Lighting system

Abstract

To provide an illumination system capable of improving user convenience.SOLUTION: An illumination system 10 includes: a first acquisition unit 64 that acquires a piece of setting information having content specified by a first user, which is setting information regarding the beacon signal emitted by a lighting fixture 20 placed in a facility from an operation terminal 30 located away from the facility; and a setting unit 65 that transmits the acquired setting information to a lighting fixture 20. The lighting fixture 20 transmits a beacon signal with the settings indicated by the received setting information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting system, a lighting fixture, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Various technologies related to lighting have been proposed. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for simplifying the association between the installation position of a beacon transmission unit on an image corresponding to the real space and beacon identification information.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a lighting system or the like that can improve the convenience of users.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A lighting system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first acquisition unit that acquires, from an operation terminal located at a location away from the facility, setting information regarding a beacon signal transmitted by a lighting fixture provided in the facility and having content specified by a first user, and a setting unit that transmits the acquired setting information to the lighting fixture. The lighting fixture transmits the beacon signal in accordance with the setting indicated by the received setting information. A lighting system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a first acquisition unit that acquires setting information relating to a beacon signal transmitted by a lighting fixture, the setting information having content specified by a first user; a setting unit that transmits the acquired setting information to the lighting fixture; a second acquisition unit that acquires control information for controlling the emission of light by the lighting fixture, the setting information having content specified by a second user who is the same as or different from the first user; and a control unit that transmits the acquired control information to the lighting fixture. The lighting fixture transmits the beacon signal according to the settings indicated by the received setting information, and the lighting fixture emits light based on the received control information.

[0006] A lighting fixture according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a transmitting unit that emits a beacon signal, and a communication unit that receives setting information relating to the beacon signal, the setting information having content specified by the user, from the lighting system, wherein the transmitting unit emits the beacon signal with the setting indicated by the received setting information.

[0007] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a lighting fixture to execute a method for transmitting a beacon signal, the method comprising: a receiving step of receiving setting information relating to the beacon signal, the setting information having content specified by a first user, from the lighting system described in claim 1 or 2; and a transmitting step of transmitting the beacon signal with the settings indicated by the received setting information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a lighting system and the like that can improve user convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a lighting system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the space to which the lighting system according to the embodiment is applied. [Figure 3]Figure 3 shows an example of beacon setting management information. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of control state management information. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the setup process for beacon signals. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of remote control operation of a lighting fixture. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a modified lighting system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.

[0011] Please note that each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0012] (Embodiment) [composition] First, the configuration of the lighting system according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the lighting system according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the space to which the lighting system according to the embodiment is applied.

[0013] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the lighting system 10 is applied to spaces within facilities such as commercial facilities. The lighting system 10 can provide services such as the distribution of advertisements and coupons to general users of mobile terminals 40 that receive beacon signals transmitted by lighting fixtures 20. The lighting system 10 comprises multiple lighting fixtures 20, an operating terminal 30, mobile terminals 40, a gateway device 50, a beacon setting server 60, and a lighting control server 70. The lighting system 10 only needs to have at least one lighting fixture 20.

[0014] First, let's describe the lighting fixture 20. The lighting fixture 20 is a base light or the like that is installed on the ceiling of an indoor space to illuminate the indoor space. The form of the lighting fixture 20 is not particularly limited and may be a ceiling light, downlight, or spotlight, etc. Specifically, the lighting fixture 20 comprises a lighting unit 21, a communication unit 22, a transmission unit 23, an information processing unit 24, and a storage unit 25.

[0015] The illumination unit 21 emits light using power supplied from the grid power supply. The light emitted by the illumination unit 21 is, for example, white light. The illumination unit 21 is implemented by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element, but may also be implemented by other light-emitting elements such as a semiconductor laser, organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), or inorganic EL.

[0016] The communication unit 22 is a communication circuit for the lighting fixture 20 to connect to a wide-area communication network 90, such as the Internet, via the gateway device 50. The communication unit 22 may be a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication or a wired communication circuit for wired communication.

[0017] The transmitting unit 23 periodically transmits a beacon signal (which may also be called an advertisement signal, etc.). Specifically, the transmitting unit 23 is a wireless communication circuit that transmits a beacon signal in accordance with a communication protocol (communication standard) such as BLE. When the communication unit 22 is a wireless communication circuit, the communication unit 22 and the transmitting unit 23 can be realized by a common wireless communication circuit (communication module or communication chip, etc.).

[0018] The information processing unit 24 performs information processing related to the control of the lighting unit 21 and the communication unit 22, as well as the control of the transmitting unit 23 (beacon signal). The information processing unit 24 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The functions of the information processing unit 24 are realized by hardware such as a microcomputer or a processor constituting the information processing unit 24 executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 25.

[0019] The storage unit 25 is a storage device that stores information necessary for the above information processing. The information stored in the storage unit 25 includes the computer program executed by the information processing unit 24. The storage unit 25 is realized, for example, by a semiconductor memory or the like.

[0020] Next, the operation terminal 30 will be described. The operation terminal 30 is a user interface operated by the user to change the settings related to the beacon signal of the lighting fixture 20 and to remotely control the lighting fixture 20. The operation terminal 30 is, for example, a dedicated remote controller of the lighting system 10, but may also be realized by installing a predetermined application program on a general-purpose information terminal. The general-purpose information terminal is, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal, etc. Specifically, the operation terminal 30 includes an operation reception unit 31, a display unit 32, a communication unit 33, an information processing unit 34, and a storage unit 35.

[0021] The operation reception unit 31 receives user input. Specifically, the operation reception unit 31 is implemented using a mouse, keyboard, or touch panel.

[0022] The display unit 32 is a display that shows an image for the user to view. The display unit 32 is implemented by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel.

[0023] The communication unit 33 is a communication circuit that allows the operating terminal 30 to communicate with the beacon setting server 60 and the lighting control server 70, respectively, via the wide-area communication network 90. ​​The communication unit 33 may be a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication or a wired communication circuit for wired communication.

[0024] The information processing unit 34 performs information processing to enable the operation terminal 30 to function as a user interface when changing settings related to the beacon signal of the lighting fixture 20 and when remotely controlling the lighting fixture 20. The information processing unit 34 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor or dedicated circuit. The functions of the information processing unit 34 are realized by the execution of a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 35 by the hardware, such as the microcomputer or processor that constitutes the information processing unit 34.

[0025] The memory unit 35 is a storage device that stores the information necessary for the above-mentioned information processing. The information stored in the memory unit 35 includes computer programs executed by the information processing unit 34. The memory unit 35 is implemented, for example, by semiconductor memory.

[0026] Next, the mobile terminal 40 will be described. The mobile terminal 40 is a portable information terminal carried by general users visiting a facility where lighting fixtures 20 are installed (such as the commercial facility shown in Figure 2). The mobile terminal 40 may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). Specifically, the mobile terminal 40 comprises an operation reception unit 41, a display unit 42, a receiving unit 43, an information processing unit 44, and a storage unit 45.

[0027] The operation reception unit 41 receives operations from general users. Specifically, the operation reception unit 41 is implemented by a touch panel or the like.

[0028] The display unit 42 is a display that shows images for general users to see. The display unit 42 is implemented by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel.

[0029] The receiving unit 43 receives the beacon signal emitted by the lighting fixture 20. Specifically, the receiving unit 43 is a wireless communication circuit that receives the beacon signal in accordance with a communication protocol (communication standard) such as BLE.

[0030] The information processing unit 44 performs information processing to notify general users (for example, by distributing advertisements and coupons) based on the beacon signal received by the receiving unit 43. The information processing unit 44 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor or dedicated circuit. The functions of the information processing unit 44 are realized by the execution of a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 35 by the hardware, such as the microcomputer or processor that constitutes the information processing unit 44.

[0031] The memory unit 45 is a storage device that stores the information necessary for the above-mentioned information processing. The information stored in the memory unit 45 includes computer programs executed by the information processing unit 44. The computer programs are, for example, so-called application programs (hereinafter also simply referred to as apps) that are pre-installed in the memory unit 45 by a general user. The memory unit 45 is implemented, for example, by semiconductor memory.

[0032] Next, the gateway device 50, the beacon setting server 60, and the lighting control server 70 will be described. The gateway device 50 is a communication device that allows each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 to connect to the wide-area communication network 90. ​​Note that if each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 has the functionality of the gateway device 50, the lighting system 10 does not need to have the gateway device 50.

[0033] The beacon setting server 60 is a cloud server that processes information for users operating the operation terminal 30 to remotely change the settings related to the beacon signal of the lighting fixture 20. Specifically, the beacon setting server 60 comprises a communication unit 61, an information processing unit 62, and a storage unit 63.

[0034] The communication unit 61 is a communication circuit for the beacon setting server 60 to communicate with the operation terminal 30 and each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 via the wide-area communication network 90. ​​The communication unit 61 may be a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication or a wired communication circuit for wired communication.

[0035] The information processing unit 62 performs information processing to change the settings related to the beacon signal. The information processing unit 62 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor or dedicated circuit. The information processing unit 62 includes a first acquisition unit 64 and a setting unit 65 as functional components. The functions of the first acquisition unit 64 and the setting unit 65 are realized by the execution of a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 63 by the hardware, such as a microcomputer or processor, that constitutes the information processing unit 62.

[0036] The memory unit 63 is a storage device that stores the information necessary for the above-mentioned information processing. The information stored in the memory unit 63 includes computer programs executed by the information processing unit 62. The memory unit 63 is implemented by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but may also be implemented by semiconductor memory.

[0037] The memory unit 63 stores beacon setting management information that shows the current settings for the beacon signals of multiple lighting fixtures 20. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of beacon setting management information. As shown in Figure 3, the beacon setting management information includes the identification information of the lighting fixtures 20, the installation location of the lighting fixtures 20, the identification information of the transmitting unit 23 (beacon transmitter), and the current settings for the beacon signals. In other words, the beacon setting management information is information that links the identification information of the lighting fixtures 20 with the identification information of the transmitting unit 23 that emits beacon signals equipped in the lighting fixtures 20.

[0038] The current settings for beacon signals include the following configuration items: turning beacon signals on or off, the time interval at which beacon signals are transmitted, the frequency at which beacon signals are transmitted, the time of transmission, the transmission power of the beacon signals, the protocol type of the beacon signals, and the identification information contained in the beacon signals. Specifically, the protocol type of the beacon signals is iBeacon®, and the identification information contained in the beacon signals is UUID (Universally Unique IDentifier), Major, and Minor in the case of iBeacon®.

[0039] The lighting control server 70 is a cloud server that performs information processing for users operating the operation terminal 30 to remotely control the lighting fixtures 20. Specifically, the lighting control server 70 comprises a communication unit 71, an information processing unit 72, and a storage unit 73.

[0040] The communication unit 71 is a communication circuit for the lighting control server 70 to communicate with the operation terminal 30 and each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 via the wide-area communication network 90. ​​The communication unit 71 may be a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication or a wired communication circuit for wired communication.

[0041] The information processing unit 72 performs information processing related to the remote control of the lighting fixture 20. The information processing unit 72 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor or dedicated circuit. The information processing unit 72 includes a second acquisition unit 74 and a control unit 75 as functional components. The functions of the second acquisition unit 74 and the control unit 75 are realized by the execution of a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 73 by hardware such as a microcomputer or processor that constitutes the information processing unit 72.

[0042] The memory unit 73 is a storage device that stores the information necessary for the above-mentioned information processing. The information stored in the memory unit 73 includes computer programs executed by the information processing unit 72. The memory unit 73 is implemented by, for example, an HDD, but may also be implemented by semiconductor memory.

[0043] The memory unit 73 stores control state management information indicating the current control state (operating state) of multiple lighting fixtures 20. Figure 4 shows an example of control state management information. As shown in Figure 4, the control state management information includes identification information of the lighting fixtures 20, the installation location of the lighting fixtures 20, and the current control state of the lighting fixtures 20.

[0044] [Beacon signal setup operation] In the lighting system 10, lighting fixtures 20 are used as beacon transmitters. Since the lighting fixtures 20 are installed comprehensively on the ceiling at roughly equal intervals, there is an advantage that when the lighting fixtures 20 are used as beacon transmitters, the beacon transmitters are naturally distributed comprehensively. In addition, since the lighting fixtures 20 are installed on the ceiling where there are few obstacles, there is an advantage that when the lighting fixtures 20 are used as beacon transmitters, there are few obstacles to the beacon signal (radio waves). Furthermore, when a separate, dedicated beacon transmitter is installed in addition to the lighting fixtures 20, power supply to the beacon transmitter (wiring of power lines) becomes an issue, but when the lighting fixtures 20 are used as beacon transmitters, there is an advantage that power supply does not need to be considered.

[0045] By the way, as mentioned above, when the lighting fixture 20 is installed in a commercial facility, the beacon signal is used, for example, to deliver advertisements and coupons to general users of a mobile terminal 40. In order to change the content of the advertisements and coupons, and the period for which the advertisements and coupons are provided, it is necessary to change the settings related to the beacon signal, but it would be inconvenient if the settings related to the beacon signal could not be changed without going to the commercial facility (the location where the lighting fixture 20 is installed).

[0046] Therefore, in the lighting system 10, the user can remotely change settings related to beacon signals by operating the control terminal 30. The following describes the setting operation related to such beacon signals. Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the setting operation related to beacon signals.

[0047] First, the user inputs a first access key for the operation terminal 30 to access the beacon setting server 60, and the operation reception unit 31 accepts this input (S11). For example, the processing from step S12 onward is executed on the condition that the correct first access key is entered.

[0048] When the correct first access key is entered, the information processing unit 34 uses the communication unit 33 to access the beacon setting management information (Figure 3) of the beacon setting server 60 (S12) and displays the current settings for the beacon signals of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 on the display unit 32 (S13). In step S13, for example, a screen visualizing the beacon setting management information (Figure 3) is displayed. The current settings for the beacon signals of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 may also be displayed by indicators.

[0049] Furthermore, when the information processing unit 34 accesses the beacon setting server 60 in step S12, the information processing unit 62 may update the beacon setting management information by querying the multiple lighting fixtures 20 for the latest setting status (operating status) using the communication unit 61. This allows the information processing unit 34 to access the latest beacon setting management information in step S12. In addition, the information processing unit 34 can display the latest settings on the display unit 32 in step S13. Specifically, it can display on the display unit 32 if an error has recently occurred in the lighting fixture 20.

[0050] Next, the user performs a selection operation to select the lighting fixture 20 whose settings related to the beacon signal they wish to change, and the operation reception unit 31 accepts this selection operation (S14). In step S14, it is also possible to select multiple lighting fixtures 20. In step S14, it is sufficient for one or more lighting fixtures 20 to be selected.

[0051] Next, the user performs a specification operation to specify how to change the settings related to the beacon signal of the lighting fixture 20 selected in step S14 (contents of the setting information), and the operation reception unit 31 accepts this specification operation (S15). When the specification operation is performed, how to change the settings related to the beacon signal (contents of the setting information) is displayed on the display unit 32.

[0052] When a specified operation is received, the information processing unit 34 generates setting information having the content specified by the specified operation (S16). The setting information is information for setting at least one of the following: on or off beacon signal transmission, time interval for beacon signal transmission, frequency for beacon signal transmission, beacon signal transmission time, beacon signal transmission power, beacon signal protocol type, and identification information included in the beacon signal.

[0053] Furthermore, the configuration information includes identification information of the lighting fixture 20 selected in step S14. The configuration information may also include identification information of the transmitter 23 provided by the lighting fixture 20 selected in step S14.

[0054] Next, the information processing unit 34 uses the communication unit 33 to send the configuration information generated in step S16 to the beacon configuration server 60 (S17).

[0055] The communication unit 61 of the beacon setting server 60 receives the setting information. The first acquisition unit 64 acquires the received setting information (S18), and the setting unit 65 transmits the acquired setting information to the lighting fixture 20 which has the identification information contained in the setting information (S19). More specifically, the setting information is transmitted to the lighting fixture 20 via the wide-area communication network 90 by the communication unit 61.

[0056] The communication unit 22 of the lighting fixture 20 receives setting information. The information processing unit 24 stores the received setting information in the storage unit 25 (S20), and thereafter controls the transmitting unit 23 according to the stored setting information. In other words, the transmitting unit 23 transmits a beacon signal with the settings indicated by the stored setting information. Furthermore, if the setting information is stored in the non-volatile area (non-volatile memory) of the storage unit 25, the setting information can be maintained even if the power supply to the lighting fixture 20 is turned off.

[0057] Meanwhile, the setting unit 65 of the beacon setting server 60 updates the beacon setting management information based on the setting information acquired in step S18 (S21).

[0058] As described above, the lighting system 10 includes a first acquisition unit 64 that acquires setting information relating to a beacon signal transmitted by a lighting fixture 20, which has content specified by the user, and a setting unit 65 that transmits the acquired setting information to the lighting fixture 20 via a wide-area communication network 90. ​​The lighting fixture 20 includes a transmitting unit 23 that emits a beacon signal, and a communication unit 22 that receives setting information relating to a beacon signal, which has content specified by the user, from a beacon setting server 60 (information processing device) via a wide-area communication network 90. ​​The transmitting unit 23 (lighting fixture 20) transmits a beacon signal with the settings indicated by the received setting information.

[0059] In such a lighting system 10, the user can change settings related to beacon signals remotely (via the wide-area communication network 90) without having to go to the installation location of the lighting fixtures 20 (for example, the commercial facility in Figure 2). In other words, the lighting system 10 can improve user convenience.

[0060] Furthermore, a program may be installed on the lighting fixture 20 to enable remote changes to the settings related to the beacon signal of the lighting fixture 20. This program is a program that causes the lighting fixture 20 to execute a method for transmitting a beacon signal, and the transmission method includes a receiving step of receiving setting information related to the beacon signal, which has content specified by the user, from an information processing device via a wide-area communication network 90, and a transmitting step of transmitting a beacon signal with the settings indicated by the received setting information. This program may be a main program, a program that upgrades an existing main program, or an add-on program.

[0061] [Remote control operation of lighting fixtures] Furthermore, the user can remotely control the lighting fixture 20 by operating the control terminal 30. The remote control operation of such a lighting fixture 20 will be described below. Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the remote control operation of the lighting fixture 20.

[0062] First, the user inputs a second access key for the operation terminal 30 to access the lighting control server 70, and the operation reception unit 31 accepts this input (S31). For example, the processing from step S32 onward is executed on the condition that the correct second access key is entered.

[0063] When the correct second access key is entered, the information processing unit 34 uses the communication unit 33 to access the control status management information (Figure 4) of the lighting control server 70 (S32) and displays the current control status of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 on the display unit 32 (S33). In step S33, for example, a screen visualizing the control status management information (Figure 4) is displayed. The current control status of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 may also be displayed by indicators.

[0064] Furthermore, when the information processing unit 34 accesses the beacon setting server 60 in step S32, the information processing unit 62 may update the beacon setting management information by querying the multiple lighting fixtures 20 for the latest setting status (operating status) using the communication unit 61. This allows the information processing unit 34 to access the latest beacon setting management information in step S32. In addition, the information processing unit 34 can display the latest settings on the display unit 32 in step S33. Specifically, it can display on the display unit 32 if an error has recently occurred in the lighting fixture 20.

[0065] Next, the user performs a selection operation to select the lighting fixture 20 they want to control, and the operation reception unit 31 accepts this selection operation (S34). In step S34, it is also possible to select multiple lighting fixtures 20. In step S34, it is sufficient for one or more lighting fixtures 20 to be selected.

[0066] Next, the user performs a specification operation to specify how to control the lighting fixture 20 selected in step S34 (control content), and the operation reception unit 31 accepts this specification operation (S35). When the specification operation is performed, the display unit 32 displays how to change the lighting fixture 20 (content of the control information).

[0067] When a specified operation is received, the information processing unit 34 generates control information having the content specified by the specified operation (S36). The control information is information for controlling the emission of light from the lighting fixture 20. The control information includes identification information of the lighting fixture 20 selected in step S34.

[0068] Next, the information processing unit 34 uses the communication unit 33 to transmit the control information generated in step S36 to the lighting control server 70 (S37).

[0069] The communication unit 71 of the lighting control server 70 receives control information. The second acquisition unit 74 acquires the received control information (S38), and the control unit 75 transmits the acquired control information to the lighting fixture 20 having identification information contained in the control information (S39). More specifically, the control information is transmitted to the lighting fixture 20 via the wide-area communication network 90 by the communication unit 71.

[0070] The communication unit 22 of the lighting fixture 20 receives control information. The information processing unit 24 stores the received control information in the storage unit 25 (S40), and thereafter controls the lighting unit 21 according to the stored control information. In other words, the lighting unit 21 emits light (or turns off) according to the stored control information. Furthermore, if the control information is stored in the non-volatile area (non-volatile memory) of the storage unit 25, the control information can be maintained even if the power supply to the lighting fixture 20 is turned off.

[0071] Meanwhile, the control unit 75 of the lighting control server 70 updates the control state management information based on the control information acquired in step S38 (S41).

[0072] As described above, the lighting system 10 includes a second acquisition unit 74 that acquires control information for controlling the emission of light from the lighting fixture 20, which has content specified by the user, and a control unit 75 that transmits the acquired control information to the lighting fixture via the wide-area communication network 90. ​​The lighting fixture 20 includes a communication unit 22 that receives control information from the lighting control server 70 (information processing device) via the wide-area communication network 90, and a lighting unit 21 that emits light based on the received control information.

[0073] In such a lighting system 10, the user can control the lighting fixtures 20 remotely (via a wide-area communication network 90) without having to go to the location where the lighting fixtures 20 are installed (for example, the commercial facility in Figure 2). In other words, the lighting system 10 can improve user convenience.

[0074] [First access key, and second access key] The first access key used by the operating terminal 30 to access the beacon setting server 60 may be the same as, or different from, the second access key used by the operating terminal 30 to access the lighting control server 70.

[0075] As shown in Figure 2, if the lighting fixture 20 is installed in a commercial facility, it is assumed that the lighting fixture 20 will be controlled by sales staff located within the commercial facility (an example of a user of the operating terminal 30). On the other hand, since the beacon signal is used to distribute advertisements and coupons to general users of the mobile terminal 40, it is assumed that changes to the settings related to the beacon signal will be made by sales representatives located in the head office, away from the commercial facility, who plan sales promotions (another example of a user of the operating terminal 30).

[0076] In such cases, the first and second access keys are set to be different from each other, and the second access key is notified to the sales staff, while the first access key is notified to the sales representatives. This prevents the sales representatives from controlling the lighting fixtures 20 against the sales staff's wishes, and from changing the settings related to the beacon signal against the sales representatives' wishes.

[0077] Although Figure 1 shows only one operating terminal 30, in reality, multiple operating terminals 30 can access the beacon setting server 60 and the lighting control server 70, respectively, by requiring the input of an access key. In other words, in practice, sales representatives can access the beacon setting server 60 using the first operating terminal 30, while sales staff can access the lighting control server 70 using a second operating terminal 30, which is different from the first operating terminal 30.

[0078] Although the user was required to enter a first access key to access the beacon setting server 60 using the operating terminal 30, they may also be required to enter a first password in order to change the settings related to the beacon signal. This helps to prevent the settings related to the beacon signal from being changed unintentionally.

[0079] Similarly, while the user is required to enter a second access key to access the lighting control server 70 using the operating terminal 30, they may also be required to enter a second password in order to send control information to the lighting fixture 20. This prevents the lighting fixture 20 from being remotely controlled against the user's will. In other words, security is enhanced.

[0080] [System Configuration Variation 1] In the above embodiment, the beacon setting server 60 and the lighting control server 70 were described as separate servers. However, the lighting system 10 may include a single server that has the functions of both the beacon setting server 60 and the lighting control server 70. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the lighting system 10 according to such a modified example.

[0081] As shown in Figure 7, the lighting system 10 may include a server 80 instead of the beacon setting server 60 and the lighting control server 70. The server 80 is a cloud server that performs information processing for users operating the operation terminal 30 to remotely change settings related to the beacon signal of the lighting fixture 20, and for users operating the operation terminal 30 to remotely control the lighting fixture 20. Specifically, the server 80 includes a communication unit 81, an information processing unit 82, and a storage unit 83.

[0082] The communication unit 81 is a communication circuit for the server 80 to communicate with the operating terminal 30 and each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 via the wide-area communication network 90. ​​The communication unit 81 may be a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication or a wired communication circuit for wired communication.

[0083] The information processing unit 82 performs information processing for changing settings related to beacon signals and information processing related to the remote control of the lighting fixture 20. The information processing unit 72 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor or dedicated circuit. The information processing unit 72 includes, as functional components, a first acquisition unit 84, a second acquisition unit 85, a setting unit 86, and a control unit 87. The functions of the first acquisition unit 84, the second acquisition unit 85, the setting unit 86, and the control unit 87 are the same as those of the first acquisition unit 64, the second acquisition unit 74, the setting unit 65, and the control unit 75 in the above embodiment may be read as the first acquisition unit 84, the second acquisition unit 85, the setting unit 86, and the control unit 87. The functions of the first acquisition unit 84, the second acquisition unit 85, the setting unit 86, and the control unit 87 are realized by the execution of computer programs (software) stored in the storage unit 83 by hardware such as a microcomputer or processor that constitutes the information processing unit 82.

[0084] The memory unit 83 is a storage device that stores the information necessary for the above-mentioned information processing. The information stored in the memory unit 83 includes computer programs executed by the information processing unit 82. The memory unit 83 is implemented by, for example, an HDD, but may also be implemented by semiconductor memory.

[0085] Furthermore, the memory unit 83 stores beacon setting management information (Figure 3) and control state management information (Figure 4). In other words, the memory unit 83 stores information that links the identification information of the lighting fixture 20 with the identification information of the transmitter 23 that emits beacon signals, which is equipped in the lighting fixture 20.

[0086] [System Configuration Variation 2] In the above embodiment, the beacon setting server 60 was described as a cloud server located outside the facility where the lighting fixtures 20 are installed, but it may also be an on-premise server located inside the facility where the lighting fixtures 20 are installed. Furthermore, the functions of the beacon setting server 60 can also be implemented using a personal computer or the like. In other words, remote changes to settings related to beacon signals can be implemented using various first information processing devices such as a cloud server, an on-premise server, or a personal computer. The lighting system 10 only needs to include at least one of these various first information processing devices such as a cloud server, an on-premise server, or a personal computer.

[0087] Furthermore, although the lighting control server 70 was described as a cloud server located outside the facility where the lighting fixtures 20 are installed, it may also be an on-premise server located within the facility where the lighting fixtures 20 are installed. It is also possible to implement the functions of the lighting control server 70 using a personal computer or the like. In short, remote control of the lighting fixtures 20 can be achieved by various second information processing devices such as a cloud server, an on-premise server, or a personal computer. The lighting system 10 only needs to include at least one of these second information processing devices, such as a cloud server, an on-premise server, or a personal computer.

[0088] Furthermore, although the server 80 was described as a cloud server located outside the facility where the lighting fixtures 20 are installed, it may also be an on-premise server located within the facility where the lighting fixtures 20 are installed. It is also possible to implement the functions of the server 80 using a personal computer or similar device. In other words, remote changes to beacon signal settings and remote control of the lighting fixtures 20 can be achieved using various information processing devices such as a cloud server, an on-premise server, or a personal computer. The lighting system 10 only needs to include at least one of these various information processing devices, such as a cloud server, an on-premise server, or a personal computer.

[0089] [Other variations] In the above embodiment, the beacon signal was used to provide advertisements or coupons, but it may be used for other purposes. For example, the beacon signal may be used to measure the location of the mobile terminal 40. In this case, the mobile terminal 40 can measure its current location based on the received signal strength of the beacon signal.

[0090] [Effects, etc.] The following describes examples of inventions that can be obtained from the disclosures in this specification, and explains the effects and other benefits that can be obtained from such inventions.

[0091] Invention 1 is a lighting system 10 comprising a first acquisition unit 64 that acquires setting information relating to a beacon signal transmitted by a lighting fixture 20, which has content specified by a first user, and a setting unit 65 that transmits the acquired setting information to the lighting fixture 20 via a wide-area communication network 90, wherein the lighting fixture 20 transmits a beacon signal with the setting indicated by the received setting information.

[0092] With this lighting system 10, the first user can remotely change settings related to the beacon signal without having to go to the installation location of the lighting fixture 20. In other words, the lighting system 10 can improve the convenience of the first user.

[0093] Invention 2 is a lighting system 10 of Invention 1, wherein the setting information is information for setting at least one of the following: turning the beacon signal on and off, the time interval at which the beacon signal is transmitted, the frequency at which the beacon signal is transmitted, the time at which the beacon signal is transmitted, the transmission power of the beacon signal, the protocol type of the beacon signal, and the identification information contained in the beacon signal.

[0094] With such a lighting system 10, a first user can remotely change at least one of the following: turning the beacon signal on and off, the time interval at which the beacon signal is transmitted, the frequency at which the beacon signal is transmitted, the time of transmission of the beacon signal, the transmission power of the beacon signal, the protocol type of the beacon signal, and the identification information contained in the beacon signal.

[0095] Invention 3 is a lighting system 10 of Invention 1 or 2, wherein the lighting fixture 20 stores the received setting information in a non-volatile memory.

[0096] With such a lighting system 10, the lighting fixture 20 can maintain its settings even when the power supply to the lighting fixture 20 is turned off.

[0097] Invention 4 is a lighting system 10 according to any of Inventions 1 to 3, further comprising: a second acquisition unit 74 that acquires control information for controlling the emission of light from a lighting fixture 20, the control information having content specified by a second user who is the same as or different from a first user; and a control unit 75 that transmits the acquired control information to the lighting fixture 20 via a wide-area communication network 90, wherein the lighting fixture 20 emits light based on the received control information.

[0098] With this lighting system 10, a second user can remotely control the lighting fixture 20 without having to go to the location where the lighting fixture 20 is installed. In other words, the lighting system 10 can improve the convenience of the second user.

[0099] Invention 5 is a lighting system 10 of Invention 4, wherein a first user can specify the content of setting information, requiring the input of a first access key, and a second user can specify the content of control information, requiring the input of a second access key.

[0100] Such a lighting system 10 can enhance security regarding the specification of the content of setting information related to beacon signals and the specification of the content of control information.

[0101] Invention 6 is the lighting system 10 of Invention 5, which is different from the first access key and the second access key.

[0102] Such a lighting system 10 can distinguish between users who are allowed to specify the content of setting information related to beacon signals and users who are allowed to specify the content of control information.

[0103] Invention 7 is a lighting system 10 according to any of Inventions 1 to 6, further comprising a storage unit 63 that stores information linking the identification information of the lighting fixture 20 with the identification information of the transmitting unit 23 that emits a beacon signal provided by the lighting fixture 20.

[0104] Such a lighting system 10 can perform both changes to settings related to beacon signals and remote control of lighting fixtures 20 based on information stored in the memory unit 63.

[0105] Invention 8 is a lighting fixture 20 comprising a transmitting unit 23 that emits a beacon signal, and a communication unit 22 that receives setting information relating to the beacon signal, which has content specified by the user, from an information processing device via a wide-area communication network 90, wherein the transmitting unit 23 emits a beacon signal with the settings indicated by the received setting information.

[0106] With such a lighting fixture 20, users can remotely change settings related to beacon signals without having to go to the installation location of the lighting fixture 20. In other words, the lighting fixture 20 can improve user convenience.

[0107] Invention 9 is a program for causing a lighting fixture 20 to perform a method for transmitting a beacon signal, the program comprising: a receiving step of receiving setting information relating to a beacon signal, which has content specified by a user, from an information processing device via a wide-area communication network 90; and a transmitting step of transmitting a beacon signal with the settings indicated by the received setting information.

[0108] This type of program allows the settings related to the beacon signal of the lighting fixture 20 to be changed remotely. In other words, it improves user convenience.

[0109] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0110] For example, the method of communication between devices in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. Furthermore, a relay device (not shown) may be involved in the communication between devices.

[0111] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. Also, the order of multiple processing units may be changed, or multiple processing units may be executed in parallel.

[0112] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0113] Furthermore, each component may be implemented by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or they may be separate circuits. Also, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0114] Furthermore, general or specific embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Alternatively, they may be implemented as any combination of a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

[0115] For example, the present invention may be implemented as a lighting system, an operating terminal, or a portable terminal as described in the above embodiment. The present invention may also be implemented as a method executed by a computer. The present invention may be implemented as a program for causing a computer to execute such a method, or as a non-temporary recording medium on which such a program is recorded. Such programs include application programs for causing a general-purpose information terminal (computer) to function as an operating terminal as described in the above embodiment, and application programs installed on a portable terminal.

[0116] Furthermore, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art could conceive, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0117] 10 Lighting Systems 20 Lighting fixtures 21 Lighting Section 22, 33, 61, 71, 81 Communications Department 23. Outgoing Department 24, 34, 44, 62, 72, 82 Information Processing Unit 25, 35, 45, 63, 73, 83 storage section 30 Operating terminals 31, 41 Operation reception section 32, 42 display section 40 Mobile devices 43 Receiving section 50 Gateway devices 60 Beacon Configuration Server 64, 84 1st acquisition part 65, 86 Settings section 70 Lighting control server 74, 85 2nd acquisition part 75, 87 Control Unit 80 servers 90 Wide-area telecommunications network

Claims

1. A first server, The system comprises a second server different from the first server, The first server is, A first acquisition unit acquires setting information relating to a beacon signal transmitted by a lighting fixture, which has content specified by a first user. The system includes a setting unit that transmits the acquired setting information to the lighting fixture, The second server is, A second acquisition unit acquires control information for controlling the emission of light from the aforementioned lighting fixture, the control information having content specified by a second user who is the same as or different from the first user. The system includes a control unit that transmits the acquired control information to the lighting fixture, The lighting fixture transmits the beacon signal with the settings indicated by the received setting information. The lighting fixture emits light based on the received control information. The first user can specify the contents of the configuration information, requiring the input of a first access key for accessing the first server. The second user may specify the content of the control information, requiring the input of a second access key for accessing the second server. Lighting system.

2. The first access key and the second access key are different The lighting system according to claim 1.

3. The setting information is information for setting at least one of the following: turning the beacon signal on or off, the time interval at which the beacon signal is transmitted, the frequency at which the beacon signal is transmitted, the time at which the beacon signal is transmitted, the transmission power of the beacon signal, the protocol type of the beacon signal, and the identification information included in the beacon signal. The lighting system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The lighting fixture stores the received setting information in a non-volatile memory. The lighting system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. Furthermore, the system includes a storage unit that stores information linking the identification information of the lighting fixture with the identification information of the beacon signal transmitting unit provided by the lighting fixture. The lighting system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The aforementioned configuration information is information for configuring the protocol type of the beacon signal. The lighting system according to claim 3.

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