System and Method

Abstract

A system according to the present disclosure: receives, on architectural drawing data of a prescribed building, an input of a layout of logical devices and an input of intended uses from a first terminal; registers the placement positions and operation settings of the logical devices on the basis of the architectural drawing data with which the layout and intended uses of the logical devices are associated; receives, from a second terminal, identification information of physical devices scheduled to be installed in the building and identification information of hubs scheduled to be installed in the building, wherein labels capable of identifying the identification information of the physical devices are attached to the physical devices, and labels capable of identifying the identification information of the hubs are attached to the hubs; registers the identification information of the physical devices and the identification information of the hubs and furthermore pairs the physical devices and the hubs; displays, on a third terminal, a floor plan image of the building representing the placement positions of the logical devices, after the physical devices and the hubs are installed in the building; when a placement position in the floor plan image is specified via the third terminal, displays, on the third terminal, a request for the physical device or hub installed at the placement position; and associates identification information read from the physical device or hub by the third terminal in response to the request with a logical device placed on the floor plan image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to systems and methods.

Background Art

[0002] There is a technology for easily introducing smart home devices into a large building having a plurality of rooms with the same floor plan.

[0003] The technology of Patent Document 1 aims to speed up the commissioning process, which is a process of associating the physical location of installed building technology devices with logical addresses. Specifically, Patent Document 1 relates to the commissioning of lighting, sensors, actuators, and control networks, and describes software that can create reference copies of planned logical devices and logical functions for overlapping sections in large buildings and complex facilities without directly binding to physical devices.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In Patent Document 1, the purpose is to speed up the commissioning process of a building having overlapping sections. However, it is desired to further reduce the labor in a series of operations from the design stage to construction, setting, and operation verification of a property where smart home devices are introduced.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce the cost and labor in a series of operations from the design stage to construction, setting, and operation verification of a property where smart home devices are introduced. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A system having one or more information processing devices, wherein the one or more information processing devices have a processing circuit, the processing circuit receives input of the arrangement and usage of logical devices on architectural drawing data of a predetermined building from a first terminal, registers the arrangement location and operating settings of the logical devices based on the architectural drawing data associated with the arrangement and usage of the logical devices, receives identification information of physical devices to be installed in the building and identification information of hubs to be installed in the building from a second terminal, the physical devices are marked with labels that can identify the identification information of the physical devices, and the hubs are marked with labels that can identify the hubs A system that registers identification information of the physical device and the identification information of the hub, each of which is labeled to identify other information, and pairs the physical device and the hub; after the physical device and the hub are installed in the building, a third terminal displays a floor plan image of the building showing the placement locations of the logical devices; when a placement location is specified via the third terminal in the floor plan image, the third terminal displays a request for the physical device or hub installed at that location; and the system associates the identification information read from the physical device or hub by the third terminal in response to the request with the logical devices placed on the floor plan image. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to reduce costs and effort in a series of tasks, from the design stage of a property where smart home devices are installed, to installation, setup, and operational verification. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of System 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the first terminal device 10 shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the second terminal device 30 shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the third terminal device 40 shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the functional configuration of server 20 shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the data structure of the floor plan table 2021. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the data structure of the logical device table 2022. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the data structure of the physical equipment table 2023. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the data structure of the hub management table 2024. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows the data structure of the dwelling unit table 2025. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows the data structure of the mapping table 2026. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the overall processing flow related to this disclosure. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the first terminal device 10 and the server 20 when generating registration information for logical devices. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation between the server 20 and the second terminal device 30 when pairing a physical device with a hub. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the third terminal device 40 and the server 20 when associating physical equipment actually installed in a dwelling unit with logical equipment placed on the dwelling unit's drawing data. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of information about dwelling units included in a building specified by a third user, as displayed on the third terminal device 40. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the third terminal device 40, showing a floor plan and a list of logical devices. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen for receiving an instruction for operation verification of the paired physical devices displayed on the third terminal device 40. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a basic hardware configuration of the computer 90.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0011] <Summary> The system according to this embodiment is a technology related to a framework for device setup. In the design stage, the system receives an arrangement specification of logical devices on the building drawing data of a building and sets the arrangement and usage method of the logical devices. Before shipping physical devices to the building, the system registers the physical devices to be installed in the building and performs pairing between the physical devices. After installing the physical devices in the building, the system associates the physical devices actually installed in the building with the logical devices arranged in the building drawing data. Thereby, the cost and labor for introducing smart home devices into the building are reduced.

[0012] In this embodiment, the physical device represents a physically existing device such as, for example, a lighting fixture, sensor, controller, actuator, switch, hub, etc. that can be introduced into a smart home. That is, the physical device is a so-called smart home appliance, each having a unique network address such as an IP address or a MAC address. Further, the physical device may be adapted to short-range wireless communication such as ZigBee (registered trademark). In this embodiment, the hub is, for example, a device that manages a plurality of physical devices connected to a network. The hub receives, for example, an operation from a user and controls the corresponding physical device according to the received operation. Also, the hub receives, for example, predetermined data from a physical device and controls the corresponding physical device based on the received data. In this embodiment, the logical device represents an independent device recognized by a program. The logical device is virtually arranged on the building drawing data of the building, mimicking the arrangement of the physical devices. In this embodiment, the building drawing data of the building is, for example, data used when building a building. The building drawing data is realized, for example, by 3D CAD data, BIM (Building Information Modeling) data, etc. In the following description, the building drawing data of the building may sometimes be simply referred to as drawing data.

[0013] <1 Configuration diagram of the entire system> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of system 1. The system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes, for example, a first terminal device 10, a server 20, a second terminal device 30, and a third terminal device 40. The first terminal device 10, the server 20, the second terminal device 30, and the third terminal device 40 are communicatively connected via, for example, a network 80.

[0014] In this embodiment, the number of the first terminal device 10, the second terminal device 30, and the third terminal device 40 included in the system 1 may be one each, or may be plural. Also, one terminal device may realize the functions of at least two of the first terminal device 10, the second terminal device 30, and the third terminal device 40.

[0015] In this embodiment, a collection of multiple devices may be treated as a single server. The method of allocating the multiple functions required to implement the server 20 according to this embodiment to one or more hardware can be appropriately determined in view of the processing capacity of each hardware and / or the specifications required for the server 20.

[0016] The first terminal device 10 shown in Figure 1 is an information processing device operated by staff when determining the placement and settings of physical equipment within a building. The first terminal device 10 determines the placement of physical equipment by placing logical devices on the building's architectural drawing data in response to operations from staff. The first terminal device 10 also sets the intended use of the logical devices placed on the architectural drawing data in response to operations from staff. In this embodiment, the physical equipment installed in the smart home operates automatically based on sensing results of residents or the environment by sensors, etc., without receiving operations from residents. In this embodiment, setting the intended use refers to setting, for example, how the physical equipment will operate or how the ambiance within the building will be controlled.

[0017] The first terminal device 10 is implemented by, for example, a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet. The first terminal device 10 may also be a stationary PC (Personal Computer) or a laptop PC. The first terminal device 10 may also be a wearable device such as an HMD (Head Mount Display) or a smartwatch.

[0018] The first terminal device 10 comprises a communication interface 12, an input device 13, an output device 14, memory 15, storage 16, and a processor 19. The input device 13 is a device for receiving input operations from the user (e.g., a touch panel, touchpad, pointing device such as a mouse, keyboard, etc.). The output device 14 is a device for presenting information to the user (display, speaker, etc.).

[0019] The second terminal device 30 shown in Figure 1 is an information processing device operated by staff when pairing physical equipment that is scheduled to be installed in a building before it is shipped to the building. The second terminal device 30, for example, responds to operations from staff, acquires information about the physical equipment that is scheduled to be installed in the building, performs predetermined processing, and sets up pairing between the physical equipment. The second terminal device 30 can be implemented as, for example, a stationary PC (Personal Computer) or a laptop PC. The first terminal device 10 may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet. The second terminal device 30 may be a wearable terminal such as an HMD (Head Mount Display) or a smartwatch.

[0020] The third terminal device 40 shown in Figure 1 is an information processing device operated by staff when associating physical equipment actually installed in a building with virtually configured logical equipment. For example, in response to operations from staff, the third terminal device 40 associates physical equipment installed in the building with logical equipment set in the architectural drawing data. The third terminal device 40 also tests whether the associated physical equipment is functioning correctly, for example, in response to operations from staff. The third terminal device 40 can be implemented as a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet. The third terminal device 40 may also be a stationary PC (Personal Computer) or a laptop PC. The third terminal device 40 may also be a wearable device such as an HMD (Head Mount Display) or a smartwatch.

[0021] The server 20 shown in Figure 1 is an information processing device that accepts connections from the first terminal device 10, the second terminal device 30, the third terminal device 40, and predetermined physical devices, and executes the processing requested by each device.

[0022] Server 20 is an information processing device implemented by, for example, a computer connected to network 80. As shown in Figure 1, Server 20 includes a communication IF 22, an I / O IF 23, memory 25, storage 26, and a processor 29. The processor 29 is an example of a processing circuit. The I / O IF 23 functions as an interface to an input device for receiving input operations from the user and an output device for outputting information to the user.

[0023] Each information processing device consists of a computer equipped with an arithmetic unit and a memory device. The basic hardware configuration of the computer and the basic functional configuration of the computer realized by said hardware configuration will be described later. For each of the first terminal device 10, server 20, second terminal device 30, and third terminal device 40, explanations that overlap with the basic hardware configuration and basic functional configuration of the computer described later will be omitted.

[0024] <1.1 Configuration of the First Terminal Device> Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the first terminal device 10 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the first terminal device 10 includes a communication unit 120, an input device 13, an output device 14, an audio processing unit 17, a microphone 171, a speaker 172, a camera 160, a position information sensor 150, a storage unit 180, and a control unit 190. Each block included in the first terminal device 10 is electrically connected, for example, by a bus.

[0025] The communication unit 120 performs modulation and demodulation processing for the first terminal device 10 to communicate with other devices. The communication unit 120 performs transmission processing on the signal generated by the control unit 190 and transmits it to an external source (for example, the server 20). The communication unit 120 performs reception processing on the signal received from an external source and outputs it to the control unit 190.

[0026] The input device 13 is a device for a user operating the first terminal device 10 to input instructions or information. The input device 13 is implemented, for example, by a touch-sensitive device 131 on which instructions are input by touching the operating surface. If the first terminal device 10 is a PC or the like, the input device 13 may be implemented by a keyboard and mouse or the like. The input device 13 converts the instructions input by the user into electrical signals and outputs the electrical signals to the control unit 190. The input device 13 may also include, for example, a receiving port that accepts electrical signals input from an external input device.

[0027] The output device 14 is a device for presenting information to the user operating the first terminal device 10. The output device 14 is implemented, for example, by a display 141. The display 141 displays data according to the control of the control unit 190. The display 141 is implemented, for example, by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0028] The audio processing unit 17 performs, for example, digital-to-analog conversion processing of the audio signal. The audio processing unit 17 converts the signal provided from the microphone 171 into a digital signal and provides the converted signal to the control unit 190. The audio processing unit 17 also provides the audio signal to the speaker 172. The audio processing unit 17 is implemented, for example, by an audio processing processor. The microphone 171 receives an audio input and provides the audio signal corresponding to the audio input to the audio processing unit 17. The speaker 172 converts the audio signal provided from the audio processing unit 17 into audio and outputs the audio to the outside of the first terminal device 10.

[0029] Camera 160 is a device that receives light using a photodetector and outputs it as a shooting signal.

[0030] The location information sensor 150 is a sensor that detects the position of the first terminal device 10, and is, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module. A GPS module is a receiving device used in a satellite positioning system. In a satellite positioning system, signals are received from at least three or four satellites, and the current position of the first terminal device 10, which is equipped with a GPS module, is detected based on the received signals. The location information sensor 150 may also detect the current position of the first terminal device 10 from the position of the wireless base station to which the first terminal device 10 is connected.

[0031] The storage unit 180 is implemented by, for example, memory 15 and storage 16, and stores data and programs used by the first terminal device 10. The storage unit 180 stores, for example, user information 181 and device information 182.

[0032] User information 181 includes, for example, information about a user who uses the first terminal device 10. User information includes, for example, a user ID.

[0033] Equipment information 182 includes, for example, information about physical equipment that can be placed in a building. Information about physical equipment includes, for example, the type of device, equipment name, manufacturer, etc.

[0034] The control unit 190 is realized when the processor 19 reads a program stored in the memory unit 180 and executes instructions contained in the program. The control unit 190 controls the operation of the first terminal device 10. By operating according to the program, the control unit 190 performs the functions of an operation reception unit 191, a transmission / reception unit 192, and a presentation control unit 194.

[0035] The operation reception unit 191 performs processing to receive instructions or information input from the input device 13. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 191 receives instructions or information input from the touch-sensitive device 131, etc. More specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 191 receives operations to adjust the placement of logical devices on the architectural drawing data. Also, for example, the operation reception unit 191 receives the selection of the type of logical device. Also, for example, the operation reception unit 191 receives operations to set the intended use of the logical devices placed on the architectural drawing data. The architectural drawing data with the placement and intended use of logical devices set becomes so-called master data in subsequent processing.

[0036] Furthermore, the operation reception unit 191 receives voice instructions input from the microphone 171. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 191 receives voice signals input from the microphone 171 and converted into digital signals by the voice processing unit 17. The operation reception unit 191 obtains instructions from the user by, for example, analyzing the received voice signals and extracting predetermined nouns.

[0037] The transmitting / receiving unit 192 performs processing to enable the first terminal device 10 to send and receive data with an external device such as the server 20 in accordance with a communication protocol. Specifically, for example, the transmitting / receiving unit 192 sends information input by the user or instructions from the user to the server 20. The transmitting / receiving unit 192 also receives information provided by the server 20.

[0038] The presentation control unit 194 controls the output device 14 to present predetermined information to the user. Specifically, for example, the presentation control unit 194 acquires building architectural drawing data and displays an image based on the acquired architectural drawing data on the display 141. The building architectural drawing data may be stored in the first terminal device 10, in the server 20, or in another server (not shown) that manages building information. The presentation control unit 194 also outputs information for setting logical devices on the architectural drawing data from the speaker 172.

[0039] <1.2 Configuration of the second terminal device> Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the second terminal device 30 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the second terminal device 30 includes a communication unit 320, an input device 33, an output device 34, an audio processing unit 37, a microphone 371, a speaker 372, a camera 360, a position information sensor 350, a storage unit 380, and a control unit 390. Each block included in the second terminal device 30 is electrically connected, for example, by a bus.

[0040] The communication unit 320 performs modulation and demodulation processing for the second terminal device 30 to communicate with other devices. The communication unit 320 performs transmission processing on the signal generated by the control unit 390 and transmits it to an external source (for example, the server 20). The communication unit 320 performs reception processing on the signal received from an external source and outputs it to the control unit 390.

[0041] The input device 33 is a device for a user operating the second terminal device 30 to input instructions or information. The input device 33 can be implemented, for example, by a keyboard 331, a mouse 332, and a reader 333. The reader 333 can be implemented, for example, by an optical reader. The reader 333 reads data from a code such as a two-dimensional barcode or a barcode. The input device 33 may also be implemented by a touch-sensitive device or the like. The input device 33 converts the instructions input by the user into an electrical signal and outputs the electrical signal to the control unit 390. The input device 33 may also include, for example, a receiving port that accepts electrical signals input from an external input device.

[0042] The output device 34 is a device for presenting information to the user operating the second terminal device 30. The output device 34 is implemented, for example, by a display 341. The display 341 displays data according to the control of the control unit 390. The display 341 is implemented, for example, by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The output device 34 may also be an output port that outputs information to the outside. The output port may be connected to a printer, for example, to print a predetermined image to the printer.

[0043] The audio processing unit 37 performs, for example, digital-to-analog conversion processing of the audio signal. The audio processing unit 37 converts the signal provided from the microphone 371 into a digital signal and provides the converted signal to the control unit 390. The audio processing unit 37 also provides the audio signal to the speaker 372. The audio processing unit 37 is implemented, for example, by an audio processing processor. The microphone 371 receives an audio input and provides the audio signal corresponding to that audio input to the audio processing unit 37. The speaker 372 converts the audio signal provided from the audio processing unit 37 into audio and outputs the audio to the outside of the second terminal device 30.

[0044] Camera 360 is a device that receives light using a photodetector and outputs it as a shooting signal.

[0045] The location information sensor 350 is a sensor that detects the position of the second terminal device 30, and is, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module. The location information sensor 350 may also detect the current position of the second terminal device 30 from the position of the wireless base station to which the second terminal device 30 is connected.

[0046] The storage unit 380 is implemented, for example, by memory 35 and storage 36, and stores data and programs used by the second terminal device 30. The storage unit 380 stores, for example, user information 381.

[0047] User information 381 includes, for example, information about a user who uses the second terminal device 30. User information includes, for example, a user ID.

[0048] The control unit 390 is realized when the processor 39 reads a program stored in the memory unit 380 and executes instructions contained in the program. The control unit 390 controls the operation of the second terminal device 30. By operating according to the program, the control unit 390 performs the functions of an operation reception unit 391, a transmission / reception unit 392, and a presentation control unit 394.

[0049] The operation reception unit 391 processes instructions or information input from the input device 33. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 391 receives instructions or information input from the keyboard 331 or the like. More specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 391 receives information about physical equipment to be installed in the building, which is read by the reader 333. Also, for example, the operation reception unit 391 receives an operation to pair the physical equipment from which the information has been read.

[0050] Furthermore, the operation reception unit 391 receives voice instructions input from the microphone 371. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 391 receives voice signals input from the microphone 371 and converted into digital signals by the voice processing unit 37. The operation reception unit 391 obtains instructions from the user by, for example, analyzing the received voice signals and extracting predetermined nouns.

[0051] The transmitting / receiving unit 392 performs processing to enable the second terminal device 30 to send and receive data with an external device such as the server 20 in accordance with a communication protocol. Specifically, for example, the transmitting / receiving unit 392 transmits information input by the user or instructions from the user to the server 20. The transmitting / receiving unit 392 also receives information provided by the server 20. Furthermore, the transmitting / receiving unit 392 reads information from physical devices using a communication protocol such as Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi®. Alternatively, the transmitting / receiving unit 392 may read information from physical devices using short-range wireless communication.

[0052] The presentation control unit 394 controls the output device 34 to present predetermined information to the user. Specifically, for example, the presentation control unit 394 displays an image for pairing a physical device on the display 341. The presentation control unit 394 also outputs information for pairing a physical device from the speaker 372. <1.3 Configuration of the Third Terminal Device> Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the third terminal device 40 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 4, the third terminal device 40 includes a communication unit 420, an input device 43, an output device 44, an audio processing unit 47, a microphone 471, a speaker 472, a camera 460, a position information sensor 450, a storage unit 480, and a control unit 490. Each block included in the third terminal device 40 is electrically connected, for example, by a bus.

[0053] The communication unit 420 performs modulation and demodulation processing for the third terminal device 40 to communicate with other devices. The communication unit 420 performs transmission processing on the signal generated by the control unit 490 and transmits it to an external source (for example, the server 20). The communication unit 420 performs reception processing on the signal received from an external source and outputs it to the control unit 490.

[0054] The input device 43 is a device for a user operating the third terminal device 40 to input instructions or information. The input device 43 is implemented, for example, by a touch-sensitive device 431. If the third terminal device 40 is a PC, the input device 43 may be implemented by a keyboard, mouse, etc. The input device 43 converts the instructions input by the user into electrical signals and outputs the electrical signals to the control unit 490. The input device 43 may also include, for example, a receiving port that accepts electrical signals input from an external input device.

[0055] The output device 44 is a device for presenting information to the user operating the third terminal device 40. The output device 44 is implemented, for example, by a display 441. The display 441 displays data according to the control of the control unit 490. The display 441 is implemented, for example, by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0056] The audio processing unit 47 performs, for example, digital-to-analog conversion processing of the audio signal. The audio processing unit 47 converts the signal provided from the microphone 471 into a digital signal and provides the converted signal to the control unit 490. The audio processing unit 47 also provides the audio signal to the speaker 472. The audio processing unit 47 is implemented, for example, by an audio processing processor. The microphone 471 receives an audio input and provides the audio signal corresponding to the audio input to the audio processing unit 47. The speaker 472 converts the audio signal provided from the audio processing unit 47 into audio and outputs the audio to the outside of the third terminal device 40.

[0057] Camera 460 is a device that receives light using a photodetector and outputs it as a shooting signal.

[0058] The location information sensor 450 is a sensor that detects the position of the third terminal device 40, and is, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module. The location information sensor 450 may also detect the current position of the third terminal device 40 from the position of the wireless base station to which the third terminal device 40 is connected.

[0059] The storage unit 480 is implemented by, for example, a memory 45 and a storage 46, and stores data and programs used by the third terminal device 40. The storage unit 480 stores, for example, user information 481.

[0060] User information 481 includes, for example, information about a user who uses the third terminal device 40. User information includes, for example, a user ID.

[0061] The control unit 490 is realized when the processor 49 reads a program stored in the memory unit 480 and executes instructions contained in the program. The control unit 490 controls the operation of the third terminal device 40. By operating according to the program, the control unit 490 performs the functions of an operation reception unit 491, a transmission / reception unit 492, and a presentation control unit 494.

[0062] The operation reception unit 491 processes instructions or information input from the input device 43. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 491 receives instructions or information input from a touch-sensitive device 431, etc. More specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 491 receives operations to associate physical devices with logical devices. Also, for example, the operation reception unit 491 receives operations to confirm the operation of the physical device associated with the logical device.

[0063] Furthermore, the operation reception unit 491 receives voice instructions input from the microphone 471. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 491 receives voice signals input from the microphone 471 and converted into digital signals by the voice processing unit 47. The operation reception unit 491 obtains instructions from the user by, for example, analyzing the received voice signals and extracting predetermined nouns.

[0064] Furthermore, the operation reception unit 491 receives instructions input from the camera 460. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 491 receives information obtained by the camera 460 and the decoded image of the captured image. Based on the received information, the operation reception unit 491 recognizes the attached physical equipment.

[0065] The transmitting / receiving unit 492 performs processing to enable the third terminal device 40 to send and receive data with external devices such as the server 20 in accordance with a communication protocol. Specifically, for example, the transmitting / receiving unit 492 sends information input by the user or instructions from the user to the server 20. The transmitting / receiving unit 492 also receives information provided by the server 20.

[0066] The presentation control unit 494 controls the output device 44 to present predetermined information to the user. Specifically, for example, the presentation control unit 494 displays images on the display 441 to associate physical equipment installed in the building with logical equipment. The presentation control unit 494 also displays images on the display 441 to confirm the operation of the physical equipment associated with the logical equipment. Furthermore, the presentation control unit 494 outputs information from the speaker 472 to associate physical equipment installed in the building with logical equipment.

[0067] <1.4 Functional Configuration of the Server> Figure 5 shows an example of the functional configuration of server 20. As shown in Figure 5, server 20 functions as a communication unit 201, a storage unit 202, and a control unit 203.

[0068] The communications unit 201 performs processing to enable the server 20 to communicate with external devices.

[0069] The storage unit 202 includes, for example, a floor plan table 2021, a logical device table 2022, a physical device table 2023, a hub management table 2024, a dwelling unit table 2025, and a mapping table 2026. The tables stored in the storage unit 202 are not limited to these. The storage unit 202 may also store, for example, a table that stores information about the building and a table that stores information about the user.

[0070] The Floor Plan Table 2021 is a table that stores information related to floor plans. Further details will be provided later.

[0071] Logical Device Table 2022 is a table that stores information about logical devices. Further details will be provided later.

[0072] The physical equipment table 2023 is a table that stores information about physical equipment. Further details will be provided later.

[0073] Hub Management Table 2024 is a table that stores information about hubs. Further details will be provided later.

[0074] The dwelling unit table 2025 is a table that stores information about dwelling units. Further details will be provided later.

[0075] The mapping table 2026 is a table that stores information about the mapping between logical devices and physical devices. Further details will be provided later.

[0076] The control unit 203 is realized when the processor 29 reads a program stored in the memory unit 202 and executes instructions contained in the program. By operating according to the program, the control unit 203 performs the functions shown as the receive control module 2031, transmit control module 2032, generate module 2033, pairing module 2034, mapping module 2035, progress management module 2036, and presentation control module 2037.

[0077] The receiving control module 2031 controls the process by which the server 20 receives signals from external devices according to a communication protocol. Specifically, for example, the receiving control module 2031 receives information from the first terminal device 10 regarding logical devices placed on architectural drawing data. Also, for example, the receiving control module 2031 receives information from the second terminal device 30 or a hub regarding physical devices that have been paired. Also, for example, the receiving control module 2031 receives information from the third terminal device 40 regarding associated physical and logical devices. Also, for example, the receiving control module 2031 receives the results of the verification process for the physical devices associated with the logical devices from the third terminal device 40.

[0078] The transmission control module 2032 controls the process by which the server 20 transmits signals to external devices according to a communication protocol. Specifically, for example, the transmission control module 2032 transmits information for ordering physical equipment to be installed in a building, based on the logical devices placed in the architectural drawing data, to the supplier of the physical equipment. Also, for example, the transmission control module 2032 transmits information about the logical devices placed in the architectural drawing data to the third terminal device 40.

[0079] The generation module 2033 generates the operating patterns of physical devices to be installed in a building based on architectural drawing data in which logical devices are arranged. Specifically, the generation module 2033 obtains the type of logical device, the location coordinates where the logical device is placed, information about the building, and the intended use set for the logical device, based on the architectural drawing data. In other words, the generation module 2033 converts the architectural drawing data into logical information that can be used in subsequent processing. Hereafter, the logical information converted from the architectural drawing data will be referred to as registration information. At this time, the generation module 2033 may select the physical devices to be actually installed and include them in the logical information. The registration information may include, for example, logical device identification information, logical device type, logical device name, building information, location information, etc.

[0080] Furthermore, the generation module 2033 calculates how to operate the physical devices based on the registration information. For example, the generation module 2033 calculates the operating time period, the ambience to be realized (behavior for each device, operating time period), the type of activity, etc., based on logical information. Furthermore, the generation module 2033 creates a floor plan image based on architectural drawing data in which logical devices are arranged. In the floor plan image, for example, the logical devices arranged in relation to the architectural drawing data are displayed on a two-dimensional image of the floor.

[0081] The pairing module 2034 controls the process related to pairing physical devices based on registration information. Specifically, for example, the pairing module 2034 assigns a predetermined floor plan to a hub, which is an example of a physical device. The pairing module 2034 acquires information about physical devices that are scheduled to be installed in the building and registers the acquired information. Information about physical devices that are scheduled to be installed in the building is, for example, the MAC address set for the physical device. If a predetermined code is attached to the physical device, the pairing module 2034 acquires the information read from the code by the reader 333 as information about the physical device. If a predetermined code is not attached to the physical device, the pairing module 2034 acquires the information read from the physical device using a predetermined communication protocol as information about the physical device. Once the pairing module 2034 acquires information about the physical device from the physical device, it creates a predetermined code based on the acquired information. The pairing module 2034 outputs information about the created code, for example, from a predetermined printer.

[0082] The mapping module 2035 associates logical devices placed on architectural drawing data with physical devices actually installed in the building. Specifically, for example, the mapping module 2035 obtains identification information for a logical device placed at a predetermined location on the architectural drawing data and the physical device installed at the corresponding location. The mapping module 2035 associates the obtained identification information of the physical device with the identification information of the logical device placed at the corresponding location. For example, the mapping module 2035 associates the ID of a physical device installed at a predetermined location in the building with the ID of a logical device placed at the corresponding location on the architectural drawing data.

[0083] Furthermore, the mapping module 2035 performs processing to verify the operation of the physical device associated with the logical device. Specifically, the mapping module 2035 sends an instruction to the hub paired with the physical device to operate the physical device associated with the logical device. The hub sends a signal to the physical device to operate it based on the instruction. Whether or not the physical device has operated is confirmed, for example, by a user operating the third terminal device 40. The mapping module 2035 receives input regarding whether or not the physical device has operated normally and stores the verification result in the storage unit 202.

[0084] The progress management module 2036 manages the progress of mapping logical devices to physical devices. Specifically, it manages logical devices that have not been mapped, logical devices that have been mapped, logical devices that have been mapped but have malfunctioned during verification, and logical devices that have completed verification. For example, the progress management module 2036 stores information about logical devices in the storage unit 202 so that it can distinguish between logical devices that have not been mapped and logical devices that have been mapped. In addition, the progress management module 2036 may also store information about logical devices in the storage unit 202 so that it can distinguish between logical devices that have been mapped but have malfunctioned during verification and logical devices that have completed verification. At predetermined timings, the progress management module 2036 updates the information regarding the progress of logical device mapping stored in the storage unit 202.

[0085] Furthermore, the progress management module 2036 may aggregate the number of logical devices that have not been mapped, the number of logical devices that have been mapped, the number of logical devices that have been mapped but have malfunctioned during verification, or the number of logical devices that have completed verification, in predetermined group units, and transmit the aggregated results to other information processing devices. For example, the progress management module 2036 may aggregate the number of logical devices that have not been mapped, the number of logical devices that have been mapped, the number of logical devices that have been mapped but have malfunctioned during verification, or the number of logical devices that have completed verification, in units of one or more dwelling units, one or more floor units, or one or more building units, and transmit the aggregated results to other information processing devices.

[0086] The presentation control module 2037 presents information extracted from the storage unit 202 to the user. Specifically, for example, the presentation control module 2037 presents the user with information to refer to when associating logical devices placed on architectural drawing data with the physical devices that are actually installed. For example, the presentation control module 2037 displays a floor plan image on the display 441 of the third terminal device 40.

[0087] <2 Data Structure> Figures 6 to 11 show the data structure of tables stored by server 20. Note that Figures 6 to 11 are examples and do not exclude data not shown. Furthermore, even data listed in the same table may be stored in separate memory areas within the storage unit 202.

[0088] Figure 6 shows the data structure of the floor plan table 2021. The floor plan table 2021 shown in Figure 6 is a table that has columns for floor plan name, drawing data, and dwelling unit information, with floor plan ID as the primary key.

[0089] The Floor Plan ID is an item that stores an ID that identifies the floor plan. The Drawing Data is an item that stores the architectural drawing data for the corresponding floor plan. The architectural drawing data includes, for example, information about the location, type, and operating settings of logical devices placed on the drawing data. The "Drawing Data" item may also store reference information (links) to data files located elsewhere. The Dwelling Unit Information is an item that stores information about the dwelling units to be built based on the floor plan. The dwelling unit information may include, for example, the name of the building, the address of the building, the number of dwelling units to which the floor plan applies, and, for example, the room numbers of the dwelling units to which the floor plan applies.

[0090] Figure 7 shows the data structure of the logical device table 2022. The logical device table 2022 shown in Figure 7 is a table that has the logical device ID as the primary key and columns for type, name, floor plan ID, location information, and configuration information.

[0091] The Logical Device ID is an item that stores an ID that identifies the logical device. The Type is an item that stores the type of logical device. The Type may store a string indicating the type of device, such as sensor, light, or switch. The Name is an item that stores the name of the logical device. The Name may store a string indicating the product name of the logical device, for example. The Floor Plan ID stores the Floor Plan ID of the floor plan in which the logical device is placed. The Location Information is an item that stores the location of the logical device on the floor plan. The "Location Information" item stores, for example, the coordinates of the location of the logical device on the floor plan.

[0092] The configuration information field stores information related to the operation settings of a logical device. The "configuration information" field may also store information related to operation settings based on user input to the device. User input includes, for example, input by directly operating buttons, switches, etc. on the device, voice input, and input by operating remote control devices.

[0093] Furthermore, the "Configuration Information" item may store information regarding operation settings based on the state of the external environment of the device. The external environment may include the time. For example, the "Configuration Information" item may store a setting that causes a predetermined operation to be performed when a predetermined time arrives.

[0094] Furthermore, the external environment may include temperature. The device specified in the "Setting Information" item may acquire the temperature measured by a predetermined sensor. The sensor may acquire the temperature inside the dwelling or the temperature outside the dwelling. The "Setting Information" item stores, for example, a setting that will trigger a predetermined action when the temperature acquired by the sensor reaches a predetermined temperature.

[0095] Furthermore, the external environment may include humidity. The equipment specified in the "Setting Information" item may acquire humidity measured by a predetermined sensor. The sensor may acquire humidity inside the dwelling or humidity outside the dwelling. The "Setting Information" item stores, for example, a setting that will trigger a predetermined action when the humidity acquired by the sensor reaches a predetermined level.

[0096] Furthermore, the external environment may include brightness. The device specified in the "Setting Information" item may acquire brightness measured by a predetermined sensor. The sensor may acquire brightness inside the dwelling or brightness outside the dwelling. The "Setting Information" item stores, for example, a setting that will trigger a predetermined action when the brightness acquired by the sensor reaches a predetermined brightness.

[0097] Furthermore, the external environment may include information about movement. Information about movement may include, for example, information about changes in the temperature distribution of a space due to human movement. The equipment related to the item "setting information" may acquire information about the operation detected by a predetermined sensor. The sensor may detect operation inside the dwelling or operation outside the dwelling. The item "setting information" stores, for example, a setting that will trigger a predetermined operation when the sensor detects a predetermined movement.

[0098] Furthermore, the "Configuration Information" item may store information regarding operation settings based on the operation of other devices. For example, the "Configuration Information" item may store settings that cause a device to perform a predetermined action in conjunction with a predetermined action performed by another device.

[0099] Figure 8 shows the data structure of the physical device table 2023. The physical device table 2023 shown in Figure 8 is a table that has columns for type, name, identification information, communication standard, and pairing information, with the physical device ID as the primary key.

[0100] The Physical Device ID is an item that stores an ID that identifies the physical device. The Type is an item that stores the type of the physical device. The Type may store a string indicating the type of device, such as sensor, light, or switch. The Name is an item that stores the name of the physical device. The Name may store a string indicating the product name of a logical device, for example. The Identifier is an item that stores an identifier assigned to the physical device. The Identifier may store information about the physical address of the physical device, for example. The Communication Standard is an item that stores information to identify the communication standard used by the physical device for communication. The Communication Standard may store a string indicating the name of the communication standard for the physical device, such as Bluetooth® or Zigbee®. The Pairing Information is an item that stores information about other devices paired with the physical device. The Pairing Information may store information to identify a hub paired with the physical device, for example. The Pairing Information may store at least one of the hub ID and identifier of the hub paired with the physical device. Pairing information is not limited to pairing between physical devices and a hub; physical devices may also be paired with each other. Specifically, for example, lighting devices may be paired with each other.

[0101] Figure 9 shows the data structure of the hub management table 2024. The hub management table 2024 shown in Figure 9 is a table that has the hub ID as the primary key and columns for identifier and floor plan ID.

[0102] The Hub ID is an item that stores the ID that identifies the hub for operating the connected physical equipment. The Identifier is an item that stores the identifier assigned to the hub. The Identifier may store information about the hub's physical address, for example. The Floor Plan ID is an item that stores the Floor Plan ID of the floor plan associated with the hub.

[0103] Figure 10 shows the data structure of the dwelling unit table 2025. The dwelling unit table 2025 shown in Figure 10 is a table that has the dwelling unit ID as the primary key and columns for building ID, building name, floor number, dwelling unit number, and floor plan ID.

[0104] The Dwelling Unit ID is an item that stores the ID that identifies the dwelling unit. The Building ID is an item that stores the Building ID of the building in which the dwelling unit is located. Note that the Building ID is an ID that identifies the building in the building table that manages building information, which is not shown in the diagram. The Building Name is an item that stores the name of the building in which the dwelling unit is located. The Floor is an item that stores the floor number on which the dwelling unit is located in the building. The Dwelling Unit Number is an item that stores the number assigned to the dwelling unit. The Floor Plan ID is an item that stores the Floor Plan ID of the floor plan associated with the dwelling unit.

[0105] Figure 11 shows the data structure of the mapping table 2026. The mapping table 2026 shown in Figure 11 is a table with a mapping ID as the primary key and columns for dwelling unit ID, logical device ID, physical device ID, status, and responsible user. The mapping table 2026 may also store information about the nature of the malfunction of the device being mapped.

[0106] The mapping ID is an item that stores an ID that identifies the mapping. The dwelling unit ID is an item that stores an ID that identifies the dwelling unit. The logical device ID is an item that stores an ID that identifies the logical device. The physical device ID is an item that stores an ID that identifies the physical device. If mapping has not yet been performed, the physical device ID stores a blank, null, or other information that indicates that mapping has not been performed. The status is an item that stores information about the progress of the mapping process. Specifically, the status stores information to identify whether the mapping process has not yet started, is in progress, or is complete. The status may store information indicating, for example, that mapping has not been performed, mapping has been performed, or mapping has been performed but a failure occurred during operational verification. In this disclosure, the status stores information indicating one of the following states: unstarted (mapping has not been started), scanned (the code of the physical device has been read and mapping has been performed), reported (a failure was reported during operational verification), or verified (operational verification has been completed). The "Responsible User" field stores the user ID of the user who performed the operation on the terminal related to the mapping.

[0107] <3 operations> The operation of the first terminal device 10, the server 20, the second terminal device 30, and the third terminal device 40 will be described below.

[0108] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the processing flow related to this disclosure.

[0109] As shown in Figure 12, the user designs building plans by operating a designated terminal. The first terminal device 10 places logical devices on the drawing data and configures the operation settings of the logical devices in response to the user's operations. The server 20 generates registration information based on the drawing data, the placement of logical devices, and the operation settings of the logical devices.

[0110] The second terminal device 30 obtains registration information from the server 20. Before the physical equipment to be installed in the building is delivered to the building, the second terminal device 30 performs pairing settings for the physical equipment according to the registration information generated during the design phase. The server 20 registers the physical equipment to be installed in the building. The paired physical equipment is delivered to the construction site.

[0111] The delivered physical equipment is installed in its designated location according to the building's floor plan.

[0112] The third terminal device 40 obtains registration information and floor plan images from the server 20. Based on the information of installed physical equipment transmitted from the third terminal device 40, the server 20 associates the logical equipment placed on the drawing data with the physical equipment actually installed in the building. After the association work is completed for all physical equipment that needs to be associated, the building is delivered to the client.

[0113] (Generating registration information) Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the first terminal device 10 and the server 20 when generating registration information for logical devices.

[0114] First, the first user operating the first terminal device 10 operates the input device 13 to launch an application for setting up logical devices for architectural drawing data. When the control unit 190 of the first terminal device 10 receives a request from the first user, it executes the requested application.

[0115] In step S11, the first terminal device 10 acquires information necessary for configuring logical devices. Specifically, for example, the transmitting / receiving unit 192 acquires architectural drawing data of a floor plan for a predetermined dwelling unit in response to the operation of the first user. The transmitting / receiving unit 192 may acquire the architectural drawing data from the server 20 or from an external server. The presentation control unit 194 acquires information regarding candidate logical devices to be placed on the architectural drawing data from the device information 182 stored in the storage unit 180.

[0116] In step S12, the first terminal device 10 presents the first user with a UI for arranging logical devices on the architectural drawing data. Specifically, for example, the presentation control unit 194 displays the architectural drawing data on the display 141. The presentation control unit 194 displays an input interface for determining the type of logical device along with the architectural drawing data. For example, the presentation control unit 194 displays a list of the types of logical devices that can be arranged on the display 141. The presentation control unit 194 may also display an input interface for determining the logical device along with the architectural drawing data. For example, the presentation control unit 194 displays a list of logical devices that can be arranged on the display 141.

[0117] Furthermore, the display control unit 194 displays an input interface for determining the placement location of the logical devices, along with the architectural drawing data. For example, the display control unit 194 displays on the display 141 a selectable location for placing the logical devices. The display control unit 194 also displays an input interface for setting the intended use of the logical devices, along with the architectural drawing data. For example, the display control unit 194 displays a list of configurable uses on the display 141.

[0118] In step S13, the first terminal device 10 receives a specification from the first user regarding the type of logical device to be placed on the acquired architectural drawing data. Specifically, for example, the first user operates the input device 13 and selects a predetermined type from a list of logical device types displayed on the display 141 (e.g., bedroom light, light, sensor, controller, etc.). The operation reception unit 191 receives the specification of the type input from the first user. Note that the first terminal device 10 may accept specifications about logical devices from the first user, not limited to the specification of the type of logical device.

[0119] In step S14, the first terminal device 10 receives a specification from the first user regarding the placement of a logical device of a specified type. Specifically, for example, the first user operates the input device 13 to select a predetermined location on the architectural drawing data. The operation reception unit 191 receives the specification of the placement location of the logical device input from the first user.

[0120] In step S15, the first terminal device 10 receives the intended use of a logical device of a specified type and location from the first user. Specifically, for example, the first user operates the input device 13 and selects a predetermined intended use from the list of intended uses displayed on the display 141. The intended use includes, for example, an intended use corresponding to the specified type. The operation reception unit 191 receives the specified intended use input from the first user.

[0121] The first terminal device 10 performs the processes in steps S13 to S15 for all physical devices to be installed, placing the corresponding logical devices in the architectural drawing data and setting their intended use. As a result, the type, placement location, and intended use of the logical devices corresponding to the physical devices to be installed are stored in association with the architectural drawing data.

[0122] The first terminal device 10 transmits architectural drawing data, which associates the type, location, and intended use of logical devices, to the server 20. The first terminal device 10 may also associate information about the building with the architectural drawing data. If the first terminal device 10 associates the type, location, and intended use of logical devices without downloading the architectural drawing data by using an API, the first terminal device 10 does not need to transmit the architectural drawing data to the server 20. In this case, the first terminal device 10 transmits information to the server 20, for example, about the type, location, and intended use of logical devices associated with the architectural drawing data.

[0123] In step S16, the server 20 receives information transmitted from the first terminal device 10. Specifically, the receiving control module 2031 receives architectural drawing data associated with the type, location, and intended use of logical devices. The generating module 2033 stores the received architectural drawing data in a new record in the floor plan table 2021. The architectural drawing data associated with the type, location, and intended use of logical devices is treated as so-called master data in subsequent processing.

[0124] The generation module 2033 converts the architectural drawing data and generates registration information including the type of logical device, the location coordinates where the logical device is placed, information about the building, and the intended use set for the logical device. Based on the type of logical device, the generation module 2033 determines, for example, the name of the logical device. The physical devices to be installed are, for example, pre-configured. Based on the configured type, the generation module 2033 determines the name associated with the configured type. The registration information includes, for example, the logical device's identification information, the type of logical device, information about the building, location information, and intended use. The generation module 2033 stores the newly generated registration information in a new record in the logical device table 2022. The generation module 2033 stores the floor plan ID corresponding to the architectural drawing data received from the first terminal device 10 in the floor plan ID field of the record.

[0125] Furthermore, the generation module 2033 calculates configuration information that describes how the physical equipment should operate, based on the registration information. The generation module 2033 also creates a floor plan image based on the architectural drawing data in which the logical equipment is located.

[0126] (Pairing process) Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation between the server 20 and the second terminal device 30 when pairing a physical device with a hub.

[0127] First, the second user operating the second terminal device 30 operates the input device 33 to launch an application for pairing the hub with a physical device. When the control unit 390 of the second terminal device 30 receives a request from the second user, it executes the requested application.

[0128] In step S21, the second terminal device 30 acquires the information necessary for pairing the hub with the physical device. Specifically, for example, the transmitting / receiving unit 392 requests a list of floor plans from the server 20 in response to the operation of the second user. The control unit 203 of the server 20 transmits the information stored in each record of the floor plan table 2021 to the second terminal device 30 in response to the request from the second terminal device 30. The transmitting / receiving unit 392 receives the list of floor plans transmitted from the server 20.

[0129] In step S22, the second terminal device 30 presents the second user with a UI for pairing the hub with a physical device. Specifically, for example, the presentation control unit 394 displays a list of floor plans on the display 341.

[0130] In step S23, the second terminal device 30 receives a floor plan specification from the second user. Specifically, the second user operates the input device 33 and selects a floor plan from the list of floor plans displayed on the display 341. The operation reception unit 391 receives the floor plan specification input from the second user.

[0131] In step S24, the second terminal device 30 accepts input of the hub identifier. Specifically, for example, the second user may input the hub identifier to the second terminal device 30 by communicating with the hub via the communication unit 320. The hub identifier is, for example, the hub's MAC address.

[0132] In step S25, the second terminal device 30 generates a second identifier in accordance with a predetermined standard based on the hub identifier. The second identifier is an identifier for physical equipment used to operate the service using the same standard. Specifically, for example, the control unit 390 generates the second identifier based on the type of physical equipment and the MAC address, etc. By unifying the identifier format in this way, the process of associating physical equipment with logical equipment, which will be described later, becomes easier. The control unit 390 sends the floor plan ID of the floor plan specified by the second user and the second identifier of the hub to the server 20.

[0133] The control unit 390 generates a two-dimensional code that encodes the generated second identifier. The control unit 390 sends information for printing the two-dimensional code to the printer. The printer prints a label displaying the two-dimensional code according to the information received from the second terminal device 30. The second user attaches the printed label to the physical device that read the identifier. At this time, it is preferable that the position where the label is attached is such that the two-dimensional code can be seen when the physical device is actually installed.

[0134] Physical devices may have labels pre-attached that display a two-dimensional code representing a second identifier. For example, some physical devices may already comply with the standard at the time of shipment. In such cases, the control unit 390 reads the two-dimensional code displayed on the label using the reader 333, but it is not necessary to generate a second identifier or to print the label on a printer. On the other hand, physical devices may have labels pre-attached that display two-dimensional codes of a different standard. In that case, the control unit 390 communicates with the physical device using the communication unit 320 to read the identifier of the physical device and generates a second identifier based on the read identifier. The control unit 390 then has a printer print a label displaying a two-dimensional code encoding the generated second identifier. The second user affixes the printed label in place of the existing label. Alternatively, the second user may affix the printed label over the existing label.

[0135] In step S26, the server 20 associates the hub with the floor plan. Specifically, for example, the pairing module 2034 stores the floor plan ID received from the second terminal device 30 and the second identifier in a new record in the hub management table 2024. The generation of the second identifier may be performed by the server 20.

[0136] In step S27, the pairing module 2034 extracts information about the logical devices located in the floor plan associated with the hub. Specifically, for example, the pairing module 2034 searches the logical device table 2022 based on the floor plan ID associated with the hub and obtains information in the "Name" field. The transmission control module 2032 sends the extracted list of logical device names, that is, the list of names of the physical devices to be paired with the hub, to the second terminal device 30.

[0137] In step S28, the second terminal device 30 receives a list of physical device names from the server 20 and stores it in the storage unit 380. The second terminal device 30 may also present the list of physical device names received from the server 20 to the user via the display 341.

[0138] In step S29, the second terminal device 30 receives input of identifiers for the hub and physical equipment to be installed in the building. Specifically, for example, once the placement of logical equipment on the architectural drawing data is complete, the physical equipment to be actually installed is ordered based on the placed logical equipment. The ordered physical equipment is delivered to the second user. The second user may, for example, input the identifier of the physical equipment to the second terminal device 30 by communicating with the physical equipment via the communication unit 320. The identifier of the physical equipment is, for example, the MAC address of the hub.

[0139] In step S210, the second terminal device 30 generates a second identifier in accordance with a predetermined standard based on the identifier of the physical device. The control unit 390 transmits the second identifier of the physical device to the server 20.

[0140] The control unit 390 generates a two-dimensional code that encodes the generated second identifier. The control unit 390 sends information for printing the two-dimensional code to the printer. The printer prints a label displaying the two-dimensional code according to the information received from the second terminal device 30. The second user attaches the printed label to the physical device that read the identifier. At this time, it is preferable that the position where the label is attached is such that the two-dimensional code can be seen when the physical device is actually installed.

[0141] In step S210, the second terminal device 30 may determine whether the physical device from which the identifier was entered is a physical device that should be paired with the hub. Specifically, for example, the control unit 390 obtains the name of the physical device along with the identifier. The control unit 390 compares the obtained name with the list of names provided by the server 20 and determines whether the physical device from which the identifier was read is included in the list. If it is included, the control unit 390 proceeds to the next step in the pairing process. If it is not included, the control unit 390 notifies the second user that the physical device is not subject to pairing, and the pairing process does not proceed to the next step.

[0142] In step S211, the server 20 registers the physical device. Specifically, for example, the pairing module 2034 stores the second identifier and the floor plan ID in association with a new record in the physical device table 2023. The pairing module 2034 may also store the second identifier of the bus to be paired with the newly registered physical device in association with it.

[0143] Once the hub and the physical device are registered, the second user pairs the hub and the physical device. Specifically, for example, the second user presses a designated button to transition the hub and the physical device into pairing mode. The second user brings the hub and the physical device, which are in pairing mode, into close proximity. This automatically exchanges pairing requests between the hub and the physical device using the Zigbee® protocol, and the hub and the physical device exchange the information necessary to detect each other and communicate. The hub stores the received information in its memory unit to configure the pairing between itself and the physical device. The hub sends information to the second terminal device 30 indicating that pairing with the physical device is complete. The second terminal device 30 displays on the display 341 that pairing between the physical device and the hub is complete.

[0144] The second user repeats the hub code reading operation in step S24 and the physical device code reading operation in step S29 until the pairing of all physical devices included in the list acquired by the second terminal device 30 in step S28 is completed. The second terminal device 30 and the server 20 repeat the operations from steps S23 to S211 in response to the operation of the second terminal device 30 by the second user.

[0145] After each physical device to be paired with the hub has been successfully paired, the paired hub and physical devices are packaged and delivered to the construction site. In other words, in this embodiment, since the pairing of the hub and physical devices is completed at the shipping stage before installation in the building, there is no need to pair the physical devices and hub at the construction site. Therefore, the workload at the construction site can be reduced.

[0146] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the pairing process pairs the physical equipment with the hub for each floor plan. Therefore, if a building has multiple dwelling units with the same floor plan, the hub and physical equipment can be delivered to the site without distinguishing between the dwelling units with the same floor plan. Consequently, the effort required for delivering physical equipment can be reduced. In addition, the workload at the construction site can be reduced.

[0147] After the physical equipment has been delivered, the workers responsible for installing it will install the hub and the physical equipment in their designated locations according to the floor plan and electrical wiring plan. At this stage, the workers can install the hub and physical equipment without distinguishing between dwelling units that share the same floor plan, just as they did during delivery. Therefore, the workload at the construction site can be reduced.

[0148] (Matching process) Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation between the third terminal device 40 and the server 20 when associating physical equipment actually installed in a dwelling unit with logical equipment placed on the dwelling unit's drawing data. The association process described in Figure 15 is performed after workers have installed the physical equipment in the building.

[0149] The control unit 203 of server 20 stores information about each dwelling unit in the building in the storage unit 202 at any time before executing the mapping process. Specifically, for example, the control unit 203 stores the building ID, dwelling unit number, and floor plan ID corresponding to each dwelling unit in a new record in the dwelling unit table 2025 for each dwelling unit. The information stored in the dwelling unit table may also be transmitted to server 20 by a designated user operating a designated terminal device. In addition, the control unit 203 stores information about logical devices that require mapping in the storage unit 202 at any time before executing the mapping process. Specifically, for example, the control unit 203 stores the mapping ID, dwelling unit ID, logical device ID, and status in a new record in the mapping table 2026 for each logical device that requires mapping.

[0150] In step S31, the third terminal device 40 authenticates the third user, who is a staff member responsible for mapping logical devices to physical devices. Specifically, the third user instructs the third terminal device 40 to execute an application for mapping. Once the third terminal device 40 executes the application, the control unit 490 displays a login screen for user authentication on the display 441.

[0151] The third user enters, for example, a user ID and password on the login screen. The information entered by the third user on the login screen is not limited to a user ID and password. Once user authentication is complete, the control unit 490 connects to the server 20, associating it with the user ID.

[0152] In step S32, the control unit 203 retrieves the information of the dwelling units stored in the storage unit 202. Specifically, for example, the control unit 203 retrieves the information stored in each record of the dwelling unit table. The control unit 203 transmits the retrieved information to the third terminal device 40.

[0153] In step S33, the control unit 490 receives information transmitted from the server 20. The control unit 490 displays a list of building names received from the server 20 on the display 441. The third user selects a building to be associated from the list of buildings displayed on the display 441. Upon receiving the building selection, the control unit 490 displays information about the dwelling units included in that building on the display 441.

[0154] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of information about dwelling units in a building specified by a third user, as displayed on the third terminal device 40. The screen shown in Figure 16 displays a list of dwelling units on the 15th floor of an apartment building named ABC Apartments. The screen shown in Figure 16 displays object 4411, which indicates the name of the building.

[0155] In the screen shown in Figure 16, object 4412 is displayed, indicating the floor on which the currently displayed dwelling unit is located. When the user clicks on object 4412, a screen appears for specifying other floors in the building displayed on object 4411. The user can change the floor on which the dwelling unit information is displayed by specifying a desired floor from the displayed screen.

[0156] The screen shown in Figure 16 displays area 4413, which shows the progress of mapping in each dwelling unit located on the floor indicated by object 4412. In Figure 16, area 4413 shows that a total of 30 physical devices subject to mapping are installed in each dwelling unit. In Figure 16, area 4413 shows that there are 18 physical devices in Unit 1503 that have not yet been started. In Figure 16, area 4413 shows that there are 5 physical devices in Unit 1503 that have been scanned. In Figure 16, area 4413 shows that there are 5 physical devices in Unit 1503 that have been reported. In Figure 16, area 4413 shows that there are 2 physical devices in Unit 1503 that have been verified.

[0157] In Figure 16, in region 4413, for dwelling units where the mapping and operational verification of all physical equipment has been completed, object 44131 is displayed to indicate that the mapping and operational verification of all physical equipment has been completed in that dwelling unit.

[0158] The screen shown in Figure 16 displays area 4414, which shows the progress of mapping physical equipment for all dwelling units located on the floor displayed in object 4412. In the screen shown in Figure 16, area 4414 displays the total number of physical equipment installed in the dwelling units on the 15th floor, the total number of physical equipment that has not yet been started, the total number of physical equipment that has been scanned, the total number of physical equipment that has been reported, and the total number of physical equipment that has been verified.

[0159] The third terminal device 40 accepts the designation of the dwelling unit to be mapped by the third user. Specifically, for example, the third user presses the item indicating the dwelling unit to be mapped from among the dwelling units included in the area 4413 shown in Figure 16. The third terminal device 40 sends the dwelling unit ID, floor plan ID of the designated dwelling unit, and the user ID of the third user to the server 20.

[0160] In step S34, the control unit 203 retrieves floor plan information and logical device information associated with the dwelling unit specified by the third user from the storage unit 202. Specifically, for example, the control unit 203 searches the floor plan table 2021 and the logical device table 2022 based on the floor plan ID received from the third terminal device 40 and retrieves the information of the corresponding record.

[0161] Based on the information obtained from the storage unit 202, the control unit 203 transmits information to the third terminal device 40 that will cause the floor plan of the dwelling unit, which shows the placement of logical devices, to be displayed on the third terminal device 40.

[0162] Furthermore, the control unit 203 searches the mapping table 2026 using the dwelling unit ID received from the third terminal device 40, and stores the user ID of the third user in the "Responsible User" field of the corresponding record. This allows the system to communicate to other third users that the third user in question is responsible for the mapping process for that dwelling unit.

[0163] In step S35, the third terminal device 40 displays the floor plan of the dwelling unit designated by the third user and a list of logical devices associated with the floor plan on the display 441.

[0164] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the third terminal device 40, showing a floor plan and a list of logical devices. The screen shown in Figure 17 includes an area 4417 that displays an image of the floor plan of a dwelling unit specified by the third user. The floor plan image displays icons indicating that physical devices need to be installed at locations corresponding to the location coordinates stored in the "Location Information" item of the logical device table 2022. The appearance of the icons may change depending on the progress of the physical device mapping. For example, in the screen shown in Figure 17, the icons are displayed in different colors and shapes for the "Not Started," "Scanned," "Reported," and "Verified" states, respectively.

[0165] The screen shown in Figure 17 includes area 4415, which displays a list of logical devices placed on the drawing data specified by the third user. In Figure 17, area 4415 displays a list of logical devices placed on the floor plan image displayed in area 4417. In the list of logical devices displayed in area 4415, each logical device item displays the same icon as the icon indicating the location of the logical device displayed on the floor plan image in area 4417. In the list of logical devices displayed in area 4415, each logical device item is displayed in a different color depending on the progress of the logical device mapping.

[0166] The screen shown in Figure 17 includes area 4416, which displays the number of logical devices for each mapping progress in the dwelling unit specified by the third user. In Figure 17, area 4416 shows that there are a total of 30 physical devices to be mapped, 18 of which are not yet started, 5 of which have been scanned, 5 of which have been reported, and 2 of which have been verified.

[0167] The third terminal device 40 receives a specification of the placement location of a logical device from the third user. Specifically, for example, the third user presses an icon indicating the placement location of a logical device from the floor plan image included in the area 4417 shown in Figure 17. When a placement location is specified, the third terminal device 40 displays on the display 441 an instruction to read information relating to the correspondence between the physical device installed at that location and the logical device. The third terminal device 40 may also display on the display 441 at least one of the following: the type, name, or progress of the correspondence of the logical device related to the specified location.

[0168] Instead of accepting the specification of the placement location of a logical device, the third terminal device 40 may accept the selection of a logical device to be mapped from a list of logical devices. Specifically, for example, the third user may press the item of the logical device to be mapped from the list of logical devices included in the area 4415 shown in Figure 17. When the third terminal device 40 accepts the selection of a logical device, it displays the location of the selected logical device on the floor plan in a way that allows it to be distinguished from other logical devices. Specifically, for example, in the floor plan image shown in Figure 17, the third terminal device 40 displays an icon indicating the location of the logical device specified by the third user, surrounded by icon 44171.

[0169] In step S36, the third terminal device 40 receives input of information identifying the physical device. Specifically, for example, the third user inputs the second identifier of the physical device to the third terminal device 40 by reading the code assigned to the physical device with the camera 460 of the third terminal device 40. The third terminal device 40 transmits the logical device ID of the logical device specified in step S35, the acquired second identifier, and the user ID of the third user to the server 20.

[0170] In step S37, the control unit 203 uses the mapping module 2035 to associate the installed physical equipment with the logical equipment placed on the architectural drawing data, based on the information read by the third terminal device 40. Specifically, for example, the mapping module 2035 searches the mapping table 2026 based on the logical equipment ID received from the third terminal device 40 and stores the second identifier received from the third terminal device 40 in the physical equipment ID field. This binds the physical equipment installed in the building with the logical equipment logically placed at the location where the physical equipment is installed. The physical equipment is driven according to the specifications set for the logical equipment.

[0171] Furthermore, the control unit 203 changes the progress status item to the scanned state using the progress management module 2036. This allows the progress of the mapping between logical devices and physical devices to be shared with users other than the third user.

[0172] The control unit 203 transmits information regarding the association between the physical device and the logical device to the third terminal device 40.

[0173] In step S38, the third terminal device 40 displays a screen on the display 441 for receiving instructions to perform operational verification on the physical device that has been associated.

[0174] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the third terminal device 40 for receiving instructions for operational verification of the associated physical equipment. The screen shown in Figure 18 is overlaid on the screen shown in Figure 17, for example. The screen shown in Figure 18 includes an area 4418 for displaying buttons to receive input from the third user regarding operational verification.

[0175] In Figure 18, area 4418 displays a button 44181 for sending signals to drive a physical device. When a third user presses button 44181, the third terminal device 40 sends an instruction to the server 20 to perform an operation verification. The control unit 203 refers to, for example, the logical device table 2022 and the mapping module 2035 to identify the physical device associated with the logical device located at that position, based on its position on the floor plan image. The control unit 203 refers to the physical device table 2023 to obtain the hub ID of the hub paired with the identified physical device. The mapping module 2035 refers to the hub management table 2024 to identify the hub paired with the mapped physical device based on the obtained hub ID. The mapping module 2035 instructs the identified hub to perform an operation verification of the physical device.

[0176] When the hub receives instructions from server 20, it sends a signal to the physical device being verified to perform a predetermined action. The physical device receives the signal from the hub and performs the action in accordance with the instructions.

[0177] In step S38, the third terminal device 40 receives input of the verification result of the operation of the associated physical device and stores the received verification result in the storage unit 480. Specifically, for example, if the third user confirms that the associated physical device is operating correctly, they press the button 44182 displayed on the screen shown in Figure 18. In this case, the third terminal device 40 stores information in the storage unit 480 indicating that the associated physical device is operating correctly. If the response of the associated physical device cannot be confirmed, the third user presses the button 44183 displayed on the screen shown in Figure 18. In this case, the third terminal device 40 stores information in the storage unit 480 indicating that the operation of the associated physical device was not performed correctly.

[0178] The third terminal device 40 transmits information regarding the verification results of the operation of the physical equipment received from the third user to the server 20.

[0179] In step S39, the control unit 203 receives the results of the physical device operation verification via the receiving control module 2031. The control unit 203 updates the progress status of the mapping via the progress management module 2036. Specifically, for example, the progress management module 2036 searches the mapping table based on the physical device ID received from the third terminal device 40 and updates the value of the progress status item. The control unit 203 transmits information indicating that the progress status of the mapping has been updated to the third terminal device 40 via the transmission control module 2032.

[0180] In step S310, when the third terminal device 40 receives a notification, it changes the appearance of the icons representing the logical devices targeted for mapping, located in areas 4415 and 4416, on the screen shown in Figure 17, according to the progress of the mapping. For example, if the physical device operates correctly during the operation verification, the third terminal device 40 sets the icon of the corresponding logical device to the appearance corresponding to the verified state. For example, if the physical device does not operate correctly during the operation verification, the third terminal device 40 sets the icon of the corresponding logical device to the appearance corresponding to the reported state.

[0181] As a result, the mapping of the logical device specified in step S35 to the physical device is completed. Once the mapping between the logical device and the physical device is complete, the third user selects a logical device that has not yet been mapped to a physical device from area 4415 shown in Figure 17. The third terminal device 40 and the server 20 repeat the process from steps S35 to S310, for example, until there are no more logical devices in area 4415 that have not yet been mapped.

[0182] As described above, in the above embodiment, the control unit 203 receives input of the arrangement and usage of logical devices from the first terminal device 10 on the architectural drawing data of a predetermined building. Based on the architectural drawing data associated with the arrangement and usage of the logical devices, the control unit 203 registers the arrangement location and operating settings of the logical devices. The control unit 203 receives identification information of physical devices to be installed in the building and identification information of hubs to be installed in the building from the second terminal device 30. The physical devices are marked with labels that allow identification of the physical devices, and the hubs are marked with labels that allow identification of the hubs. The control unit 203 registers the identification information of the physical devices and the identification information of the hubs, and pairs the physical devices with the hubs. After the physical devices and hubs are installed in the building, the control unit 203 displays a floor plan image of the building showing the arrangement locations of the logical devices on the third terminal device 40. When a placement location is specified in the floor plan image via the third terminal device 40, the control unit 203 causes the third terminal device 40 to display a request for the physical equipment or hub attached to the placement location. In response to the request, the control unit 203 associates the identification information read from the physical equipment or hub by the third terminal device 40 with the logical equipment placed on the floor plan image.

[0183] To minimize on-site work, it is desirable to complete as much of the feasible processing as possible before construction. In conventional technology, for example, physical device settings such as pairing of physical equipment are performed on-site, which places a heavy burden on the installer. In this embodiment, on-site commissioning is minimized as much as possible. In other words, in this embodiment, part of the commissioning (pairing, registration of physical equipment) is completed before the physical equipment is shipped, and on-site, only the registration of the physical equipment's location information is required. This makes it possible to reduce on-site uncertainty and labor costs.

[0184] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the costs and effort involved in a series of tasks, from the design stage of a property to which smart home devices are installed, to construction, setup, and operational verification, can be reduced.

[0185] Furthermore, by determining the placement of logical devices on the architectural drawing data and using that architectural drawing data as the master data, it becomes impossible to modify the design on-site. This prevents unnecessary changes to the design and enables a stable construction period. In addition, building information can be generated from a single source based on the master data, making the work more efficient.

[0186] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the control unit 203 displays a list of logical devices that need to be associated with physical devices, and upon receiving a selection of a logical device from the list, it displays the corresponding location on the floor plan image in a way that allows it to be distinguished from the location of other logical devices. This enables the system to easily and reliably guide staff to the location that needs to be associated with physical devices.

[0187] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the control unit 203 receives a selection of a predetermined location on the floor plan image, it displays the name of the logical device corresponding to the selected location. This makes it possible for the system to prevent staff from mistaking the physical device to be associated with it.

[0188] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the control unit 203 receives an instruction to verify the operation of the installed physical device, it transmits a signal to drive the physical device at the location where the physical device is installed. This makes it possible to associate the physical device with its installation location and verify the operation of the physical device at the same time. As a result, the work can be carried out more efficiently.

[0189] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the control unit 203 receives input indicating whether or not the attached physical device has been driven, and stores the result. This makes it possible to accurately store the verification result for each physical device.

[0190] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the control unit 203 manages logic devices that have not been associated, logic devices that have been associated, logic devices that have been associated but have malfunctioned during verification, and logic devices for which verification has been completed. This makes it possible to install physical equipment in the building as intended during the design phase.

[0191] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the control unit 203 displays the number of logic devices that have not been associated, the number of logic devices that have been associated, the number of logic devices that have been associated but have malfunctioned during verification, or the number of logic devices that have been verified. This makes it possible to accurately grasp the construction period.

[0192] <Variation> In the above embodiment, System 1 performed each of the processes shown in the embodiment on a building that contains dwelling units for people to live in. However, the buildings that System 1 processes are not particularly limited. For example, System 1 can also process buildings for people to work in, buildings where people stay for some purpose, and buildings for storing specific items.

[0193] In the above embodiment, the first terminal device 10 received a specification from the user regarding the placement of logical devices on the floor plan drawing data. However, the first terminal device 10 may, for example, have a presentation control unit 194 propose the placement of logical devices based on the building's floor plan. Specifically, for example, when the presentation control unit 194 acquires architectural drawing data, it acquires information about the room features included in the architectural drawing data. Information about room features includes, for example, the room layout, room dimensions, room shape, furniture arrangement, or information about at least a combination of these. The presentation control unit 194 receives a specification of logical devices from the user. The presentation control unit 194 proposes the placement of the specified logical devices from the acquired information about the room features. The presentation control unit 194 may propose the placement of the specified logical devices based on a predetermined table or by a trained model. The trained model is, for example, trained by supervised learning or reinforcement learning to output the placement of selected logical devices when logical devices and architectural drawing data are input, based on the relationship between room features and physical devices installed in the room. The suggestion control unit 194, for example, inputs architectural drawing data and logical devices specified by the user into the learning model, and outputs a suitable arrangement for those logical devices. The user may accept the suggested arrangement or not. The user may also modify the suggested arrangement and then adopt it.

[0194] In the above embodiment, the first terminal device 10 received a specification of a logical device from the first user. However, the first terminal device 10 may, for example, use the suggestion control unit 194 to suggest logical devices that can be placed in the floor plan based on architectural drawing data. Specifically, for example, when the suggestion control unit 194 acquires architectural drawing data, it acquires information about the characteristics of the room contained in the architectural drawing data. Based on the acquired information, the suggestion control unit 194 identifies candidates for logical devices to be placed in the room and candidates for their placement locations, and proposes them to the first user. The suggestion control unit 194 may propose candidates for logical devices and placement locations based on a predetermined table, or it may be done using a trained model. The trained model is, for example, trained by supervised learning or reinforcement learning to output candidates for logical devices when architectural drawing data is input, based on the relationship between the characteristics of the room and the physical devices installed in the room. The user may accept the suggested proposals or not. The user may also modify and adopt the suggested proposals.

[0195] Furthermore, the first terminal device 10 may suggest logical devices that can be placed at locations specified by the user on the architectural drawing data. Specifically, for example, the suggestion control unit 194 receives a specification from the user of the location on the architectural drawing data where the user wishes to place the logical devices. The suggestion control unit 194 identifies candidate logical devices to be installed at that location based on information about the characteristics of the room and the specified location, and suggests them to the user. The suggestion control unit 194 may suggest candidate logical devices to be installed at the specified location based on a predetermined table, or it may be done using a trained model. The trained model is, for example, trained by supervised learning or reinforcement learning to output candidate logical devices when architectural drawing data and locations within the architectural drawing data are input, based on the relationship between the characteristics of the room and the physical devices installed in the room. The user may accept the suggested proposals or not. The user may also modify the suggested proposals and then adopt them.

[0196] Furthermore, the first terminal device 10 may, for example, use a logical device based on the logical device and its placement location specified by the user, using a suggestion control unit 194. Specifically, for example, when the suggestion control unit 194 receives a specification of a logical device and a specification of the location where the logical device will be placed from the user, it suggests a use for the specified logical device at the specified location based on architectural drawing data. The suggestion control unit 194 may perform the suggestion of the logical device's use based on a predetermined table or on a trained model. The trained model is, for example, trained through supervised learning or reinforcement learning to output a use for a logical device when logical device, placement location, and architectural drawing data are input, based on the relationship between room characteristics, physical devices installed in the room, and the use of the installed physical devices. The user may accept the suggested proposal or not. The user may also modify and adopt the suggested proposal.

[0197] Furthermore, the first terminal device 10 may, for example, use the presentation control unit 194 to suggest the placement location and intended use of a logical device based on the user's specification of the logical device. Alternatively, the first terminal device 10 may, for example, use the presentation control unit 194 to suggest a logical device and its intended use based on the location specified in the architectural drawing data. The user may accept the suggested proposal or not. The user may also modify and adopt the suggested proposal.

[0198] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, System 1 performed pairing and mapping processes based on registration information. In addition, System 1 may generate ordering information for ordering necessary physical equipment based on registration information. Specifically, for example, the control unit 203 of Server 20 searches the logical equipment table 2022 based on a predetermined floor plan ID and obtains information for the item "Name". As a result, the control unit 203 obtains a list of physical equipment required for the dwelling unit built based on the floor plan. Based on the obtained list of physical equipment, the control unit 203 generates ordering information including the name and quantity of the physical equipment. This makes it possible to reduce the effort required to generate ordering information. Also, since component ordering and other operations can be performed from a single source based on master data, the work becomes more efficient.

[0199] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the third terminal device 40 did not particularly restrict the destination of the display of logical device information. However, the third terminal device 40 may not display information about logical devices to staff other than designated staff. Specifically, when processing related to mapping is being performed for a designated logical device, the information for mapping the logical device may not be displayed to non-designated staff other than the staff member in charge of mapping the logical device. For example, if a non-designated staff member selects an item related to the logical device on the screen shown in Figure 17 while processing related to the mapping of the logical device is being performed on the terminal device of the designated staff member, instead of displaying information for mapping the logical device, a message indicating that the operation related to the mapping of the logical device is locked by another staff member may be displayed.

[0200] Furthermore, the third terminal device 40 may prevent a third user operating its own device from accessing the screen shown in Figure 17 for a given dwelling unit if another third user is accessing that dwelling unit. For example, when a third user operating its own device requests processing for a given dwelling unit, the third terminal device 40 determines whether another third user is performing mapping processing for that dwelling unit. For example, the third terminal device 40 accesses the server 20 to determine whether another third user is stored as the responsible user in the record for that dwelling unit in the mapping table 2026. If another third user is performing mapping processing for a given dwelling unit, the third terminal device 40 may prevent access to the screen shown in Figure 17 for that dwelling unit until that processing is completed. In other words, when mapping between physical and logical devices is being performed via one of the multiple third terminal devices 40, the control unit 203 prevents other third terminal devices 40 from performing processing via those devices. This restricts the display of information about the logical devices associated with that dwelling unit to other staff members. Furthermore, it becomes possible to avoid congestion at the site due to multiple staff members being involved.

[0201] <4. Basic Hardware Configuration of a Computer> Figure 19 is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of computer 90. Computer 90 includes at least a processor 91, main memory 92, auxiliary memory 93, and a communication interface 99. These are electrically connected to each other by a bus.

[0202] The processor 91 is hardware for executing the instruction set written in the program. The processor 91 consists of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, etc.

[0203] Main memory 92 is used to temporarily store programs and data processed by programs, etc. For example, it is a volatile memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0204] Auxiliary storage device 93 is a storage device for storing data and programs. Examples include flash memory, HDD (Hard Disc Drive), magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, and semiconductor memory.

[0205] A communication IF99 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals for communication with other computers via a network using wired or wireless communication standards. A network consists of various mobile communication systems, such as the internet, LANs, and wireless base stations. For example, a network includes 3G, 4G, and 5G mobile communication systems, LTE (Long Term Evolution), and wireless networks that can connect to the internet via designated access points (e.g., Wi-Fi®). When connecting wirelessly, communication protocols include, for example, Z-Wave®, ZigBee®, and Bluetooth®. When connecting via a wired connection, the network also includes connections made directly via USB (Universal Serial Bus) cables, etc.

[0206] Furthermore, by distributing all or part of each hardware configuration across multiple computers 90 and connecting them to each other via a network, a computer 90 can be virtually realized. Thus, the concept of computer 90 includes not only a computer 90 housed in a single enclosure or case, but also a virtualized computer system.

[0207] <Basic Functional Configuration of Computer 90> The functional configuration of the computer realized by the basic hardware configuration of computer 90 shown in Figure 19 will be explained. The computer comprises at least one functional unit: a control unit, a memory unit, and a communication unit.

[0208] Furthermore, the functional units of computer 90 can also be realized by distributing all or part of each functional unit across multiple computers 90 interconnected via a network. The concept of computer 90 includes not only a single computer 90 but also a virtualized computer system.

[0209] The control unit is realized when the processor 91 reads various programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 93, loads them into the main memory device 92, and executes processing according to those programs. The control unit can realize various functional units that perform information processing depending on the type of program. In this way, the computer is realized as an information processing device that performs information processing.

[0210] The memory unit is implemented by a main memory 92 and an auxiliary memory 93. The memory unit stores data, various programs, and various databases. The processor 91 can also reserve memory areas corresponding to the memory unit in the main memory 92 or the auxiliary memory 93 according to the program. The control unit can also cause the processor 91 to perform operations such as adding, updating, and deleting data stored in the memory unit according to the various programs.

[0211] A database, specifically a relational database, is used to manage and link data sets called tables, which are structurally defined by rows and columns. In a database, tables are called tables, the columns of a table are called columns, and the rows of a table are called records. In a relational database, relationships can be established and linked between tables. Typically, each table has a key column to uniquely identify records, but setting a key column is not mandatory. The control unit can instruct the processor 91 to add, delete, or update records in specific tables stored in the memory unit according to various programs.

[0212] The communication unit is implemented by the communication IF99. The communication unit implements the function of communicating with other computers 90 via the network. The communication unit can receive information transmitted from other computers 90 and input it to the control unit. The control unit can cause the processor 91 to perform information processing on the received information according to various programs. The communication unit can also transmit information output from the control unit to other computers 90.

[0213] While several embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, these embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications are permitted without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents.

[0214] <Note> The details described in each of the above embodiments are noted below. (Note 1) A system having one or more information processing devices, One or more information processing devices have a processing circuit. The processing circuit is The system accepts input of the layout and intended use of logical devices on the architectural drawing data of a designated building from the first terminal. Based on architectural drawing data that associates the placement and usage of logical devices, the placement location and operating settings of the logical devices are registered. The system receives identification information for the physical equipment to be installed in the building and the identification information for the hub to be installed in the building from a second terminal. The physical equipment is then labeled with a label that identifies the physical equipment, and the hub is then labeled with a label that identifies the hub. Register the identification information of the physical device and the identification information of the hub, and pair the physical device and the hub. After the physical equipment and hub have been installed in the building, the third terminal displays a floor plan image of the building showing the location of the logical equipment. In the floor plan image, when a placement location is specified via a third terminal, a request for the physical equipment or hub installed at that location is displayed on the third terminal. A system that associates identification information read from physical equipment or a hub by a third terminal upon request with logical equipment placed on a floor plan image. (Note 2) The Processing Circuit is a system described in Appendix 1 that proposes the placement of logical components based on the building's floor plan. (Note 3) The processing circuit is a system described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2 that proposes logical devices that can be arranged based on the floor plan of a building. (Note 4) A processing circuit is a system described in any of the appendices 1 to 3 that proposes logical devices that can be placed at specified locations on architectural drawing data. (Note 5) The processing circuit is a system described in any of the appendices 1 to 4 that generates ordering information for ordering necessary physical equipment based on architectural drawing data that associates the placement and usage of logical devices. (Note 6) The processing circuit is Display a list of logical devices that need to be mapped to physical devices. A system described in any of the appendices 1 to 5 that, upon receiving a selection of a logical device from a list, displays the corresponding location on the floor plan image in a way that makes it distinguishable from the corresponding location of other logical devices. (Note 7) The processing circuit is a system described in one of the appendices 1 to 6 that, upon receiving a selection of a predetermined location on a floor plan image, displays the name of the logical device corresponding to the selected location. (Note 8) The processing circuit is a system described in any of the appendices 1 to 7 that, when the mapping between physical and logical devices is performed via a predetermined third terminal among multiple third terminals, prevents the execution of processing via other third terminals. (Note 9) The processing circuit is a system described in any of Appendix 1 to Appendix 8, which, upon receiving instructions to verify the operation of the installed physical equipment, transmits a signal to drive the physical equipment at the location where the physical equipment is installed. (Note 10) The processing circuit is the system described in Appendix 9, which accepts input indicating whether or not an attached physical device has been driven and stores the result. (Note 11) The processing circuit is the system described in Appendix 10 that manages logic devices that are not mapped, logic devices that are mapped, logic devices that are mapped but have malfunctioned during verification, or logic devices that have completed verification. (Note 12) The processing circuit is the system described in Appendix 11, which displays the number of unassigned logical devices, the number of assigned logical devices, the number of assigned logical devices that have failed verification, or the number of logical devices that have completed verification. (Note 13) A method performed by a processing circuit of one or more information processing devices in a system having one or more information processing devices, The processing circuit is The system accepts input of the layout and intended use of logical devices on the architectural drawing data of a designated building from the first terminal. Based on architectural drawing data that associates the placement and usage of logical devices, the placement location and operating settings of the logical devices are registered. The system receives identification information for the physical equipment to be installed in the building and the identification information for the hub to be installed in the building from a second terminal. The physical equipment is then labeled with a label that identifies the physical equipment, and the hub is then labeled with a label that identifies the hub. Register the identification information of the physical device and the identification information of the hub, and pair the physical device and the hub. After the physical equipment and hub have been installed in the building, the third terminal displays a floor plan image of the building showing the location of the logical equipment. In the floor plan image, when a placement location is specified via a third terminal, a request for the physical equipment or hub installed at that location is displayed on the third terminal. A method for associating identification information read from a physical device or hub by a third terminal upon request with logical devices placed on a floor plan image. (Note 14) The processing circuit is Display a list of logical devices that need to be mapped to physical devices. The method described in Appendix 13, which, upon receiving a selection of a logical device displayed in the list, displays the corresponding location on the floor plan image in a way that makes it distinguishable from the corresponding location of other logical devices. (Note 15) The processing circuit, upon receiving the selection of a predetermined location on the floor plan image, displays the selected location and the name of the corresponding logical device using the method described in Appendix 13 or Appendix 14. (Note 16) The processing circuit, when the mapping between physical and logical devices is being performed via a predetermined third terminal among a plurality of third terminals, prevents the execution of processing via other third terminals, as described in any of the methods described in Appendix 13 to Appendix 15. (Note 17) The processing circuit, upon receiving instructions to verify the operation of the installed physical equipment, transmits a signal to drive the physical equipment at the location where the physical equipment is installed, in any of the manner described in Appendix 13 to Appendix 16. (Note 18) The processing circuit accepts input indicating whether or not an attached physical device has been driven, and stores the result, as described in Appendix 17. (Note 19) The processing circuit is managed by the method described in Appendix 18, which includes logic devices that are not mapped, logic devices that are mapped, logic devices that are mapped but have malfunctions during verification, and logic devices that have completed verification. (Note 20) The processing circuit displays the number of logic devices that have not been mapped, the number of logic devices that have been mapped, the number of logic devices that have been mapped but have malfunctioned during verification, or the number of logic devices that have been verified, using the method described in Appendix 19. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0215] 1: System 10: First terminal device 15: Memory 16: Storage 19: Processor 20: Server 25: Memory 26: Storage 29: Processor 30: Second terminal device 35: Memory 36: Storage 39: Processor 40: Third terminal device 45: Memory 46: Storage 49: Processor

Claims

1. A system having one or more information processing devices, The one or more information processing devices described above have a processing circuit. The aforementioned processing circuit is The system accepts input of the layout and intended use of logical devices on the architectural drawing data of a designated building from the first terminal. Based on the architectural drawing data associated with the arrangement and usage of the aforementioned logical devices, the placement location and operating settings of the logical devices are registered. The identification information of the physical equipment to be installed in the building and the identification information of the hub to be installed in the building are received from the second terminal, the physical equipment is affixed with a label that allows identification of the physical equipment's identification information, and the hub is affixed with a label that allows identification of the hub's identification information. The identification information of the physical device and the identification information of the hub are registered, and the physical device and the hub are paired. After the physical equipment and the hub have been installed in the building, the third terminal is made to display a floor plan image of the building showing the placement of the logical equipment. In the floor plan image, when the placement location is specified via the third terminal, the third terminal displays a request for the physical equipment or hub installed at that placement location. A system that associates identification information read from the physical device or hub by a third terminal in response to the aforementioned request with the logical device arranged on the floor plan image.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuit proposes the arrangement of the logic devices based on the floor plan of the building.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuit is a logical device that can be arranged based on the floor plan of the building.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuit is a logical device that can be placed at a specified position on the architectural drawing data.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuit generates ordering information for ordering necessary physical equipment based on the architectural drawing data associated with the arrangement and usage of the logical equipment.

6. The aforementioned processing circuit is Display a list of logical devices that need to be mapped to physical devices. The system according to claim 1, which, upon receiving a selection of the logical device displayed in the list, displays the corresponding location on the floor plan image in a manner that can be distinguished from the corresponding location of other logical devices.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuit, upon receiving the selection of a predetermined position on the floor plan image, displays the name of the logical device corresponding to the selected position.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuit prevents the execution of processing via other third terminals when the association between the physical device and the logical device is being performed via a predetermined third terminal among a plurality of third terminals.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuit, upon receiving an instruction to verify the operation of the attached physical device, transmits a signal to drive the physical device at the location where the physical device is attached.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the processing circuit receives an input indicating whether or not the attached physical device has been driven, and stores the result.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the processing circuit manages logic devices that have not been mapped, logic devices that have been mapped, logic devices that have been mapped but have malfunctioned during verification, or logic devices that have been verified.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the processing circuit displays the number of logic devices that have not been mapped, the number of logic devices that have been mapped, the number of logic devices that have been mapped but have malfunctioned during verification, or the number of logic devices that have been verified.

13. A method performed by a processing circuit of one or more information processing devices in a system having one or more information processing devices, The aforementioned processing circuit is The system accepts input of the layout and intended use of logical devices on the architectural drawing data of a designated building from the first terminal. Based on the architectural drawing data associated with the arrangement and usage of the aforementioned logical devices, the placement location and operating settings of the logical devices are registered. The identification information of the physical equipment to be installed in the building and the identification information of the hub to be installed in the building are received from the second terminal, the physical equipment is affixed with a label that allows identification of the physical equipment's identification information, and the hub is affixed with a label that allows identification of the hub's identification information. The identification information of the physical device and the identification information of the hub are registered, and the physical device and the hub are paired. After the physical equipment and the hub have been installed in the building, the third terminal is made to display a floor plan image of the building showing the placement of the logical equipment. In the floor plan image, when the placement location is specified via the third terminal, the third terminal displays a request for the physical equipment or hub installed at that placement location. A method for associating identification information read from the physical device or hub by a third terminal in response to the aforementioned request with the logical device arranged on the floor plan image.

14. The aforementioned processing circuit is Display a list of logical devices that need to be mapped to physical devices. The method according to claim 13, wherein, upon receiving a selection of the logical device displayed in the list, the corresponding position on the floor plan image is displayed in a manner that can be distinguished from the corresponding position of other logical devices.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the processing circuit, upon receiving the selection of a predetermined position on the floor plan image, displays the name of the logical device corresponding to the selected position.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein the processing circuit prevents the execution of processing via other third terminals when the association between the physical device and the logical device is being performed via a predetermined third terminal among a plurality of third terminals.

17. The method according to claim 13, wherein the processing circuit, upon receiving an instruction to verify the operation of the attached physical device, transmits a signal to drive the physical device at the location where the physical device is attached.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the processing circuit receives an input indicating whether or not the attached physical device has been driven, and stores the result.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the processing circuit manages logic devices that have not been mapped, logic devices that have been mapped, logic devices that have been mapped but have malfunctioned during verification, or logic devices that have been verified.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the processing circuit displays the number of logic devices that have not been mapped, the number of logic devices that have been mapped, the number of logic devices that have been mapped but have malfunctioned during verification, or the number of logic devices for which verification has been completed.

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