Information terminal and information provision system

Abstract

To provide a lighting system that can easily provide necessary information to a user.SOLUTION: A lighting system 2 includes a light source 23, a light source control portion 24, and a detection portion 25. When the detection portion 25 detects an abnormality, the light source control portion 24 controls the light source 23 to transmit a code corresponding to the code information stored in a storage portion 40 from the light source 23. The code transmitted from the light source 23 includes an error code, a manufacturer code, or a model code.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure 、 The present invention relates to an information terminal and an information providing system. [Background technology]

[0002] A system for controlling lighting fixtures is described in Patent Document 1. In the system described in Patent Document 1, communication for control is carried out between a plurality of units. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-67681 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Lighting fixtures with light sources are often placed at high locations. In addition, information such as the manufacturer's name is often written in small letters on the lighting fixture. This has caused a problem in that it is difficult for users to grasp the necessary information from the lighting fixture. Note that the system described in Patent Document 1 only communicates between units, and is unable to provide the user with the necessary information through communication.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems. The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a user with necessary information in a simple manner. can It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an information providing system including a lighting system. It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an information terminal that can be used in such an information providing system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The information terminal according to the present disclosure is an information terminal on which a specific application is installed, and includes a display, an imaging device for capturing an image of light from a light source, a conversion unit for converting changes in the light captured by the imaging device into digital information while the application is running, a communication unit for transmitting the digital information converted by the conversion unit to a specific external device, and a display control unit for displaying response information received from the external device in response to the digital information transmitted by the communication unit on the display. If the response information received from the external device includes information indicating an abnormality that has occurred in the lighting system having the light source, the display control unit displays the contact information of the call center on the display.

[0011] The information providing system according to the present disclosure includes: The device includes a light source, a light source control unit that controls the light source, and a detection unit that detects a specific abnormality that occurs in the light source or the light source control unit. When an abnormality is detected by the detection unit, the light source control unit controls the light source to transmit from the light source a code corresponding to code information stored in a specific external storage unit, and the code transmitted from the light source includes an error code, a manufacturer code, or a model code. The lighting system includes the information terminal, and an external device having an external storage unit and with which the information terminal automatically starts communication upon receiving the code. The information provision system according to the present disclosure also includes a light source, a light source control unit that controls the light source, related equipment capable of transmitting or receiving information related to the control of the light source, and a detection unit that detects a specific abnormality that has occurred in the related equipment, and when an abnormality is detected by the detection unit, the light source control unit controls the light source to transmit from the light source a code corresponding to code information stored in a specific external memory unit, and the code transmitted from the light source includes an error code, a manufacturer code, or a model code; the information terminal; and an external device that has the above-mentioned external memory unit and with which the information terminal that receives the code automatically begins communication. The information provision system according to the present disclosure also includes a first light source and a second light source, a light source control unit that controls the first light source and the second light source, and a detection unit that detects a specific abnormality that has occurred in one of the first light source or the second light source, and when an abnormality is detected by the detection unit, the light source control unit controls the other of the first light source or the second light source to transmit from the other light source a code corresponding to code information stored in a specific external memory unit, and the code transmitted from the other light source includes an error code, a manufacturer code, or a model code; the information terminal; and an external device that has the external memory unit and with which the information terminal that receives the code automatically starts communication. The information providing system according to the present disclosure also includes a light source and a light source control unit that controls the light source, and the light source control unit controls the light source to transmit from the light source a code corresponding to code information stored in a specific external memory unit, and the code transmitted from the light source includes an error code, a manufacturer code, or a model code; the information terminal; and an external device that has an external memory unit and with which the information terminal that receives the code automatically starts communication. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] In this disclosure According to Necessary information can be easily provided to users. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an information providing system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the lighting system. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information terminal. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the server. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of hardware resources of a control device. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of hardware resources of a control device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The following detailed description will be given with reference to the drawings. Duplicate descriptions will be simplified or omitted as appropriate. In each drawing, the same reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts.

[0015] Embodiment 1 1 is a diagram showing an example of an information providing system 1 according to Embodiment 1. The information providing system 1 includes a lighting system 2, an information terminal 3, a server 4, and a call center 5.

[0016] The lighting system 2 includes lighting fixtures 20, a control device 21, and related devices 22. FIG. 1 shows an example in which the lighting system 2 includes two lighting fixtures 20. The lighting system 2 may include three or more lighting fixtures 20. The lighting fixtures 20 are installed on the ceiling of a room, for example. The lighting fixtures 20 include light sources 23. The lighting fixtures 20 are connected to the control device 21 by, for example, a communication line. The control device 21 controls the lighting fixtures 20.

[0017] In the following, when it is necessary to individually identify lighting fixtures 20, the letter A will be added after the reference numeral of one lighting fixture 20, and the letter B will be added after the reference numeral of the other lighting fixture 20, as shown in FIG. 1 . That is, lighting fixture 20A includes light source 23A. Lighting fixture 20B includes light source 23B. Lighting fixtures 20A and 20B are controlled by control device 21.

[0018] The control device 21 includes a light source control unit 24, a detection unit 25, and a communication unit 26. The light source control unit 24 controls the light source 23. That is, the turning on, dimming, and extinguishing of the light source 23A are controlled by the light source control unit 24. The turning on, dimming, and extinguishing of the light source 23B are controlled by the light source control unit 24.

[0019] The detection unit 25 detects a specific abnormality that has occurred in the lighting system 2. For example, the detection unit 25 detects a specific abnormality that has occurred in the lighting fixture 20. The detection unit 25 may also detect a specific abnormality that has occurred in the control device 21. The detection unit 25 preferably detects a specific abnormality that has occurred in at least the light source 23 or the light source control unit 24. The detection unit 25 may only detect an abnormality that has occurred in the light source 23A. The detection unit 25 may only detect an abnormality that has occurred in the light source 23B. If the lighting system 2 is equipped with an associated device 22, the detection unit 25 may also detect a specific abnormality that has occurred in the associated device 22. The detection unit 25 may only detect an abnormality that has occurred in the associated device 22.

[0020] The communication unit 26 controls the communication function of the control device 21. For example, the communication unit 26 communicates with the related device 22. The related device 22 is a device that can transmit or receive information related to the control of the light source 23. As one example, the related device 22 may be a remote controller that transmits information to the control device 21 for the light source control unit 24 to control the light source 23. As another example, the related device 22 may be a display device that receives information indicating the result of the light source control unit 24 controlling the light source 23 from the control device 21 and displays the received information. Furthermore, the related device 22 may be an illuminance sensor, a human presence sensor (a pyroelectric infrared sensor, an image sensor), or the like.

[0021] The information terminal 3 is a terminal that a user possesses. As an example, the information terminal 3 is a smartphone. A specific application C that is used in this system is pre-installed on the information terminal 3.

[0022] The information terminal 3 includes a display 30, an imaging device 31, a conversion unit 32, a communication unit 33, and a display control unit 34. The imaging device 31 is, for example, a camera. The display control unit 34 controls the display 30.

[0023] The communication unit 33 controls the communication function of the information terminal 3. The information terminal 3 can perform two-way communication with the server 4 via the network 6. The information terminal 3 can perform two-way communication with the call center 5 via the network 6. The network 6 is, for example, the Internet.

[0024] The server 4 is an example of an external device with which the information terminal 3 can communicate. The server 4 includes a storage unit 40 and a response unit 41. The storage unit 40 is an example of a storage unit provided outside the lighting system 2, i.e., an external storage unit.

[0025] The memory unit 40 stores code information related to the lighting system 2. Various codes are used in the lighting system 2. For example, the codes used in the lighting system 2 include an error code, a manufacturer code, and a model code. The error code is a code that indicates an abnormality that has occurred in the lighting system 2. The manufacturer code is a code that indicates the manufacturer of the lighting system 2. The model code is a code that indicates the model of the lighting system 2. The code information includes the content that these codes indicate. The server 4 is preferably provided in a data center managed by the manufacturer or maintenance company of the lighting system 2.

[0026] The call center 5 has operators whose job is to respond to inquiries and the like.

[0027] 2 to 4, a specific operation performed by the information providing system 1 will be described below. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the lighting system 2.

[0028] Control device 21 determines whether an abnormality has been detected (S101). If detection unit 25 detects a specific abnormality, detection unit 25 determines Yes in S101. For example, detection unit 25 detects an abnormality when control device 21 cannot receive response information from lighting device 20A even though light source control unit 24 has sent control information to lighting device 20A.

[0029] In the following, as an example, a case will be described in which an abnormality occurring in the light source 23A is detected by the detection unit 25. Although a detailed description will be omitted, an operation similar to the operation described below is also performed when the detection unit 25 detects an abnormality occurring in an element other than the light source 23A.

[0030] If the determination in S101 is Yes, the light source control unit 24 performs control for visible light communication using the light source 23 (S102). For example, when an abnormality occurring in one light source 23A is detected, the light source control unit 24 performs visible light communication using the other light source 23B.

[0031] In S102, the light source control unit 24 controls the light source 23B to transmit a code corresponding to the code information stored in the storage unit 40 from the light source 23B. Hereinafter, the code transmitted from the light source 23B using visible light communication will be referred to as "code D." Code D includes an error code, a manufacturer code, or a model code used in the lighting system 2. Code D may include two or more of the error code, the manufacturer code, and the model code.

[0032] In S102, the light source control unit 24 controls the light source 23B so that the lighting state of the light source 23B is a state different from the illumination state. For example, the light source control unit 24 blinks the light source 23B in a pattern according to the code D transmitted from the light source 23B. When transmitting the code D, the light source control unit 24 may simply change the brightness of the light source 23B without turning it off.

[0033] In S102, the light source control unit 24 may control the light source 23B so that the user can recognize that the light from the light source 23B is changing. In this case, the user can see the light from the light source 23B and know that visible light communication is being performed, for example, that some kind of abnormality has been detected.

[0034] In S102, the light source control unit 24 may control the light source 23B so that the user cannot recognize that the light from the light source 23B is changing. As an example, when transmitting code D, the light source control unit 24 performs dimming control so that the rate of change in brightness is about 5%. As another example, when transmitting code D, the light source control unit 24 may control the light source 23B so that the light-dark cycle or the blinking cycle is shortened. For example, when transmitting code D, the light source control unit 24 may change the light source 23B at a frequency of 100 Hz or more, which is about twice the frequency of the commercial power supply, and preferably at a frequency of 1 kHz or more. When transmitting code D, the light source control unit 24 may control the light source 23B so that the dark time or the off time is shortened, that is, the on-duty ratio is increased.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information terminal 3.

[0036] The information terminal 3 determines whether application C is running (S201). When the user operates the information terminal 3 to launch application C, the determination in S201 is Yes. When the determination in S201 is Yes, the information terminal 3 determines whether light is received by the imaging device 31 (S202). For example, when the user launches application C, the imaging device 31 captures an image of light from the light source 23B. This results in the determination in S202 being Yes.

[0037] If the determination in S202 is Yes, the conversion unit 32 converts the change in light captured by the imaging device 31 into digital information (S203). As described above, the light from the light source 23B includes code D. Code D includes an error code, manufacturer code, or model code used in the lighting system 2. In S203, the conversion unit 32 converts the change in light captured by the imaging device 31 into digital information including the error code, manufacturer code, or model code.

[0038] Communication unit 33 transmits the digital information converted by conversion unit 32 to server 4 (S204). In this way, if application C is running on information terminal 3, communication with server 4 is automatically initiated upon receiving code D from lighting device 20 via visible light communication. After transmitting the digital information in S204, information terminal 3 determines whether or not response information has been received from server 4 in response thereto (S205).

[0039] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the server 4.

[0040] The server 4 determines whether or not digital information has been received from the information terminal 3 (S301). When the server 4 receives the digital information transmitted from the information terminal 3 in S204, the determination in S301 is Yes. As described above, the digital information transmitted from the information terminal 3 in S204 includes an error code, a manufacturer code, or a model code.

[0041] If the determination in S301 is Yes, the response unit 41 creates response information to the digital information received from the information terminal 3 (S302). In S302, the response unit 41 first acquires corresponding code information from the storage unit 40 based on the received digital information.

[0042] For example, if the digital information includes an error code, the response unit 41 acquires code information corresponding to the error code from the storage unit 40. If the digital information includes a manufacturer code, the response unit 41 acquires code information corresponding to the manufacturer code from the storage unit 40. If the digital information includes a model code, the response unit 41 acquires code information corresponding to the model code from the storage unit 40. The response information created by the response unit 41 includes the code information acquired from the storage unit 40.

[0043] After creating the response information, the response unit 41 transmits the created response information to the information terminal 3 as a response to the digital information received in S301 (S303).

[0044] When the information terminal 3 receives the response information transmitted from the server 4 in S303, a Yes decision is made in S205. If a Yes decision is made in S205, the display control unit 34 displays the received response information on the display 30 (S206). As a result, for example, if the code D received in S202 includes an error code, a manufacturer code, and a model code, the response information including the details of the failure, the manufacturer name, and the model name, i.e., the device information of the lighting system 2, is automatically displayed on the display 30 in S206.

[0045] The user can make an inquiry to the call center 5 by viewing the response information displayed on the display 30. The user may make an inquiry by telephone or email. The user may also make an inquiry to the call center 5 by other methods. If the response information received in S205 includes information indicating an abnormality, the display control unit 34 may display the contact information of the call center 5 on the display 30 in S206. When communication with the call center 5 is initiated after the contact information of the call center 5 is displayed on the display 30, the communication unit 33 may send the response information received in S205 to the call center 5.

[0046] In the example shown in this embodiment, when an abnormality is detected by the detection unit 25, the light source 23 is controlled, and a code corresponding to the code information stored in the storage unit 40 is transmitted from the light source 23. The light from the light source 23 is captured by the information terminal 3 on which the application C is installed, and device information such as the details of the malfunction, the manufacturer name, or the model name is displayed on the display 30. In the example shown in this embodiment, the necessary information can be easily provided to the user. The user does not need to climb to a high place to obtain the necessary information.

[0047] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which lighting system 2 includes multiple lighting fixtures 20. Lighting system 2 may include only one lighting fixture 20. For example, if lighting system 2 includes only lighting fixture 20A, light source control unit 24 controls light source 23A in S102 to transmit a code corresponding to the code information stored in storage unit 40 from light source 23A. If the abnormality detected in S101 is an abnormality that does not affect the transmission of the code, this configuration does not pose any particular problems.

[0048] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which lighting system 2 includes lighting fixture 20 and control device 21 as separate devices. In lighting system 2, the function of control device 21 may be provided in lighting fixture 20.

[0049] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which visible light communication is performed when an abnormality is detected. As another example, visible light communication may be performed when a specific transmission condition is met, even if no abnormality is detected. The transmission condition is set in advance. As an example, the transmission condition may be met when specific information is received from the information terminal 3. The transmission condition may be met when a specific time arrives. The transmission condition may be met periodically. Examples of when the transmission condition is met are not limited to these.

[0050] 5 is a diagram showing an example of hardware resources of the control device 21. The control device 21 includes, as hardware resources, a processing circuit 100 including a processor 101 and a memory 102. The processing circuit 100 may include multiple processors 101. The processing circuit 100 may also include multiple memories 102.

[0051] In this embodiment, the units denoted by reference numerals 24 to 26 represent functions possessed by the control device 21. The functions of the units denoted by reference numerals 24 to 26 can be realized by software written as a program, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The program is stored in the memory 102. The control device 21 realizes the functions of the units denoted by reference numerals 24 to 26 by executing the program stored in the memory 102 using the processor 101 (computer).

[0052] The processor 101 is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), central processing unit, processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. The memory 102 may be a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a minidisk, or a DVD. Usable semiconductor memory includes RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, EEPROM, etc.

[0053] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing another example of hardware resources of the control device 21. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the control device 21 includes a processing circuit 100 including a processor 101, a memory 102, and dedicated hardware 103. Fig. 6 shows an example in which some of the functions of the control device 21 are realized by the dedicated hardware 103. All of the functions of the control device 21 may also be realized by the dedicated hardware 103. The dedicated hardware 103 may be a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0054] The hardware resources of the information terminal 3 are similar to those shown in Fig. 5 or 6. The information terminal 3 includes a processing circuit including a processor and a memory as its hardware resources. The information terminal 3 realizes the functions of the units indicated by the reference numerals 32 to 34 by executing a program stored in the memory using the processor (computer). The information terminal 3 may include a processing circuit including a processor, memory, and dedicated hardware as its hardware resources. Some or all of the functions of the information terminal 3 may be realized by dedicated hardware.

[0055] The hardware resources of the server 4 are similar to those shown in FIG. 5 or 6. The server 4 includes a processing circuit including a processor and a memory as its hardware resources. The server 4 realizes the above-mentioned functions by executing a program stored in the memory using the processor (computer). The function of the storage unit 40 is realized by the memory 102. The server 4 may include a processing circuit including a processor, a memory, and dedicated hardware as its hardware resources. Some or all of the functions of the server 4 may be realized by dedicated hardware.

[0056] In this embodiment, a lighting control system has been described, but it is also possible for the lighting fixture to detect an abnormality in its own equipment, issue an alert via the light source, and transmit information about the abnormal condition to an information terminal. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1 Information provision system, 2 Lighting system, 3 Information terminal, 4 Server, 5 Call center, 6 Network, 20 Lighting fixture, 21 Control device, 22 Related equipment, 23 Light source, 24 Light source control unit, 25 Detection unit, 26 Communication unit, 30 Display, 31 Imaging device, 32 Conversion unit, 33 Communication unit, 34 Display control unit, 40 Memory unit, 41 Response unit, 100 Processing circuit, 101 Processor, 102 Memory, 103 Dedicated hardware

Claims

1. An information terminal on which a specific application is installed, A display; an imaging device for capturing an image of light from a light source; a conversion unit that converts a change in light captured by the imaging device while the application is running into digital information; a communication unit that transmits the digital information converted by the conversion unit to a specific external device; a display control unit that displays, on the display, response information received from the external device as a response to the digital information transmitted by the communication unit; Equipped with The display control unit is an information terminal that displays contact information for a call center on the display if the response information received from the external device includes information indicating an abnormality that has occurred in a lighting system having the light source.

2. 2. The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the conversion unit converts the change in light captured by the imaging device into digital information including an error code, a manufacturer code, or a model code used in a lighting system having the light source.

3. 3. The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit transmits response information received from the external device to the call center when communication with the call center is initiated after the contact information of the call center is displayed on the display.

4. A lighting system comprising a light source, a light source control unit that controls the light source, and a detection unit that detects a specific abnormality that occurs in the light source or the light source control unit, wherein when an abnormality is detected by the detection unit, the light source control unit controls the light source to transmit from the light source a code corresponding to code information stored in a specific external memory unit, and the code transmitted from the light source includes an error code, a manufacturer code, or a model code; An information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3; the external device having the external storage unit and in which the information terminal that has received the code automatically starts communication; An information provision system equipped with:

5. The lighting system further comprises associated equipment capable of transmitting or receiving information related to the control of the light source; 5. The information providing system according to claim 4, wherein the detection unit is capable of detecting a specific abnormality occurring in the related device.

6. A lighting system comprising a light source, a light source control unit that controls the light source, related equipment that can transmit or receive information related to the control of the light source, and a detection unit that detects a specific abnormality that has occurred in the related equipment, wherein when an abnormality is detected by the detection unit, the light source control unit controls the light source to transmit from the light source a code that corresponds to code information stored in a specific external memory unit, and the code transmitted from the light source includes an error code, a manufacturer code, or a model code; An information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3; the external device having the external storage unit and in which the information terminal that has received the code automatically starts communication; An information provision system equipped with:

7. A lighting system comprising a first light source and a second light source, a light source control unit that controls the first light source and the second light source, and a detection unit that detects a specific abnormality that occurs in one of the first light source or the second light source, wherein when an abnormality is detected by the detection unit, the light source control unit controls the other of the first light source or the second light source, thereby transmitting from the other light source a code corresponding to code information stored in a specific external memory unit, and the code transmitted from the other light source includes an error code, a manufacturer code, or a model code; An information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3; the external device having the external storage unit and in which the information terminal that has received the code automatically starts communication; An information provision system equipped with:

8. A lighting system comprising a light source and a light source control unit that controls the light source, wherein the light source control unit controls the light source to transmit from the light source a code corresponding to code information stored in a specific external storage unit, and the code transmitted from the light source includes an error code, a manufacturer code, or a model code; An information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3; the external device having the external storage unit and in which the information terminal that has received the code automatically starts communication; An information provision system equipped with:

Images