Equipment system, information terminal and control method

Abstract

To provide an apparatus system and the like that allow apparatuses to easily participate in a mesh network.SOLUTION: An apparatus system includes: a first apparatus and a second apparatus that can participate in a mesh network M; and an information terminal 30 that performs wireless communication with the first apparatus. When the first apparatus has participated in the mesh network M and the second apparatus has not participated in the mesh network M, the information terminal 30 outputs, to the first apparatus using wireless communication, proxy request information for causing the first apparatus to perform setting processing for having the second apparatus participate in the mesh network, and the first apparatus performs the setting processing indicated by the proxy request information acquired from the information terminal 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device system, an information terminal, and a control method. [Background technology]

[0002] A technology has been proposed for associating identification information of devices such as lighting fixtures with layout information. Patent Document 1 discloses a device system (lighting system) that performs such association for multiple devices using an information terminal (operation device) such as a tablet PC or a smartphone.

[0003] In such a device system, the light source of the target device may be blinked during the process of matching. In particular, when the device system is used in a large space, the user carrying the information terminal needs to walk around the large space to visually check the blinking device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-36400 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the above-mentioned equipment system, after one equipment is associated, a process of making the equipment participate in the mesh network may be performed under control of an information terminal via wireless communication. However, during the process, if a user moves in a large space to associate equipment other than the one equipment, the distance between the one equipment and the information terminal may increase, and wireless communication may be interrupted. In this case, the one equipment cannot participate in the mesh network. In other words, in such an equipment system, it is difficult to make the equipment participate in the mesh network.

[0006] The present invention provides a device system that enables a device to easily participate in a mesh network. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An equipment system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a first device and a second device, each of which is capable of joining a mesh network, and an information terminal that performs wireless communication with the first device, wherein when the first device has already joined the mesh network and the second device has not yet joined the mesh network, the information terminal outputs proxy request information to the first device using the wireless communication, for causing the first device to perform setting processing to allow the second device to join the mesh network, and the first device performs the setting processing indicated by the proxy request information acquired from the information terminal.

[0008] An information terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a first device that can join a mesh network, and a control unit that, when the first device has already joined the mesh network and a second device has not yet joined the mesh network, causes the communication unit to output, using the wireless communication, proxy request information to the first device, for causing the first device to perform setting processing to allow the second device to join the mesh network.

[0009] A control method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a control method performed by an equipment system, the equipment system including a first device and a second device, each of which can join a mesh network, and an information terminal which communicates wirelessly with the first device, and the control method includes the steps of: when the first device has joined the mesh network and the second device has not joined the mesh network, the information terminal outputs, to the first device using the wireless communication, proxy request information for causing the first device to perform a setting process for allowing the second device to join the mesh network; and the first device performing the setting process indicated by the proxy request information acquired from the information terminal. Effect of the Invention

[0010] The device system of the present invention can easily allow devices to participate in a mesh network. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a lighting system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the lighting system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram of a first operational example of the lighting system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an initial setting screen according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an icon in a map image according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a list according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram of a second operation example of the lighting system. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a map image showing the importance according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating installation positions of a plurality of second lighting fixtures and installation positions of first lighting fixtures in a map image showing importance of another example according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a mesh network of second lighting fixtures installed at the installation positions shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram of a third operation example of the lighting system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component arrangement and connection forms, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0013] In addition, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a precise illustration. In addition, in each drawing, the same reference numerals are used for substantially the same configuration, and duplicated explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0014] (Embodiment) [composition] First, the configuration of a lighting system 100 according to an embodiment will be described.

[0015] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a lighting system 100 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of lighting system 100 according to the present embodiment. Lighting system 100 is an example of an equipment system. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, lighting system 100 includes a plurality of first lighting fixtures 10, a plurality of second lighting fixtures 20, and an information terminal 30.

[0016] In lighting system 100 according to the present embodiment, each of the multiple first lighting fixtures 10 has a wireless communication function and is a device capable of participating in mesh network M. When each of the multiple first lighting fixtures 10 has already participated in mesh network M, the multiple first lighting fixtures 10 constitute mesh network M. In mesh network M, when information is transmitted from one first lighting fixture 10 to another first lighting fixture 10, the information is transmitted in a bucket brigade manner.

[0017] Furthermore, in the lighting system 100, the information terminal 30 causes the first lighting fixture 10 to perform a setting process on behalf of the second lighting fixture 20 that has not yet joined the mesh network M to join the mesh network M. More specifically, the information terminal 30 outputs proxy request information to the first lighting fixture 10 to cause the first lighting fixture 10 to perform the setting process, and the first lighting fixture 10 performs the setting process indicated by the output proxy request information. This allows the second lighting fixture 20 to join the mesh network M.

[0018] In this way, when the first lighting fixtures 10 and the second lighting fixtures 20 have joined the same mesh network M, information is transmitted as follows. For example, one first lighting fixture 10 broadcasts information including address information (destination information) of another first lighting fixture 10. Then, each of the other first lighting fixtures 10 and the second lighting fixtures 20 that belong to the same mesh network M as the one first lighting fixture 10 that has acquired this information further broadcasts the acquired information. In other words, each of the other first lighting fixtures 10 and the second lighting fixtures 20 relays the information. Such relaying of information is repeated within the same mesh network M. As a result, the information output by one first lighting fixture 10 is distributed to all first lighting fixtures 10 and all second lighting fixtures 20 that belong to the same mesh network M as the one first lighting fixture 10.

[0019] First, the multiple first lighting fixtures 10 will be described.

[0020] The first lighting fixture 10 is an example of a first device. The first lighting fixture 10 is a base light or the like that is installed on a ceiling C of an indoor space and illuminates the indoor space. Each of the multiple first lighting fixtures 10 has a wireless communication function and can participate in the mesh network M. The form of the first lighting fixture 10 is not particularly limited, and may be a ceiling light, a downlight, a spotlight, or the like. Specifically, the first lighting fixture 10 has a lighting communication unit 11, a light source 12, and a lighting control unit 13.

[0021] The lighting communication unit 11 is a wireless communication circuit for the first lighting fixture 10 to perform wireless communication (more specifically, radio wave communication) with other first lighting fixtures 10, the second lighting fixture 20, and the information terminal 30. When the first lighting fixture 10 that has joined the mesh network M communicates with another first lighting fixture 10 that has joined the mesh network M or the second lighting fixture 20 that has joined the mesh network M, the lighting communication unit 11 performs communication through the mesh network M. When the second lighting fixture 20 has not joined the mesh network M, the lighting communication unit 11 performs communication with the second lighting fixture 20 without going through the mesh network M. The communication without going through the mesh network M is, for example, communication in which information including address information (destination information) of the second lighting fixture 20 is output by unicast. The lighting communication unit 11 periodically outputs a beacon signal (sometimes called an advertisement signal) as an output signal, and performs wireless communication with the information terminal 30 that has acquired the beacon signal. Specifically, the lighting communication unit 11 performs wireless communication in accordance with a communication standard such as BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0022] In this embodiment, the lighting communication unit 11 acquires proxy request information output from the information terminal 30, and performs setting processing indicated by the acquired proxy request information.

[0023] Light source 12 emits white light into the indoor space so that first lighting device 10 can illuminate the indoor space. Light source 12 is realized by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element, but may also be realized by other light emitting elements such as a semiconductor laser, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence), or an inorganic EL.

[0024] The lighting control unit 13 performs information processing related to the setting process. The lighting control unit 13 also controls the light source 12 according to, for example, an instruction from a user U output from a lighting controller (not shown) and acquired by the lighting communication unit 11. The lighting control unit 13 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The function of the lighting control unit 13 is realized by hardware such as a microcomputer or processor constituting the lighting control unit 13 executing a computer program (software) stored in a storage unit (not shown).

[0025] Next, the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 will be described.

[0026] The second lighting fixture 20 is an example of the second device. Like the first lighting fixture 10, the second lighting fixture 20 is a base light or the like that is installed on the ceiling C of an indoor space and illuminates the indoor space. Each of the multiple second lighting fixtures 20 can participate in the mesh network M. In the present embodiment, the second lighting fixture 20 can participate in the mesh network M by performing a setting process. The form of the second lighting fixture 20 is not particularly limited, and may be a ceiling light, a downlight, a spotlight, or the like. Specifically, the second lighting fixture 20 has a lighting communication unit 21, a light source 22, and a lighting control unit 23.

[0027] Lighting communication unit 21 is a wireless communication circuit that enables second lighting fixture 20 to perform wireless communication (more specifically, radio wave communication) with other second lighting fixtures 20, first lighting fixture 10, and information terminal 30.

[0028] The lighting communication unit 21 periodically outputs a beacon signal and performs wireless communication with the information terminal 30 that has acquired the beacon signal. The beacon signal output from the lighting communication unit 21 is also acquired by the lighting communication unit 11 of the first lighting fixture 10.

[0029] When the lighting communication unit 21 of the second lighting device 20 that has joined the mesh network M communicates with the second lighting device 20 that has also joined the mesh network M, the communication is performed via the mesh network M.

[0030] Similarly, when the lighting communication unit 21 of the second lighting fixture 20 that has joined the mesh network M communicates with the first lighting fixture 10 that has also joined the mesh network M, the communication is performed via the mesh network M. Also, the lighting communication unit 21 of the second lighting fixture 20 that has not joined the mesh network M communicates with the lighting communication unit 11 without going through the mesh network M, as described above. Specifically, the lighting communication unit 21 performs wireless communication in accordance with a communication standard such as BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0031] When the setting process is performed on the second lighting fixture 20, the lighting communication unit 21 acquires the specific lighting information. This specific lighting information is stored in a storage unit (not shown) included in the second lighting fixture 20. The specific lighting information is information provided separately for each of the multiple second lighting fixtures 20 and is information specific to that second lighting fixture 20. For example, the specific lighting information indicates a specific scene and a dimming control value and a color adjustment control value for the specific scene in association with each other.

[0032] Light source 22 emits white light into the indoor space so that second lighting device 20 can illuminate the indoor space. Light source 22 is realized by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element, but may also be realized by other light emitting elements such as a semiconductor laser, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence), or an inorganic EL.

[0033] The lighting control unit 23 performs information processing related to the setting process. The lighting control unit 23 also controls the light source 22 according to the unique lighting information and the like. The lighting control unit 23 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The function of the lighting control unit 23 is realized by hardware such as a microcomputer or processor constituting the lighting control unit 13 executing a computer program (software) stored in a storage unit (not shown).

[0034] In the present embodiment, the first device and the second device are the first lighting fixture 10 and the second lighting fixture 20, respectively, as described above. For this reason, the information transmitted through the mesh network M is, for example, information specifying a predetermined scene. For example, the lighting control units 23 of the second lighting fixtures 20 perform on-off control, dimming control, or light control by referring to the predetermined scene specified by the information and the unique lighting information stored in the storage unit. Also, for example, the information transmitted through the mesh network M is control information for on-off control, dimming control, or light control of the first lighting fixtures 10 and the second lighting fixtures 20.

[0035] Furthermore, the first device and the second device may be an environmental sensor or a camera, etc. In this case, the information transmitted through the mesh network may be, for example, a measurement value (sensing information) of the environmental sensor or video information captured by the camera.

[0036] Next, the configuration of the information terminal 30 will be described. The information terminal 30 is an information terminal that performs information processing such as having the first lighting fixture 10 perform setting processing on behalf of the second lighting fixture 20 to join the mesh network M. The information terminal 30 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). The information terminal 30 may also be a dedicated remote controller used in the lighting system 100. The information terminal 30 is used by a user U that performs the above information processing. The user U here is, for example, an installer who installed the second lighting fixtures 20 on the ceiling, but may also be another user U other than the installer. The information terminal 30 specifically includes an operation receiving unit 31, a display unit 32, a terminal communication unit 33, a control unit 34, and a storage unit 35.

[0037] The operation reception unit 31 is an example of a reception unit, and receives operations from the user U. Specifically, the operation reception unit 31 is realized by a touch panel or the like.

[0038] The display unit 32 displays images necessary for the above setting process. The display unit 32 is realized by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel.

[0039] The terminal communication unit 33 is an example of a communication unit, and is a wireless communication circuit for the information terminal 30 to perform wireless communication (more specifically, radio wave communication) with each of the multiple first lighting devices 10 that can join the mesh network M. The terminal communication unit 33 also performs wireless communication (more specifically, radio wave communication) with each of the multiple second lighting devices 20 that can join the mesh network M. Specifically, the terminal communication unit 33 performs wireless communication according to a communication standard such as BLE or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The terminal communication unit 33 outputs, via wireless communication, to the first lighting device 10, proxy request information for causing the first lighting device 10 to perform a setting process for allowing the second lighting device 20 to join the mesh network M.

[0040] The control unit 34 performs the information processing in response to the operation of the user U accepted by the operation acceptance unit 31. Specifically, the control unit 34 causes the terminal communication unit 33 to output, to the first lighting device 10, proxy request information for causing the first lighting device 10 to perform setting processing for allowing the second lighting device 20, which has not yet joined the mesh network M, to join the mesh network M. The control unit 34 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The functions of the control unit 34 are realized by hardware such as a microcomputer or processor constituting the control unit 34 executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 35.

[0041] The storage unit 35 is a storage device that stores information necessary for information processing related to setting processing of the computer program etc. executed by the control unit 34. The storage unit 35 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0042] In the present embodiment, the setting process for causing the second lighting device 20, which has not yet joined the mesh network M, to join the mesh network M is performed by the first lighting device 10, which has already joined the mesh network M, but this is not limited to the above. The setting process may also be performed by the information terminal 30 itself.

[0043] [Example 1] Next, a first operational example of the lighting system 100 will be described.

[0044] Here, the operation example includes an initial setting operation for associating the installation positions of the second lighting devices 20 with the identification information of the second lighting devices 20, and a setting processing operation for performing setting processing for causing each of the multiple second lighting devices 20 to participate in the mesh network M. The setting processing operation is also called provisioning.

[0045] Note that, before this operation example is performed, an initial setting operation for associating the installation positions of the first lighting fixtures 10 with the identification information of the first lighting fixtures 10 and a setting processing operation for performing setting processing for causing each of the multiple first lighting fixtures 10 to participate in the mesh network M have already been performed. In other words, at the time when this operation example is performed, the installation positions of the first lighting fixtures 10 are associated with the identification information, and the multiple first lighting fixtures 10 have already participated in the mesh network M. The initial setting operation and setting processing operation for the first lighting fixtures 10 may be performed using a known method. In other words, in this operation example, the multiple first lighting fixtures 10 have already participated in the mesh network M, and the second lighting fixture 20 has not yet participated in the mesh network M.

[0046] The initial setting operation and the setting process operation for the second lighting device 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0047] Fig. 3 is a sequence diagram of a first operation example of the lighting system 100. The operation example of Fig. 3 is performed, for example, after a plurality of first lighting fixtures 10 and second lighting fixtures 20 have been installed on a ceiling C by an installer. The installer is an example of a user U.

[0048] First, the initial setting operation for the second lighting fixture 20 will be described.

[0049] The operation acceptance unit 31 of the information terminal 30 accepts a first start operation for instructing the start of an initial setting operation (S10). The operation acceptance unit 31 accepts the first start operation from, for example, an installer.

[0050] Based on the first start operation accepted by the operation accepting unit 31, the control unit 34 displays an initial setting screen including a map image 32m on the display unit 32 (S12). FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the initial setting screen according to the present embodiment. The map image 32m is a diagram showing an area in which the first lighting fixtures 10 and the second lighting fixtures 20 are installed as viewed from above. In the example of FIG. 4, the installation positions P1 to P12 of the second lighting fixtures 20 are indicated by circles. That is, the map image 32m is an image showing the installation positions of the second lighting fixtures 20. Also, FIG. 4 shows the installation positions P101 to P104 of the first lighting fixtures 10 for which the initial setting operation and the setting processing operation have been performed. The map image 32m is stored in the storage unit 35 in advance. Note that the icons 32a on the initial setting screen shown in FIG. 4 are not actually displayed at the time of step S12, but are displayed in step S18 described later.

[0051] As described above, at the time of step S12, it is known how the multiple second lighting devices 20 are installed, but it is not known which second lighting device 20 is located in which location. In other words, at the time of step S12, the installation locations of the second lighting devices 20 have not been associated with the identification information of the second lighting devices 20.

[0052] Here, each of the second lighting devices 20 periodically outputs a beacon signal before joining the mesh network M. The beacon signal emitted by each of the second lighting devices 20 includes identification information of the second lighting device 20 (such as a Media Access Control (MAC) address).

[0053] In this situation, the operation reception unit 31 receives a scan start operation from the installer (S14). The scan start operation is, for example, a tap operation on the scan start icon 32b on the initial setting screen of FIG.

[0054] When the scan start operation is accepted, terminal communication unit 33 acquires a beacon signal from each of the second lighting devices 20 (S16). The acquired MAC addresses are stored in storage unit 35.

[0055] When the multiple MAC addresses are acquired by the terminal communication unit 33, the control unit 34 displays multiple icons 32a corresponding one-to-one to the multiple MAC addresses on the initial setup screen on the display unit 32 (S18). The multiple icons 32a are icons that are to be operated by the installer in order for the installer to select multiple MAC addresses. Fig. 4 shows an example of the initial setup screen on which the multiple icons 32a of the second lighting device 20 are displayed, and the multiple icons 32a are displayed aligned in a horizontal row.

[0056] Next, the operation reception unit 31 receives a selection operation of the plurality of icons 32a from the installer (S20). The selection operation is, for example, a tap operation on any of the plurality of icons 32a. The control unit 34 causes the terminal communication unit 33 to output a blinking command based on the selection operation received by the operation reception unit 31 (S22). The blinking command is output, for example, when a tap operation on the blinking icon 32c is received after the selection operation.

[0057] The blink command specifies identification information of the second lighting device 20 corresponding to the selected icon 32a. The blink command is a signal for selectively blinking a target second lighting device 20, which is a second lighting device 20 having the specified identification information, among the multiple second lighting devices 20. When the target second lighting device 20 among the multiple second lighting devices 20 receives the blink command, the light source 22 blinks (S24). As an example, there is one target second lighting device 20, and the light sources 22 of the other multiple second lighting devices 20 do not blink.

[0058] The installer operating the information terminal 30 visually checks the actual installation position of the blinking second lighting device 20 (S26), and specifies the installation position of the blinking second lighting device 20 on the map image 32m (for example, one of the installation positions P1 to P12). The operation reception unit 31 receives an operation to specify the installation position of the second lighting device 20 on the map image 32m from the installer (S28). Then, the control unit 34 associates the identification information indicated by the icon 32a selected in step S20 with the installation position specified in step S28, and stores them in the storage unit 35 (S30). The control unit 34 also cancels the display of the icon 32a for which the association has been completed (S32). That is, the number of the multiple icons 32a displayed in step S18 is reduced by one.

[0059] The above steps S10 to S32 correspond to the initial setting operation.

[0060] Next, the setting process operation will be described.

[0061] Here, the setting process operation is performed for the second lighting device 20 for which association has been completed in step S30 of the initial setting operation (the target second lighting device 20).

[0062] First, the operation reception unit 31 of the information terminal 30 receives, from the installer, a second start operation that instructs the start of the setting processing operation (S34).

[0063] The second start operation is, for example, a tap operation on a setting process operation start icon (not shown) on the initial setting screen in Fig. 4. Furthermore, operation receiving unit 31 of information terminal 30 receives a selection operation from the installer to select a first lighting device 10 for which setting processing is to be performed for a target second lighting device 20. The selection operation is, for example, a tap operation on one of installation positions P101 to P104 of the multiple first lighting devices 10.

[0064] In step S34, the map image 32m shows the installation positions of the first lighting fixtures 10 that communicate wirelessly with the target second lighting fixtures 20 to be included in the mesh network M. As an example, when the target second lighting fixture 20 is installed at installation position P1, a star-shaped symbol is added to installation positions P101 and P102, which are the installation positions of the first lighting fixtures 10 that communicate wirelessly with the target second lighting fixture 20.

[0065] The first lighting device 10 that wirelessly communicates with the target second lighting device 20 is a first lighting device 10 that is located within a predetermined distance from the target second lighting device 20. The first lighting device 10 that wirelessly communicates with the target second lighting device 20 may be a first lighting device 10 that receives a beacon signal output from the target second lighting device 20 with a received signal strength equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0066] The selection operation received in step S34 is an operation for selecting a first lighting device 10 for which setting processing is to be performed from one or more first lighting devices 10 that wirelessly communicate with the target second lighting device 20. The selected first lighting device 10 may be referred to as a first lighting device 10 that is a representative device.

[0067] The control unit 34 communicates by unicast with the first lighting fixture 10, which is the proxy device selected by the received selection operation, and causes the terminal communication unit 33 to output proxy request information to the first lighting fixture 10 (S36). That is, the first lighting fixture 10 has already joined the mesh network M and the target second lighting fixture 20 has not yet joined the mesh network M, and in this case, the information terminal 30 outputs the proxy request information. The proxy request information is information for causing the first lighting fixture 10, which is the proxy device, to perform setting processing for allowing the target second lighting fixture 20 to join the mesh network M.

[0068] More specifically, the proxy request information includes information indicating the mesh network M.

[0069] The information indicating the mesh network M is information for the target second lighting device 20 to join the mesh network M. The information indicating the mesh network M includes the network ID of the mesh network M to which the first lighting device 10 already belongs, and address information (unicast address) of the target second lighting device 20 used for communication within the mesh network M. The information indicating the mesh network M may also include, as necessary, a security passcode used for communication within the mesh network M, information on the information terminal 30 (information on the device that manages the mesh network M), and the like.

[0070] At this time, the terminal communication unit 33 outputs unique lighting information unique to the target second lighting device 20 to the first lighting device 10, which is the agent device. The unique lighting information is information provided separately for each of the multiple second lighting devices 20, and is information unique to that second lighting device 20.

[0071] The lighting communication unit 11 of the first lighting fixture 10, which is the proxy device, obtains the proxy request information and the unique lighting information of the second lighting fixture 20, which is the target.

[0072] The lighting communication unit 11 of the first lighting fixture 10, which is the proxy device, communicates with the target second lighting fixture 20 via unicast, and outputs information indicating the mesh network M indicated in the acquired proxy request information, as well as the unique lighting information of the target second lighting fixture 20 (S38).

[0073] The target second lighting device 20 acquires and stores the output information indicating the mesh network M and the unique lighting information (S40). More specifically, the acquired information indicating the mesh network M and the unique lighting information are stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the target second lighting device 20.

[0074] The second lighting device 20, in which information indicating the mesh network M has been stored in the storage unit, is able to participate in the mesh network M. When step S40 is performed, the setting process for allowing the target second lighting device 20 to participate in the mesh network M is completed.

[0075] In this way, the setting process can be said to be a process of outputting information indicating the mesh network M to the second lighting device 20. As a result, the information indicating the mesh network M is stored in the second lighting device 20, and the second lighting device 20 can more reliably participate in the mesh network M.

[0076] In steps S38 and S40, the display unit 32 may display that the first lighting fixture 10, which is the proxy device, is performing the setting process and that the setting process is being performed on the target second lighting fixture 20, and / or the progress of the setting process.

[0077] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an icon in map image 32m according to the present embodiment. In steps S38 and S40, as shown in Fig. 5, text 32d such as "setting processing in progress" may be displayed to indicate that the first lighting fixture 10 is performing the setting process and that the setting process is also being performed on the target second lighting fixture 20. Also, as shown in Fig. 5, a progress bar 32e showing the progress of the setting process and a progress rate may be displayed.

[0078] Furthermore, when the setting process is completed, the lighting communication unit 21 of the target second lighting fixture 20 outputs setting completion information indicating that the setting process has been completed to the lighting communication unit 11 of the first lighting fixture 10, which is the proxy device (S42).

[0079] Next, the lighting communication unit 11 of the first lighting fixture 10 (acting as the proxy device) outputs the setting completion information to the information terminal 30 (S44). The terminal communication unit 33 of the information terminal 30 acquires the setting completion information output from the first lighting fixture 10 that performed the setting process (i.e. the first lighting fixture 10 (acting as the proxy device)).

[0080] When the device communication unit 33 acquires the setting completion information, the control unit 34 changes and displays the icon indicating the target second lighting device 20 on the map image 32m displayed by the display unit 32 (S46). As an example, but not limited to, a star symbol is added to the icon indicating the target second lighting device 20.

[0081] The above steps S34 to S46 correspond to the setting process.

[0082] The processes from step S20 to step S46 are repeated until all second lighting devices 20 have joined the mesh network M. The second lighting devices 20 that have joined the mesh network M stop periodically outputting a beacon signal that was being performed before joining.

[0083] As described above, in the present embodiment, one of the multiple first lighting fixtures 10 performs the setting process operation as a proxy for the information terminal 30, and causes the target second lighting fixture 20 to join the mesh network M. As a result, even if the installer moves and the distance between the information terminal 30 and the target second lighting fixture 20 increases while the first lighting fixture 10, which is the proxy device, is performing the setting process operation, the target second lighting fixture 20 can be allowed to join the mesh network M. More specifically, even if the installer moves after the process of step S36 in order to associate another second lighting fixture 20 other than the target second lighting fixture 20, the target second lighting fixture 20 can be allowed to join the mesh network M.

[0084] In other words, the lighting system 100 according to the present embodiment makes it possible for the second lighting fixture 20 to join the mesh network M easily.

[0085] Furthermore, after the processing of step S36, the installer's movement is less restricted, that is, the installer can roam freely, so all of the second lighting fixtures 20 can join the mesh network M more quickly.

[0086] In step S32, map image 32m showing first lighting fixture 10, which is the proxy device, is displayed on display unit 32. However, this is not limited to this. For example, list 32L in which first lighting fixtures 10 that wirelessly communicate with second lighting fixture 20 are extracted may be displayed on display unit 32.

[0087] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the list 32L according to the present embodiment.

[0088] When list 32L is displayed, in step S34, the selection operation is an operation of selecting a first lighting device 10 for which setting processing is to be performed, from among the one or more first lighting devices 10 extracted in list 32L.

[0089] Furthermore, when the first lighting fixture 10, which is the proxy device, is performing the setting process (i.e., steps S38 and S40), the lighting state of the light source 12 may change, for example, the light source 12 may blink. When the first lighting fixture 10, which is the proxy device, is performing the setting process on the target second lighting fixture 20 (i.e., steps S38 and S40), the lighting state of the light source 12 may change, for example, the light source 22 may blink. This makes it easier for the installer to recognize the first lighting fixture 10 which is performing the setting process and the second lighting fixture 20 which is performing the setting process.

[0090] In step S32, the first lighting fixture 10 serving as the proxy device is determined based on an operation by the installer, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0091] As described above, the lighting communication unit 11 of the first lighting device 10 periodically outputs a beacon signal as an output signal, and communicates wirelessly with the information terminal 30 that has acquired the beacon signal. The information terminal 30 may determine the first lighting device 10 as the proxy device based on the strength of the acquired beacon signal.

[0092] Specifically, the information terminal 30 may cause the first lighting device 10 that has output an output signal (beacon signal) with the highest received signal strength for the information terminal 30 to perform a setting process for allowing the target second lighting device 20 to join the mesh network M. In other words, in this case, the first lighting device 10 that has output a beacon signal with the highest received signal strength becomes the proxy device.

[0093] The first lighting device 10 that outputs the output signal with the highest received signal strength is the device that is most likely to communicate (is least likely to be interrupted) with information terminal 30. In this case, the proxy request information is output to the first lighting device 10 that is most likely to communicate with information terminal 30, so communication failure due to communication interruptions, etc. is less likely to occur.

[0094] Furthermore, the first lighting device 10 that outputs an output signal with the highest received signal strength is expected to be a lighting device that is close to the information terminal 30 and has a communication range equivalent to that of the information terminal 30. For this reason, the first lighting device 10 is likely to be able to communicate with the second lighting devices 20 (i.e., the scanned second lighting devices 20) corresponding to the beacon signal acquired in step S16. Therefore, communication between the first lighting device 10 and the target second lighting device 20 is unlikely to be interrupted, and communication failure is unlikely to occur. In other words, when the first lighting device 10 that outputs an output signal with the highest received signal strength is selected as the proxy device, the possibility that the first lighting device 10 that has difficulty communicating with the target second lighting device 20 will be selected as the proxy device is reduced.

[0095] As described above, in lighting system 100 according to the present embodiment, communication failure is unlikely to occur between information terminal 30 and first lighting fixture 10, which is the proxy device, and communication failure is unlikely to occur between first lighting fixture 10, which is the proxy device, and target second lighting fixture 20. In other words, lighting system 100 according to the present embodiment makes it possible for second lighting fixture 20 to join mesh network M easily and reliably.

[0096] 3, in the present embodiment, a setting process is performed after the initial setting process. That is, information terminal 30 outputs the proxy request information after performing a process of associating the installation position of second lighting device 20 with identification information that identifies second lighting device 20.

[0097] This makes it possible to perform a setting process for the second lighting device 20 with which the installation position and identification information are associated, making it easier to have the second lighting device 20 join the mesh network M.

[0098] [Example 2] In the following, an operation example 2, which is different from the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 3, will be described with reference to FIG.

[0099] Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram of a second operational example of the lighting system 100. The operational example of Fig. 7 is performed, for example, after an installer has installed a plurality of first luminaires 10 and second luminaires 20 on the ceiling C.

[0100] In Operation Example 1, the initial setting operation and the setting processing operation are performed consecutively for one target second lighting device 20. However, in Operation Example 2, after step S16 is processed, steps S18 to S32 are performed for all second lighting devices 20. That is, in Operation Example 2, after the initial setting operation is performed for all second lighting devices 20, the setting processing operation is performed in turn for each of the multiple second lighting devices 20.

[0101] Steps S18 to S32 are repeated, and when the initial setting operation has been performed for all second lighting fixtures 20, the setting processing operation is performed.

[0102] First, operation acceptance unit 31 of information terminal 30 accepts from user U a second start operation that instructs the user to start a setting process operation (S34). The second start operation is, for example, a tap operation on a setting process operation start icon (not shown) on the initial setting screen of FIG. 4, as in operation example 1. Note that, unlike operation example 1, operation acceptance unit 31 of information terminal 30 does not accept, at this point, from the installer a selection operation for selecting a first lighting fixture 10 for which setting processing is to be performed.

[0103] In operation example 1, the second lighting device 20 on which the setting processing operation is performed is determined by a selection operation by the installer in step S20, that is, the installer selects the target second lighting device 20, but operation example 2 is not limited to this.

[0104] In operation example 2, when the process of step S34 is performed, information indicating the importance of each of the one or more second lighting devices 20 is shown on map image 32m displayed by display unit 32. The setting process is performed preferentially for second lighting devices 20 with higher importance. In other words, control unit 34 of information terminal 30 determines that the second lighting device 20 with the highest importance is the second lighting device 20 for which the setting process is to be performed (target second lighting device 20) (S35).

[0105] Here, the importance will be explained with reference to FIG.

[0106] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a map image 32m indicating the importance according to the present embodiment. The map image 32m shown in Fig. 8 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 32 in step S35. In Fig. 8, the installation positions of the second lighting devices 20 on the map image 32m (for example, installation positions P21, P31 to P37, and P41) are indicated by circles, and each circle has a number indicating the importance 32f written on it. Here, the smaller the number indicating the importance 32f, the higher the importance. Note that the installation positions P111 to P114 of the first lighting devices 10 on the map image 32m are indicated by icons similar to those in the map image 32m in Fig. 4.

[0107] Next, the second lighting device 20, which has a high importance level 32f, will be described with reference to FIG.

[0108] 8, some of the second lighting fixtures 20 are installed close together, and other of the second lighting fixtures 20 are installed between the some and the first lighting fixtures 10. In this case, the second lighting fixtures 20 with a higher importance are the other.

[0109] Here, the "part" refers to the second lighting fixtures 20 installed within area A defined by a dashed ellipse in Fig. 8, i.e., the second lighting fixtures 20 installed at each of the installation positions P31 to P37. The "other part" refers to the second lighting fixture 20 installed at installation position P21.

[0110] After all the second lighting fixtures 20 have joined the mesh network M, for example, information output from the first lighting fixture 10 and communicated via the mesh network M reaches the part via the other part. In other words, the other part is the second lighting fixture 20 located on the communication path connecting the first lighting fixture 10 and the part.

[0111] Therefore, in operation example 2, the second lighting device 20 with higher importance is set as the other part, and the setting process is performed preferentially for the second lighting device 20 with higher importance, thereby making communication via the mesh network M less likely to be interrupted and improving communication stability.

[0112] In FIG. 8, a second lighting fixture 20 is also installed at installation position P41. However, since this lighting fixture is not installed between the above-mentioned part and the first lighting fixture 10, this lighting fixture is less important than the other part (i.e., the second lighting fixture 20 installed at installation position P21).

[0113] Once the second lighting device 20 with the highest importance is determined as the target second lighting device 20, operation receiving unit 31 of information terminal 30 further receives a selection operation from the installer to select a first lighting device 10 for which setting processing is to be performed for the target second lighting device 20. The selection operation is, for example, a tap operation on any of the installation positions P101 to P104 of the multiple first lighting devices 10.

[0114] As in the first operation example, the selection operation is an operation for selecting a first lighting device 10 for which setting processing is to be performed from among one or more first lighting devices 10 that wirelessly communicate with the target second lighting device 20.

[0115] Next, the processes of steps S36 to S46 are performed. As a result, first, the second lighting device 20 with the highest importance (the target second lighting device 20) joins the mesh network M, and the information terminal 30 obtains the setting completion information. In this way, the setting process is performed preferentially for the second lighting device 20 with the highest importance.

[0116] Furthermore, the processes of steps S34 to S46 are repeated for all of the second lighting devices 20 in descending order of importance, and all of the second lighting devices 20 join the mesh network M.

[0117] Note that the second lighting device 20 with a high level of importance is not limited to the above. Below, examples of importance different from the above will be described.

[0118] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing installation positions P51-P55, P61-P65, and P71-P75 of the second lighting devices 20 and the installation position P121 of the first lighting device 10 in a map image 32m showing the importance of another example according to the present embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the second lighting devices 20 are classified into three clusters C1, C2, and C3. For example, the second lighting devices 20 installed at the installation positions P51-P55 among the second lighting devices 20 are classified into cluster C1. For example, the second lighting devices 20 installed at the installation positions P61-P65 among the second lighting devices 20 are classified into cluster C2. For example, the second lighting devices 20 installed at the installation positions P71-P75 among the second lighting devices 20 are classified into cluster C3.

[0119] Furthermore, in the example shown in Fig. 9, a configuration example of mesh networks M, M1, M2, and M3 desired by a client who is an example of user U will be described using Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing examples of mesh networks M, M1, M2, and M3 of second lighting fixtures 20 installed at installation positions P51-P55, P61-P65, and P71-P75 shown in Fig. 9. In Fig. 10, mesh network M is shown by a dashed line, and mesh networks M1, M2, and M3 are shown by a dashed line, a double-dashed line, and a dotted line, respectively.

[0120] Here, one cluster is provided with one gateway device, and the gateway device of cluster C1 is the second lighting fixture 20 installed at installation position P51. The gateway device of cluster C2 is the second lighting fixture 20 installed at installation position P61. The gateway device of cluster C3 is the second lighting fixture 20 installed at installation position P71.

[0121] The gateway device communicates with gateway devices classified into clusters other than the cluster to which the gateway device itself is classified, via mesh network M. For example, second lighting fixture 20, which is a gateway device in cluster C1 and installed at installation position P51, communicates with second lighting fixture 20, which is a gateway device in cluster C1, installed at installation positions P61 and P71, via mesh network M.

[0122] Each of the multiple second lighting devices 20 communicates with other second lighting devices 20 classified into the same cluster as the cluster to which the second lighting device 20 is classified, via the mesh network of the same cluster. For example, the second lighting device 20 installed at installation position P55 classified into cluster C1 communicates with the second lighting device 20 installed at each of installation positions P51 to P54 classified into cluster C1, via the mesh network M1.

[0123] In other words, the gateway device is a device that has the function of relaying communications with each of a plurality of second lighting devices 20 that are classified into a cluster other than the cluster to which the gateway device is classified.

[0124] In other words, in the example shown in Fig. 10, the network is a two-layered network composed of a first layer mesh network M and second layer mesh networks M1, M2, and M3. In the example shown in Figs. 9 and 10, in step S35 of Fig. 7, the second lighting device 20 having a high importance is treated as a gateway device and processed. The second lighting device 20 serving as a gateway device is a second lighting device 20 located on a communication path, like the other parts described above. Therefore, by giving priority to the gateway device, which is the second lighting device 20 having a high importance, communication via the mesh network M is less likely to be interrupted and communication stability is improved.

[0125] Next, the processes of steps S36 to S46 are performed. As a result, first, the second lighting device 20 with the highest importance (the target second lighting device 20) joins the mesh network M, and the information terminal 30 obtains the setting completion information. In this way, the setting process is performed preferentially for the second lighting device 20 with the highest importance.

[0126] Furthermore, the process of steps S34 to S46 is repeated for all of the second lighting devices 20 in descending order of importance, and all of the second lighting devices 20 join the mesh network M. Here, the process of steps S34 to S46 shown in Fig. 7 is repeated to obtain mesh networks M, M1, M2, and M3 shown in Fig. 10.

[0127] [Example 3] Further, an operation example 3 of the lighting system 100, which is different from the above operation examples 1 and 2, will be described.

[0128] In the first and second operation examples, in step S16, the terminal communication unit 33 of the information terminal 30 receives a beacon signal from each of the second lighting devices 20. However, this is not limited to this. In the third operation example, the lighting communication unit 11 of the first lighting device 10 receives a beacon signal from each of the second lighting devices 20.

[0129] Fig. 11 is a sequence diagram of a third operational example of the lighting system 100. The operational example of Fig. 3 is performed, for example, after an installer has installed a plurality of first luminaires 10 and second luminaires 20 on the ceiling C.

[0130] In the operation example 3 shown in FIG. 11, the processes of steps S10 to S14 are performed in the same manner as in the operation example 1 shown in FIG.

[0131] Next, in response to the reception of the scan start operation in step S14, lighting communication unit 11 of first lighting fixture 10 acquires a beacon signal from each of the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 (S16a).

[0132] Furthermore, the first lighting device 10 outputs the identification information (such as a MAC address) of the second lighting device 20 contained in the acquired beacon signal as scan result information to the information terminal 30 (S17). As a result, the terminal communication unit 33 acquires the scan result information which is the identification information of each of the multiple second lighting devices 20. The acquired MAC addresses are stored in the memory unit 35. Then, the processes of steps S18 to S34 are performed in the same manner as in operation example 1 shown in FIG.

[0133] In step S34, operation receiving unit 31 of information terminal 30 receives, from the installer, a selection operation for selecting a first lighting fixture 10 for which setting processing is to be performed on a target second lighting fixture 20.

[0134] Here, the first lighting device 10 that has received the beacon signal output from the target second lighting device 20 in step S16a is selected as the first lighting device 10 for which the setting process will be performed (the first lighting device 10 that is the proxy device). The selection operation is, for example, a tap operation on the icon corresponding to the first lighting device 10 that has received the beacon signal, among the installation positions P101 to P104 of the multiple first lighting devices 10.

[0135] Next, the processes of steps S36 to S46 are carried out in the same manner as in the first operation example shown in Fig. 3. This allows the target second lighting device 20 to join the mesh network M.

[0136] As described above, in operation example 3, the first lighting fixture 10 acquires the identification information for identifying the second lighting fixture 20 output by the second lighting fixture 20, and outputs the acquired identification information to the information terminal 30. Then, the first lighting fixture 10 that has acquired the identification information output by the second lighting fixture 20 that is the target of the setting process is selected as the first lighting fixture 10 for which the setting process is to be performed.

[0137] In such a case, the first lighting fixture 10 that can obtain the identification information for identifying the second lighting fixture 20, in other words, that can sufficiently communicate with the second lighting fixture 20, performs the setting process for the second lighting fixture 20. This makes it less likely that problems such as communication being interrupted between the first lighting fixture 10 and the second lighting fixture 20 during the setting process will occur, thereby preventing the second lighting fixture 20 from failing to join the mesh network M.

[0138] [Effects, etc.] As described above, the equipment system (lighting system 100) includes a first equipment (first lighting fixture 10) capable of participating in the mesh network M, a second equipment (second lighting fixture 20) capable of participating in the mesh network M, and an information terminal 30. Here, the equipment system includes a plurality of first equipment (first lighting fixture 10) and a plurality of second equipment (second lighting fixture 20). The information terminal 30 wirelessly communicates with the first equipment. When the first equipment has already participated in the mesh network M and the second equipment has not yet participated in the mesh network M, the information terminal 30 performs the following process. In this case, the information terminal 30 outputs, via wireless communication, to the first equipment, proxy request information for causing the first equipment to perform a setting process for allowing the second equipment to participate in the mesh network M. The first equipment performs a setting process indicated by the proxy request information acquired from the information terminal 30.

[0139] In the present embodiment, one of the multiple first lighting fixtures 10 performs a setting process operation as a proxy for the information terminal 30, and causes the target second lighting fixture 20 to join the mesh network M. As a result, even if the installer moves and the distance between the information terminal 30 and the target second lighting fixture 20 increases while the first lighting fixture 10, which is the proxy device, is performing the setting process operation, the target second lighting fixture 20 can be allowed to join the mesh network M. More specifically, even if the installer moves after the process of step S36 in order to associate another second lighting fixture 20 other than the target second lighting fixture 20, the target second lighting fixture 20 can be allowed to join the mesh network M.

[0140] In other words, the lighting system 100 according to the present embodiment makes it possible for the second lighting fixture 20 to join the mesh network M easily.

[0141] Furthermore, for example, the first device (first lighting fixture 10) has a light source 12 whose lighting state changes when the setting process is being performed.

[0142] This makes it easier for the installer to recognize the first lighting fixture 10 for which the setting process is being performed.

[0143] Furthermore, for example, the second device (second lighting device 20) has a light source 22 whose lighting state changes when the setting process is being performed by the first device (first lighting device 10).

[0144] This makes it easier for the installer to recognize the second lighting fixture 20 for which the setting process is being performed.

[0145] Furthermore, for example, the lighting system 100 includes one or more first devices (first lighting devices 10) that each wirelessly communicate with a second device (second lighting device 20) to be included in the mesh network M and each output an output signal to the information terminal 30. The information terminal 30 causes the first device that outputs an output signal with the highest received signal strength for the information terminal 30 to perform a setting process for including the target second device in the mesh network M.

[0146] The first lighting fixture 10 that outputs the output signal with the highest received signal strength is the device with which information terminal 30 can communicate most easily (communication is least likely to be interrupted).

[0147] As a result, the proxy request information is output to first lighting fixture 10 which is most likely to communicate with information terminal 30, making it less likely that communication failures will occur due to communication interruptions or the like.

[0148] Furthermore, the first lighting device 10 that outputs an output signal with the highest received signal strength is expected to be a lighting device that is close to the information terminal 30 and has a communication range equivalent to that of the information terminal 30. For this reason, the first lighting device 10 is likely to be able to communicate with the second lighting devices 20 (i.e., the scanned second lighting devices 20) corresponding to the beacon signal acquired in step S16. Therefore, communication between the first lighting device 10 and the target second lighting device 20 is unlikely to be interrupted, and communication failure is unlikely to occur. In other words, when the first lighting device 10 that outputs an output signal with the highest received signal strength is selected as the proxy device, the possibility that the first lighting device 10 that has difficulty communicating with the target second lighting device 20 will be selected as the proxy device is reduced.

[0149] As described above, in lighting system 100 according to the present embodiment, communication failure is unlikely to occur between information terminal 30 and first lighting fixture 10, which is the proxy device, and communication failure is unlikely to occur between first lighting fixture 10, which is the proxy device, and target second lighting fixture 20. In other words, lighting system 100 according to the present embodiment makes it possible for second lighting fixture 20 to join mesh network M easily and reliably.

[0150] Also, for example, the first device (first lighting device 10) acquires identification information for identifying the second device output by the second device (second lighting device 20), and outputs the acquired identification information to the information terminal 30.

[0151] In such a case, the first lighting fixture 10 that can obtain the identification information for identifying the second lighting fixture 20, in other words, that can sufficiently communicate with the second lighting fixture 20, performs the setting process for the second lighting fixture 20. This makes it less likely that problems such as communication being interrupted between the first lighting fixture 10 and the second lighting fixture 20 during the setting process will occur, thereby preventing the second lighting fixture 20 from failing to join the mesh network M.

[0152] For example, each of the first device (first lighting fixture 10) and the second device (second lighting fixture 20) is a lighting fixture.

[0153] This makes it possible for the lighting system 100 according to the present embodiment to allow the second device, which is the second lighting fixture 20, to join the mesh network M easily.

[0154] Also, for example, the setting process is a process of outputting information indicating the mesh network M to the second device (second lighting fixture 20).

[0155] As a result, information indicating the mesh network M is stored in the second lighting device 20, and the second lighting device 20 can participate in the mesh network M more reliably.

[0156] Furthermore, for example, information terminal 30 outputs the proxy request information after performing a process of associating the installation position of the second device (second lighting device 20) with identification information for identifying the second device.

[0157] This makes it possible to perform a setting process for the second lighting device 20 with which the installation position and identification information are associated, making it easier to have the second lighting device 20 join the mesh network M.

[0158] As described above, the information terminal 30 includes a communication unit (terminal communication unit 33) and a control unit 34. The communication unit wirelessly communicates with a first device (first lighting device 10) that can join the mesh network M. The control unit 34 performs the following process when the first device has joined the mesh network M and the second device (second lighting device 20) has not joined the mesh network M. In this case, the control unit 34 causes the communication unit to output, via wireless communication, to the first device, proxy request information for causing the first device to perform setting processing for allowing the second device that has not joined the mesh network M to join the mesh network M.

[0159] In the present embodiment, one of the multiple first lighting fixtures 10 performs a setting process operation as a proxy for the information terminal 30, and causes the target second lighting fixture 20 to join the mesh network M. As a result, even if the installer moves and the distance between the information terminal 30 and the target second lighting fixture 20 increases while the first lighting fixture 10, which is the proxy device, is performing the setting process operation, the target second lighting fixture 20 can be allowed to join the mesh network M. More specifically, even if the installer moves after the process of step S36 in order to associate another second lighting fixture 20 other than the target second lighting fixture 20, the target second lighting fixture 20 can be allowed to join the mesh network M.

[0160] In other words, the information terminal 30 according to this embodiment can allow the second lighting fixture 20 to join the mesh network M easily.

[0161] For example, the information terminal 30 further includes a display unit 32. The display unit 32 displays a map image 32m or a list 32L. The map image 32m shows the installation positions of the second devices (second lighting fixtures 20) to be added to the mesh network M and the first devices (first lighting fixtures 10) that wirelessly communicate with the second devices. The list 32L extracts the first devices that wirelessly communicate with the second devices.

[0162] This makes it easier for the installer, who is an example of a user U, to recognize the first lighting device 10 that is in wireless communication with the target second lighting device 20.

[0163] Moreover, for example, information terminal 30 includes a reception unit (operation reception unit 31). The reception unit receives an operation to select a first device for which setting processing is to be performed from one or more first devices (first lighting fixtures 10) shown in map image 32m or one or more first devices extracted in list 32L. Control unit 34 causes the communication unit to output proxy request information to the first device selected by the received operation.

[0164] This allows the installer, who is an example of user U, to select the first lighting fixture 10 for which the setting process is to be performed.

[0165] In addition, for example, the target second device (second lighting device 20) is a lighting device. When the selected first device (first lighting device 10) performs the setting process, the control unit 34 causes the selected first device to output unique lighting information unique to the target second device.

[0166] As a result, second lighting fixture 20, which is the second device, performs on / off control or dimming control by referring to the unique illumination information.

[0167] Furthermore, for example, the display unit 32 displays that the first device (first lighting device 10) is performing setting processing and that setting processing is being performed on the target second device (second lighting device 20), and / or the progress of the setting processing.

[0168] This makes it easier for the installer, who is an example of the user U, to recognize that the setting process is being performed and / or the progress of the setting process.

[0169] Furthermore, for example, when the setting process is completed, the information terminal 30 acquires setting completion information indicating that the setting process is completed, which is output from the first device (first lighting device 10) that performed the setting process. When the setting completion information is acquired, the display unit 32 changes and displays the icon indicating the target second device (second lighting device 20) in the map image 32m.

[0170] This makes it easier for the installer, who is an example of the user U, to recognize that the setting process has been completed.

[0171] Furthermore, for example, the map image 32m shows information indicating the importance of each of the one or more second devices (second lighting devices 20). The setting process is performed preferentially on a second device having a higher importance.

[0172] The second lighting device 20 having a high importance is, for example, a second lighting device 20 located on the communication path. By performing the setting process preferentially for the second lighting device 20 having a high importance, communication via the mesh network M is less likely to be interrupted and the stability of communication is improved.

[0173] Furthermore, for example, the second device (second lighting device 20) having a high level of importance is a gateway device.

[0174] The second lighting fixture 20, which is a gateway device, is a second lighting fixture 20 located on a communication path, like other parts shown in Fig. 8 etc. Therefore, by performing the setting process preferentially on the second lighting fixture 20 (gateway device) which has a higher level of importance, communication via the mesh network M is less likely to be interrupted and the stability of communication is improved.

[0175] Also, for example, in map image 32m, if some of the one or more second devices (second lighting fixtures 20) are installed close together and other parts of the one or more second devices are installed between some of the second devices and the first device (first lighting fixture 10), the second devices with higher importance are the other parts.

[0176] The other part is a second lighting device 20 located on a communication path connecting the first lighting device 10 and the part. Therefore, the second lighting device 20 with higher importance is set as the other part, and the setting process is performed preferentially on the second lighting device 20 with higher importance, so that communication via the mesh network M is less likely to be interrupted and the stability of communication is improved.

[0177] The control method is a control method performed by an equipment system. The equipment system includes a first equipment (first lighting fixture 10) capable of joining a mesh network M, a second equipment (second lighting fixture 20) capable of joining the mesh network M, and an information terminal 30 that wirelessly communicates with the first equipment. The control method performs the following process when the first equipment has joined the mesh network M and the second equipment (second lighting fixture 20) has not joined the mesh network M. In this case, the control method includes a step of the information terminal 30 outputting, via wireless communication, to the first equipment, proxy request information for causing the first equipment to perform a setting process for allowing the second equipment to join the mesh network M. The control method also includes a step of the first equipment performing a setting process indicated by the proxy request information acquired from the information terminal 30.

[0178] In the present embodiment, one of the multiple first lighting fixtures 10 performs a setting process operation as a proxy for the information terminal 30, and causes the target second lighting fixture 20 to join the mesh network M. As a result, even if the installer moves and the distance between the information terminal 30 and the target second lighting fixture 20 increases while the first lighting fixture 10, which is the proxy device, is performing the setting process operation, the target second lighting fixture 20 can be allowed to join the mesh network M. More specifically, even if the installer moves after the process of step S36 in order to associate another second lighting fixture 20 other than the target second lighting fixture 20, the target second lighting fixture 20 can be allowed to join the mesh network M.

[0179] In other words, the control method according to the present embodiment makes it possible to allow the second lighting fixture 20 to join the mesh network M easily.

[0180] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0181] For example, in the above embodiment, a MAC address is given as an example of identification information, but the identification information is not limited to a MAC address as long as it can uniquely identify a lighting fixture.

[0182] The communication method between the devices described in the above embodiment is an example. The communication method between the devices is not particularly limited. The wireless communication between the devices is, for example, wireless communication using a communication standard such as specific low power radio, ZigBee (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Specifically, the wireless communication is radio communication or infrared communication.

[0183] When first lighting fixture 10, which is the proxy device, is performing the setting process (i.e., steps S38 and S40), one example of a change in the lighting state of light source 12 or light source 22 has been given as the blinking of light source 12 or light source 22, but is not limited to this. "The lighting state of light source 12 changes" may mean that light source 12 alternates between emitting strong light and weak light, that light source 12 continues to emit weak light after emitting strong light, that light source 12 is completely turned off, etc. Similarly, "the lighting state of light source 22 changes" may mean that light source 22 alternates between emitting strong light and weak light, that light source 22 continues to emit weak light after emitting strong light, that light source 22 is completely turned off, etc.

[0184] A case will be described where the first device and the second device are not the first lighting fixture 10 and the second lighting fixture 20, but an environmental sensor or a camera, etc. Even in this case, the first device has a light source whose lighting state changes when the setting process is being performed, and the second device has a light source whose lighting state changes when the setting process is being performed by the first device. The light sources possessed by the first device and the second device do not need to be lamps for illuminating an indoor space, but may be small light sources (such as indicator lamps) that allow the installer to check the change in the lighting state of the light source during the setting process.

[0185] In the above embodiment, the processes executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. The order of multiple processes may be changed, or multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

[0186] In the above embodiment, components such as the control unit may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

[0187] Furthermore, components such as the control unit may be realized by hardware. For example, components such as the control unit may be circuits (or integrated circuits). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0188] In addition, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Also, the present invention may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium. For example, the present invention may be realized as a program for causing an information terminal to execute a setting method, or as a non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded. Note that such a program includes an application program for operating a general-purpose information terminal as the information terminal of the above embodiment.

[0189] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art may think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0190] 12, 22 light source 30 Information terminal 32 Display section 32L List 32m map image M, M1, M2, M3 Mesh Network P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, P8, P9, P10, P11, P12, P21, P31, P32, P33, P34, P35, P36, P37, P41, P51, P52, P53, P5 4, P55, P61, P62, P63, P64, P65, P71, P72, P73, P74, P75, P101, P102, P103, P104, P111, P112, P113, P114, P121 Installation position

Claims

1. A first device and a second device each capable of joining a mesh network; an information terminal that wirelessly communicates with the first device, when the first device has joined the mesh network and the second device has not joined the mesh network, the information terminal outputs, to the first device, proxy request information for causing the first device to perform a setting process for causing the second device to join the mesh network, using the wireless communication; The first device performs the setting process indicated by the proxy request information acquired from the information terminal, The setting process is a process in which the first device outputs information indicating the mesh network, which is included in the proxy request information acquired by the first device, to the second device. Equipment systems.

2. The first device has a light source whose lighting state changes when the setting process is being performed. The equipment system of claim 1 .

3. The second device has a light source whose lighting state changes when the setting process is being performed by the first device.

3. The equipment system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. one or more of the first devices each of which wirelessly communicates with the second device to be included in the mesh network and outputs an output signal to the information terminal; The information terminal causes the first device that outputs the output signal having the highest received signal strength for the information terminal to perform the setting process for allowing the second device to participate in the mesh network. The equipment system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The first device acquires identification information for identifying the second device output by the second device, and outputs the acquired identification information to the information terminal. The equipment system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. Each of the first device and the second device is a lighting device. The equipment system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The information terminal outputs the proxy request information after performing a process of associating an installation position of the second device with identification information for identifying the second device. The equipment system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a first device that can join the mesh network; a control unit that, when the first device has joined the mesh network and the second device has not joined the mesh network, causes the communication unit to output, to the first device using the wireless communication, proxy request information for causing the first device to perform a setting process for causing the second device to join the mesh network; The setting process is a process in which the first device outputs information indicating the mesh network, which is included in the proxy request information acquired by the first device, to the second device. Information terminal.

9. a display unit that displays a map image showing installation positions of the second device to be joined to the mesh network and the first device that wirelessly communicates with the second device, or a list in which the first devices that wirelessly communicate with the second device are extracted.

9. An information terminal according to claim 8.

10. a reception unit that receives an operation of selecting a first device to be subjected to the setting process from among the one or more first devices shown in the map image or the one or more first devices extracted in the list, The control unit causes the communication unit to output the proxy request information to the first device selected by the received operation.

10. An information terminal according to claim 9.

11. the second device of the target is a lighting fixture, When the selected first device performs the setting process, the control unit causes the selected first device to output unique lighting information unique to the target second device. An information terminal according to claim 10.

12. The display unit displays that the first device is performing the setting process and that the setting process is being performed on the target second device, and / or a progress status of the setting process. An information terminal according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

13. When the setting process is completed, the information terminal acquires setting completion information indicating that the setting process has been completed, the setting completion information being output from the first device that has performed the setting process; When the setting completion information is acquired, the display unit changes and displays an icon indicating the target second device on the map image. An information terminal according to any one of claims 9 to 12.

14. The map image shows information indicating the importance of each of the one or more second devices, The setting process is performed preferentially on the second device having a higher importance. An information terminal according to any one of claims 9 to 13.

15. The second device having high importance is a gateway device. An information terminal according to claim 14.

16. In the map image, Some of the one or more second devices are installed in a dense manner, When another part of the one or more second devices is installed between the part and the first device, The second device having high importance is the other part. An information terminal according to claim 14.

17. A control method performed by an equipment system, comprising: The equipment system comprises: A first device and a second device each capable of joining a mesh network; an information terminal that wirelessly communicates with the first device, The control method includes: a step of, when the first device has joined the mesh network and the second device has not joined the mesh network, outputting, by the information terminal, to the first device using the wireless communication, proxy request information for causing the first device to perform a setting process for causing the second device to join the mesh network; performing the setting process indicated by the proxy request information acquired by the first device from the information terminal; The setting process is a process in which the first device outputs information indicating the mesh network, which is included in the proxy request information acquired by the first device, to the second device. Control methods.

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