Method for setting a wireless communication system, wireless communication system, and program

Abstract

To provide a wireless communication system setting method, a wireless communication system, and a program that can more appropriately perform the setting of a plurality of relay units without going through a wired communication network.SOLUTION: A method for setting identification addresses for a plurality of lighting fixtures L1 to Ln having relay units using a setting device Sd having a display unit and a capture unit in a wired communication system having a control device Ct includes: setting the plurality of lighting fixtures to an initial setting mode in which light source units of the plurality of lighting fixtures are turned on and unique signals containing unique information on the respective units are transmitted; bringing the capture unit closer to a setting target lighting fixture; receiving the unique signals from the plurality of lighting fixtures with the capture unit; causing the display unit to display permutation information for the plurality of lighting fixtures based on received signal strength of the unique signals; estimating the setting target lighting fixture based on the permutation information; and transmitting an identification signal including an identification address to the estimated lighting fixture.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for setting up a wireless communication system, a wireless communication system, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Wireless communication systems that transmit and receive various signals using wireless communication are widely used. Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a conventional method for setting up a wireless communication system. The method for setting up a wireless communication system disclosed in this document is a method for setting up a wireless communication system including a plurality of wireless adapters and wireless devices. In this setting method, pairing between a wireless adapter and a wireless device is performed using a setting device. The setting device selects a wireless device to be paired based on the received radio wave intensity between the wireless device and the wireless adapter, and performs a pairing process.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-described wireless communication system, a plurality of wireless adapters are connected to a wired communication network together with a controller. Therefore, prior to pairing for realizing wireless communication, it is necessary to construct a wired communication network including a plurality of wireless adapters.

[0005] The present invention has been conceived under the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a method for setting up a wireless communication system, a wireless communication system, and a program that can more appropriately set a plurality of relay units without going through a wired communication network.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A method for setting up a wireless communication system provided by a first aspect of the present invention is a method for setting up a wireless communication system that uses a setting device having a display unit and a capturing unit to set identification addresses for a plurality of relay units. Each of the plurality of relay units has a light source unit. In an initial setting mode, the plurality of relay units are set to turn on the light source unit and transmit a unique signal including the unique information of each unit. A first step of setting the plurality of relay units; approaching the capturing unit to the relay unit to be set, receiving the unique signal from the plurality of relay units by the capturing unit, and displaying, on the display unit, permutation information of the plurality of relay units based on the received signal strength of the unique signal; A second step; and a third step of estimating the relay unit to be set based on the permutation information and transmitting an identification signal including an identification address to the estimated relay unit.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the second step, the relay unit estimated to be the setting target is selected based on the permutation information displayed in the permutation display area of the display unit, and the information of the selected relay unit is displayed in the setting display area of the display unit. In the third step, the relay unit estimated to be the setting target displayed in the setting display area is selected, the identification address to be assigned to the relay unit is determined, and the identification signal is transmitted from the capturing unit to the relay unit estimated to be the setting target by operating a setting button.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, after the second step and before the third step, the relay unit estimated to be the setting target displayed in the setting display area is selected, and a blinking signal for blinking the light source unit is transmitted from the capturing unit to the relay unit estimated to be the setting target by operating a blinking button. If the relay unit in the blinking state matches the relay unit to be set, the third step is executed. If the relay unit in the blinking state does not match the relay unit to be set, the second step is executed.

[0009] A wireless communication system provided by a second aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of relay units each having a light source unit, a power supply unit, a control unit, and a wireless communication unit, and a control device that controls the lighting state of the light source units of the plurality of relay units. The wireless communication system further includes a display unit and a capturing unit that performs wireless communication, and a setting device that performs a process of setting identification addresses of the plurality of relay units. In the relay unit, the wireless communication unit receives a lighting control signal from the control device, and the control unit controls the lighting state of the light source unit in response to the lighting control signal. The relay unit switches between a normal mode and an initial setting mode according to a switching signal from the setting device. In the normal mode, the lighting control signal is received by the wireless communication unit from the control device, and the control unit controls the lighting state of the light source unit according to the lighting control signal. In the initial setting mode, the control unit turns on the light source unit, and the wireless communication unit transmits a unique signal including unique information of each unit, and allows the change of the identification address. In the normal mode, the change of the identification address is prohibited.

[0010] A program provided by a third aspect of the present invention is used for setting identification addresses for a plurality of relay units in a setting device having a display unit and a capturing unit. The program causes the setting device to perform a process of setting a permutation display area, a setting display area, and a command designation area in the display unit, a process of displaying permutation information of the plurality of relay units based on the reception signal strength of the unique signals received by the capturing unit from the plurality of relay units in the permutation display area, a process of displaying information of the relay unit selected based on the permutation information displayed in the permutation display area in the setting display area, a process of displaying a capture button, a blinking button, and a setting button in the command designation area, a process of receiving unique signals from the plurality of relay units by the capturing unit when the capture button is operated, a process of transmitting a blinking signal from the capturing unit to the relay unit estimated to be a setting target based on the permutation information when the blinking button is operated, and a process of transmitting an identification signal including an identification address from the capturing unit to the relay unit estimated to be a setting target when the setting button is operated.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, the settings of a plurality of relay units can be more appropriately performed without going through a wired communication network.

[0012] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] <First Embodiment> Figures 1 to 14 show a wireless communication system, a setting method of the wireless communication system, and a program according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the wireless communication system A1 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of lighting fixtures L, a setting device Sd, and a control device Ct. The wireless communication system A1 is a system that realizes wireless communication via a plurality of lighting fixtures L as a plurality of relay units.

[0016] 〔Lighting Fixture L〕 The lighting fixture L is a specific example of the relay unit in the present invention. The relay unit is a unit for realizing wireless communication in the wireless communication system A1 by relaying wireless communication. The specific configuration of the relay unit is not limited at all, and it only needs to have a wireless communication relaying function, and various devices such as a dedicated wireless relay unit, a lighting fixture having a wireless communication function, and a sensor can be mentioned. In the present embodiment, the case where the relay unit is the lighting fixture L will be described as an example.

[0017] The plurality of lighting fixtures L are used, for example, for indoor lighting and are installed at various locations such as on the ceiling, wall surface, and floor surface. Also, the lighting fixture L may be configured to be used for outdoor lighting. The specific form of the lighting fixture L is not limited at all, and various forms such as straight tube lighting, high ceiling lighting, ceiling light, downlight, base light, spotlight, etc. can be appropriately adopted. In the following description, when describing the general configuration of the lighting fixture L, it will be referred to as the lighting fixture L, and when distinguishing the plurality of lighting fixtures L, symbols such as lighting fixture L1, ··· lighting fixture Ln may be appropriately used. The plurality of lighting fixtures L1 to Ln in FIG. 1 may have the same configuration, may partially share each other, or may have different configurations and different forms. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the case where the plurality of lighting fixtures L1 to Ln have the same configuration will be described as an example.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the lighting fixture L. The lighting fixture L includes a light source unit 11, a control unit 12, a storage unit 13, a wireless communication unit 14, and a power supply unit 15.

[0019] The light source unit 11 is a part that performs a light-emitting function in the lighting fixture L1 and has a light quantity sufficient to satisfy the lighting application of illuminating the surroundings. The specific configuration of the light source unit 11 is not limited in any way. For example, it consists of a substrate and a plurality of LEDs mounted in a row on the substrate. Further, the lighting fixture L1 appropriately has a transparent or translucent cover (not shown) that transmits the light from the light source unit 11. Note that when a dedicated wireless relay unit is used as the relay unit, the light source unit 11 does not have a light quantity capable of exerting an illumination function of illuminating the surroundings, and functions, for example, as an indicator for notifying the operating status.

[0020] The control unit 12 is for controlling each part of the lighting fixture L based on a lighting control signal or the like from the control device Ct. The specific configuration of the control unit 12 is not particularly limited. For example, it consists of a CPU. The storage unit 13 is for storing information necessary for the control of the control unit 12 and consists of, for example, a semiconductor memory. Note that the storage unit 13 is not limited to being built into the housing (not shown) of the lighting fixture L, and may be built into a dongle detachably provided with respect to the housing of the lighting fixture L.

[0021] The control unit 12 switches the lighting fixture L between a normal mode and an initial setting mode. The normal mode is a mode for controlling the lighting state of the light source unit 11 such as lighting / extinguishing, dimming / color tuning in response to a lighting control signal from the control device Ct. In the normal mode, the change of the identification address of each unit is prohibited. The initial setting mode lights the light source unit 11, transmits a unique signal including the unique information of each unit from the wireless communication unit 14, and allows the change of the identification address.

[0022] The wireless communication unit 14 is a communication unit for performing wireless communication with the control device Ct, other lighting fixtures L constituting the communication network, and the setting device Sd, and transmits and receives wireless signals. The wireless communication unit 14 is connected to the control unit 12 by, for example, UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) communication, but is not limited thereto.

[0023] To exemplify the functions of the wireless communication unit 14, it receives an identification signal from a setting device Sd described later, a switching signal from a control device Ct, etc., and transmits the signals included in the received data to the control unit 12. Further, it transmits a unique signal described later and an acknowledgment signal indicating reception to the setting device Sd, the control device Ct, etc. Further, it may transmit a status signal indicating the operation status of the lighting fixture L to the control device Ct.

[0024] In the present embodiment, the unique information possessed by each of the plurality of lighting fixtures L is stored in the wireless communication unit 14. Specific examples of the unique information are not particularly limited, and for example, it is a MAC (Media Access Control) address or position information. Note that the unique information may be stored in a component of the wireless communication unit 14, or may be stored in the storage unit 13, for example. When the wireless communication unit 14 recognizes that a received signal is a signal for its own device's unique information, or when it is transmitted to all units as so-called broadcast communication, the wireless communication unit 14 transmits the signal to the control unit 12.

[0025] The wireless communication unit 14 performs wireless communication with the setting device Sd, the control device Ct, and other lighting fixtures L using a predetermined protocol. The communication frequency of the wireless communication using the predetermined protocol is not limited at all, and for example, the 920 MHz band, the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, etc. are exemplified. Further, specific examples of the predetermined protocol are not particularly limited, and for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) including BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), ZigBee (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc. are exemplified. In order to perform wireless communication according to the predetermined protocol, an identification address is set in the wireless communication unit 14. The identification address is appropriately changed and set in the initial setting mode, and changes are prohibited in the normal mode.

[0026] In this embodiment, when the setting method described below is completed, as shown in FIG. 14, a wireless communication network Cn1, which is a mesh network, is constructed by a plurality of lighting fixtures L having a wireless communication unit 14 and a control device Ct. A predetermined protocol is used, for example, for transferring various data between the plurality of lighting fixtures L. Therefore, a protocol that can construct a mesh network is selected after ensuring the transfer speed and reliability required for those data transfers. After the wireless communication network Cn1 is constructed, for example, a control signal from the control device Ct is transmitted to each lighting fixture L via the wireless communication network Cn1.

[0027] The power supply unit 15 is for supplying power necessary for the operations of the light source unit 11, the control unit 12, the wireless communication unit 14, and the like. The power supply unit 15 has, for example, a function as an AC / DC converter that converts commercial AC 100V or 200V power into DC power, and a voltage conversion function.

[0028] 〔Setting device Sd〕 The setting device Sd is a device for setting a plurality of lighting fixtures L in the wireless communication system A1. The specific configuration of the setting device Sd is not limited in any way. When performing the setting method described below, the setting device Sd preferably has a configuration that is easy for the user to carry around. The setting device Sd of this embodiment includes an operation terminal Te and a capturing unit Cp. However, the setting device Sd is not limited to a configuration including the operation terminal Te and the capturing unit Cp, and may be configured as a device (for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal) in which the components described below are housed in one housing. Examples of the operation terminal Te of this embodiment include a notebook PC. An operation terminal Te having such a configuration is suitable for improving the operability of the user. Also, in the case of this embodiment, a program for executing the setting method of the wireless communication system A1 described below is installed in the notebook PC that constitutes the operation terminal Te.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, the operation terminal Te of this embodiment includes a display unit 51, a control unit 52, a storage unit 53, an input / output unit 54, a power supply unit 55, and an operation unit 58.

[0030] The display unit 51 is for displaying information and images necessary for operations such as those of the operation terminal Te (setting device Sd). The display unit 51 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0031] The input / output unit 54 performs electrical signal input / output with the capture unit Cp. For example, one end of a cable is connected to the input / output unit 54. The other end of this cable is connected to the capture unit Cp. Examples of such a cable include a USB cable.

[0032] The control unit 52 is for controlling each part of the operation terminal Te (setting device Sd). The specific configuration of the control unit 52 is not particularly limited and, for example, consists of a CPU. The control unit 52 acquires, from the capture unit Cp, an RSSI value which is the received signal strength of a unique signal from the lighting fixture L. Further, the control unit 52 performs processing to cause the display unit 51 to display a predetermined image and information in the setting method described later.

[0033] The storage unit 53 is for storing programs, setting conditions, and other information necessary for the control of the control unit 52, and consists of, for example, a semiconductor memory or the like.

[0034] The power supply unit 55 is for supplying power necessary for operation to the display unit 51, the control unit 52, the input / output unit 54, the capture unit Cp, and the like. The power supply unit 55 has, for example, a function as an AC / DC converter that converts commercial AC 100V or 200V power into DC power, a voltage conversion function, etc., or is a rechargeable battery. The charging method of the battery may use a contact charger or a non-contact charger.

[0035] The operation unit 58 is for the user to operate the operation terminal Te (setting device Sd). The operation unit 58 is, for example, a keyboard and a mouse, etc. Note that when the display unit 51 functions as a touch panel, the operation terminal Te may not be provided with the operation unit 58.

[0036] The capturing unit Cp is for capturing by receiving the unique signals from a plurality of lighting fixtures L. The specific configuration of the capturing unit Cp is not limited in any way. In this embodiment, it is connected to the operation terminal Te via a cable. The capturing unit Cp includes an input / output unit 56 and a wireless communication unit 57. The capturing unit Cp has an antenna (a component of the wireless communication unit 57) for receiving the unique signals from the lighting fixture L to be set in the setting method described later. The capturing unit Cp has a configuration that can be expanded and contracted, for example, so as to easily bring the antenna closer to the lighting fixture L to be set.

[0037] The wireless communication unit 57 functions to receive the unique signals from a plurality of lighting fixtures L. The wireless communication unit 57 is for performing wireless communication using a predetermined protocol. The communication frequency of the wireless communication using a predetermined protocol is not limited in any way, and examples include the 920 MHz band, 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, etc. Also, specific examples of the predetermined protocol are not particularly limited, and examples include Bluetooth (registered trademark) including BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), ZigBee (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc. Note that the protocol used when the wireless communication unit 57 receives the unique signals from a plurality of lighting fixtures L may be the same as the protocol used in the wireless communication network Cn1 after the wireless communication system A1 is constructed, or may be a different protocol. Also, the operation terminal Te may have a wireless communication unit (not shown) for performing wireless communication with a plurality of lighting fixtures L and the control device Ct or the public network separately from the wireless communication unit 57.

[0038] The wireless communication unit 57 outputs the received signal strength of the received unique signal. Specific examples of the received signal strength include, for example, the RSSI value, but are not limited thereto. The wireless communication unit 57 outputs the received signal strength to the control unit 52.

[0039] The input / output unit 56 is for connecting the capturing unit Cp and the operation terminal Te and transmitting and receiving signals and the like to and from each other. In the present embodiment, the other end of the above-described cable is connected to the input / output unit 56. By using the cable, it is possible to separate the capturing unit Cp from the operation terminal Te, which is a notebook PC, within the range of the cable length. This is suitable for bringing the capturing unit Cp closer to the lighting fixture L to be set in the method for setting the wireless communication system A1 described later.

[0040] 〔Control device Ct〕 The control device Ct performs lighting control of a plurality of lighting fixtures L. In the case of the present embodiment, the control device Ct may be installed in the same room as the room where the plurality of lighting fixtures L are installed, or may be installed in another room or another floor of the same building, or may be installed in another building. When the control device Ct and the plurality of lighting fixtures L are separated from each other to some extent, the control device Ct and the plurality of lighting fixtures L may be configured to communicate with each other using not only wireless communication but also wired communication and wireless communication. Note that the wireless communication system A1 only needs to include at least one control device Ct, and may include a plurality of control devices Ct in other configurations.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the control device Ct. In the present embodiment, the control device Ct includes a display unit 21, a control unit 22, a storage unit 23, a wireless communication unit 24, and a power supply unit 25.

[0042] The display unit 21 is not necessarily required in the method for setting the wireless communication system A1 described later, but is used for initial setting, maintenance, etc. of the control device Ct. The display unit 21 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or the like, and may further have a touch panel function. Instead of the display unit 21 functioning as a touch panel, the control device Ct may separately include an operation device such as a keyboard or a mouse. Further, as the display unit 21, or in addition to the display unit 21, an external digital signage connected by HDMI may be provided.

[0043] The control unit 22 is a main component for controlling the lighting of a plurality of lighting fixtures L, and is for controlling each part of the control device Ct. For example, the control unit 22 transmits a control signal to the wireless communication unit 24 so as to transmit control data to the target lighting fixture L. The specific configuration of the control unit 22 is not particularly limited, and for example, it consists of a CPU. The storage unit 23 is for storing information such as programs and setting conditions necessary for the control of the control unit 22, and for example, consists of a semiconductor memory, a hard disk drive, or the like.

[0044] The wireless communication unit 24 is for performing wireless communication with the wireless communication unit 14 of a plurality of lighting fixtures L and the wireless communication unit 57 of the setting device Sd. The frequency band of the wireless communication unit 24 and the standard of the wireless communication to which it conforms are wireless communication using the above-described protocol. When the setting method described later is completed, the control device Ct constitutes a wireless communication network Cn1 together with a plurality of lighting fixtures L as shown in FIG. 14. The wireless communication unit 24 transmits, for example, control data from the control unit 22 to a plurality of lighting fixtures L via the wireless communication network Cn1. Note that the control device Ct may have a wired or wireless communication circuit connected to the Internet in addition to the wireless communication unit 24.

[0045] The power supply unit 25 is for supplying power necessary for operation to the display unit 21, the control unit 22, the wireless communication unit 24, and the like. The power supply unit 25 has, for example, a function as an AC / DC converter that converts commercial AC 100V or 200V power into DC power, a voltage conversion function, and the like.

[0046] The control device Ct holds unique information such as the lighting fixture ID of a plurality of lighting fixtures L, and these are stored, for example, in the storage unit 23. The unique information held by the control device Ct may be, for example, a MAC address as the lighting fixture ID held by the lighting fixture L.

[0047] Next, a setting method of the wireless communication system A1 and the above-described program will be described.

[0048] In realizing the setting method of the wireless communication system A1 of the present embodiment, a program is installed in the setting device Sd (operation terminal Te). The program causes the setting device Sd to execute the following processes. Each process will be described as the first step S1 to the third step S3 described later. That is, the program sets a permutation display area Ar1, a setting display area Ar2, and a command designation area Ar3 in the display unit 51, and displays, in the permutation display area Ar1, permutation information of a plurality of relay units (lighting fixtures L) based on the reception signal strength received by the capture unit Cp from the plurality of relay units (lighting fixtures L). It displays the information of the relay unit (lighting fixture L) selected based on the permutation information in the setting display area Ar2, and displays a capture button Bt1, a blinking button Bt2, and a setting button Bt3 in the command designation area Ar3. When the capture button Bt1 is operated, it receives the unique signals from the plurality of relay units (lighting fixtures L) by the capture unit Cp1. When the blinking button Bt2 is operated, it transmits a blinking signal from the capture unit Cp to the relay unit (lighting fixture L) estimated to be the setting target based on the permutation information. When the setting button Bt3 is operated, it transmits an identification signal including an identification address from the capture unit Cp to the relay unit (lighting fixture L) estimated to be the setting target. Note that the program is an example of a program used to realize the setting method of the wireless communication system A1, and programs with other configurations may be used. Also, a part of the processing of the program may be installed in, for example, the control device Ct and executed by the control device Ct.

[0049] 〔First step S1〕 First, execute the first step S1 shown in FIG. 5. The first step S1 is a step of setting a plurality of lighting fixtures L shown in FIG. 1 to the initial setting mode. A switching signal is transmitted from the control device Ct (or the setting device Sd) to all the lighting fixtures L. This switching signal is a signal instructing each lighting fixture L to be set to the initial setting mode. The transmission of the switching signal is performed, for example, by broadcast communication, toward all the lighting fixtures L. At this time, in order to suppress the loss of signals due to radio wave interference, it is preferable to perform transmission using a plurality of frequencies. For example, transmission is performed at three frequencies of 2.40 GHz, 2.44 GHz, and 2.48 GHz. When transmission at all the frequencies is completed, the transmission of the switching signal is terminated.

[0050] The lighting fixture L that has received the switching signal has its control unit 12 perform control to switch to the initial setting mode. That is, the light source unit 11 is turned on, and a unique signal including the unique information (for example, MAC address) of its own unit is periodically output from the wireless communication unit 14. The control unit 12 is set, for example, to output a unique signal from the wireless communication unit 14 once every 20 seconds. In addition, if the installed lighting fixture L is already in the initial setting mode, the mode is maintained as it is without change. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of lighting fixtures L are switched to the initial setting mode.

[0051] 〔Second step S2〕 Next, execute the second step S2 shown in FIG. 5. For example, the user carries the setting device Sd and approaches the lighting fixture L to be set by the capture unit Cp as shown in FIG. 6. In the illustrated example, the lighting fixture L1 is the setting target.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 7, a permutation display area Ar1, a setting display area Ar2, and a command designation area Ar3 are displayed on the display unit 51 of the setting device Sd. The permutation display area Ar1 is an area for displaying permutation information based on the signal reception strengths of a plurality of lighting fixtures L. The setting display area Ar2 is an area for displaying information on the lighting fixture L estimated to be the lighting fixture L to be set based on the permutation information in the permutation display area Ar1. The command designation area Ar3 is an area for the user to perform operation inputs in the setting method of the present embodiment, and a capture button Bt1, a blinking button Bt2, and a setting button Bt3 are displayed therein.

[0053] With the capture unit Cp close to the lighting fixture L1, as shown in FIG. 8, the user operates the capture button Bt1 displayed in the command designation area Ar3 of the display unit 51 of the operation terminal Te. The operation form of the capture button Bt1 is not limited in any way, and examples include a click operation using a mouse, a pressing operation using a keyboard, and when the display unit 51 is a touch panel, an operation of touching the setting button Bt3, etc., and is not limited in any way. This also applies to the blinking button Bt2 and the setting button Bt3.

[0054] When the capture button Bt1 is operated, as shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 52 of the operation terminal Te (setting device Sd) acquires, as the reception signal strength of the unique signal from each lighting fixture L from the capture unit Cp, for example, the RSSI value. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the permutation information based on the RSSI values of the plurality of lighting fixtures L is displayed in the permutation display area Ar1. The specific configuration of the permutation information is not limited at all, and any information obtained by comparing the RSSI values of the plurality of lighting fixtures L with each other may be used. In the illustrated example, Nos. 1 to N are assigned in order from the largest RSSI value of the plurality of lighting fixtures L, and they are arranged in this order. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the distance from the capture unit Cp is such that the lighting fixture L1 is the closest, and the lighting fixtures L2 ··· Ln are in order from far to near. Therefore, in the permutation display area Ar1 of FIG. 9, they are displayed in the order of the lighting fixtures L1 to Ln. Also, the information items included in the permutation information are not limited at all. In the illustrated example, the No. (number) indicating the permutation, the MAC address included in the unique signal of each lighting fixture L, the group and identification address set by this setting method, and further the RSSI value are displayed. Note that when the permutation information of the plurality of lighting fixtures L is displayed by operating the capture button Bt1, since the group and identification address are not set yet, a blank or 0 is displayed. Here, the group is the group number set for each of the plurality of clusters when the wireless communication network Cn1 is a mesh network, and the identification address is the network address defined by the protocol adopted in the wireless communication network Cn1.

[0055] 〔Step S3〕 Next, the third step S3 shown in FIG. 5 is executed. In the third step S3, the lighting fixture L to be set is estimated based on the permutation information. The method for estimating the lighting fixture L to be set is not limited in any way. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the user estimates that the lighting fixture L1 displayed as No. 1 in the permutation information, that is, the lighting fixture L1 with the largest RSSI value, is the lighting fixture L to be set, and touches the row in which the lighting fixture L1 in the permutation display area Ar1 is displayed. Correspondingly, the information of the estimated lighting fixture L is transferred to and displayed in the setting display area Ar2. The information of the lighting fixture L displayed in the setting display area Ar2 is not limited in any way. In the illustrated example, the same information items as those displayed in the permutation display area Ar1 are displayed, but the information items displayed in the permutation display area Ar1 and the setting display area Ar2 may or may not match each other.

[0056] Next, as shown in FIG. 11, an identification address or the like is set for the lighting fixture L (lighting fixture L1) displayed in the setting display area Ar2. In the illustrated example, a pull-down input menu is set for the group and identification address in the setting display area Ar2. The user selects and inputs the group and identification address to be assigned to the lighting fixture L estimated as the setting target from each input menu. Note that the input of the address and the identification address is not limited to using a pull-down input menu. For example, it may be a method in which the user inputs a numerical value or the like from a keyboard, a mouse, or the touch panel display unit 51. Alternatively, a program installed in the setting device Sd (operation terminal Te) may be configured to automatically set the group and the identification address according to a predetermined setting rule. In the illustrated example, as shown in FIG. 12, the group "A" and the identification address "01" are input for the estimated lighting fixture L.

[0057] Next, as shown in FIG. 5, an identification signal including an identification address is transmitted. This process is performed, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, by selecting the row corresponding to the lighting fixture L displayed in the setting display area Ar2 and operating the setting button Bt3 in the command specification area Ar3. Note that the selection of the row corresponding to the lighting fixture L displayed in the setting display area Ar2 may be executed by a user's touch or the like, or may be automatically selected by a program installed in the setting device Sd (operation terminal Te).

[0058] When the user operates the setting button Bt3, as shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 52 transmits an identification signal including the estimated unique information (MAC address) of the lighting fixture L (L1) and the input group and identification address from the wireless communication unit 57 to the estimated lighting fixture L (lighting fixture L1). As a specific example of the identification signal, a signal generally called an acknowledgment signal (ACK signal) can be mentioned.

[0059] 〔Step S4〕 Next, as shown in FIG. 5, when the unique information (MAC address) included in the received identification signal matches the unique signal of its own unit among the plurality of lighting fixtures L, the control unit 12 stores the group "A" and the identification address "01" in the storage unit 13. Then, the control unit 12 causes the wireless communication unit 14 to transmit a setting completion signal notifying that the setting of the identification address and the like has been completed to the setting device Sd. The setting device Sd transmits a switching signal for switching the lighting fixture L1 for which the setting has been completed from the initial setting mode to the normal mode from the wireless communication unit 57 to the lighting fixture L1. In the lighting fixture L1 that has received the switching signal, the control unit 12 performs a process of switching from the initial setting mode to the normal mode. The lighting fixture L1 in the normal mode becomes a light-off state in which the lighting of the light source unit 11 is stopped, as shown in FIG. 13. Also, in the lighting fixture L1, changes to the group and the identification address are prohibited. Note that, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 5, the switching signal to the lighting fixture L1 may be transmitted from the control device Ct instead of the setting device Sd.

[0060] 〔Step S5〕 When the second step S2 to the fourth step S4 for the lighting fixture L1 as the setting target are completed, the user sequentially sets the lighting fixtures L2 to Ln as the setting targets and repeats the second step S2 to the fourth step S4. As a result, for the lighting fixtures L2 to Ln, the group and identification settings are sequentially completed. When the processing for all the lighting fixtures L to be set is completed, the setting device Sd transmits a setting information signal to the control device Ct. The setting information signal includes the group and identification address of each of the plurality of lighting fixtures L. As a result, as shown in FIG. 14, a wireless communication network Cn1 is constructed by the plurality of lighting fixtures L and the control device Ct. The plurality of lighting fixtures L constituting the wireless communication network Cn1 are all in the normal mode. Therefore, at the time when the fifth step S5 is completed, all the plurality of lighting fixtures L are in the off state. Then, lighting control of the plurality of lighting fixtures L becomes possible by lighting control processing such as appropriately transmitting a lighting control signal from the control device Ct to a predetermined lighting fixture L.

[0061] In this embodiment, the control device Ct is the root node of the wireless communication network Cn1. Any one of the plurality of lighting fixtures L may function as a GM (gate module). The gate module is the root node of the cluster and is connected to the control device Ct. At this time, the gate module constructs a mesh network together with other gate modules and communicates with the control device Ct. The gate module constantly evaluates the communication quality with other gate modules and the control device Ct, and automatically connects to the partner with the best communication quality. Similarly, the lighting fixture L also constantly evaluates the communication quality with other lighting fixtures L or gate modules, and automatically connects to the partner with the best communication quality. Both the normal lighting fixture L and the lighting fixture L functioning as a gate module have the same hardware configuration. The software installed in the lighting fixture L may be made different, or it may be switched to operate as a normal lighting fixture L or as a gate module by mode switching.

[0062] Further, the wireless communication system A1 may include a clock unit (not shown) capable of communicating with the wireless communication network Cn1. The clock unit is a unit that outputs time information. For example, by receiving standard time radio waves provided in the frequency band of FM radio, the clock unit may adjust the time information and output it as time information. Each relay unit synchronizes the time information within its own unit based on the time information from the clock unit. For example, by including time information in the unique signal transmitted from each relay unit, processes such as excluding the unique signal transmitted at the wrong timing in the setting device Sd become possible.

[0063] FIGS. 15 and 16 show other examples of the setting method of the wireless communication system of the present embodiment. In this example, in addition to the setting method described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 14, the sixth step S6 to the eighth step S8 are executed.

[0064] 〔Sixth step S6〕 After completing the above-described second step S2 and before executing the third step S3, as shown in FIG. 16, select the row of the lighting fixture L displayed in the setting display area Ar2 and operate the blinking button Bt2 in the command designation area Ar3. The control unit 52 transmits a blinking signal for blinking and lighting the light source unit 11 from the wireless communication unit 57 of the capture unit Cp to the lighting fixture L1 estimated to be the setting target. This transmission is performed by direct communication, for example, by designating the MAC address of the lighting fixture L1.

[0065] 〔Seventh step S7〕 When the lighting fixture L that has received the blinking signal recognizes that its own unit's MAC address is included in the blinking signal, the control unit 12 performs control to blink and light the light source unit 11. On the other hand, when its own unit's MAC address is not included in the blinking signal, the lighting in the initial setting mode is maintained.

[0066] 〔Eighth step S8〕 The user checks whether any of the plurality of lighting fixtures L is blinking and lit from a visible position. If the lighting fixture L (lighting fixture L1) set as the setting target in the first step S1 is blinking and lit, the process proceeds to the above-described third step S3. On the other hand, if the lighting fixture L (lighting fixture L1) set as the setting target is not blinking and lit, the above-described second step S2 is executed again. That is, the capturing unit Cp is brought close to the lighting fixture L (lighting fixture L1) to be set as the setting target, and the above-described processes such as operating the capture button Bt1 are executed.

[0067] Next, the wireless communication system A1, the setting method of the wireless communication system A1, and the operation of the program will be described.

[0068] According to the present embodiment, the setting for configuring the wireless communication network Cn1 of the wireless communication system A1 by a plurality of relay units (lighting fixtures L) is sequentially executed using a setting device Sd having a capturing unit Cp as a means and utilizing the received signal strength of the unique signal. In this setting method, after arranging the plurality of lighting fixtures L as the plurality of relay units in places suitable for each of them, the capturing unit Cp of the setting device Sd is brought close to the lighting fixture L to be set as the setting target, and the setting method including the above-described first step S1 to third step S3 is performed. In particular, by bringing the capturing unit Cp of the setting device Sd close to the lighting fixture L and executing the above-described first step S1 and second step S2, the relay unit (lighting fixture L) to be set as the setting target can be more reliably specified by the received signal strength. Therefore, without going through a wired communication network, the setting process necessary for constructing the wireless communication network Cn1 can be efficiently and reliably performed while sequentially specifying a plurality of relay units. Further, since the relay unit (lighting fixture L) to be set can be specified by approaching the setting device Sd or the capturing unit Cp close to the relay unit (lighting fixture L) to be set, the work can proceed without outputting wireless communication from the setting device Sd.

[0069] Also, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 13, the lighting fixture L is controlled to be in the lighting state in the initial setting mode and is controlled to be in the extinguished state when switched to the normal mode. Thereby, a user operating the setting device Sd or the like can easily visually confirm which of the plurality of lighting fixtures L is in the initial setting mode where it is lit and which of the lighting fixtures L is in the normal mode where it is extinguished after the initial setting. When setting hundreds of lighting fixtures L installed on one floor, the progress of the work can also be visually confirmed by lighting / extinguishing.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, by executing the sixth step S6 to the eighth step S8 by the blinking button Bt2, it is possible to easily visually confirm which of the plurality of lighting fixtures L is estimated to be the target of the setting process. This is preferable for improving the processing efficiency because when a lighting fixture L different from the user's intention becomes the setting target, it is possible to grasp that it is an incorrect estimation before the setting process is completed.

[0071] The plurality of relay units (lighting fixtures L) can have their identification addresses set and changed in the initial setting mode, and the change of the identification address is prohibited in the normal mode. Thereby, when the plurality of relay units (lighting fixtures L) are used for normal lighting purposes or the like, it is possible to prevent the identification address from being accidentally rewritten or the like.

[0072] The processing of the setting device Sd in the above setting method can be realized by installing the above program. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare a dedicated device as the setting device Sd, and it is possible to configure the setting device Sd using a general-purpose notebook PC, smartphone, tablet terminal, or the like. General-purpose notebook PCs, smartphones, tablet terminals, etc. are suitable for users to carry and have the advantage of being easy to set the identification address.

[0073] Figures 17 to 21 show still other examples and other embodiments of the present invention. In these figures, elements that are the same as or similar to those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the above-described embodiment.

[0074] <First Embodiment, First Modification Example> Figures 17 and 18 show a first modification example of the method for setting up the wireless communication system A1. This modification example is different from the example described above with regard to the assignment of identification addresses.

[0075] Figure 17(a) shows a layout drawing Lt1 of an indoor area or the like where a plurality of relay units are arranged. The layout drawing Lt1 is a CAD drawing or a captured image thereof. For example, the layout drawing Lt1 is displayed on the display unit 51 of the operation terminal Te by means of image processing software or the like. Next, as shown in Figure 17(b), a placement area Lt11 is set on the layout drawing Lt1. The placement area Lt11 is an area where a plurality of relay units constituting the wireless communication system A1 are arranged. In setting the placement area Lt11, the size and shape of the room, the arrangement of power supplies, etc. are taken into consideration. In the illustrated example, the area surrounded by the thick dashed line in the figure is selected as the placement area Lt11. Next, as shown in Figure 17(c), a placement image Lt2 representing the environment and configuration of the placement area Lt11 is created. The placement image Lt2 selectively shows walls, entrances and exits, furniture, etc. related to the arrangement of a plurality of relay units in the placement area Lt11. The creation of the placement image Lt2 may be performed on image processing software or on other spreadsheet software or the like.

[0076] Next, as shown in FIG. 18, a plurality of relay units are arranged on the screen. In the illustrated example, the plurality of relay units include a plurality of lighting fixtures L and a plurality of sensors D. The lighting fixture L is the same as the configuration in the above-described example. The sensor D has a detection unit (not shown) in addition to the configuration of the lighting fixture L described above. The detection unit detects various physical quantities, and for example, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a human presence sensor, a carbon dioxide concentration sensor, etc. are appropriately selected. Further, in the sensor D, the light source unit 11 may function as an indicator for notifying the operating state of the sensor D.

[0077] The alphabets and numbers assigned to the plurality of lighting fixtures L1 to L15 and the plurality of sensors D1 to D3 in the figure are the above-described groups and identification addresses. The group and the identification address are assigned to each relay unit according to the arrangement of the plurality of lighting fixtures L1 to L15 and the plurality of sensors D1 to D3. The groups A, B, and C each constitute a cluster of the wireless communication network Cn1. Also, the relay unit with the identification address "01" is set as the gateway module (GM) in each group (each cluster). This setting information may be used in the above-described third step S3.

[0078] In the above-described permutation display area Ar1 and setting display area Ar2, display items indicating the attributes of the plurality of lighting fixtures L1 to L15 and the plurality of sensors D1 to D3 may be added. As this display item, words such as "lighting fixture" and "sensor" are displayed as the attributes of the relay unit.

[0079] Also according to this modification example, without going through a wired communication network, it is possible to efficiently and reliably perform the setting process necessary for constructing the wireless communication network Cn1 while sequentially identifying a plurality of relay units. Further, based on the arrangement of the actual plurality of relay units (the plurality of lighting fixtures L and the plurality of sensors D), it is possible to set groups and identification addresses. Thereby, even when the number of the plurality of relay units increases, the groups and the identification addresses can be appropriately set.

[0080] <First Embodiment, Second Variant Example> FIG. 19 shows a second variant example of the method for setting up the wireless communication system A1. This variant example is different from the example described above with regard to the assignment of identification addresses.

[0081] In this variant example, an automatic setting screen As1 is displayed on the display unit 51. The automatic setting screen As1 has, for example, a plurality of columns arranged in the X direction and a plurality of rows arranged in the Y direction. The intersection area of each column and row is configured as a rectangular cell. Also, the arrangement image Lt2 in the above example is displayed as the background of the automatic setting screen As1.

[0082] For example, the intersection of the first column in the X direction and the first row in the Y direction is set as the origin O. Then, the width of each column and the height of each row are made to correspond to a predetermined length in the actual room. Next, each relay unit is generated on the automatic setting screen As1 based on the position of the relay unit with respect to the origin O, the shape, size, and orientation of the relay unit, etc. This generation may be performed sequentially for each individual relay unit, or may be automatically generated all at once by having the automatic setting screen As1 take in the arrangement information of a plurality of previously prepared relay units.

[0083] Next, a group and an identification address are set for each of the plurality of relay units. For example, by defining a rule to set one gateway module (GM) within a predetermined range (such as within a radius of 15 m), the gateway module (GM) is automatically set from among the plurality of relay units. The hatched relay unit (lighting fixture L) in the figure is set as the gateway module (GM).

[0084] Next, a same group and a unique identification address are assigned to the plurality of relay units that form the same group (cluster) together with the gateway module (GM). The assignment of the identification address may be automatically performed according to a rule based on, for example, the distance from the gateway module (GM).

[0085] By repeating the above process, it is possible to automatically set groups and identification addresses for a plurality of relay units arranged on the automatic setting screen As1. This setting information may be used in the above-described third step S3.

[0086] Also according to this modification example, without going through a wired communication network, it is possible to efficiently and reliably perform the setting process necessary for constructing the wireless communication network Cn1 while sequentially identifying a plurality of relay units. Further, based on the arrangement of a plurality of relay units (lighting fixtures L), it is possible to automatically or semi-automatically set the groups and identification addresses of the plurality of relay units (lighting fixtures L). Thereby, the burden on the user can be reduced.

[0087] <Second Embodiment> FIG. 20 shows a wireless communication system and its setting method according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the wireless communication system A2 of this embodiment is different from that of the above-described embodiment in the configuration of the setting device Sd.

[0088] In the setting device Sd in the wireless communication system A1, the operation terminal Te and the capture unit Cp were connected by a USB cable or the like, but in the setting device Sd of this embodiment, the wireless communication unit 57 constituting the capture unit Cp is housed in the same housing together with the display unit 51, the control unit 52, the storage unit 53, the power supply unit 55, and the like. Examples of such a setting device Sd include a smartphone and a tablet terminal.

[0089] The setting device Sd of the present embodiment may further include a detection unit 591. The detection unit 591 uses geomagnetism or the like to detect the orientation of the setting device Sd. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, when the user holds the setting device Sd and extends the held hand toward the lighting fixture L1 to be set, it is possible to determine from the detection information (position, angle, etc.) of the detection unit 591 whether the setting device Sd is directed at any of the lighting fixtures L. Using this determination, for example, it may be determined whether to start receiving the unique signal in the above-described second step S2. That is, even when the above-described capture button Bt1 is operated, if it is not determined from the detection information of the detection unit 591 that the setting device Sd is approaching any of the lighting fixtures L, the process of not starting to receive the unique signal may be performed. From this state, when a situation such as the setting device Sd being appropriately moved is recognized from the detection signal of the detection unit 591, the process of starting to receive the unique signal may be performed.

[0090] Further, when the blinking button Bt2 and the setting button Bt3 are operated, the detection signal from the detection unit 591 may be incorporated into the conditions for starting the processes corresponding to the respective operations.

[0091] Further, the setting device Sd may be configured to include a notification unit 592. The notification unit 592 is, for example, a speaker, an indicator lamp, a vibration mechanism, etc. in a smartphone. For example, when starting to receive the unique signal in the second step S2, the control unit 52 may control the notification unit 592 to notify the start of the reception.

[0092] Also according to the present embodiment, without going through a wired communication network, it is possible to efficiently and reliably perform the setting process necessary for constructing the wireless communication network Cn1 while sequentially identifying a plurality of relay units. Further, by adopting the detection information of the detection unit 591 as a condition for receiving the unique signal, it is possible to prevent the reception of an unintended unique signal or the like. Further, by using the notification unit 592 to notify the execution of a specific process, the user can more sensuously grasp the progress of the setting method.

[0093] The setting method, wireless communication system, and program of the wireless communication system according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments. The specific configuration of the setting method, wireless communication system, and program according to the present invention can be freely designed in various ways.

Explanation of Signs

[0094] A1, A2: Wireless communication system 11: Light source unit 12: Control unit 13: Memory unit 14: Wireless communication unit 15: Power supply unit 21: Display unit 22: Control unit 23: Memory unit 24: Wireless communication unit 25: Power supply unit 51: Display unit 52: Control unit 53: Memory unit 54: Input / output unit 55: Power supply unit 56: Input / output unit 57: Wireless communication unit 58: Operation unit 591: Detection unit 592: Notification unit A: Group Ar1: Permutation display area Ar2: Setting display area Ar3: Command specification area As1: Automatic setting screen B: Group Bt1: Capture button Bt2: Blinking button Bt3: Setting button C: Group Cn1: Wireless communication network Cp: Capture unit Cp1: Capture unit Ct: Control device D, D1, D2, D3: Sensor L, L1, L2, Ln: Lighting fixture Lt1: Layout drawing Lt11: Layout area Lt2: Layout image O: Origin S1: First step S2: Second step S3: Third step S4: Fourth step S5: Fifth step S6: Sixth step S7: Seventh step S8: Eighth step Sd: Setting device Te: Operation terminal

Claims

1. A method for setting a wireless communication system that uses a setting device having a display unit and a capturing unit to set identification addresses for a plurality of relay units, comprising: each of the plurality of relay units has a light source unit, a control unit, and a wireless communication unit; the wireless communication system includes a control device that controls the lighting state of the light source units of the plurality of relay units; a first step of setting to an initial setting mode in which the control device transmits a switching signal to all of the plurality of relay units, and the relay unit that has received the switching signal lights the light source unit and transmits a unique signal including the unique information of each relay unit; a second step of bringing the capturing unit close to the relay unit to be set, receiving the unique signal from the plurality of relay units by the capturing unit, and displaying, on the display unit, the permutation information of the plurality of relay units based on the received signal strength of the unique signal; a third step of transmitting an identification signal including an identification address to the relay unit to be set selected based on the permutation information; a fourth step in which the relay unit whose unique information included in the received identification signal matches the unique information of its own unit receives a lighting control signal from the control device by the wireless communication unit, and the control unit controls the lighting state of the light source unit in response to the lighting control signal, and switches from the initial setting mode to a normal mode and enters a non-lighting state; comprising in the third step, displaying information of the relay unit selected in the setting display area of the display unit, determining an identification address to be assigned to the relay unit to be set displayed in the setting display area, and transmitting the identification signal from the capturing unit to the relay unit to be set by operating a setting button; after the second step and before the third step, selecting the relay unit to be set displayed in the setting display area and transmitting a blinking signal for blinking the light source unit from the capturing unit to the relay unit to be set by operating a blinking button; when the relay unit in the blinking lighting state matches the relay unit to be set, executing the third step; a method for setting a wireless communication system, wherein when the relay unit in the blinking lighting state does not match the relay unit to be set, the second step is executed.

2. A method for setting up a wireless communication system that uses a setting device having a display unit and a capturing unit to set identification addresses for a plurality of relay units, wherein each of the plurality of relay units has a light source unit, a first step of setting the plurality of relay units to an initial setting mode in which the light source unit is turned on and a unique signal including unique information of each relay unit is transmitted; a second step of bringing the capturing unit close to the relay unit to be set, receiving the unique signal from the plurality of relay units by the capturing unit, and displaying, on the display unit, permutation information of the plurality of relay units based on the received signal strength of the unique signal; a third step of transmitting an identification signal including an identification address to the relay unit to be set selected based on the permutation information; comprising in the third step, displaying information of the relay unit selected in a setting display area of the display unit, determining an identification address to be assigned to the relay unit to be set displayed in the setting display area, and transmitting the identification signal from the capturing unit to the relay unit to be set by operating a setting button; after the second step and before the third step, selecting the relay unit to be set displayed in the setting display area and transmitting, from the capturing unit to the relay unit to be set, a blinking signal for blinking the light source unit by operating a blinking button; if the relay unit in the blinking state matches the relay unit to be set, executing the third step; A method for setting up a wireless communication system, wherein if the relay unit in the blinking state does not match the relay unit to be set, the second step is executed.

Images