Communication systems, communication methods, and programs

Abstract

The aim is to facilitate the accurate matching of device identification information with location information for each of multiple devices. [Solution] Multiple devices 2 cooperate with GW1 to build a mesh network NW1. Terminal device 3 configures settings related to the mesh network NW1, and instruction device 4 gives instructions to the multiple devices 2. Each of GW1 and each of the multiple devices 2 is equipped with a first communication unit that performs a first communication 101 using the mesh network NW1. GW1 is further equipped with a second communication unit that performs a second communication 102, and each of the multiple devices 2 and instruction device 4 is further equipped with a third communication unit that performs a third communication 103. The terminal device 3 notifies at least GW1 of network information via the second communication 102, and the instruction device 4 individually gives registration instructions to each of the multiple devices 2 via the third communication 103 to register the device with GW1.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication system, a communication method, and a program, and more particularly, to a communication system, a communication method, and a program that perform communication using a mesh network.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a technique for easily performing settings related to a mesh network formed by a plurality of lighting devices and a gateway in a lighting system. In this technique, when adding a new lighting device to the mesh network, an information setting device wirelessly notifies the new lighting device of information such as in-mesh identification information and network identification information, and the gateway of information such as lighting device management data and network management data, respectively. The in-mesh identification information is information for identifying a lighting device within the mesh network. The network identification information is information for identifying the mesh network. The lighting device management data is data related to the correspondence between the installation position of the lighting device and the device identification information of the lighting device. The network management data is data related to the correspondence between the device identification information for identifying the lighting device and the gateway identification information for identifying the gateway.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, information such as mesh identification information (corresponding to "device identification information" in this disclosure) may be transmitted from an information setting device to a new lighting device (corresponding to "device" in this disclosure) via the mesh network. In addition, data such as lighting device management data (corresponding to "location information" in this disclosure) may also be transmitted from the information setting device to a gateway via the mesh network. In this case, it is necessary to perform control to confirm the location of the lighting device (for example, causing the lighting device to be confirmed to perform a predetermined operation such as blinking) and associate the mesh identification information with the location of the lighting device.

[0005] In mesh networks, communication delays are generally large due to the large number of nodes involved, and the transmission path length between nodes is not constant, resulting in variations in transmission time. This makes it difficult to determine the location through control (such as blinking). Therefore, when sequentially adding multiple new lighting devices to a mesh network, it can be difficult to accurately associate information such as mesh identification information with data such as lighting device management data for each of the new lighting devices.

[0006] For example, if the location check of the first new lighting device and the location check of the second new lighting device are performed at short intervals, control of the second new lighting device may begin before control of the first new lighting device begins. Similarly, when adding lighting devices to a gateway, data regarding the second new lighting device may reach the gateway before data regarding the first new lighting device reaches the gateway. As a result, information such as mesh identification information for the first new lighting device may be incorrectly associated with data such as lighting device management data for the second new lighting device, or information such as mesh identification information for the second new lighting device may be incorrectly associated with data such as lighting device management data for the first new lighting device.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a communication system, communication method, and program that can facilitate the accurate matching of fixture identification information (mesh identification information) that identifies fixtures (lighting devices) and location information (data such as lighting device management data) that indicates the location of the fixtures for each of multiple fixtures. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A communication system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a gateway, a plurality of devices, a terminal device, and an instruction device. The plurality of devices cooperate with the gateway to construct a mesh network. The terminal device performs settings related to the mesh network. The instruction device gives instructions to the plurality of devices. Each of the gateway and the plurality of devices includes a first communication unit. The first communication unit performs first communication using the mesh network. The gateway further includes a second communication unit. The second communication unit performs second communication different from the first communication. Each of the plurality of devices and the instruction device further includes a third communication unit. The third communication unit performs third communication different from both the first and second communications. In the communication system, the terminal device notifies at least the gateway of network information related to the mesh network via the second communication, and the instruction device individually gives registration instructions to each of the plurality of devices via the third communication, causing the device to be registered with the gateway as a node in the mesh network.

[0009] A communication method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a communication method performed by a communication system comprising a gateway, a plurality of devices that cooperate with the gateway to construct a mesh network, a terminal device that configures the mesh network, and an instruction device that gives instructions to the plurality of devices. Each of the gateway and the plurality of devices includes a first communication unit that performs first communication using the mesh network. The gateway further includes a second communication unit that performs second communication different from the first communication. Each of the plurality of devices and the instruction device further includes a third communication unit that performs third communication different from both the first and second communications. The communication method includes a notification step and an instruction step. In the notification step, the terminal device notifies at least the gateway of network information relating to the mesh network via the second communication. In the instruction step, the instruction device individually gives each of the plurality of devices a registration instruction via the third communication to each of the plurality of devices, causing the device to be registered with the gateway as a node of the mesh network.

[0010] A program according to one aspect of this disclosure is a program that causes one or more processors of the communication system to execute the communication method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The communication system, communication method, and program of this disclosure have the effect of facilitating the accurate association between fixture identification information that identifies a fixture and location information that indicates the location of the fixture for each of several new lighting devices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a communication system according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the gateway (GW) in the same communication system. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an instrument included in the same communication system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a terminal device included in the same communication system. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an indicating device included in the same communication system. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram of communication performed in the same communication system. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of the same instrument. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of the same terminal device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of the same gateway. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the same terminal device. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a communication system according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram of communication performed in the same communication system. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of an instrument included in the same communication system. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of a terminal device included in the same communication system. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of a gateway included in the same communication system.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0013] (1) Overview First, an overview of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 11, and FIGS. 2 to 5. The present disclosure includes two embodiments regarding the communication system 10. Among the two embodiments, the communication system 10 according to the first embodiment is configured as shown in FIG. 1, and the communication system 10 according to the second embodiment is configured as shown in FIG. 11. Also, common to the first and second embodiments, the gateway 1 is configured as shown in FIG. 2, the appliance 2 is configured as shown in FIG. 3, the terminal device 3 is configured as shown in FIG. 4, and the indicating device 4 is configured as shown in FIG. 5, respectively.

[0014] Common to the first and second embodiments, the communication system 10 includes a gateway 1, a plurality of appliances 2, a terminal device 3, and an indicating device 4, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 11. Note that the gateway 1 is appropriately described as "GW1" in the drawings and the like.

[0015] (1-1) A plurality of appliances The plurality of appliances 2 cooperate with the gateway 1 to construct a mesh network NW1.

[0016] Here, the cooperation means that each of the gateway 1 and the plurality of appliances 2 operates as a node of the mesh network NW1.

[0017] Also, the mesh network NW1 refers to a network in which the network topology (connection form between nodes) is a mesh type. The mesh network NW1 is constructed by connecting three or more (seven in FIGS. 1 and 11) nodes in a mesh type by the first communication 101 (described later).

[0018] (1-2) Terminal device Terminal device 3 configures the mesh network NW1 and obtains network information related to the configured settings. The configuration here involves setting various network parameters of the mesh network NW1 (e.g., frequency channel, encryption key, number of nodes, node location, etc.), and the network information includes the configured values ​​of these network parameters (frequency channel, encryption key, number of nodes, node location, etc.).

[0019] (1-3) Indication device The instruction device 4 issues instructions to multiple devices 2. These instructions are, for example, registration instructions. A registration instruction is an instruction to register a device 2 with gateway 1 as a node in the mesh network NW1. In response to the registration instruction, the device 2 is registered with gateway 1 as a node in the mesh network NW1 (more specifically, the device identification information that identifies the device 2 is stored in gateway 1 in association with the network identification information that identifies the mesh network NW1), thereby allowing the device 2 to participate in the mesh network NW1.

[0020] Alternatively, the instruction may be a deregistration instruction. A deregistration instruction is an instruction to cause the gateway to deregister device 2. When device 2 is deregistered (more specifically, the device identification information stored in Gateway 1 in association with the network identification information is deleted), device 2 leaves the mesh network NW1.

[0021] Registration instructions and deregistration instructions are issued individually to each of the multiple devices 2 via the third communication 103.

[0022] The instructions may also be for individual control other than registration and unregistration, that is, instructions for controlling each of the multiple fixtures 2. Individual control is, for example, turning the power on / off. If fixture 2 is a lighting fixture, the instructions may also be for dimming, color adjustment, etc.

[0023] (1-4) Various types of communications performed in a communication system (1-4-1) First Communications Section and First Communications Each of the gateway 1 and the multiple devices 2 is equipped with a first communication unit 101P, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The first communication unit 101P performs first communication 101 using the mesh network NW1.

[0024] In the first and second embodiments, the first communication 101 is communication via a wireless medium (wireless communication), but it may also be communication via a wired medium (wired communication). The wireless medium is basically radio waves, but it may also be electromagnetic waves other than radio waves (infrared rays, visible light, etc.). The radio waves are, for example, Bluetooth® Mesh radio waves, but it may also be Bluetooth radio waves other than Bluetooth Mesh (e.g., BLE, etc.), or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) radio waves, etc. The wired medium is, for example, a paired wire, a coaxial cable, etc.

[0025] (1-4-2) Second Communications Section and Second Communications As shown in Figure 2, Gateway 1 further includes a second communication unit 102P. The second communication unit 102P performs a second communication 102 that is different from the first communication 101.

[0026] In the context of communication, "different" means, for example, that the transmission medium used to implement the communication is different. Different communication media could be, for example, wired / wireless, and in the case of wireless, radio waves / infrared / visible light, etc.

[0027] Alternatively, "different" in the context of communication may mean that the network topology (i.e., the configuration of connections between nodes) of the network used for communication is different. Different network topologies may include, for example, mesh, star, or bus.

[0028] Alternatively, "different" in the context of communication may mean different communication protocols. These different communication protocols could be, for example, protocols compatible with LAN / WAN (Wide Area Network) / Internet, or wireless communication protocols compatible with Bluetooth / Wi-Fi®.

[0029] (1-4-3) Third Communications Department and Third Communications Each of the multiple devices 2 and the indicator device 4 further comprises a third communication unit 103P, as shown in Figures 3 and 5. The third communication unit 103P performs a third communication 103 that is different from both the first communication 101 and the second communication 102.

[0030] In the first and second embodiments, the third communication is a communication using infrared light as the transmission medium (infrared communication). However, the transmission medium for realizing the third communication may be, for example, visible light. The transmission medium for realizing the third communication is preferably an electromagnetic wave with stronger directionality than radio waves, in order to facilitate communication with only one of the multiple devices 2.

[0031] (1-5) Notification of network information from terminal devices to GW and registration instructions from instruction devices to equipment In the communication system 10, the terminal device 3 notifies at least the gateway 1 of network information regarding the mesh network NW1 via the second communication 102. In addition, the instruction device 4 individually issues a registration instruction to each of the multiple devices 2 via the third communication 103, so that the device 2 can be registered with the gateway 1 as a node in the mesh network NW1.

[0032] Device identification information refers to information that identifies device 2. Here, device identification information is a unique identifier that device 2 has pre-established, such as a MAC (Media Access Control) address.

[0033] (1-6) Advantages Thus, in the communication system 10, the terminal device 3 notifies the gateway 1 of network information regarding the mesh network NW1 via a second communication, which is different from the first communication conducted using the mesh network NW1. Furthermore, for each of the multiple devices 2, the instruction device 4 individually issues a registration instruction to the gateway 1 to register the device identification information as a node of the mesh network NW1 via a third communication, which is different from both the first and second communications.

[0034] With this configuration, control for confirming the location of device 2 via the mesh network NW1 is unnecessary. Therefore, the association between device identification information that identifies device 2 and location information indicating the location of device 2 can be accurately performed for each of the multiple devices 2 without being affected by delays and transmission time variations that occur when at least one of the network information and registration instructions is transmitted via the mesh network NW1.

[0035] (2) Details (2-1) Second communications and second network The second communication 102 is conducted using the second network NW2, which has a different network topology from the first network NW1, which is a mesh network NW1.

[0036] For the second network NW2 used in the second communication 102, a network topology with low latency and short transmission time (e.g., star type, bus type, etc.) is preferable compared to a mesh type.

[0037] With this configuration, the network topology of the second network NW2 used for the second communication 102 is different from the network topology (mesh type) of the mesh network NW1 used for the first communication 101 (for example, a network topology in which the transmission path is uniquely determined), thereby improving the efficiency of the setup.

[0038] The network topology of the second network NW2 is preferably a network topology in which the transmission path between nodes is uniquely determined, and which has low latency and short transmission time.

[0039] With this configuration, the network NW2 that implements the second communication 102 can be configured to have a network topology such as a star or bus, where the transmission path between nodes is uniquely determined, thereby improving the efficiency of the setup.

[0040] (2-2) Transmission medium for the first communication and the transmission medium for the third communication The third communication 103 is implemented using a transmission medium different from the transmission medium used to implement the first communication 101.

[0041] For example, if the transmission medium in the mesh network NW1 is radio waves, the transmission medium for the third communication 103 may be electromagnetic waves other than radio waves, or a wired medium.

[0042] This configuration allows the communication medium used to implement the third communication 103 to be different from the transmission medium used to implement the first communication 101 in the mesh network NW1. This avoids the transmission of network information, device identification information, and instructions such as registration instructions via the mesh network NW1, thereby avoiding the effects of variations in transmission time. As a result, it becomes easier to accurately associate device identification information with location information for each of the multiple devices 2.

[0043] In the first and second embodiments, the transmission medium for realizing the first communication is radio waves, and the transmission medium for realizing the third communication 103 is infrared radiation. However, the transmission medium for realizing the third communication 103 may be an electromagnetic wave other than infrared radiation that has stronger directionality than radio waves, such as visible light.

[0044] With this configuration, by using electromagnetic waves, which have stronger directivity than radio waves, as the transmission medium for the first communication 101 conducted using the mesh network NW1, as the transmission medium for the third communication 103, it becomes easier for the instruction device 4 to selectively conduct the third communication 103 with one of the multiple devices 2. For example, it becomes easier to selectively issue a registration instruction to one of the multiple devices 2 via the third communication 103.

[0045] (2-2-1) Specific example of the third communication In the communication system 10, at least one of the multiple devices 2 is a lighting device, and the third communication 103 is infrared communication.

[0046] With this configuration, by using infrared light as the communication medium for the third communication 103 to issue a registration instruction to the lighting fixture 2, the registration instruction can be accurately issued even when the lighting fixture 2 is emitting visible light.

[0047] (2-3) Fourth Communications Unit, Fourth Communications, and Third Network Each of the gateway 1 and terminal device 3 further comprises a fourth communication unit 104P, as shown in Figures 2 and 4. The fourth communication unit 104P performs a fourth communication 104 that is different from any of the first communications 101 to the third communications 103.

[0048] The fourth communication 104 is a communication used selectively between the gateway 1 and the terminal device 3, and is preferably a communication with a wider communication range than the second communication 102 (e.g., Bluetooth). The fourth communication 104 is, for example, Wi-Fi communication. However, the fourth communication 104 may also be a wireless communication other than Wi-Fi with a wider communication range than the second communication 102 (e.g., wireless communication using a mobile phone network).

[0049] In the first and second embodiments, the fourth communication unit 104P performs the fourth communication 104 using the third network NW3 (see Figures 1 and 11). The third network NW3 is, for example, a wireless LAN. However, the third network NW3 can be any network that can be connected to the terminal device 3 and the gateway 1 by the fourth communication 104, such as a WAN or the Internet.

[0050] Furthermore, the third network NW3 may be, for example, a wide-area network such as the Internet, and the fourth communication 104 by the fourth communication unit 104P may be a communication for connecting each of the gateway 1 and terminal device 3 to the wide-area network. In this case, even if the communication range of the fourth communication 104 is narrower than that of the second communication 102, the communication distance between the gateway 1 and terminal device 3 can be extended by connecting each of the gateway 1 and terminal device 3 to the wide-area network. As a result, for example, even if the gateway 1 is installed inside a building and the terminal device 3 is located far from the building, the gateway 1 and terminal device 3 can communicate with each other. For this reason, the communication range of the fourth communication 104 does not necessarily have to be wider than that of the second communication 102.

[0051] Furthermore, even if the third network NW3 is a narrow-area network such as a wireless LAN, the communication range between Gateway 1 and Terminal Device 3 can be extended by connecting Gateway 1 and Terminal Device 3 to the narrow-area network. This allows Gateway 1 and Terminal Device 3 to communicate with each other even if they are located in different rooms within the same building. For this reason, the third network NW3 does not necessarily have to be a wide-area network.

[0052] Thus, it can be said that the fourth communication 104 by the fourth communication unit 104P is a communication aimed at extending the communication distance between the gateway 1 and the terminal device 3 by connecting the gateway 1 and the terminal device 3 to the third network NW3, which is different from both the first network NW1 and the second network NW2.

[0053] (2-4) Details of terminal equipment Terminal device 3 is, for example, a mobile communication terminal (smartphone, tablet, etc.).

[0054] (2-4-1) Processing Section The terminal device 3 further comprises a processing unit 33. The processing unit 33 creates individual setting information for each of the multiple devices 2, including the device identification information and the location information, by associating each of the multiple device identification information, which constitutes a group of device identification information corresponding to each of the multiple devices 2, with one of the multiple location information corresponding to the multiple devices 2.

[0055] In general, an "information group" refers to a collection of multiple pieces of information, but in this embodiment, an information group may also include a single piece of information. For example, a device identification information group is basically a collection of device identification information corresponding to each of multiple devices 2, but it may also be device identification information corresponding to one device 2. Furthermore, associating each of the multiple pieces of device identification information constituting the device identification information group with one of the multiple pieces of location information may be done sequentially or all at once.

[0056] The multiple location information corresponding to the multiple devices 2 are the multiple node locations corresponding to the multiple nodes that constitute the mesh network NW1 as shown in Figures 1 and 11. The multiple location information (i.e., multiple node locations) is pre-set by the terminal device 3 as setting values ​​for the network parameters of the mesh network NW1 and stored in the memory of the terminal device 3.

[0057] However, multiple location data may be stored in the memory of an external device, provided that the processor of terminal device 3 can access it.

[0058] With this configuration, the processing unit 33 can create individual setting information for each of the multiple devices 2, including the device identification information and the location information, by associating each of the multiple device identification information with one of the multiple location information.

[0059] (2-4-2) Display section As shown in Figure 4, the terminal device 3 further includes a display unit 31. The display unit 31 displays list LS1 (see Figure 10). List LS1 contains multiple device images 2I corresponding to multiple device identification information that constitute a group of device identification information, which is a collection of device identification information registered in the gateway 1 in response to registration instructions made individually for each of the multiple devices 2.

[0060] With this configuration, the display unit 31 displays a list LS1 in which multiple device images 2I corresponding to multiple device identification information registered in the gateway 1 are arranged, thereby making it easier to visually confirm whether the registration was successful for each of the multiple devices 2.

[0061] (2-5) Gateway Details As shown in Figure 2, Gateway 1 further includes a conversion unit W11. The conversion unit 11 performs protocol conversion between networks.

[0062] In the first and second embodiments, the gateway 1 is interposed between the first network NW1 (mesh network), the second network NW2 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network such as Bluetooth), and the third network NW3, as shown in Figures 1 and 11.

[0063] Gateway 1 is a node common to the first network NW1 to the third network NW3. Gateway 1 connects, for example, the first network NW1 which communicates using the first protocol, the second network NW2 which communicates using the second protocol, and the third network NW3 which communicates using the third protocol, enabling them to communicate with each other.

[0064] However, in the configurations shown in Figures 1 and 11, the third network NW3 is not essential. Specifically, if the terminal device 3 is within the communication range of the second communication 102 by the second network NW2 to the gateway 1 (for example, if the gateway 1 and terminal device 3 are in the same room), the fourth communication 104 by the third network NW3 can be replaced by the second communication 102 by the second network NW2, and therefore the third network NW3 is not necessary. In other words, even if the gateway 1 and terminal device 3 are outside the communication range of the second communication 102 by the second network NW2 (for example, if the gateway 1 is installed inside a building and the terminal device 3 is located away from that building), the presence of the third network NW3 allows the gateway 1 and terminal device 3 to communicate via the third network NW3.

[0065] (2-6) Details of the equipment Each of the multiple fixtures 2 is a lighting fixture in the first and second embodiments. The lighting fixture may be, for example, a lighting fixture specified by law (such as an emergency light or exit sign) or a general-purpose lighting fixture (such as a ceiling light or floor light).

[0066] Alternatively, each of the multiple fixtures 2 may be a fixture other than lighting (such as an air conditioner or AV equipment). Alternatively, one or more of the multiple fixtures 2 may be lighting fixtures, and the rest may be fixtures other than lighting.

[0067] (2-7) Details of the indicator device In the first and second embodiments, the indicator device 4 is a handheld remote controller (handheld remote control) that is held by the user and operated towards each of the multiple devices 2. However, the indicator device 4 may also be a fixed type.

[0068] The instruction device 4 has various buttons for various operations. Various operations include, for example, a registration operation to give a registration instruction to the instruction device 4, and the various buttons include, for example, a "Register" button for the registration operation. Alternatively, various operations may include a deregistration operation to give a deregistration instruction to the instruction device 4, and the various buttons may include a "Deregister" button for the deregistration operation.

[0069] Furthermore, when the instruction device 4 issues a registration instruction to each of the multiple devices 2, it may also notify the devices 2 of setting information regarding the settings of the devices 2. The setting information notified from the instruction device 4 to the devices 2 may be, for example, information regarding area settings, but it may also be one or more types of information from the individual setting information and batch control information described in "(15-11) Modified examples of information notification from terminal devices and instructions from the instruction device".

[0070] (3) First Embodiment Next, the communication system 10 according to the first embodiment will be described using Figures 1 to 9. Note that matters already explained in the overview will be omitted or simplified in the following explanation.

[0071] As shown in Figure 6, the communication system 10 of the first embodiment is configured to initially build a mesh network with default settings upon initial startup. After the initial setup, the communication system 10 is configured to reconstruct the mesh network by registering device identification information for each of the multiple devices 2, and then restarting the multiple devices 2 after the registration is complete. Default settings, in this context, refer to using default frequency channels and encryption keys as network parameters, for example.

[0072] Note that "Default" is indicated as "DFLT" in the drawings as appropriate. Also, "Equipment Identification Information" is indicated as "Equipment ID" in the drawings as appropriate.

[0073] In more detail, terminal device 3 creates network information regarding the settings of mesh network NW1 and notifies gateway 1 of the network information via second communication 102.

[0074] For example, a user performs a configuration operation to set various network parameters of the mesh network NW1 via an input device (such as a touch panel) of terminal device 3, and terminal device 3 creates configuration information regarding the various network parameters in response to the configuration operation.

[0075] During the initial startup, Gateway 1 and the multiple devices 2 perform the initial setup of the mesh network NW1 based on the default configuration information for each of the multiple devices 2.

[0076] After the initial setup, the instruction device 4, via the third communication 103, instructs each of the multiple devices 2 to register device identification information with the gateway 1.

[0077] Each of the multiple devices 2, in response to a registration instruction, notifies gateway 1 of its device identification information via first communication 101 and requests registration of the device identification information. Gateway 1 registers the device identification information for each of the multiple devices 2 in response to the registration request. After registering the device identification information, gateway 1 includes network information in the ACK (Acknowledgment) sent to device 2 for the notification of device identification information from device 2 and sends it to device 2 via first communication 101, while simultaneously notifying terminal device 3 of the device identification information via fourth communication 104. After receiving notification of the device identification information group, which is a collection of device identification information corresponding to each of the multiple devices 2, terminal device 3 further creates individual configuration information including the device identification information for each of the multiple devices 2.

[0078] The notification of the device identification information group may be either a sequential notification of the multiple device identification information that make up the device identification information group, or a single notification. This distinction between sequential and single notifications also applies to the notification of individual setting information groups and other information groups, which will be described later. The device identification information groups notified from multiple devices 2 are stored in the memory of gateway 1.

[0079] Furthermore, if the device 2 to be registered is a lighting fixture, it is preferable that the individual setting information also includes the setting values ​​of the lighting parameters. Lighting parameters include, for example, brightness and color tone. Lighting parameters may also include whether or not there is a dimming function, whether or not there is a color adjustment function, etc.

[0080] Then, terminal device 3 further notifies gateway 1 via fourth communication 104 of the individual configuration information group, which is a collection of individual configuration information created for each of the multiple devices 2, and requests the reconstruction of the mesh network NW1. Note that if the individual configuration information group is stored in gateway 1, it is not necessary to notify gateway 1 of the individual configuration information group when making a reconstruction request. Gateway 1 notifies each of the multiple devices 2 of the multiple individual configuration information that constitutes the individual configuration information group via first communication 101. Subsequently, gateway 1 reconstructs the mesh network NW1 by restarting the multiple devices 2 in response to the reconstruction request.

[0081] Furthermore, after the construction of the mesh network NW1, if any of the multiple devices 2 receive a deregistration instruction from the instruction device 4 via the third communication 103, it notifies the gateway 1 of its device identification information via the first communication 101, requests deregistration to deregister the device 2, and then deletes the network information. In response to the deregistration request from the device 2, the gateway 1 deletes the device identification information notified by the device 2 from the device identification information group.

[0082] (3-1) Example of operation The devices 2, terminal device 3, and gateway 1 that constitute the communication system 10 of this embodiment operate according to the flowcharts in Figures 7, 8, and 9, respectively.

[0083] The flowcharts in Figures 7 to 9 begin, for example, when the communication system 10 is powered on, and end when the association between device identification information and location information and the construction of the mesh network NW1 are completed. After the process is completed, the communication system 10 becomes capable of controlling multiple devices 2 via the mesh network NW1.

[0084] (3-1-1) Example of device operation Device 2 determines whether it is registered or not (step S211). If device 2 determines in step S211 that it is registered (Yes), the process proceeds to step S218.

[0085] If it is determined in step S211 that the device is not registered (No), device 2 will connect to another device 2 or gateway 1 with default settings (step S212).

[0086] Next, device 2 receives a registration instruction from the instruction device 4 (step S213).

[0087] Next, device 2 notifies gateway 1 of the registration request and device identification information (step S214).

[0088] Next, device 2 determines whether or not an ACK has been received from gateway 1 (step S215). If device 2 determines in step S215 that there is no ACK from gateway 1 (No), the process returns to step S214.

[0089] If it is determined in step S215 that an ACK has been received from gateway 1 (Yes), then device 2 determines whether or not a reconstruction request has been made (step S216). If device 2 determines in step S216 that there is no reconstruction request (No), the process returns to step S216.

[0090] If it is determined in step S216 that a rebuild request has been made (Yes), device 2 restarts and connects to another device 2 or gateway 1 in its individual settings (step S217). After that, the process is terminated.

[0091] In step S218, device 2 connects to another device 2 or gateway 1 via individual configuration. The process then terminates.

[0092] (3-1-2) Example of terminal device operation First, terminal device 3 acquires network information (step S311).

[0093] Next, terminal device 3 notifies gateway 1 of network information (step S312).

[0094] Next, terminal device 3 determines whether all devices 2 have been configured (step S313). If terminal device 3 determines in step S313 that all devices 2 have been configured (Yes), the process is terminated.

[0095] If step S313 determines that there is a device 2 that has not yet been configured (No), terminal device 3 receives notification of device identification information from gateway 1 (step S314).

[0096] Next, terminal device 3 adds the device image 2I corresponding to the notified device identification information to list LS1 (see Figure 10) (step S315).

[0097] Next, terminal device 3 associates the device identification information with the location information in response to the placement operation of the device image 2I added to list LS1 to any region image 2A in map MP1 (step S316). After that, the process returns to step S313. Note that the placement operation may also be an operation to place the device image 2I at any location on map MP1, rather than region image 2A.

[0098] (3-1-3) Example of GW operation First, Gateway 1 determines whether or not it has received network information notification from Terminal Device 3 (step S111). If Gateway 1 determines in step S111 that it has not received network information notification from Terminal Device 3 (No), the process returns to step S111.

[0099] If step S111 determines that network information has been notified from terminal device 3 (Yes), gateway 1 stores the network information (step S112).

[0100] Next, gateway 1 connects to device 2 (step S113).

[0101] Next, Gateway 1 determines whether all devices 2 are configured (step S114). If Gateway 1 determines in step S114 that all devices 2 are configured (Yes), the process proceeds to step S119.

[0102] If step S114 determines that there is a device 2 that has not yet been configured (No), gateway 1 receives a registration request and notification of device identification information from device 2 (step S115).

[0103] Next, Gateway 1 registers the device identification information (step S116).

[0104] Next, gateway 1 responds to device 2 with an ACK containing device identification information (step S117).

[0105] Next, gateway 1 notifies terminal device 3 of the device identification information (step S118). Then, the process returns to step S114.

[0106] In step S119, gateway 1 requests reconstruction for all devices 2. The process then terminates.

[0107] (3-2) Advantages of the First Embodiment According to this embodiment, upon initial startup, the gateway 1 and the multiple devices 2 initially establish a mesh network NW1 with default settings, enabling the transmission of information (device identification information, network information, etc.) between the gateway 1 and each of the multiple devices 2 via the mesh network NW1.

[0108] Furthermore, after the initial setup of the mesh network NW1, the terminal device 3 registers device identification information for each of the multiple devices 2, and after the registration is complete, the multiple devices 2 are restarted to complete the mesh network NW1.

[0109] (4) Second Embodiment Next, the second embodiment will be described using Figures 11, 2-5, and 12-15. Note that in the following, matters already explained in the overview and matters common to the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0110] Unlike the communication system 10 of the first embodiment (see Figures 1 and 6), the communication system 10 of the second embodiment does not perform the initial construction of the mesh network with the gateway 1 and multiple devices 2 using default settings during the initial startup.

[0111] Instead, in the communication system 10 of the second embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the instruction device 4 further includes a second communication unit 102P. Then, as shown in Figure 12, the terminal device 3 notifies the gateway 1 (GW) 1 and the instruction device 4 of network information via the second communication 102, the instruction device 4 notifies the multiple devices 2 of network information via the third communication 103, and the gateway 1 and the multiple devices 2 are configured to construct a mesh network NW1 based on the network information.

[0112] After the mesh network NW1 is established, the communication system 10 is configured to register the device identification information of each of the multiple devices 2 with the gateway 1, and then notify the terminal device 3 of the device identification information group from the gateway 1.

[0113] In more detail, terminal device 3 creates network information regarding the configuration of mesh network NW1 and notifies gateway 1 and instruction device 4 of the network information via fourth communication 104.

[0114] The instruction device 4 notifies each of the multiple devices 2 of network information via the third communication 103 and instructs them to register the device identification information with the gateway 1.

[0115] Gateway 1 and multiple devices 2 construct a mesh network NW1 based on network information and a set of device identification information, which is a collection of device identification information corresponding to each of the multiple devices 2.

[0116] Each of the multiple devices 2, upon receiving a registration instruction, sends a registration request for device identification information to Gateway 1 via the first communication 101 after being configured. Gateway 1 registers the device identification information for each of the multiple devices 2 in response to the registration request, and also notifies the terminal device 3 of the device identification information group via the fourth communication 104.

[0117] The notification of the device identification information group from Gateway 1 to Terminal Device 3 may be done voluntarily, or it may be done in response to an inquiry from Terminal Device 3 to Gateway 1 via the fourth communication 104.

[0118] (4-1) Example of operation The devices 2, terminal device 3, and gateway 1 that constitute the communication system 10 of this embodiment operate according to the flowcharts shown in Figures 13, 14, and 15, respectively.

[0119] (4-1-1) Examples of device operation First, device 2 determines whether it is registered or not (step S221). If device 2 determines in step S221 that it is registered (Yes), the process proceeds to step S226.

[0120] If it is determined in step S221 that the device is not registered (No), the device 2 receives a registration instruction from the instruction device 4 along with network information (step S222).

[0121] Next, device 2 is connected to another device 2 or gateway 1 (step S223).

[0122] Next, device 2 notifies gateway 1 of the registration request and device identification information (step S224).

[0123] Next, device 2 determines whether or not an ACK has been received from gateway 1 (step S225). If device 2 determines in step S225 that there is no ACK from gateway 1 (No), the process returns to step S224.

[0124] If device 2 determines in step S225 that an ACK has been received from gateway 1 (Yes), the process is terminated.

[0125] In step S226, device 2 connects to another device 2 or gateway 1 via individual configuration. The process then terminates.

[0126] (4-1-2) Example of terminal device operation First, terminal device 3 acquires network information (step S321).

[0127] Next, terminal device 3 notifies gateway 1 of network information (step S322).

[0128] Next, terminal device 3 notifies instruction device 4 of network information (step S323).

[0129] Next, terminal device 3 determines whether all devices 2 have been configured (step S324). If terminal device 3 determines in step S324 that all devices 2 have been configured (Yes), the process is terminated.

[0130] If step S324 determines that there is a device 2 that has not yet been configured (No), terminal device 3 receives notification of device identification information from gateway 1 (step S325).

[0131] Next, terminal device 3 adds the device image 2I corresponding to the notified device identification information to list LS1 (step S326).

[0132] Next, terminal device 3 associates the device identification information with the location information in response to the placement operation of the device image 2I added to list LS1 to any region image 2A in map MP1 (step S327). After that, the process returns to step S324.

[0133] (4-1-3) Example of GW operation First, gateway 1 determines whether or not it has received network information notification from terminal device 3 (step S121). If gateway 1 determines in step S121 that it has not received network information notification from terminal device 3 (No), the process returns to step S121.

[0134] If step S121 determines that network information has been notified from terminal device 3 (Yes), gateway 1 stores the network information (step S122).

[0135] Next, gateway 1 connects to device 2 (step S123).

[0136] Next, Gateway 1 determines whether all devices 2 are configured (step S124). If Gateway 1 determines in step S124 that all devices 2 are configured (Yes), the process is terminated.

[0137] If step S124 determines that there is a device 2 that has not yet been configured (No), gateway 1 receives notification of device identification information from device 2 (step S125).

[0138] Next, Gateway 1 registers the device identification information (step S126).

[0139] Next, gateway 1 responds to device 2 with an ACK (step S127).

[0140] Next, gateway 1 notifies terminal device 3 of the device identification information (step S128). Then, the process returns to step S124.

[0141] (4-2) Advantages of the second embodiment According to this embodiment, the terminal device 3 notifies the gateway 1 and each of the multiple devices 2 of network information relating to the mesh network NW1 via the second communication 102, enabling the gateway 1 and the multiple devices 2 to construct the mesh network NW1 based on the network information.

[0142] Furthermore, after the mesh network NW1 is established, Gateway 1 can register device identification information for each of the multiple devices 2 and notify Terminal Device 3 of the device identification information group.

[0143] (5) Registration by registration operation and mapping by placement operation The registration by registration and the matching by placement operations in the first and second embodiments are carried out in detail as follows.

[0144] As shown in Figure 5, the instruction device 4 further includes a first reception unit 41. The first reception unit 41 sequentially receives registration operations. A registration operation is an operation to individually issue a registration instruction via the third communication 103 to each of the multiple devices 2. A registration operation is, for example, pressing the "Register" button on the instruction device 4.

[0145] Note that the "Register" button and other buttons on the instruction device 4 are not necessarily hardware buttons; for example, they may be images of buttons displayed on the touch panel display of the instruction device 4.

[0146] As shown in Figure 4, terminal device 3 further comprises a display unit 31, a second reception unit 32, and a processing unit 33.

[0147] The display unit 31 displays screen SC1, which includes list LS1 and map MP1. List LS1 contains multiple device images 2I corresponding to multiple device identification information that make up a group of device identification information, which is a collection of device identification information registered in the gateway 1 in response to registration instructions made individually for each of the multiple devices 2.

[0148] Fixture image 2I is an image of fixture 2. Preferably, fixture image 2I is an image that visually represents the type of fixture 2 (e.g., lighting fixture, air conditioner, etc.). Fixture image 2I may be, for example, an icon indicating the type of fixture 2, or a thumbnail of a photographic image of fixture 2. Alternatively, fixture image 2I may be a text image (font) indicating the name of the fixture, such as "lighting".

[0149] Map MP1 is an image of the space in which multiple devices 2 are arranged. In this embodiment, Map MP1 is an image showing the layout of multiple region images 2A in which each of the multiple device images 2I may be placed. Map MP1 includes, for example, an image of the space and multiple region images 2A, where the multiple region images 2A are arranged in multiple positions within the image of the space that correspond to the multiple devices 2.

[0150] Area image 2A is an image of the area where the device 2 may be placed, and is, for example, an image of a shape such as a rectangle. Alternatively, area image 2A may be an icon or thumbnail of the object where the device 2 will be placed (such as a table), or it may be a text image (font) indicating the area name such as "living room".

[0151] The second reception unit 32 accepts placement operations. A placement operation is the operation of placing each of the multiple instrument images 2I in the list LS1 into one of the multiple region images 2A in the map MP1 on the screen SC1.

[0152] List LS1 contains, for example, the device images 2I of registered device 2 that are not yet placed on map MP1, as shown in Figure 10. When a placement operation selects any device image 2I in list LS1 and places it in association with any region image 2A on map MP1, that device image 2I is removed from list LS1.

[0153] In Figure 10, the device images 2I that have been removed from list LS1, specifically the device image 2I containing the numerical value "L01" and the device image 2I containing the numerical value "L02," are represented by dashed lines.

[0154] The placement operation may be, for example, a drag-and-drop operation from list LS1 to map MP1.

[0155] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, a "Confirm" button BT1 and a "Redo" button BT2 are displayed on the screen SC1 of the terminal device 3. The previous placement operation is confirmed by pressing the Confirm button BT1 (confirmation instruction). However, even without pressing the "Confirm" button BT1, the placement operation may be confirmed after a certain period of time has elapsed since the previous placement operation. The previous placement operation is canceled by pressing the "Redo" button BT2 (cancel instruction). After canceling the previous placement operation, it becomes possible to redo the placement operation.

[0156] The processing unit 33 creates individual setting information each time a placement operation is received by the second reception unit 32. The individual setting information includes an instrument identifier and position information corresponding to the instrument image 2I and area image 2A that have been associated with each other by the placement operation.

[0157] In this configuration, the instruction device 4 accepts individual registration operations for each of the multiple devices 2, and the terminal device 3 displays a screen SC1 which includes a list LS1 in which multiple device images 2I corresponding to the multiple devices 2 are arranged, and a map MP1 in which multiple area images 2A are laid out. The terminal device 3 then accepts placement operations to place each of the multiple device images 2I into one of the multiple area images 2A, thereby creating individual setting information for each of the multiple devices 2, including a device identifier and location information.

[0158] (6) Registration of multiple device identification information to the GW in the order in which registration requests were received, and arrangement of multiple device images into a list in the order according to the sequence information. In response to the first reception unit 41 sequentially receiving registration operations for each of the multiple devices 2, the instruction device 4 sequentially issues registration instructions for the device identification information via the third communication 103 to the multiple devices 2.

[0159] For example, the instruction device 4 is a handy remote controller (handy remote control), and when the user points the handy remote control at one of the multiple devices 2 and performs a registration operation, a registration instruction is sent from the handy remote control to the device 2 via the third communication 103.

[0160] The user essentially moves within a space where multiple devices 2 are located, and sequentially issues registration instructions via the third communication 103 to each of the devices 2 at the location where the electromagnetic waves, such as infrared rays, that enable the third communication reach the device 2 to be registered.

[0161] However, depending on the arrangement of the multiple devices 2, the user may perform registration operations for the multiple devices 2 sequentially without moving, by changing the orientation of the handheld remote control (the direction of transmission of electromagnetic waves that realize the third communication 103).

[0162] Gateway 1 registers multiple device identification information sets that constitute a group of device identification information in the order in which registration requests are received via first communication 101 from multiple devices 2 corresponding to the multiple device identification information sets.

[0163] Terminal device 3 obtains sequence information from gateway 1 via fourth communication 104. Sequence information is information relating to the registration order of multiple device identification information. In this embodiment, the sequence information is a numerical sequence, which will be described later. However, the sequence information may also be, for example, information in which multiple device identification information is arranged in the order of registration.

[0164] The display unit 31 arranges multiple instrument images 2I in a list LS1 in the order according to the sequence information.

[0165] In this configuration, the instruction device 4 sequentially issues registration instructions to multiple devices 2 via the third communication 103, and the gateway 1 registers multiple device identification information corresponding to the multiple devices 2 in the order in which it receives registration instructions from the devices 2. The terminal device 3 obtains sequence information from the gateway 1 and arranges multiple device images 2I in the order according to the sequence information in the list LS1 on the screen SC1. In this way, it is possible to visually recognize the registration order of multiple devices 2 that have been successfully registered.

[0166] (7) Example of ordered information: Numerical sequence The sequence information described above is a sequence of numbers that the instruction device 4 assigns to each of the multiple devices 2 when it sequentially notifies them of a registration instruction. The sequence of numbers here is an array of numbers that change monotonically. The display unit 31 adds the numbers to each of the multiple device images 2I (for example, by drawing an image of a font that represents the numbers, corresponding to the device image 2I), and displays the device images 2I containing the numbers in the list LS1 in the order that follows the sequence of numbers.

[0167] Note that the device image 2I containing numerical values ​​is an image that includes an image of the device 2 itself and an image of a font representing the numerical value associated with the device 2. In the device image 2I containing numerical values, the image of the font representing the numerical value does not necessarily have to be inside the outline of the image of the device 2 itself. The image of the font representing the numerical value may be partially outside the outline of the image of the device 2 itself, or it may be entirely outside the outline of the image of the device 2 itself.

[0168] More specifically, for example, the instruction device 4 generates a numerical value that changes monotonically each time a registration instruction is sequentially given to multiple devices 2, as sequence information.

[0169] The numerical values ​​referred to here are not limited to values ​​expressed solely by numbers (for example, sequence numbers such as "0", "1", "2"), but may also be values ​​expressed by combining one or more elements from numbers, letters, and symbols. For example, numerical values ​​may be combinations of letters and numbers such as "L01", "L02", "L03", or combinations of numbers and symbols such as "11:15:10", "11:16:01", "11:18:36".

[0170] Furthermore, while a monotonic change in a numerical value is basically a monotonically increasing one, it can also be a monotonically decreasing one. A monotonically increasing numerical value is, for example, a sequence number that is incremented each time a registration instruction is given. A sequence number is generated, for example, by setting the initial value of the number to "0" and incrementing the value of the number each time a registration instruction is given.

[0171] Alternatively, the monotonically increasing numerical value may be, for example, time information. The time information is generated, for example, each time a registration instruction is given, based on the value of the built-in clock of the processor in the instruction device 4.

[0172] Then, when the instruction device 4 issues a registration instruction via the third communication 103 to each of the multiple devices 2, it notifies them of a numerical value along with the device identification information.

[0173] Each of the multiple devices 2 notifies the gateway 1 of a numerical value along with device identification information when it makes a registration request to the gateway 1 via the first communication 101. The gateway 1 registers the multiple device identification information corresponding to the multiple devices 2 in an order that follows a sequence of numerical values, which is sequence information and is an array of numerical values ​​notified along with each of the multiple device identification information.

[0174] Terminal device 3 receives each of the multiple device identification pieces along with a numerical value from gateway 1 via fourth communication 104. Display unit 31 arranges multiple device images 2I, each containing the numerical value notified along with each of the multiple device identification pieces, in list LS1 in order according to the numerical sequence.

[0175] In this embodiment, the display unit 31, for example as shown in Figure 10, arranges a plurality (five) of device images 2I, each containing the numerical values ​​"L01", "L02", "L03", "L04", and "L06", in an order according to the numerical sequence (sequence number sequence "L01, L02, L03, L04, L06").

[0176] With this configuration, the display unit 31 arranges multiple device images 2I in an order that follows a monotonically changing numerical sequence, and adds a numerical value to each of the multiple device images 2I that functions as image identification information to identify the device image 2I. By arranging the multiple device images 2I containing the numerical values ​​in the list LS1 on the screen SC1 in an order that follows the numerical sequence, the correspondence between the device images 2I and the region images 2A can be further simplified.

[0177] (8) Hochi image The display unit 31 further displays notification image IF1 on screen SC1 if there is a missing value in the numerical sequence. The notification image referred to here is an image used to notify about the missing value in the numerical sequence.

[0178] In this embodiment, the numerical sequence is a sequence number sequence "L01, L02, L03, L04, L06" as shown in Figure 10, and there is a missing number "L05". Therefore, the display unit 31 displays an image of text such as "Missing number" as the notification image IF1, corresponding to the position of the missing number "L05".

[0179] In addition to "There is a missing number," or instead of "There is a missing number," the display unit 31 may display an image of text indicating the possibility of registration failure, such as "Registration of device 2 corresponding to the missing number may have failed." Furthermore, the display unit 31 may also display an image of text indicating a corrective action, such as "Please issue a registration instruction to the device corresponding to the missing number again using the control device."

[0180] With this configuration, if a numerical value is missing in the numerical sequence, the display unit 31 further displays the notification image IF1 on the screen SC1, thereby facilitating the recognition of the numerical value being missing, and consequently, the recognition of the possibility that the registration of the device 2 corresponding to the missing numerical value has failed.

[0181] (9) Operation instructions for a single device, and changes in the display mode of images on the screen. The instruction device 4 issues an operation instruction via the third communication 103 to one of the multiple devices 2 to perform a predetermined operation, while simultaneously notifying the terminal device 3 of device identification information that identifies the one device 2 via the fourth communication 104.

[0182] The specified operation is, in principle, the original operation of fixture 2. For example, if fixture 2 is a lighting fixture, the original operation is to turn on.

[0183] However, the specified action may be different from the original action. If fixture 2 is a lighting fixture and its original action is to turn on, the specified action may be, for example, blinking, but it may also be to turn off.

[0184] Alternatively, the predetermined operation may be an operation that changes the illumination state of the indicator on the device 2. The operation that changes the illumination state may be, for example, an operation that changes from an off state to an on state, an operation that changes from an off state or an on state to a blinking state, an operation that changes at least one of the brightness and color, or an operation that changes the blinking speed.

[0185] Furthermore, as will be described later, operation instructions are given to, for example, one device 2 after a registration instruction has been given to that same device 2 (the device currently subject to registration).

[0186] Alternatively, if the first reception unit 41 receives an operation command directed at one of the devices 2 at any time (such as pressing an operation button while the infrared emitter is pointed at one of the devices 2), the instruction device 4 may issue an operation command to the one of the devices 2 via the third communication 103.

[0187] Device 2 performs a predetermined operation in response to an operation instruction. For example, if device 2 is a lighting fixture that is currently subject to registration, the lighting fixture that is subject to registration will light up in response to an operation instruction that follows the registration instruction.

[0188] The display unit 31 selectively changes the display mode of one of the multiple device images 2I displayed on the screen SC1, specifically the device image 2I corresponding to one device 2. Changing the display mode of the device image 2I may, for example, change the display mode of the numerical portion of the device image 2I, change the display mode of the non-numerical portion, or change the entire image including the numerical value.

[0189] For example, in the example in Figure 10, the device 2 that is the target of the operation instruction is the last device 2 (the fifth from the left) in the sequence of five device images 2I in list LS1, and the display pattern of the numerical value "L06" attached to the device image 2I corresponding to this last device 2 has changed.

[0190] With this configuration, by causing one device 2 to perform a predetermined operation, and by changing the display mode of at least a part of the device image 2I corresponding to the device 2 (for example, the numerical value "L06" included in the device image 2I: see Figure 10), it is possible to facilitate the user's judgment as to whether or not their understanding of the correspondence between the device 2 placed in the real space and the device image 2I displayed on the screen SC1 is correct.

[0191] (10) An example of a device and a predetermined operation Device 2 is the device 2 that is currently eligible for registration among multiple devices 2. Device 2 that is currently eligible for registration is the device 2 that Gateway 1 is attempting to register or has just registered.

[0192] In this case, the predetermined action is, for example, an action indicating that one device 2 is being registered or has completed registration. The action indicating that one device 2 is being registered or has completed registration is, for example, an action different from the original operation of one device 2.

[0193] If one of the fixtures 2 is a lighting fixture, the predetermined action is, for example, an action that visually indicates that the lighting fixture is being registered or that registration has been completed, such as flashing.

[0194] Alternatively, the predetermined action may be a change in the illumination state of an indicator on one of the devices 2 (such as lighting up, turning off, flashing, changing color, or changing the flashing speed).

[0195] Furthermore, if one of the devices 2 is an emergency light or an exit sign, the prescribed operation must be one that takes into account the law. For example, in the case of an emergency light, it may be in a flashing state during registration and change from flashing to continuous lighting upon completion of registration. Alternatively, in the case of either an emergency light or an exit sign, the prescribed operation may be performed only in a mode other than the normal mode in which normal operation is performed (for example, a registration mode).

[0196] With this configuration, the instruction device 4 issues an operation instruction to device 2 that the user recognizes as being registered, that is, device 2 that is the target of the most recent registration instruction. The device 2 that receives the operation instruction then performs an action that visually indicates that it is being registered or that registration has been completed. This allows the user to easily determine whether the device 2 that the user recognizes as being registered matches the device 2 that the communication system 10 has actually registered or completed.

[0197] (11) Adding new equipment to an existing network When adding a new device 2 to the established mesh network NW1, the instruction device 4 notifies the new device 2 of device identification information that identifies the new device 2 via the third communication 103 and issues a registration instruction.

[0198] The new device 2 connects to the nearest node of the mesh network NW1 via the first communication 101. The nearest node, in this context, refers to one of the three or more nodes that make up the mesh network NW1, i.e., one of the multiple devices 2 (registered devices) and gateway 1 shown in Figures 1 and 11 that meets the connection conditions.

[0199] The connection conditions are the conditions under which a registered device or gateway 1 becomes the connection partner for the new device 2. For example, the connection conditions may be "being within the communication range of the first communication 101 conducted by the new device 2, and being the node with the strongest received signal strength in the first communication 101."

[0200] If no node meets the connection requirements, the new device 2 may notify that there is no connection partner nearby (e.g., by lighting an indicator, displaying a message on the screen, or outputting an audio message from the speaker). This avoids sending registration instructions to device 2 that does not have a connection target nearby, and ultimately ensures accurate registration of device 2.

[0201] Then, the new device 2 notifies gateway 1 of its device identification information via the first communication 101 and requests registration.

[0202] In response to a registration request, Gateway 1 appends the device identification information of the new device 2 to the end of the sequence of multiple device identification information that constitute the device identification information group, and also notifies Terminal Device 3. Display Unit 31 adds a new device image corresponding to the device identification information of the new device 2 to the end of the sequence of multiple device images 2I displayed in List LS1.

[0203] In this configuration, when a new device 2 is added to the already established mesh network NW1, the instruction device 4 notifies the new device 2 of its device identification information, and the gateway 1 registers the new device 2's device identification information at the end of the sequence of registered device identification information. The terminal device 3 adds the device image 2I of the new device 2 to the end of the sequence of device images 2I in the list LS1 displayed on screen SC1. This makes it easier to accurately associate the device identification information that identifies the device 2 with the location information that indicates the location of the device 2 for the new device 2.

[0204] (12) Communication methods Functions similar to those of the communication system 10 may be embodied in a communication method, a computer program, or a non-temporary recording medium on which a program is stored. The communication method is the communication method performed by the communication system 10 described above. The communication method includes a notification step (steps S312, S322) and an instruction step (steps S213, S222). In the notification step, the terminal device 3 notifies at least the gateway 1 of network information relating to the mesh network NW1 via the second communication 102. In the instruction step, the instruction device 4 individually issues a registration instruction to each of the multiple devices 2 via the third communication 103, causing the gateway 1 to register device identification information identifying the device 2 as a node of the mesh network NW1.

[0205] (13) Program The program is a program that causes a computer system (one or more processors of the communication system 10) to execute the above communication method.

[0206] (14) Computer systems The communication system 10 includes a computer system. The computer system mainly consists of a processor and memory as hardware. The functionality of the communication system 10 is realized by the processor executing a program recorded in the computer system's memory. The program may be pre-recorded in the computer system's memory, provided via a telecommunication line, or provided on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive that can be read by the computer system. The processor of the computer system consists of one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) or large-scale integrated circuits (LSIs). The integrated circuits referred to here, such as ICs or LSIs, are named differently depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, VLSIs (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSIs (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Furthermore, FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) that are programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or logic devices that allow for the reconfiguration of junction relationships or circuit compartments within an LSI, can also be used as processors. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated onto a single chip or distributed across multiple chips. Multiple chips may be integrated into a single device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller also consists of one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits or large-scale integrated circuits.

[0207] Furthermore, it is not essential for the communication system 10 to have multiple functions integrated into a single enclosure; the components of the communication system 10 may be distributed across multiple enclosures. In addition, at least some of the functions of the communication system 10 may be implemented by the cloud (cloud computing), etc.

[0208] (15) Variations (15-1) Variations of correspondence In the embodiment, the association between device identification information and location information was performed for each of the multiple devices 2 based on the user's placement operation. However, in this modified example, the processing unit 33 of the terminal device 3 may perform this automatically by associating the device identification information notified in the same order from the multiple devices 2 with the multiple region images 2A stored sequentially in memory.

[0209] (15-2) Variations of methods for generating numerical sequences The indicator device 4 has an increment button for incrementing the sequence number, and the sequence number may be incremented each time the increment button is pressed. Alternatively, the indicator device 4 may have a numeric keypad or the like for specifying an arbitrary sequence number instead of, or in addition to, the increment button.

[0210] This allows any sequence number to be assigned to each of multiple devices 2. For example, by assigning the same sequence number to two or more devices 2 and grouping them together, group control can be enabled. Furthermore, by controlling two or more grouped devices 2 together and individually, scene control can be enabled to realize a desired scene.

[0211] (15-3) First modified example of an indicator device The instruction device 4 may also have a “cancel” button in addition to the registration button for canceling the registration operation that was performed immediately before (cancel operation). If a cancel operation is performed on the device 2 that was the target of the previous registration operation, the instruction device 4 sends a cancel instruction to the device 2, and the device 2 sends a cancel request to the gateway 1 via the first communication 101, which includes the previously notified device identification information. In response to the cancel request, the gateway 1 cancels the registration of the device 2 by deleting the device identification information that was registered immediately before. The device 2 deletes the individual setting information it has stored.

[0212] The indicator device 4 may, after canceling the registration of device 2, re-register the same device 2, or register a different device 2.

[0213] The cancellation instruction may be issued from gateway 1 to device 2, or from instruction device 4 to gateway 1. The processing executed by the communication system 10 may be changed depending on whether the cancellation instruction is issued from instruction device 4 to gateway 1 or from gateway 1 to device 2.

[0214] For example, if the cancellation instruction is an instruction from gateway 1 to device 2, gateway 1 sends a delete command to device 2, waits for a reply from device 2, and then deletes the individual configuration information within gateway 1. On the other hand, if the cancellation instruction is an instruction from instruction device 4 to gateway 1, instruction device 4 sends a cancellation instruction for the registration of device 2 to gateway 1, waits for a reply from gateway 1, and then deletes the individual configuration information within device 2.

[0215] (15-4) Second modified form of the indicator device The instruction device 4 is not limited to a handheld remote control; for example, it may be implemented as a mobile communication terminal. Examples of mobile communication terminals include smartphones and tablet devices.

[0216] (15-5) Modified examples of terminal devices Terminal device 3 may, via fourth communication 104, specify to gateway 1 one or more devices 2 from among multiple devices 2 that gateway 1 can accept registration requests from. In this case, gateway 1 will only accept registration requests from the one or more devices 2 specified by terminal device 3.

[0217] (15-6) Variations of gateways The communication system 10 described in the second embodiment may include multiple gateways, including gateway 1 shown in Figure 11. In this case, terminal device 3 specifies one of the multiple gateways (for example, using the address of one gateway as the destination) to notify network information, etc.

[0218] (15-7) Modifications relating to indicator devices and terminal devices The instruction device 4 and the terminal device 3 may be implemented, for example, by a single mobile communication terminal (such as a smartphone).

[0219] (15-8) Variations relating to equipment and GW The fixture 2 and gateway 1 may be integrated. For example, one of the multiple fixtures 2 may be a lighting fixture with a built-in gateway.

[0220] (15-9) Variations of information regarding the report Terminal device 3 may have a speaker and output an announcement voice such as "There is a missing number" from the speaker. Alternatively, terminal device 3 may have a vibrator and notify the user of the occurrence of a missing number through vibration of the vibrator.

[0221] (15-10) Modifications regarding the acceptance of numerical values In the first and second embodiments, a registration instruction via third communication 103 from the instruction device 4 is received by two or more of the multiple devices 2, and it is possible that the same numerical value (same sequence number, same time information, etc.) is notified to the gateway 1 from two or more devices 2. In this modified example, when a device 2 receives a signal including a registration instruction via third communication 103 such as infrared communication from the instruction device 4, it measures the received signal strength of the signal, associates the measured value of the received strength with a numerical value such as a sequence number, and notifies the gateway 1. If the gateway 1 receives notifications of the same numerical value from two or more devices 2, it may compare the received signal strengths associated with each numerical value and determine the device 2 corresponding to the one with the larger received signal strength to be registered.

[0222] (15-11) Variations of information notification from terminal devices and instructions from instruction devices When the terminal device 3 makes a reconstruction request, in addition to the individual configuration information, it may further notify the gateway 1 in the fourth communication 104 of batch control information (such as area control information and scene control information) for batch control of multiple devices 2 (for example, area control, scene control, etc.).

[0223] The instructions given by the instruction device 4 may also be instructions for the simultaneous control of multiple devices 2. Simultaneous control is, for example, area control or scene control. The instructions are instructions for area control or instructions for scene control.

[0224] Instructions for individual control other than registration, and instructions for batch control, may be given, for example, via a mesh network, or without a mesh network (for example, by short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth).

[0225] (15-12) Modifications of mesh network reconstruction In the embodiment, the reconstruction of the mesh network NW1 was achieved by restarting the device 2, which reflected the network information in the network parameters of the mesh network NW1. However, in this modified example, the reconstruction of the mesh network NW1 may be achieved by reflecting the network information in the network parameters without restarting the device 2.

[0226] (15-13) Modified example of notifying terminal devices of equipment identification information registered by GW When Gateway 1 registers multiple new devices 2 sequentially, it may notify Terminal Device 3 of the device identification information of each new device 2 each time it is registered, or it may notify Terminal Device 3 of the multiple device identification information for each of the multiple new devices 2 all at once after the registration of these multiple device identification information for each of the multiple new devices 2 has been completed.

[0227] (15-14) Modifications concerning the arrangement of multiple instrument images into a list In this embodiment, the arrangement of multiple device images 2I into list LS1 is performed by the terminal device 3, but in this modified example, it may be performed by the gateway 1. That is, the gateway 1 may transmit multiple device identification information to the terminal device 3 via a fourth communication in an order that follows a numerical sequence, which is an array of numerical values ​​notified in the first communication 101 along with each of the multiple device identification information from each of the multiple devices 2. The terminal device 3 receives each of the multiple device identification information from the gateway 1 via the fourth communication 104, and the display unit 31 arranges the multiple device images 2I, including the numerical values, into list LS1 in the order in which the terminal device 3 received them.

[0228] (15-15) Modifications relating to terminal devices and indicator devices The terminal device 3 may also incorporate the functions of the instruction device 4. In addition to the operations described in the embodiment, the terminal device 3 of this modified example may give various instructions to the device 2 via the third communication 103 through the third communication unit 103P.

[0229] (16) Summary The communication system (10) according to the first embodiment comprises a gateway (1), a plurality of devices (2), a terminal device (3), and an instruction device (4). The plurality of devices (2) cooperate with the gateway (1) to construct a mesh network (NW1). The terminal device (3) performs settings related to the mesh network (NW1). The instruction device (4) gives instructions to the plurality of devices (2). Each of the gateway (1) and the plurality of devices (2) comprises a first communication unit (101P). The first communication unit (101P) performs first communication (101) using the mesh network (NW1). The gateway (1) further comprises a second communication unit (102P). The second communication unit (102P) performs second communication (102) which is different from the first communication (101). Each of the plurality of devices (2) and the instruction device (4) further comprises a third communication unit (103P). The third communication unit (103P) performs a third communication (103) that is different from both the first communication (101) and the second communication (102). In the communication system (10), the terminal device (3) notifies at least the gateway (1) of network information regarding the mesh network (NW1) via the second communication (102). In addition, for each of the multiple devices (2), the instruction device (4) individually issues a registration instruction via the third communication (103) to each of the multiple devices (2) so that the device (2) can be registered with the gateway (1) as a node in the mesh network (NW1).

[0230] According to this embodiment, it is possible to avoid the effects of delays and transmission time variations that occur when at least one of network information and registration instructions is transmitted via a mesh network (NW1). As a result, it is possible to make it easier to accurately associate device identification information that identifies a device (2) with location information that indicates the location of the device (2) for each of the multiple devices (2).

[0231] In the communication system (10) according to the second embodiment, in the first embodiment, the second communication (102) is performed using a second network (NW2) which has a different network topology from the first network (NW1), which is a mesh network (NW1).

[0232] According to this embodiment, the network topology of the second network (NW2) used for the second communication (102) is different from the network topology (mesh type) of the mesh network (NW1) used for the first communication (101) (for example, a network topology in which the transmission path is uniquely determined), thereby improving the efficiency of configuration.

[0233] In the third embodiment of the communication system (10), in the second embodiment, the network topology of the second network (NW2) is a network topology in which the transmission path between nodes is uniquely determined.

[0234] According to this embodiment, by making the network (NW2) that realizes the second communication (102) a network having a network topology such as a star type or bus type in which the transmission path between nodes is uniquely determined, it is possible to avoid the effects of variations in transmission time that occur in a mesh type where the transmission path between nodes is not uniquely determined.

[0235] In the communication system (10) according to the fourth embodiment, in the second or third embodiment, the third communication (103) is realized by a transmission medium different from the transmission medium that realizes the first communication (101).

[0236] According to this embodiment, by making the communication medium for realizing the third communication (103) different from the transmission medium for realizing the first communication (101) in the mesh network (NW1), it is possible to avoid the transmission of network information, device identification information, and instructions such as registration instructions via the mesh network (NW1), and consequently avoid the effects of variations in transmission time. As a result, it is possible to make it easier to accurately associate device identification information with location information for each of the multiple devices (2).

[0237] In the fifth aspect of the communication system (10), in the fourth aspect, the transmission medium for realizing the first communication is radio waves, and the transmission medium for realizing the third communication (103) is electromagnetic waves, which have stronger directivity than radio waves.

[0238] According to this embodiment, by using electromagnetic waves, which have stronger directivity than radio waves, which are the transmission medium for the first communication (101) in the mesh network (NW1), as the transmission medium for the third communication (103), it is possible to facilitate the instruction device (4) to selectively perform the third communication (103) with one of the multiple devices (2). For example, it is possible to selectively give a registration instruction to one of the multiple devices (2) via the third communication (103).

[0239] In the communication system (10) according to the sixth embodiment, in any of the first to fifth embodiments, the terminal device (3) creates network information relating to the configuration of the mesh network (NW1) and notifies the gateway (1) of the network information via the second communication (102). Upon initial startup, the gateway (1) and the multiple devices (2) perform the initial construction of the mesh network (NW1) based on the network information and the default configuration information for each of the multiple devices (2).

[0240] According to this embodiment, upon initial startup, the gateway (1) and the multiple devices (2) initially establish a mesh network (NW1) with default settings, enabling the transmission of information (device identification information, network information, etc.) between the gateway (1) and each of the multiple devices (2) via the mesh network (NW1).

[0241] In the communication system (10) according to the seventh embodiment, in the sixth embodiment, each of the gateway (1) and terminal device (3) further comprises a fourth communication unit (104P) that performs a fourth communication (104) which is different from any of the first communication (101), second communication (102), and third communication (103). After initial setup, the instruction device (4) instructs each of the plurality of devices (2) to register the device with the gateway (1) via the third communication (103). Each of the plurality of devices (2) requests registration of the device (2) by notifying the gateway (1) of device identification information that identifies the device (2) via the first communication (101) in response to the registration instruction. The gateway (1) registers each of the plurality of devices (2) in response to the registration request and also notifies the terminal device (3) of the device identification information via the fourth communication (104). After receiving notification of a set of device identification information, which is a collection of device identification information corresponding to each of the multiple devices (2), the terminal device (3) further creates individual configuration information, including device identification information, for each of the multiple devices (2). Then, the terminal device (3) requests the gateway (1) to rebuild the mesh network (NW1) via a second communication (102). The gateway (1) notifies each of the multiple devices (2) of the network configuration information via a first communication (101), and then rebuilds the mesh network (NW1) in response to the rebuild request.

[0242] According to this embodiment, after the initial construction of the mesh network (NW1), the terminal device (3) registers device identification information for each of the multiple devices (2), and after the completion of registration, etc., restarts the multiple devices (2) to construct the mesh network (NW1).

[0243] In the communication system (10) according to the eighth embodiment, in any of the first to fifth embodiments, the instruction device (4) further comprises a second communication unit (102P). The terminal device (3) creates network information relating to the configuration of the mesh network (NW1) and notifies the gateway (1) and the instruction device (4) of the network information via the second communication (102). The instruction device (4) notifies each of the multiple devices (2) of the network information via the third communication (103) and instructs the devices (2) to register with the gateway (1). The gateway (1) and the multiple devices (2) construct the mesh network (NW1) based on the network information.

[0244] In this embodiment, the terminal device (3) notifies the gateway (1) and the instruction device (4) of network information relating to the mesh network (NW1) via a second communication (102), and the instruction device (4) notifies each of the multiple devices (2) of the network information via a third communication (103), thereby enabling the gateway (1) and the multiple devices (2) to construct the mesh network (NW1) based on the network information.

[0245] In the communication system (10) according to the ninth embodiment, in the eighth embodiment, each of the gateway 1 (and terminal devices (3)) further comprises a fourth communication unit (104P) that performs a fourth communication (104) which is different from any of the first communication (101), second communication (102), and third communication (103). Each of the plurality of devices (2), in response to a registration instruction, after being constructed, notifies the gateway (1) of device identification information that identifies the device (2) via the first communication (101) and requests the registration of the device (2). The gateway (1) registers each of the plurality of devices (2) in response to the registration request and also notifies the terminal devices (3) via the fourth communication (104) of a group of device identification information, which is a collection of device identification information corresponding to each of the plurality of devices (2).

[0246] According to this embodiment, after the construction of the mesh network (NW1), the gateway (1) can register device identification information for each of the multiple devices (2) and notify the terminal device (3) of the set of device identification information.

[0247] In the communication system (10) according to the tenth embodiment, in any of the first to ninth embodiments, the terminal device (3) further comprises a processing unit (33). The processing unit (33) creates individual setting information for each of the multiple devices (2) by associating each of the multiple device identification information that constitutes a group of device identification information, which is a collection of device identification information that identifies each of the multiple devices (2), with one of the multiple location information corresponding to the multiple devices (2).

[0248] According to this embodiment, by associating each of the multiple device identification pieces with one of the multiple location pieces, individual setting information including device identification piece and location piece can be created for each of the multiple devices (2).

[0249] In the communication system (10) according to the 11th embodiment, in any of the first to tenth embodiments, the terminal device (3) further comprises a display unit (31). The display unit (31) displays a list (LS1). The list (LS1) is arranged with a plurality of device images (2I) corresponding to a plurality of device identification information that constitutes a group of device identification information, which is a set of device identification information that identifies the device (2) registered with the gateway (1) in accordance with a registration instruction made individually for each of the plurality of devices (2).

[0250] According to this embodiment, by displaying a list (LS1) in which multiple device images (20) corresponding to multiple device identification information registered in the gateway (1) are arranged, it is possible to visually confirm whether the registration was successful for each of the multiple devices (2).

[0251] In the communication system (10) according to the twelfth embodiment, in any of the first to eleventh embodiments, the instruction device (4) further comprises a first receiving unit (41). The first receiving unit (41) sequentially receives registration operations for individually issuing registration instructions via third communication (103) to each of the plurality of devices (2). The terminal device (3) further comprises a display unit (31), a second receiving unit (32), and a processing unit (33). The display unit (31) displays a screen (SC1) including a list (LS1) and a map (MP1). The list (LS1) is arranged with a plurality of device images (2I) corresponding to a plurality of device identification information that constitutes a group of device identification information, which is a collection of device identification information that identifies the devices (2) registered in the gateway (1) in accordance with the registration instructions made individually to each of the plurality of devices (2). The map (MP1) is an image of a space in which multiple devices (2) are arranged, and is an image showing the layout of multiple region images (2A) in which each of the multiple device images (2I) can be placed. The second reception unit (32) accepts placement operations on the screen (SC1) to place each of the multiple device images (2I) in the list (LS1) into one of the multiple region images (2A) in the map (MP1), or into any position in the map (MP1). The processing unit (33) creates individual setting information each time a placement operation is accepted. The individual setting information includes device identifiers and position information corresponding to the device images (2I) and region images (2A) that have been associated with each other by the placement operation.

[0252] In this embodiment, the instruction device (4) accepts individual registration operations for each of the multiple devices (2), and the terminal device (3) displays a screen (SC1) which includes a list (LS1) in which multiple device images (2I) corresponding to the multiple devices (2) are arranged, and a map (MP1) in which multiple area images (2A) are laid out, and accepts placement operations to place each of the multiple device images (2I) into one of the multiple area images (2A), thereby creating individual setting information including a device identifier and location information for each of the multiple devices (2).

[0253] In the communication system (10) according to the 13th embodiment, in the 12th embodiment, each of the gateway (1) and the terminal device (3) further comprises a fourth communication unit (104P) that performs a fourth communication (104) which is different from any of the first communication (101), second communication (102), and third communication (103). The instruction device (4) sequentially issues registration instructions for device identification information via the third communication (103) to the multiple devices (2) in response to the first reception unit (41) sequentially receiving registration operations for each of the multiple devices (2). The gateway (1) registers the multiple device identification information constituting the group of device identification information in the order in which it receives registration requests via the first communication (101) from the multiple devices (2) corresponding to the multiple device identification information. The terminal device (3) obtains sequence information regarding the registration order of the multiple device identification information from the gateway (1) via the fourth communication (104). The display unit (31) arranges multiple instrument images (2I) in a list (LS1) in an order according to sequential information.

[0254] In this embodiment, the instruction device (4) sequentially issues registration instructions to multiple devices (2) via third communication (103), the gateway (1) registers multiple device identification information corresponding to the multiple devices (2) in the order in which it receives registration instructions from the devices (2), and the terminal device (3) obtains sequence information from the gateway (1) and arranges multiple device images (2I) in a list (LS1) on the screen (SC1) in the order according to the sequence information, thereby facilitating the visual recognition of the registration order of multiple devices (2) that have been successfully registered.

[0255] In the communication system (10) according to the 14th embodiment, in the 13th embodiment, the instruction device (4) generates a monotonically changing numerical value as sequence information each time a registration instruction is made sequentially to a plurality of devices (2). The instruction device (4) then notifies each of the plurality of devices (2) of the numerical value when it makes a registration instruction via the third communication (103). Each of the plurality of devices (2) notifies the gateway (1) of the numerical value along with the device identification information when it makes a registration request via the first communication (101). The gateway (1) registers the plurality of device identification information corresponding to the plurality of devices (2) in an order according to the sequence information, which is a numerical sequence that is an array of numerical values ​​notified along with each of the plurality of device identification information. The terminal device (3) obtains each of the plurality of device identification information along with the numerical value from the gateway (1) via the fourth communication (104). The display unit (31) adds a numerical value, which has been notified along with each of the multiple pieces of equipment identification information, to each of the multiple pieces of equipment images (2I), and arranges the equipment images (2I) containing the numerical values ​​in a list (LS1) in the order that follows the numerical sequence.

[0256] According to this embodiment, the display unit (31) arranges a plurality of instrument images (2I) in an order that follows a monotonically changing numerical sequence, and adds a numerical value to each of the plurality of instrument images (2I) that functions as image identification information to identify the instrument image (2I), and places the instrument images (2I) containing the numerical value in a list (LS1) on the screen (SC1), thereby further facilitating the correspondence between instrument images (2I) and region images (2A).

[0257] In the communication system (10) according to the 15th embodiment, in the 13th embodiment, the instruction device (4) generates a monotonically changing numerical value as sequence information each time a registration instruction is made sequentially to a plurality of devices (2). The instruction device (4) then notifies each of the plurality of devices (2) of the numerical value when it makes a registration instruction via the third communication (103). Each of the plurality of devices (2) notifies the gateway (1) of the numerical value along with the device identification information when it makes a registration request via the first communication (101). The gateway (1) transmits the plurality of device identification information to the terminal device (3) in the order that follows the numerical sequence, which is an array of numerical values ​​notified along with each of the plurality of device identification information. The terminal device (3) receives each of the plurality of device identification information from the gateway (1) via the fourth communication (104). The display unit (31) adds a numerical value, which has been notified along with each of the multiple pieces of equipment identification information, to each of the multiple pieces of equipment images, and arranges the equipment images (2I) containing the numerical values ​​in a list (LS1) in the order in which the terminal device (3) received the multiple pieces of equipment identification information.

[0258] In the communication system (10) according to the 16th embodiment, in the 15th embodiment, the display unit (31) further displays a notification image (IF1) on the screen (SC1) for notification of missing values ​​in the numerical sequence.

[0259] According to this embodiment, when a numerical value is missing in the numerical sequence, the display unit (31) further displays a notification image (IF1) on the screen (SC1), thereby facilitating the recognition of the occurrence of a numerical value omission, and consequently, the recognition of the possibility that the registration of the device (2) corresponding to the missing numerical value has failed.

[0260] In the communication system (10) according to the 17th aspect, in the 11th aspect, each of the gateway (1) and the terminal device (3) further includes a fourth communication unit (104P) that performs a fourth communication (104) different from any of the first communication (101), the second communication (102), and the third communication (103). The instruction device (4) gives an operation instruction for causing one of the plurality of appliances (2) to perform a predetermined operation by the third communication (103), while notifying the terminal device (3) of appliance identification information for identifying one of the appliances (2) by the fourth communication (104). One of the appliances (2) performs a predetermined operation in response to the operation instruction. The display unit (31) selectively changes the display mode of the appliance image (2I) corresponding to one of the appliances (2) among the plurality of appliance images (2I) displayed on the screen (SC1).

[0261] According to this aspect, while causing one of the appliances (2) to perform a predetermined operation, by changing the display mode of the appliance image (2I) corresponding to one of the appliances (2), it is possible to facilitate the user's judgment as to whether the correspondence between the appliance (2) arranged in the real space and the appliance image (2I) displayed on the screen (SC1) is correct.

[0262] In the communication system (10) according to the 18th aspect, in any of the 12th to 17th aspects, each of the gateway (1) and the terminal device (3) further includes a fourth communication unit (104P) that performs a fourth communication (104) different from any of the first communication (101), the second communication (102), and the third communication (103). The instruction device (4) gives an operation instruction for causing one of the plurality of appliances (2) to perform a predetermined operation by the third communication (103), while notifying the terminal device (3) of appliance identification information for identifying one of the appliances (2) by the fourth communication (104). One of the appliances (2) performs a predetermined operation in response to the operation instruction, and the display unit (31) selectively changes the display mode of the appliance image (2I) corresponding to one of the appliances (2) among the plurality of appliance images (2I) displayed on the screen (SC1).

[0263] According to this aspect, while causing one device (2) to perform a predetermined operation, by changing the display mode of the device image (2I) corresponding to the one device (2), it is possible to facilitate the user's judgment as to whether the recognition regarding the correspondence between the device (2) arranged in the real space and the device image (2I) displayed on the screen (SC1) is correct.

[0264] In the communication system (10) according to the 19th aspect, in the 18th aspect, one device (2) is a registration target at the current time among the plurality of devices (2). The predetermined operation is an operation that visually indicates that the one device (2) is in the process of being registered or has been registered.

[0265] According to this aspect, for the device (2) that the user recognizes as being in the process of being registered, that is, the device (2) that is the target of the most recent registration instruction, the instruction device (4) gives an operation instruction, and the device (2) that has received the operation instruction performs an operation that visually indicates that the device (2) is in the process of being registered or the registration has been completed. Thus, the user can easily determine whether the device (2) that the user recognizes as being in the process of being registered matches the device (2) that is actually being registered or has completed registration by the communication system (10).

[0266] In the communication system (10) according to the 20th aspect, in any of the 12th to 19th aspects, when adding a new device (2) to the constructed mesh network (NW1), the instruction device (4) gives a registration instruction to the new device (2) by the third communication (103). The new device (2) is communicably connected to the nearest node of the mesh network (NW1) by the first communication (101). Then, the new device (2) notifies the gateway (1) of the device identification information of the new device (2) by the first communication (101) to make a registration request. The gateway (1) responds to the registration request, appends the device identification information of the new device (2) to the end of the array of a plurality of device identification information constituting the device identification information group, and notifies the terminal device (3). The display unit (31) adds a new device image (2I) corresponding to the device identification information of the new device (2) to the end of the array of a plurality of device images (2I) displayed in the list (LS1).

[0267] In this embodiment, when a new device (2) is added to an existing mesh network (NW1), the instruction device (4) notifies the new device (2) of its device identification information, and the gateway (1) registers the new device (2)'s device identification information at the end of the sequence of registered device identification information. The terminal device (3) adds the device image (2I) of the new device (2) to the end of the sequence of device images (2I) in the list (LS1) displayed on the screen (SC1). This makes it easier to accurately associate the device identification information that identifies the device (2) with the location information that indicates the location of the device (2) for the new device (2).

[0268] In the communication system (10) according to the 21st embodiment, in any of the 1st to 20th embodiments, at least one of the plurality of devices (2) is a lighting device, and the third communication is infrared communication.

[0269] According to this embodiment, by using infrared light as the communication medium for the third communication (103) for issuing a registration instruction to the lighting fixture (2), the registration instruction can be accurately issued even when the lighting fixture (2) is emitting visible light.

[0270] In the communication system (10) according to the 22nd embodiment, in any of the 1st to 21st embodiments, the instruction device (4) notifies setting information regarding the settings of the devices (2) when it issues a registration instruction to each of the multiple devices (2).

[0271] According to this embodiment, setting information is notified to multiple devices (2) along with registration instructions, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0272] In the communication system (10) according to the 23rd embodiment, in any of the 1st to 22nd embodiments, each of the multiple devices (2), upon receiving a deregistration instruction from the instruction device (4) via the 3rd communication (103) to deregister the device (2), notifies the gateway of device identification information identifying the device (2) via the 1st communication (101), makes a deregistration request to deregister the device (2), and then deletes the network information. In response to the deregistration request from the device (2), the gateway (1) deletes the device identification information notified by the device (2) from the device identification information group, which is a collection of device identification information that identifies the device (2) registered with the gateway (1) in accordance with the registration instructions made individually to each of the multiple devices (2).

[0273] According to this embodiment, the registration of a registered device (2) can be easily deregistered by the indicator device (4).

[0274] In the communication system (10) according to the 24th embodiment, in the 7th embodiment, if the terminal device (3) is located within the communication range of the second communication (102) with respect to the gateway (1), the gateway (1) and the terminal device (3) can perform the second communication (102) instead of the fourth communication (104).

[0275] According to this embodiment, the use of the third network (NW3) for the fourth communication (104) becomes unnecessary.

[0276] In the communication system (10) according to the 25th embodiment, in the 9th embodiment, if the terminal device (3) is located within the communication range of the second communication (102) with respect to the gateway (1), the gateway (1) and the terminal device (3) can perform the second communication (102) instead of the fourth communication (104).

[0277] According to this embodiment, the use of the third network (NW3) for the fourth communication (104) becomes unnecessary.

[0278] The 26th embodiment of the communication method is a communication method performed by a communication system (10) comprising a gateway (1), a plurality of devices (2) that cooperate with the gateway (1) to construct a mesh network (NW1), a terminal device (3) that configures settings related to the mesh network (NW1), and an instruction device (4) that gives instructions to the plurality of devices (2). Each of the gateway (1) and the plurality of devices (2) includes a first communication unit (101P) that performs a first communication (101) using the mesh network (NW1). The gateway (1) further includes a second communication unit (102P) that performs a second communication (102) different from the first communication (101). Each of the plurality of devices (2) and the instruction device (4) further includes a third communication unit (103P) that performs a third communication (103) different from both the first communication (101) and the second communication (102). The communication method includes a notification step and an instruction step. In the notification step, the terminal device (3) notifies at least the gateway (1) of network information regarding the mesh network (NW1) via the second communication (102). In the instruction step, the instruction device (4) individually issues a registration instruction to each of the multiple devices (2) via the third communication (103) to register the device (2) with the gateway (1) as a node in the mesh network (NW1).

[0279] According to this embodiment, it is possible to avoid the effects of delays and transmission time variations that occur when at least one of network information and registration instructions is transmitted via a mesh network (NW1). As a result, it is possible to make it easier to accurately associate device identification information that identifies a device (2) with location information that indicates the location of the device (2) for each of the multiple devices (2).

[0280] The program relating to the 27th aspect is a program that causes one or more processors of the communication system (10) to execute the communication method of the 26th aspect.

[0281] According to this aspect, it is possible to avoid the influence of delays and variations in transmission time that occur when at least one of the network information and the registration instruction is transmitted via the mesh network (NW1). As a result, it is possible to facilitate accurately performing the association between the device identification information for identifying the device (2) and the position information indicating the position of the device (2) for each of the plurality of devices (2).

Explanation of Signs

[0282] 10 Communication system 1 Gateway (GW) 11 Conversion unit 2 Device 3 Terminal device 31 Display unit 32 Second reception unit 33 Processing unit 4 Instruction device 41 First reception unit 101P First communication unit 102P Second communication unit 103P Third communication unit 104P Fourth communication unit NW1 Mesh network (first network) NW2 Second network NW3 Third network 101 First communication 102 Second communication 103 Third communication 104 Fourth communication SC1 Screen LS1 List MP1 Map 2I Device image 2A Area image IF1 Notification image (first notification image)

Claims

1. Gateway and Multiple devices that work in cooperation with the gateway to build a mesh network, A terminal device for configuring the aforementioned mesh network, The system includes an indicator device that provides instructions to the plurality of devices, Each of the gateway and the plurality of devices includes a first communication unit that performs first communication using the mesh network. The gateway further comprises a second communication unit that performs a second communication different from the first communication, Each of the aforementioned plurality of devices and the indicating device further comprises a third communication unit that performs a third communication different from both the first and second communications. The terminal device notifies at least the gateway of network information relating to the mesh network via the second communication, and For each of the plurality of devices, the instruction device individually issues a registration instruction to each of the plurality of devices via the third communication, causing the device to be registered with the gateway as a node in the mesh network. Communication system.

2. The second communication is performed using a second network whose network topology differs from that of the first network, which is a mesh network. The communication system according to claim 1.

3. The network topology of the second network is a network topology in which the transmission path between nodes is uniquely determined. The communication system according to claim 2.

4. The third communication is implemented using a transmission medium different from the transmission medium used to implement the first communication. The communication system according to claim 2.

5. The transmission medium for realizing the first communication is radio waves. The transmission medium for realizing the third communication is an electromagnetic wave with stronger directionality than the radio wave. The communication system according to claim 4.

6. The terminal device creates network information relating to the settings of the mesh network and notifies the gateway of the network information via the second communication. Upon initial startup, the gateway and the multiple devices perform the initial construction of the mesh network based on the network information and the default configuration information for each of the multiple devices. A communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. Each of the gateway and the terminal device further comprises a fourth communication unit that performs a fourth communication different from any of the first, second, and third communications. After the initial setup, the instruction device, via the third communication, individually instructs each of the plurality of devices to register the device to the gateway. Each of the plurality of devices, in response to the registration instruction, notifies the gateway of device identification information that identifies the device via the first communication and requests registration of the device. The gateway, for each of the plurality of devices, In response to the registration request, the equipment will be registered, The fourth communication notifies the terminal device of the device identification information, The aforementioned terminal device is After receiving notification of a set of device identification information, which is a collection of device identification information corresponding to each of the aforementioned multiple devices, individual setting information including the device identification information is further created for each of the aforementioned multiple devices. The fourth communication sends a request to the gateway to rebuild the mesh network. The gateway, after notifying the multiple devices of the network information via the first communication, reconstructs the mesh network in response to the reconstruction request. The communication system according to claim 6.

8. The instruction device further comprises the second communication unit, The terminal device creates network information relating to the settings of the mesh network and notifies the gateway and the instruction device of the network information via the second communication. The instruction device, via the third communication, notifies each of the plurality of devices of the network information and gives the device the registration instruction to the gateway. The gateway and the plurality of devices construct the mesh network based on the network information. A communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. Each of the gateway and the terminal device further comprises a fourth communication unit that performs a fourth communication different from any of the first, second, and third communications. Each of the aforementioned devices, in response to the registration instruction, after the construction, notifies the gateway of device identification information that identifies the device via the first communication and requests registration of the device. The aforementioned gateway is For each of the aforementioned devices, the device shall be registered in response to the registration request, The fourth communication notifies the terminal device of a set of device identification information, which is a collection of device identification information corresponding to each of the plurality of devices. The communication system according to claim 8.

10. The terminal device further comprises a processing unit that creates individual setting information for each of the multiple devices, including the device identification information and the location information, by associating each of the multiple device identification pieces, which constitute a group of device identification pieces that identify each of the multiple devices, with one of the multiple location pieces corresponding to the multiple devices. A communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

11. The terminal device further includes a display unit that displays a screen containing a list of multiple device images corresponding to multiple device identification information, which constitutes a group of device identification information that identifies a device registered in the gateway in response to a registration instruction made individually for each of the multiple devices. A communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

12. The instruction device further comprises a first receiving unit that sequentially receives registration operations for individually issuing the registration instruction via the third communication to each of the plurality of devices, The aforementioned terminal device is A display unit that displays a screen including: a list in which multiple device images corresponding to multiple device identification information constituting a group of device identification information which is a set of device identification information that identifies a device registered in the gateway in response to the registration instruction given individually to each of the multiple devices; and a map which is an image of the space in which the multiple devices are arranged, and shows the layout of multiple area images in which each of the multiple device images may be arranged; A second receiving unit that accepts a placement operation on the screen to place each of the multiple device images in the list into one of the multiple region images in the map, or into any position in the map, Each time the aforementioned placement operation is received, the system further includes a processing unit that creates individual setting information, including an equipment identifier and location information, corresponding to the equipment image and area image associated with each other by the placement operation. A communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

13. Each of the gateway and the terminal device further comprises a fourth communication unit that performs a fourth communication different from any of the first, second, and third communications. The instruction device, in response to the first receiving unit sequentially receiving the registration operation for each of the plurality of devices, sequentially issues the registration instruction via the third communication to the plurality of devices. The gateway registers the plurality of device identification information constituting the device identification information group in the order in which it receives registration requests for the device identification information from the plurality of devices corresponding to the plurality of device identification information via the first communication. The aforementioned terminal device is The gateway obtains sequence information regarding the registration order of the multiple device identification information via the fourth communication, The display unit arranges the plurality of device images in the list in the order according to the sequence information. The communication system according to claim 12.

14. The indicator device is, Each time the registration instruction is given sequentially to the plurality of devices, a monotonically changing numerical value is generated as the sequence information. When issuing the registration instruction via the third communication to each of the aforementioned plurality of devices, the numerical value is notified. Each of the aforementioned devices, when making the registration request via the first communication to the gateway, notifies the numerical value along with the device identification information. The gateway registers the plurality of device identification information corresponding to the plurality of devices in an order according to the sequence information, which is a numerical sequence that is an array of numbers notified together with each of the plurality of device identification information. The terminal device acquires each of the plurality of device identification information along with the numerical value from the gateway via the fourth communication. The display unit adds the numerical value notified along with each of the multiple device identification information to each of the multiple device images, and arranges the device images containing the numerical value in the list in order according to the numerical value sequence. The communication system according to claim 13.

15. The indicator device is, Each time the registration instruction is given sequentially to the plurality of devices, a monotonically changing numerical value is generated as the sequence information. When issuing the registration instruction via the third communication to each of the aforementioned plurality of devices, the numerical value is notified. Each of the aforementioned devices, when making the registration request via the first communication to the gateway, notifies the numerical value along with the device identification information. The gateway transmits the plurality of device identification information to the terminal device in an order according to the numerical sequence, which is an array of numbers notified along with each of the plurality of device identification information. The terminal device receives each of the plurality of device identification information from the gateway via the fourth communication, The display unit adds the numerical value notified along with each of the multiple device identification information to each of the multiple device images, and arranges the device images including the numerical value in the list in the order in which the terminal device received the multiple device identification information. The communication system according to claim 13.

16. The display unit further displays a notification image on the screen to provide notification regarding the missing values ​​when there are missing values ​​in the numerical sequence. The communication system according to claim 15.

17. Each of the gateway and the terminal device further comprises a fourth communication unit that performs a fourth communication different from any of the first, second, and third communications. The indicator device is, The third communication provides an operation instruction to one of the aforementioned multiple devices to perform a predetermined operation, The terminal device is notified of the device identification information that identifies the one device via the fourth communication. The first device performs the predetermined operation in response to the operation instruction. The display unit selectively changes the display mode of the device image corresponding to one of the multiple device images displayed on the screen. The communication system according to claim 11.

18. Each of the gateway and the terminal device further comprises a fourth communication unit that performs a fourth communication different from any of the first, second, and third communications. The indicator device is, The third communication provides an operation instruction to one of the aforementioned multiple devices to perform a predetermined operation, The terminal device is notified of the device identification information that identifies the one device via the fourth communication. The first device performs the predetermined operation in response to the operation instruction. The display unit selectively changes the display mode of the device image corresponding to one of the multiple device images displayed on the screen. The communication system according to claim 12.

19. The aforementioned first device is the one among the aforementioned multiple devices that is currently subject to registration. The aforementioned predetermined action is an action that visually indicates that the device is being registered or that registration has been completed. The communication system according to claim 18.

20. When adding new equipment to the constructed mesh network, The instruction device gives the registration instruction to the new device via the third communication, The aforementioned new device is The nearest node in the mesh network is connected to the first communication, The gateway is notified of the device identification information of the new device via the first communication and a registration request is made. In response to the registration request, the gateway appends the device identification information of the new device to the end of the sequence of the multiple device identification information constituting the device identification information group, and notifies the terminal device. The display unit adds a new device image corresponding to the device identification information of the new device to the end of the sequence of the plurality of device images displayed in the list. The communication system according to claim 12.

21. At least one of the aforementioned multiple devices is a lighting fixture, The third communication method described above is infrared communication. A communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

22. The instruction device notifies each of the plurality of devices of setting information regarding the settings of the device when issuing the registration instruction to each of the plurality of devices. A communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

23. When each of the aforementioned devices receives a deregistration instruction from the instruction device via the third communication to deregister the device, it notifies the gateway of the device identification information via the first communication to deregister the device, and after making a deregistration request to deregister the device, deletes the network information. In response to the deregistration request from the device, the gateway deletes the device identification information notified by the device from the device identification information group, which is a set of device identification information that identifies the devices registered to the gateway in accordance with the registration instructions made individually for each of the plurality of devices. A communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

24. If the terminal device is located within the communication range of the gateway for the second communication, the gateway and the terminal device can perform the second communication instead of the fourth communication. The communication system according to claim 7.

25. If the terminal device is located within the communication range of the gateway for the second communication, the gateway and the terminal device can perform the second communication instead of the fourth communication. The communication system according to claim 9.

26. Gateway and Multiple devices that work in cooperation with the gateway to build a mesh network, A terminal device for configuring the aforementioned mesh network, A communication method performed by a communication system comprising an instruction device for giving instructions to the aforementioned plurality of devices, Each of the gateway and the plurality of devices includes a first communication unit that performs first communication using the mesh network. The gateway further comprises a second communication unit that performs a second communication different from the first communication, Each of the aforementioned plurality of devices and the indicating device further comprises a third communication unit that performs a third communication different from both the first and second communications. A notification step in which the terminal device notifies at least the gateway of network information relating to the mesh network via the second communication, The instruction step includes, for each of the plurality of devices, an instruction step in which the instruction device individually issues a registration instruction to each of the plurality of devices via the third communication, causing the device to be registered with the gateway as a node in the mesh network, Communication method.

27. To cause one or more processors of the communication system to execute the communication method described in claim 26, program.

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