 of Technology 3, in which the display control unit 323 updates the second database 52 when it receives input from the user to change the display identification information associated with the device identification information 55, and the setting unit 322 updates the control identification information stored in each of the multiple lighting devices 20 based on the first database 51 and the second database 52 updated by the display control unit 323.

[0102] Such a control terminal 30 can update the control identification information of a lighting device 20 if the control content of that lighting device 20 has been changed by changing the correspondence between the device identification information 55 and the display identification information. Therefore, with such a control terminal 30, if a user makes changes while checking the information about the wireless lighting network displayed on the display unit 35, and it becomes necessary to update the control identification information stored in the lighting device 20, this update can be performed automatically.

[0103] Technology 5 is a control terminal 30 of Technology 3 or 4, in which, in the first database 51, the third control identification information and the third display identification information are associated as control identification information and display identification information, and the fourth control identification information and the fourth display identification information are associated as control identification information and display identification information. In the second database 52, the first device identification information and the third display identification information are associated as device identification information 55 and display identification information. When the display control unit 323 receives input from the user to change the third display identification information associated with the first device identification information to the fourth display identification information, it updates the second database 52 to associate the first device identification information with the fourth display identification information. The setting unit 322 stores the fourth control identification information in the lighting device 20 indicated by the first device identification information. In the above embodiment, the control value "002" for control number 53 is an example of third control identification information, and the control value "001" for control number 53 is an example of fourth control identification information. Also, in the above embodiment, the display value "02" for display number 54 is an example of third display identification information, and the display value "01" for display number 54 is an example of fourth display identification information. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the device ID "Device D" or device ID "Device E" of the device identification information 55 is an example of first device identification information.

[0104] When such a control terminal 30 receives a change in the correspondence between equipment identification information 55 and display identification information from a user, it can update the second database 52 and change the control identification information of the lighting equipment 20 whose equipment identification information 55 has been changed, based on the first database 51.

[0105] Technology 6 is a control terminal 30 of Technology 3 to 5 that stores the 5th control identification information and the 5th display identification information as control identification information and display identification information in the first database 51, and in the second database 52, the 2nd device identification information and the 5th display identification information are associated as device identification information 55 and display identification information. When the display control unit 323 receives input from the user to change the 5th display identification information associated with the 2nd device identification information to the 6th display identification information, which is display identification information that does not exist in the first database 51, it updates the second database 52 to associate the 2nd device identification information with the 6th display identification information, and updates the first database 51 to add a correspondence between the 6th control identification information and the 6th display identification information, which is control identification information. The setting unit 322 is a control terminal 30 of Technology 3 to 5 that stores the 6th control identification information in the lighting equipment 20 indicated by the 2nd device identification information. In the above embodiment, the control value "001" for control number 53 is an example of fifth control identification information, and the control value "004" for control number 53 is an example of sixth control identification information. Also, in the above embodiment, the display value "01" for display number 54 is an example of fifth display identification information, and the display value "04" for display number 54 is an example of sixth display identification information. Furthermore, the device ID "Device C" of the device identification information 55 in the above embodiment is an example of second device identification information.

[0106] When such a control terminal 30 receives a change in the correspondence between the equipment identification information 55 and the display identification information from the user, it updates the second database 52, and if necessary, updates the first database 51, and can change the control identification information of the lighting equipment 20 whose equipment identification information 55 has been changed based on the updated first database 51.

[0107] Technology 7 is a control terminal 30 of any of Technologies 1 to 6, in which the storage unit 33 stores multiple databases 50, including a first database 51 and a second database 52 that shows the correspondence between device identification information 55 for identifying multiple lighting devices 20 and display identification information, and the display control unit 323 can individually change each of the multiple databases 50.

[0108] Such a control terminal 30 maintains multiple databases 50. In other words, for example, if the control terminal 30 is shared by multiple users, each of the users can customize the way information about the wireless lighting network is displayed.

[0109] Technology 8 is a control terminal 30 of any of technologies 1 to 7, wherein the control terminal 30 is a plurality of control terminals 30, and each of the plurality of storage units 33 of the plurality of control terminals 30 individually stores a database 50 which includes a first database 51 and a second database 52 that shows the correspondence between equipment identification information 55 for identifying a plurality of lighting devices 20 and display identification information.

[0110] With such a control terminal 30, since a database 50 is stored in each of the multiple control terminals 30 used by the user, if there are multiple control terminals 30, the manner in which information about the wireless lighting network is displayed can be customized for each of the multiple control terminals 30.

[0111] Technology 9 is a control terminal 30 from technologies 1 to 8, wherein one or more of the multiple lighting devices 20 that perform the same control operations have the same control identification information stored in them.

[0112] Such a control terminal 30 can store the same control identification information, thereby allowing one or more lighting devices 20 to perform the same control operation.

[0113] Technology 10 is a communication system 10 comprising a plurality of lighting devices 20 having wireless communication capabilities and a control terminal 30 that is one of technologies 1 to 9.

[0114] This communication system 10 allows the display of wireless lighting network information shown on the display unit 35 to be changed without changing the control identification information stored in the lighting equipment 20, by having the control terminal 30 hold display identification information. Therefore, with this communication system 10, the user can more easily change the display of wireless lighting network information.

[0115] Technology 11 is an information processing method performed by a control terminal 30 for controlling a plurality of lighting devices 20 constituting a wireless lighting network, and includes a setting step of storing control identification information for identifying a control group in each of the plurality of lighting devices 20; a display step of displaying information related to the wireless lighting network on a display unit 35 based on display identification information associated with the control identification information; a display control step of changing the display identification information based on user input; and a device control step of controlling each of the plurality of lighting devices 20 based on the control identification information.

[0116] This information processing method allows for a change in the display of wireless lighting network information shown on the display unit 35 without altering the control identification information stored in the lighting device 20. Therefore, this information processing method allows users to more easily change the display of wireless lighting network information.

[0117] Technology 12 is a program that causes the control terminal 30 to execute the information processing method of Technology 11.

[0118] Such programs can help users more easily change the way information about wireless lighting networks is displayed.

[0119] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0120] For example, in the above embodiment, the control terminal was implemented by a single device, but the control terminal may be implemented by multiple devices. When the control terminal is implemented by multiple devices, the components of the control terminal (in particular, the functional components) may be distributed among the multiple devices in any way.

[0121] Furthermore, the method of communication between devices in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. In addition, relay devices (such as gateway devices), which are not shown, may be involved in the communication between devices.

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

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

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

[0125] Furthermore, 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.

[0126] For example, this disclosure may be implemented as an information processing method executed by a computer such as a communication system or control terminal of the above embodiment, or as a program (in other words, a computer program product) for causing a computer to execute the information processing method. Furthermore, this disclosure may be implemented as a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0127] Furthermore, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art could conceive, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0128] 10 Communication Systems 20 Lighting equipment 30 Control terminals 322 Settings Section 323 Display Control Unit 324 Equipment Control Unit 33 Storage section 35 Display section 40-mesh network (wireless lighting network) 50 Databases 51 Database 1 52 Second Database 53. Control number (control identification information) 54 Display number (display identification information) 55 Device identification information

Claims

1. A control terminal for controlling multiple lighting devices that constitute a wireless lighting network, Each of the aforementioned plurality of lighting devices is provided with a setting unit that stores control identification information for identifying a control group, A storage unit that stores a first database showing the correspondence between the control identification information and display identification information for identifying the display group, A display control unit that displays information related to the wireless lighting network on the display unit based on the display identification information stored in the storage unit, and modifies the display identification information based on user input, The system comprises a device control unit that controls each of the plurality of lighting devices based on the control identification information stored in the memory unit, Control terminal.

2. In the first database, the first control identification information and the first display identification information are associated as the control identification information and the display identification information, and the second control identification information and the second display identification information are associated as the control identification information and the display identification information. When the display control unit receives input from the user to swap the first display identification information and the second display identification information, it updates the first database to associate the first control identification information with the second display identification information and to associate the second control identification information with the first display identification information. The control terminal according to claim 1.

3. The storage unit stores a second database that shows the correspondence between device identification information for identifying the plurality of lighting devices and the display identification information. The control terminal according to claim 1.

4. When the display control unit receives input from the user to change the display identification information associated with the device identification information, it updates the second database. The setting unit updates the control identification information stored in each of the plurality of lighting devices based on the first database and the second database updated by the display control unit. The control terminal according to claim 3.

5. In the first database, the third control identification information and the third display identification information are associated as the control identification information and the display identification information, and the fourth control identification information and the fourth display identification information are associated as the control identification information and the display identification information. In the second database, the first device identification information and the third display identification information are associated with each other as the device identification information and the display identification information, When the display control unit receives input from the user to change the third display identification information associated with the first device identification information to the fourth display identification information, it updates the second database to associate the first device identification information with the fourth display identification information. The setting unit causes the lighting equipment indicated by the first equipment identification information to store the fourth control identification information. The control terminal according to claim 4.

6. In the first database, the fifth control identification information and the fifth display identification information are associated as the control identification information and the display identification information, In the second database, the second device identification information and the fifth display identification information are associated with each other as the device identification information and the display identification information, When the display control unit receives input from the user to change the fifth display identification information associated with the second device identification information to a sixth display identification information which does not exist in the first database, it updates the second database to associate the second device identification information with the sixth display identification information, and updates the first database to add a correspondence between the sixth control identification information which is the control identification information and the sixth display identification information. The setting unit causes the lighting equipment indicated by the second equipment identification information to store the sixth control identification information. The control terminal according to claim 4.

7. The storage unit stores multiple databases, including the first database and the second database which shows the correspondence between device identification information for identifying the plurality of lighting devices and the display identification information. The display control unit can individually modify each of the multiple databases. A control terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The aforementioned control terminals are multiple, Each of the multiple storage units of the multiple control terminals individually stores a database that includes the first database and a second database that shows the correspondence between device identification information for identifying the multiple lighting devices and the display identification information. A control terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. Of the aforementioned multiple lighting devices, one or more lighting devices that perform the same control operations are stored with the same control identification information. A control terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. Multiple lighting devices with wireless communication capabilities, A control terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 6, Communication system.

11. An information processing method performed by a control terminal for controlling multiple lighting devices that constitute a wireless lighting network, A setting step involves storing control identification information for identifying a control group in each of the aforementioned plurality of lighting devices, A display step in which information relating to the wireless lighting network is displayed on the display unit based on the display identification information associated with the control identification information, A display control step that modifies the display identification information based on user input, The device control step includes controlling each of the plurality of lighting devices based on the control identification information, Information processing methods.

12. A program for causing the control terminal to execute the information processing method described in claim 11.

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