Information processing methods, programs, information terminals, and communication systems

Abstract

To provide an information processing method, or the like, for supporting settings for constructing a layered mesh network.SOLUTION: In an information processing method, in each of a plurality of areas in a space including multiple nodes and subdivided into multiple areas, an acquisition process (S101), a first determination process (S102), and a second determination process (S103) are executed. The acquisition process receives one or more signals transmitted from one or more nodes, respectively, to obtain radio field intensity of the one or more signals. The first determination process determines one or more first candidate nodes which are candidates of one or more belonging nodes belonging to a first mesh network in a corresponding area, on the basis of the radio field intensity of the one or more signals. The second determination process determines a node with radio field intensity satisfying a predetermined condition, out of the one or more first candidate nodes, as a second candidate node which is a candidate of a management node of the first mesh network.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing method, a program, an information terminal, and a communication system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a lighting control device that communicates with lighting equipment via a network.

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 an information processing method and the like that can assist in setting work for constructing a hierarchical mesh network.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing method for constructing a hierarchical mesh network, which is executed by a computer. The hierarchical mesh network includes a plurality of first mesh networks and a second mesh network composed of management nodes belonging to each of the plurality of first mesh networks. The information processing method performs an acquisition process, a first decision process, and a second decision process in each of the plurality of areas in a space divided into a plurality of areas where a plurality of nodes are installed. The acquisition process is a process of acquiring the radio wave strength of one or more signals by receiving one or more signals transmitted from one or more nodes. The first decision process is a process of determining one or more first candidate nodes that are candidates for one or more belonging nodes belonging to the first mesh network of the corresponding area, based on the radio wave strength of the one or more signals acquired in the acquisition process. The second decision process is a process of determining among the one or more first candidate nodes determined in the first decision process that the node whose radio wave strength satisfies predetermined conditions will be a second candidate node that will be a candidate for the management node of the first mesh network.

[0006] A program according to one aspect of the present invention causes one or more processors to execute the information processing method.

[0007] An information terminal according to one aspect of the present invention includes an information processing unit that performs information processing for constructing a hierarchical mesh network. The hierarchical mesh network includes a plurality of first mesh networks and a second mesh network composed of management nodes belonging to each of the plurality of first mesh networks. The information processing unit performs an acquisition process, a first decision process, and a second decision process in each of the plurality of areas in a space divided into a plurality of areas where a plurality of nodes are installed. The acquisition process is a process of acquiring the radio wave strength of one or more signals by receiving one or more signals transmitted from one or more nodes. The first decision process is a process of determining one or more first candidate nodes that are candidates for one or more belonging nodes belonging to the first mesh network of the corresponding area, based on the radio wave strength of the one or more signals acquired in the acquisition process. The second decision process is a process of determining among the one or more first candidate nodes determined in the first decision process that the node whose radio wave strength satisfies predetermined conditions will be a second candidate node that will be a candidate for the management node of the first mesh network.

[0008] A communication system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises the information terminal and the plurality of nodes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The information terminal and the like of the present invention can assist in the configuration work for constructing a hierarchical mesh network. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a hierarchical mesh network. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart of Example 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a plan view showing an example of the space in Example 1. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen in Example 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of replacement between the first candidate node and the replacement candidate node in Example 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a node controlled by the second control process in Example 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of Example 2. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a hierarchical mesh network constructed when the number of divisions N = 2 in Example 2. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a hierarchical mesh network constructed when the number of divisions N = 3 in Example 2. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a hierarchical mesh network constructed when there are 60 nodes installed in space in Example 2. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of Example 3. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the movement of a setter who performs the first node setting operation in Example 3. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the position of a setter who performs the second node setting operation in Example 3. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a plan view showing another example of a space and a plurality of areas. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of an example of determining a management node based on communication performance. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart of Example 4. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the movement of a setter who performs the first node setting operation in Example 4. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the position of a setter who performs the second node setting operation in Example 4.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Note that all the embodiments described below show comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, steps, order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, among the components in the following embodiments, the components not described in the independent claims are described as optional components.

[0012] Note that each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily drawn precisely. Also, in each figure, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same configurations, and duplicate descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0013] (Embodiment) [Configuration] First, the configuration of the communication system according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the communication system according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 10 includes a plurality of nodes 20 and an information terminal 30.

[0014] In the communication system 10, each of the plurality of nodes 20 has a wireless communication function, and after the initial setting operation using the information terminal 30 by a user (hereinafter, also described as the setter B1 (see FIG. 4)) is completed, the plurality of nodes 20 form a hierarchical wireless mesh network (hereinafter, simply referred to as a hierarchical mesh network). Note that the construction of the hierarchical mesh network after the completion of the initial setting operation is merely an example, and other methods such as a method of constructing a mesh network from the set nodes 20 are also conceivable.

[0015] Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a hierarchical mesh network. In Figure 2, "N1" or "N2" corresponds to one node 20 in Figure 1. A hierarchical mesh network includes multiple lower-level mesh networks and a higher-level mesh network. In the example in Figure 2, each lower-level mesh network is composed of multiple nodes (N1 and N2), and the higher-level mesh network is composed of management nodes (N2) belonging to each of the multiple lower-level mesh networks. A management node can be rephrased as a bridge node, core node, or gateway node, etc. The number of lower-level mesh networks included in a hierarchical mesh network is not particularly limited. The number of layers in a hierarchical mesh network is also not particularly limited. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the channels used for communication in the multiple lower-level mesh networks and the channels used for communication in the higher-level mesh network are the same.

[0016] In a lower-level mesh network, when transmitting information from one node (also referred to as the first node) to another node (also referred to as the second node), the information is transmitted, for example, using a flooding method.

[0017] Specifically, when the first node broadcasts information containing the address information (destination information) of the second node, each other node belonging to the same lower-level mesh network as the first node that receives this information further broadcasts the received information. In other words, each of the other nodes relays the information. As this relaying of information is repeated within the same lower-level mesh network, the information transmitted by the first node reaches all nodes belonging to the same lower-level mesh network as the first node. Therefore, the second node can receive the information transmitted by the first node.

[0018] The flooding method is just one example of a method used for transmitting information within a lower-level mesh network. Other methods, such as routing methods, may also be used for transmitting information within a lower-level mesh network. For example, a method may be adopted in which relay functionality is permitted only for some nodes 20 in the upper-level mesh network and at least some of the mesh networks in the lower-level mesh network.

[0019] When transmitting information from the first node to a third node belonging to another lower-level mesh network, the information is relayed by the management node. In other words, information is transmitted through the higher-level mesh network. For example, at least one management node is provided in each lower-level mesh network. The method used for transmitting information within the higher-level mesh network may be flooding, routing, or any other method.

[0020] If all nodes belonged to the same mesh network, all nodes would relay the information when transmitting it, resulting in a large amount of communication per unit of time. In contrast, in a hierarchical mesh network, when information is transmitted within one lower-level mesh network, it is not relayed in other lower-level mesh networks. In a hierarchical mesh network, information is transmitted from one lower-level mesh network to another via a management node only when necessary. Therefore, a hierarchical mesh network can improve system robustness by suppressing the amount of communication per unit of time.

[0021] The following explanation will primarily refer to Figure 1 to describe Node 20 and Information Terminal 30. First, let's explain Node 20. In other words, Node 20 is a wireless communication device. Examples of Node 20 include lighting fixtures, remote controllers for lighting, and AC relays.

[0022] The AC relay includes, but is not limited to, the following two types: the first AC relay and the second AC relay. The first AC relay is a device that is installed in a wiring duct and can turn on and off a single lighting fixture installed in the wiring duct by switching the AC power to that fixture on and off. The second AC relay is a device that is installed at the base of a wiring duct and can turn on and off all lighting fixtures installed in the wiring duct by switching the AC power supply to the wiring duct on and off.

[0023] Node 20 may be a device not directly related to lighting, such as an air conditioner, ventilation system, camera, motion sensor, speaker, or environmental sensor. Environmental sensors include temperature sensors, humidity sensors, brightness sensors, carbon dioxide concentration sensors, or PM (Particle Matter) sensors. The device that becomes Node 20 may be a device that has two or more of the individual functions of the above-mentioned devices, and the type of device that becomes Node 20 is not particularly limited.

[0024] Furthermore, when multiple nodes 20 include lighting fixtures, the information transmitted through the hierarchical mesh network may include, for example, control information for controlling the lighting fixtures to turn on, turn off, dim, adjust color temperature, or control the light distribution. In addition, when multiple nodes 20 include environmental sensors, the measured values ​​(sensing information) from the environmental sensors may also be transmitted through the hierarchical mesh network. When multiple nodes 20 include cameras, speakers, or other devices, video, images, audio, other information, or control values ​​may also be transmitted.

[0025] Node 20 includes a wireless communication unit 21. The wireless communication unit 21 is a wireless communication circuit for Node 20 to communicate wirelessly (more specifically, via radio waves) with other Nodes 20 and information terminals 30. After Node 20 joins the hierarchical mesh network, the wireless communication unit 21 communicates through the aforementioned hierarchical mesh network. Before Node 20 joins the hierarchical mesh network, for example, the wireless communication unit 21 periodically transmits beacon signals (sometimes called advertisement signals, etc.) and communicates wirelessly with information terminals 30 that receive the beacon signals. Specifically, the wireless communication unit 21 communicates wirelessly according to communication standards such as BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) or Wi-Fi®, but is not limited to these communication standards.

[0026] Next, the information terminal 30 will be described. The information terminal 30 is used for initial setup work to bring multiple nodes 20 into the hierarchical mesh network. The information terminal 30 is, for example, a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet, or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). Alternatively, the information terminal 30 may be a dedicated remote controller used in the communication system 10. The information terminal 30 is used by the setter B1 who performs the initial setup work described above. Specifically, the information terminal 30 comprises an operation reception unit 31, a display unit 32, a wireless communication unit 33, an information processing unit 34, and a storage unit 35. Note that the connection configuration of each component (~ unit) of the information terminal 30 shown in Figure 1 is merely an example and is not limited to this configuration.

[0027] The operation reception unit 31 receives operations from the setter B1. Specifically, the operation reception unit 31 is implemented by a touch panel or the like.

[0028] The display unit 32 displays the images necessary for the initial setup procedure described above. The display unit 32 is implemented by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel.

[0029] The wireless communication unit 33 is a wireless communication circuit that enables the information terminal 30 to communicate wirelessly (more specifically, via radio waves) with each of the multiple nodes 20. Specifically, the wireless communication unit 33 performs wireless communication in accordance with communication standards such as BLE or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0030] The information processing unit 34 performs information processing related to the initial setup process in response to the operation of user B1 received by the operation reception unit 31. This information processing is, in other words, information processing for constructing a hierarchical mesh network. 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 a microcomputer or processor, that constitutes the information processing unit 34.

[0031] The memory unit 35 is a storage device that stores information necessary for processing information related to the initial setup procedure. This information includes computer programs executed by the information processing unit 34. The memory unit 35 is implemented, for example, by a semiconductor memory.

[0032] [Overview of Initial Setup Procedure] Next, an overview of the initial setup process for constructing a hierarchical mesh network will be described. The initial setup process is initiated, for example, by an operation on the operation reception unit 31 of the information terminal 30 of user B1, and is performed automatically or semi-automatically by the information processing unit 34.

[0033] During the initial setup process, for each of the multiple nodes 20, the ID of the node 20, the network ID of the lower mesh network to which the node 20 with that ID belongs, and information indicating whether or not the node 20 with that ID is a management node are associated and stored in the storage unit 35 of the information terminal 30. For example, the MAC (Media Access Control) address is used as the ID of the node 20. Hereafter, the information showing this correspondence will be referred to as management information.

[0034] Furthermore, during the initial setup process, configuration information for each of the multiple nodes 20 is stored to allow that node 20 to join the hierarchical mesh network. Specifically, the information terminal 30 transmits configuration information to the node 20 by communicating with it via unicast. The node 20 stores the received configuration information in its own storage unit (not shown). Here, unicast means communicating with a specific node 20 as the final destination, and it is not necessary for the information terminal 30 and the specific node 20 to communicate directly. Note that if a mesh network that is already functioning exists, the information terminal 30 may perform unicast communication via that mesh network.

[0035] The configuration information includes the network ID of the lower mesh network to which node 20 belongs, and the address information (unicast address) of node 20 used for communication within the hierarchical mesh network. The configuration information may also include, if necessary, a security passcode used for communication within the lower mesh network, and information regarding the information terminal 30 (information regarding the device managing the hierarchical mesh network). If node 20 is a management node, the configuration information includes the information necessary for node 20 to function as a management node. Which configuration information is sent to which node 20 can be determined by the management information described above.

[0036] Node 20, whose configuration information is stored in the memory unit, can join the hierarchical mesh network. Once Node 20 has joined the hierarchical mesh network, it stops periodically transmitting beacon signals, which it was doing before joining.

[0037] As described above, the initial setup process includes determining the lower-level mesh network to which each of the multiple nodes 20 belongs, and determining whether or not that node 20 is a management node. The initial setup process also includes storing the configuration information in the storage unit for each of the multiple nodes 20 and allowing them to join the hierarchical mesh network.

[0038] Here, various methods can be considered for determining the lower-level mesh network and the management node. The following describes examples of methods for determining the lower-level mesh network and the management node.

[0039] [Example 1] Figure 3 is a flowchart of Example 1. In Example 1, in a space Sp1 (see Figure 4) where multiple nodes 20 are installed and divided into multiple areas A1, the setter B1 performs the initial setup work shown below using an information terminal 30. Figure 4 is a plan view showing an example of space Sp1 in Example 1. Here, space Sp1 may include one or more rooms, such as a conference room, one or more corridors, or one or more partitions, but these are not shown in Figure 4. Of course, space Sp1 may be a single large room without these.

[0040] In Example 1, each area A1 is assumed to be a 5m x 5m square in plan view. However, each area A1 is not actually divided into a 5m x 5m shape; it is sufficient if it is an area that the programmer B1 assumes to be approximately a 5m x 5m square, in other words, an area that serves as a guideline for programmer B1 when determining the lower mesh network. In other words, programmer B1 will perform the node configuration work so that one or more nodes 20 installed in each area A1 will belong to one or more nodes in the lower mesh network that approximately corresponds to each area A1.

[0041] In Example 1, as shown in Figure 4, the programmer B1 starts from one of the four corners of space Sp1 (in this case, the upper left corner) and moves sequentially through each area A1 to the right until reaching the rightmost area A1 of space Sp1. Upon reaching the rightmost area A1 of space Sp1, programmer B1 moves to the area A1 one level below, and then moves sequentially through each area A1 to the left until reaching the leftmost area A1 of space Sp1. Upon reaching the leftmost area A1 of space Sp1, programmer B1 moves to the area A1 one level below, and then moves sequentially through each area A1 to the right until reaching the rightmost area A1 of space Sp1.

[0042] Thus, in Example 1, the programmer B1 moves in a meandering manner through each of the multiple areas A1, starting from area A1 in the upper left corner of space Sp1 and ending at area A1 in the lower right corner of space Sp1. Then, programmer B1 performs the node setting work shown below in each area A1.

[0043] In the following explanation, it is assumed that all of the nodes 20 installed in space Sp1 are not initialized, meaning they are not participating in the hierarchical mesh network. Therefore, in the following explanation, it is assumed that each node 20 periodically transmits a beacon signal. Furthermore, in the following explanation, it is assumed that each node 20 is lit at the upper limit of its dimmable range, i.e., fully lit. Note that the fact that all nodes 20 are lit indicates that the node 20 is not initialized. In addition, if node 20 is a device other than a lighting fixture, such as a sensor, the node 20 will light up when the light source of the device, such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), is lit.

[0044] <Node configuration work> The user B1 moves to a designated location in area A1 (in this case, the center of area A1) and performs an operation on the information terminal 30 to start the setting process. Upon receiving this operation from the operation reception unit 31, the information processing unit 34 starts the setting process.

[0045] As shown in Figure 3, first, the information processing unit 34 receives beacon signals from one or more nodes 20 via the wireless communication unit 33 and obtains the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication) value of each beacon signal from one or more nodes 20 (S101). In other words, the information terminal 30 receives one or more signals (beacon signals) transmitted from one or more nodes 20 and performs an acquisition process to obtain the radio wave strength (RSSI value) of one or more signals. Here, the one or more nodes 20 may include not only nodes 20 installed within area A1 where the setter B1 is located, but also nodes 20 installed outside area A1.

[0046] Next, the information processing unit 34 executes the first decision process (S102). The first decision process determines one or more first candidate nodes based on the radio wave strength (RSSI value) of one or more signals (beacon signals) acquired in the acquisition process. The first candidate nodes are nodes that are candidates for one or more belonging nodes belonging to the first mesh network (lower mesh network) of the corresponding area A1 (i.e., area A1 where the setter B1 is performing node setting work). In Embodiment 1, the information processing unit 34 arranges one or more nodes 20 whose RSSI value is equal to or greater than the threshold in descending order of RSSI value (i.e., in descending order of radio wave strength), and determines the node 20 with the largest RSSI value as the first, and the nodes 1 to the upper limit as one or more first candidate nodes. If the number of one or more nodes 20 is less than the upper limit, the information processing unit 34 determines all of the one or more nodes 20 as one or more first candidate nodes. The threshold may also be adjusted as appropriate, for example, by the setter B1 operating the information terminal 30.

[0047] Here, the upper limit is the maximum number of first candidate nodes (one or more) in each area A1, and is the maximum number of nodes 20 that are allowed to belong to one area A1. The upper limit is a parameter pre-stored in the storage unit 35, for example. The upper limit is set based on, for example, the dimensions of area A1 in plan view and the spacing at which the nodes 20 are installed. In Embodiment 1, the upper limit is set to 9. The upper limit may be adjusted as appropriate, for example, by the setter B1 operating the information terminal 30.

[0048] Next, the information processing unit 34 performs a second decision process (S103). The second decision process determines the node 20 whose radio wave intensity (RSSI value) meets predetermined conditions from among the one or more first candidate nodes determined in the first decision process as the second candidate node. The second candidate node is a node that will become a candidate for the management node of the first mesh network (lower mesh network) of the corresponding area A1 (i.e., area A1 where the setter B1 is performing node setting work). In Embodiment 1, the information processing unit 34 determines the node 20 with the largest RSSI value from among the one or more first candidate nodes as the second candidate node.

[0049] Next, the information processing unit 34 executes a third decision process (S104). The third decision process determines one or more replacement candidate nodes based on the radio wave strength (RSSI value) of two or more signals (beacon signals) transmitted from two or more nodes 20 acquired in the acquisition process. A replacement candidate node is a node whose RSSI value is above a threshold, whose radio wave strength (RSSI value) is the second strongest after one or more first candidate nodes, and which can become a first candidate node in place of one or more first candidate nodes. In Embodiment 1, the one or more replacement candidate nodes are the one or more nodes 20 other than the one or more first candidate nodes, from among the one or more nodes 20 from which the wireless communication unit 33 was able to receive beacon signals.

[0050] Next, the information processing unit 34 executes a first control process (S105). The first control process is a process that controls one or more first candidate nodes determined in the first decision process and the second candidate nodes determined in the second decision process so that they have a different visual appearance from the other nodes 20. In Embodiment 1, one or more first candidate nodes and second candidate nodes are controlled to blink in a different visual appearance from the other nodes 20 which are all lit. Specifically, the information processing unit 34 transmits a control signal via the wireless communication unit 33 that includes a command instructing one or more first candidate nodes and second candidate nodes to blink. Each node 20 that receives the control signal via the wireless communication unit 21 blinks according to the command included in the control signal.

[0051] Next, the information processing unit 34 displays a setting screen for determining the lower mesh network and management node on the display unit 32 (S106). Figure 5 shows an example of the setting screen in Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 5, the setting screen displays a list of one or more nodes 20 that the wireless communication unit 33 was able to receive beacon signals from, arranged horizontally in order of strongest radio wave strength (largest RSSI value). The setting screen also displays an icon with the string "Confirm" to accept a confirmation operation by the user B1.

[0052] In Figure 5, the solid circles represent candidate nodes (i.e., first candidate nodes) belonging to the lower-level mesh network corresponding to area A1 where the programmer B1 is performing node configuration work. The double-line circles represent candidate management nodes (i.e., second candidate nodes) for the same lower-level mesh network. The dashed circles represent replacement candidate nodes that have weaker signal strength than the candidate nodes but are strong enough to belong to the lower-level mesh network and could potentially replace the candidate nodes. The numbers enclosed in circles simply represent the ID of node 20.

[0053] In the example shown in Figure 5, the first candidate node is one or more nodes 20 with IDs "1" through "9". In the example shown in Figure 5, the second candidate node is node 20 with ID "5". In the example shown in Figure 5, the first or more replacement candidate nodes are five nodes 20 with IDs "10" through "14".

[0054] Returning to Figure 3, the operation reception unit 31 receives an adjustment operation from the setter B1 (S107). The adjustment operation includes swapping candidates for nodes or management nodes belonging to the lower mesh network corresponding to area A1 where setter B1 is performing node setting work, or deleting candidates for nodes belonging to the said lower mesh network. It is optional whether or not setter B1 performs the adjustment operation.

[0055] Furthermore, after the setter B1 has performed an adjustment operation, or if the setter B1 has not performed an adjustment operation, the operation reception unit 31 accepts a confirmation operation from the setter B1 (S108). The confirmation operation is an operation in which the setter B1 confirms one or more candidate nodes (i.e., one or more first candidate nodes) of the lower mesh network corresponding to area A1 where the node setting work is being performed as one or more member nodes of the lower mesh network. The confirmation operation is also an operation in which the candidate for the management node (i.e., second candidate node) of the lower mesh network is confirmed as the management node of the lower mesh network.

[0056] Here, we will explain the replacement and confirmation operations in detail. First, the programmer B1 visually confirms whether the one or more first candidate nodes and second candidate nodes that are blinking due to the first control process are appropriate as one or more affiliated nodes and management nodes, respectively. For example, if one or more first candidate nodes are all contained within area A1 where programmer B1 is located, programmer B1 determines that one or more first candidate nodes are one or more affiliated nodes in the lower mesh network corresponding to area A1. Also, for example, if the second candidate node is located within the range assumed by programmer B1 within area A1, programmer B1 determines that the second candidate node is the management node of the lower mesh network corresponding to area A1.

[0057] Then, the user B1 performs the confirmation operation by operating the information terminal 30. In the first embodiment, the user B1 performs the confirmation operation by selecting the icon with the string "Confirm" displayed on the display unit 32 of the information terminal 30.

[0058] On the other hand, if, for example, some of the first candidate nodes are not included in area A1 where the setter B1 is located, setter B1 operates the information terminal 30 to perform a swap operation to swap the first candidate nodes with the desired replacement candidate nodes included in area A1. In Embodiment 1, setter B1 selects the target first candidate node displayed on the display unit 32, and then performs an operation to select the desired replacement candidate node. The order of selecting the first candidate node and the replacement candidate node may be reversed. As a result of the swap operation, the target first candidate node becomes a replacement candidate node after the swap operation, and the target replacement candidate node becomes a first candidate node after the swap operation.

[0059] Furthermore, for example, if the second candidate node differs from the node 20 assumed by the programmer B1, programmer B1 operates the information terminal 30 to perform a swap operation in which the second candidate node is swapped with the desired node 20 from among the one or more first candidate nodes. In Embodiment 1, programmer B1 selects the target second candidate node displayed on the display unit 32, and then performs an operation to select the desired first candidate node. The order of selecting the second candidate node and the first candidate node may be reversed. As a result of the swap operation, the target second candidate node becomes the first candidate node after the swap operation, and the target first candidate node becomes the second candidate node after the swap operation.

[0060] Figure 6 shows an example of swapping the first candidate node with a replacement candidate node in Example 1. In Figure 6, the area enclosed by the dashed line corresponds to area A1 where the setter B1 is performing node setting work. Also in Figure 6, the node 20 represented by a circle with a solid hatched line is the first candidate node (including the second candidate node). Also in Figure 6, the node 20 represented by a circle with a dashed hatched line is a replacement candidate node. Also in Figure 6, the node 20 represented by a white circle is a node 20 other than the first candidate node and the replacement candidate nodes.

[0061] In the example shown in Figure 6, there is one first candidate node outside the area enclosed by the dashed line, and one replacement candidate node within that area. Therefore, by performing a swap operation to swap the first candidate node with the replacement candidate node, the programmer B1 can make all nodes 20 in area A1 where programmer B1 is located the first candidate node.

[0062] Returning to Figure 3, when the operation reception unit 31 receives the confirmation operation, the information processing unit 34 confirms one or more first candidate nodes as one or more affiliated nodes (S109). The information processing unit 34 also confirms the second candidate node as the management node (S110). As a result, the lower mesh network and management node corresponding to area A1, where the setter B1 is performing node setting work, are confirmed.

[0063] Then, once the information processing unit 34 has determined one or more affiliated nodes and management nodes, it executes an initial setup process (S111). In the initial setup process, the information processing unit 34 transmits configuration information to each of the one or more determined affiliated nodes and management nodes via the wireless communication unit 33. Each node 20 that receives the configuration information via the wireless communication unit 21 stores the configuration information in the storage unit. As a result, each node 20 joins the hierarchical mesh network, specifically the lower mesh network corresponding to area A1 where the setter B1 is performing node configuration work, and stops the periodic transmission of beacon signals.

[0064] Subsequently, the information processing unit 34 executes a second control process (S112). The second control process controls one or more determined member nodes and management nodes to have a different visual appearance from the other nodes 20. In Embodiment 1, one or more member nodes and management nodes are controlled to have a different visual appearance from the other nodes 20, by being lit at the lower limit of the dimmable range. Specifically, the information processing unit 34 transmits a control signal to one or more first candidate nodes and second candidate nodes via the wireless communication unit 33, which includes a command instructing them to be lit at the lower limit of the dimmable range. Each node 20 that receives the control signal via the wireless communication unit 21 lights up at the lower limit of the dimmable range according to the command included in the control signal.

[0065] Figure 7 shows the nodes controlled by the second control process in Example 1. In Figure 7, the area enclosed by the dashed line corresponds to area A1 where the setter B1 is performing node setting work. Also in Figure 7, the nodes 20 represented by white circles are fully illuminated. Also in Figure 7, the nodes 20 represented by black circles are illuminated at the lower limit of the dimmable range.

[0066] As shown in Figure 7, one or more assigned nodes and management nodes, that is, each node 20 that has joined the lower mesh network corresponding to area A1 where the programmer B1 is performing node configuration work, is controlled in a visual manner different from other nodes 20. Therefore, programmer B1 can visually understand one or more nodes 20 that have joined the lower mesh network.

[0067] With the above steps completed, the node configuration work in area A1 where the configurator B1 is located is finished. Once the node configuration work is complete, configurator B1 moves from area A1 to the next area A1 and performs the node configuration work in the new area A1. Subsequently, configurator B1 performs the node configuration work in all areas A1 in space Sp1, and the initial setup work is completed.

[0068] After the initial setup is complete, the configurator B1 operates the information terminal 30 to cause the information processing unit 34 to perform a verification process. The information processing is a process of verifying whether or not a hierarchical mesh network has been established by communicating with each of the multiple nodes 20. Specifically, the information processing unit 34 transmits a control signal to each node 20 via the wireless communication unit 33, which includes a command instructing a verification control. The verification control is, for example, a control that makes the node 20 blink.

[0069] If the configurator B1 visually confirms that all nodes 20 are blinking, that is, that verification control has been performed on all nodes 20, then B1 can determine that all nodes 20 have joined the hierarchical mesh network and that the hierarchical mesh network is correctly constructed. On the other hand, if the configurator B1 confirms that some nodes 20 are not blinking, that is, that verification control has not been performed on some nodes 20, then B1 can determine that those some nodes 20 have not joined the hierarchical mesh network and that the hierarchical mesh network is not correctly constructed. In this case, the configurator B1 should perform the node configuration work again for those some nodes 20.

[0070] As described above, in Embodiment 1, the information terminal 30 (information processing method) performs node configuration work, including acquisition processing, first decision processing, and second decision processing, in each of the multiple areas A1 in space Sp1. With such an information terminal 30 (information processing method), the configurer B1 can simply instruct the information terminal 30 to start node configuration work in each area A1, and the terminal can automatically determine one or more candidate member nodes and management nodes belonging to the lower mesh network, thereby reducing the effort required for the configurer B1 to determine one or more member nodes and management nodes. In other words, such an information terminal 30 (information processing method) can support configuration work for constructing a hierarchical mesh network. Furthermore, with such an information terminal 30 (information processing method), the configurer B1 can easily perform configuration work even if there is no information showing the placement of each of the multiple nodes 20 on space Sp1, such as a lighting diagram.

[0071] [Modified Example 1] In Example 1, all nodes 20 that have not been initialized are lit, but this is not limited to this. For example, nodes 20 that have not been initialized should be lit in a manner that allows the setter B1 to visually understand that node 20 has not been initialized.

[0072] In the first control process of Embodiment 1, one or more first candidate nodes and second candidate nodes may be controlled to have different visual characteristics from each other. For example, one or more first candidate nodes and second candidate nodes may have different blinking patterns from each other.

[0073] In the first control process of Embodiment 1, the information processing unit 34 of the information terminal 30 may control one or more replacement candidate nodes, in addition to one or more first candidate nodes and second candidate nodes, so that they have a different visual appearance from the other nodes 20. For example, the one or more first candidate nodes and second candidate nodes and the one or more replacement candidate nodes may each have different blinking patterns from each other.

[0074] In Embodiment 1, the upper limit of one or more first candidate nodes in each area A1 may be automatically determined by the information processing unit 34 through calculation. For example, if the dimensions of area A1 in plan view and the spacing at which the nodes 20 are installed can be obtained, the information processing unit 34 may calculate and determine the upper limit based on these parameters. In other words, the information terminal 30 may determine the upper limit of one or more first candidate nodes based on the dimensions of each of the multiple areas A1 and the spacing at which each of the multiple nodes 20 are installed.

[0075] In Embodiment 1, the threshold in the first decision process may be automatically determined by the information processing unit 34 through calculation. For example, if parameters indicating the communication performance of each node 20 can be obtained, the information processing unit 34 may calculate and determine the threshold based on those parameters. In other words, the information terminal 30 may determine the radio wave intensity conditions (thresholds) for determining one or more first candidate nodes in the first decision process based on the communication performance of each of the multiple nodes 20.

[0076] In Embodiment 1, the information processing unit 34 of the information terminal 30 performs a third decision process, but it is not limited to this. For example, the information processing unit 34 does not need to perform a third decision process. In this case, only one or more first candidate nodes and second candidate nodes will be displayed on the display unit 32 of the information terminal 30.

[0077] In Embodiment 1, the information processing unit 34 of the information terminal 30 performs a first control process, but is not limited to this. For example, the information processing unit 34 does not have to perform the first control process. In this case, one or more first candidate nodes and second candidate nodes will be controlled in the same visual manner as the other nodes 20. That is, one or more first candidate nodes and second candidate nodes will maintain a fully lit state, just like the other nodes 20.

[0078] In Embodiment 1, the information processing unit 34 of the information terminal 30 performs a second control process, but it is not limited to this. For example, the information processing unit 34 does not need to perform the second control process. In this case, the one or more assigned member nodes and management nodes will be controlled in the same visual manner as the other nodes 20. That is, the one or more assigned member nodes and management nodes will maintain a fully illuminated state, just like the other nodes 20.

[0079] In Example 1, the settings screen displays one or more first candidate nodes, second candidate nodes, and one or more replacement candidate nodes arranged horizontally according to the strength of their RSSI values, but it is not limited to this. For example, the settings screen may display one or more first candidate nodes, second candidate nodes, and one or more replacement candidate nodes arranged vertically according to the strength of their RSSI values.

[0080] In Example 1, the setter B1 starts from one of the four corner areas A1 in space Sp1 and moves through each of the multiple areas A1 in a meandering manner, but is not limited to this. For example, the setter B1 may start from the central area A1 in space Sp1 and move through each of the multiple areas A1 in a spiral manner. In other words, the setter B1 only needs to move in a way that visits all of the areas A1 in space Sp1, and the path of movement does not matter.

[0081] In Example 1, the shape and area of ​​each of the multiple areas A1 are the same, but are not limited to this. For example, the shapes of each of the multiple areas A1 may be different from each other. Also, for example, the areas of each of the multiple areas A1 may be different from each other. Furthermore, for example, the shape of space Sp1 is not limited to a rectangle in plan view, but may be other shapes in plan view.

[0082] [Summary of Example 1 and its modified examples] As described above, the information processing method according to the first embodiment in Embodiment 1 is an information processing method for constructing a hierarchical mesh network, which is executed by a computer. The hierarchical mesh network includes a plurality of first mesh networks and a second mesh network composed of management nodes belonging to each of the plurality of first mesh networks. In the information processing method, an acquisition process (S101), a first decision process (S102), and a second decision process (S103) are executed in each of the plurality of areas A1 in a space Sp1 in which a plurality of nodes 20 are installed and the space is divided into a plurality of areas A1. The acquisition process is a process of acquiring the radio wave strength of one or more signals by receiving one or more signals transmitted from one or more nodes 20. The first decision process is a process of determining one or more first candidate nodes that are candidates for one or more belonging nodes belonging to the first mesh network of the corresponding area A1, based on the radio wave strength of one or more signals acquired in the acquisition process. The second decision process is the process of selecting a node from among the one or more first candidate nodes determined in the first decision process whose radio wave strength meets predetermined conditions as the second candidate node to become the management node of the first mesh network. The lower mesh network is an example of the first mesh network, and the upper mesh network is an example of the second mesh network.

[0083] With this information processing method, the configurator B1 can simply instruct the information terminal 30 in each area A1 to start the configuration work, and the system can automatically determine one or more candidate member nodes and management nodes belonging to the lower mesh network, thereby reducing the effort required for the configurator B1 to determine one or more member nodes and management nodes. In other words, the information processing method has the advantage of being able to support the configuration work for building a hierarchical mesh network.

[0084] Furthermore, in the information processing method according to the second embodiment of Example 1, in the first embodiment, one or more nodes 20 are two or more nodes 20. The information processing method further performs a third decision process (S104). The third decision process is a process that determines one or more replacement candidate nodes that have the next strongest signal strength after one or more first candidate nodes and that can become the first candidate node in place of one or more first candidate nodes, based on the signal strength of two or more signals transmitted from each of the two or more nodes 20 acquired in the acquisition process.

[0085] This information processing method has the advantage of reducing the effort required for the programmer B1 to search for an alternative node 20 if some of the first candidate nodes are undesirable as affiliated nodes.

[0086] Furthermore, in the information processing method according to the third embodiment of Embodiment 1, a first control process (S105) is further executed according to the first or second embodiment. The first control process is a process that controls one or more first candidate nodes determined in the first decision process and the second candidate nodes determined in the second decision process so that they have a different visual appearance from the other nodes 20.

[0087] This information processing method has the advantage of making it easier for the programmer B1 to visually grasp one or more first and second candidate nodes.

[0088] Furthermore, in the information processing method according to the fourth embodiment of Embodiment 1, in any one of the first to third embodiments, the upper limit of one or more first candidate nodes is determined based on the dimensions of each of the multiple areas A1 and the spacing at which each of the multiple nodes 20 are installed.

[0089] This information processing method has the advantage of reducing the effort required for the setter B1 to determine the upper limit.

[0090] Furthermore, in the information processing method according to the fifth embodiment of Embodiment 1, in any one of the first to fourth embodiments, the radio wave intensity conditions for determining one or more first candidate nodes in the first decision process are determined based on the communication performance of each of the multiple nodes 20.

[0091] This information processing method has the advantage of reducing the effort required for the programmer B1 to determine the radio wave intensity conditions.

[0092] Furthermore, in the information processing method according to the sixth embodiment of Embodiment 1, a second control process (S112) is further executed in any one of the first to fifth embodiments. The second control process is a process that controls the one or more assigned assigned nodes and management nodes so that they have a different visual appearance from the other nodes 20, when one or more assigned nodes and management nodes have been determined.

[0093] This information processing method has the advantage of making it easier for the programmer B1 to visually grasp the one or more assigned nodes and management nodes that have been determined.

[0094] Furthermore, the program according to the seventh embodiment in Example 1 causes one or more processors to execute the information processing method according to any one of the first to sixth embodiments.

[0095] With such a program, the configurator B1 can simply instruct the information terminal 30 in each area A1 to start the configuration process, and the program can automatically determine one or more candidate member nodes and management nodes belonging to the lower mesh network, thus reducing the effort required for configurator B1 to determine one or more member nodes and management nodes. In other words, the program has the advantage of being able to support the configuration process for building a hierarchical mesh network.

[0096] Furthermore, the information terminal 30 according to the eighth aspect of Embodiment 1 includes an information processing unit 34 that performs information processing for constructing a hierarchical mesh network. The hierarchical mesh network includes a plurality of first mesh networks and a second mesh network composed of management nodes belonging to each of the plurality of first mesh networks. The information processing unit 34 performs an acquisition process (S101), a first decision process (S102), and a second decision process (S103) in each of the plurality of areas A1 in a space Sp1 where a plurality of nodes 20 are installed and the space is divided into a plurality of areas A1. The acquisition process is the process of acquiring the radio wave strength of one or more signals by receiving one or more signals transmitted from one or more nodes 20. The first decision process is the process of determining one or more first candidate nodes that are candidates for one or more belonging nodes belonging to the first mesh network of the corresponding area A1, based on the radio wave strength of one or more signals acquired in the acquisition process. The second decision process is the process of selecting from the one or more first candidate nodes determined in the first decision process, the node whose radio wave strength meets predetermined conditions, as the second candidate node to become the management node of the first mesh network.

[0097] With such an information terminal 30, the configurator B1 can simply instruct the information terminal 30 to start the configuration work in each area A1, and it can automatically determine one or more candidate member nodes and management nodes belonging to the lower mesh network, thus reducing the effort required for the configurator B1 to determine one or more member nodes and management nodes. In other words, the information terminal 30 has the advantage of being able to support the configuration work for building a hierarchical mesh network.

[0098] Furthermore, the communication system 10 according to the ninth embodiment in Embodiment 1 comprises an information terminal 30 according to the eighth embodiment and a plurality of nodes 20.

[0099] With this communication system 10, the configurator B1 can simply instruct the information terminal 30 in each area A1 to start the configuration work, and the system can automatically determine one or more candidate member nodes and management nodes belonging to the lower mesh network, thereby reducing the effort required for the configurator B1 to determine one or more member nodes and management nodes. In other words, the communication system 10 has the advantage of being able to support the configuration work for building a hierarchical mesh network.

[0100] Furthermore, in the communication system 10 according to the tenth embodiment in Example 1, in the ninth embodiment, the plurality of nodes 20 include lighting fixtures.

[0101] Such a communication system 10 has the advantage of being able to function as a control system for lighting fixtures.

[0102] [Example 2] Figure 8 is a flowchart of Example 2. In Example 2, as in Example 1, the setter B1 moves sequentially through each of the multiple areas A1 in space Sp1. Then, setter B1 performs the node setting work shown below in each area A1. In Example 2, the content of the node setting work differs from that of Example 1. Points that are common with Example 1 will be omitted from explanation as appropriate.

[0103] <Node configuration work> The user B1 moves to a designated location in area A1 (in this case, the center of area A1) and performs an operation on the information terminal 30 to start the setting process. Upon receiving this operation from the operation reception unit 31, the information processing unit 34 starts the setting process.

[0104] As shown in Figure 8, first, the information processing unit 34 determines how many groups to divide the multiple nodes 20 installed in space Sp1 into, that is, the number of divisions N (where N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) (S201). In step S201, the setter B1 inputs the number of nodes 20 installed in space Sp1 using the information terminal 30. Then, the information processing unit 34 determines the number of divisions N based on the input number of nodes 20 and a threshold. Note that step S201 only needs to be executed at the start of the setup process and does not need to be executed each time area A1 is moved thereafter.

[0105] Here, the threshold is a value based on the upper limit of the number of nodes 20 that can belong to one lower mesh network (first mesh network), and the upper limit of the number of management nodes that can belong to a higher mesh network (second mesh network). In Example 2, the above threshold is stored in the storage unit 35 in advance. Note that the above threshold may also be set, for example, by the setter B1 entering it on the information terminal 30.

[0106] In Example 2, the information processing unit 34 basically determines the number of divisions N to be "2", but increases the number of divisions N by "1" if the number of nodes 20 included in one group exceeds the threshold. For example, suppose the number of input nodes 20 is 60 and the threshold is 20. In this case, the information processing unit 34 determines the number of divisions N to be "3" because if the number of divisions N were "2", the number of nodes 20 included in one group would exceed the threshold. In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, the number of divisions N will be assumed to be "2".

[0107] Next, the information processing unit 34 performs an assignment process to assign each of the multiple nodes 20 to one of N groups (S202). In Embodiment 2, the information processing unit 34 randomly assigns one or more nodes 20 that were able to receive a beacon signal via the wireless communication unit 33, that is, one or more nodes 20 that are able to communicate, to one of N groups.

[0108] Then, the information processing unit 34 performs node configuration work in each area A1, and by executing the assignment process in each of the areas A1 of space Sp1, it randomly assigns all the nodes 20 installed in space Sp1 to one of N groups. In other words, in the assignment process of Embodiment 2, multiple nodes 20 are each assigned to one of N groups according to random numbers. Here, the information processing unit 34 assigns multiple nodes 20 to one of N groups according to pseudorandom numbers generated by an appropriate pseudorandom number generation algorithm.

[0109] For example, suppose that when the programmer B1 is in an arbitrary area A1, there are eight nodes 20 that can communicate with each other: "a", "b", "c", "d", "e", "f", "g", and "h", and these are to be assigned to two groups (i.e., N=2). In this case, the information processing unit 34 performs the assignment process, for example, by assigning "a", "c", "e", and "g" to group "1" and "b", "d", "f", and "h" to group "2" according to a random number.

[0110] Furthermore, the information processing unit 34 executes the first decision process (S203) and the second decision process (S204) in parallel with the allocation process.

[0111] The first decision process is the process of determining that all nodes 20 assigned to one of the N groups (hereinafter also referred to as the "management group") will each be management nodes of multiple lower mesh networks (first mesh network). In Embodiment 2, the information processing unit 34 determines that the nodes 20 assigned to the management group are management nodes from among the one or more nodes 20 that were able to receive beacon signals via the wireless communication unit 33, that is, one or more nodes 20 that are able to communicate.

[0112] The information processing unit 34 then performs node configuration work in each area A1, thereby executing the first decision process in each of the areas A1 of space Sp1. As a result, of all the nodes 20 installed in space Sp1, several nodes 20 assigned to the management group are determined to be management nodes for multiple lower mesh networks. In other words, in Embodiment 2, the number of lower mesh networks corresponds to the number of nodes 20 assigned to the management group.

[0113] For example, suppose that when the setter B1 is in any area A1, there are eight nodes 20 that can communicate with each other: "a", "b", "c", "d", "e", "f", "g", and "h", and that through the assignment process, "a", "c", "e", and "g" are assigned to the management group (group "1"). In this case, the information processing unit 34 performs a first decision process to determine that "a", "c", "e", and "g" are management nodes of four different lower mesh networks.

[0114] The second decision process determines, for each of the remaining N-1 groups, that all nodes 20 assigned to the corresponding group belong to one of the multiple lower mesh networks (first mesh network). In Embodiment 2, the information processing unit 34 determines that the nodes 20 assigned to N-1 groups other than the management group, out of the one or more nodes 20 that were able to receive beacon signals via the wireless communication unit 33, that is, the one or more communicable nodes 20, belong to the group.

[0115] Then, the information processing unit 34 performs node configuration work in each area A1, thereby executing the second decision process in each of all areas A1 in space Sp1. As a result, for each of the N-1 groups other than the management group among all the nodes 20 installed in space Sp1, all nodes 20 assigned to the corresponding group are determined to belong to one of the multiple lower mesh networks.

[0116] For example, suppose that when the programmer B1 is in any area A1, there are eight nodes 20 that can communicate with each other: "a", "b", "c", "d", "e", "f", "g", and "h", and that through the assignment process, "b", "d", "f", and "h" are assigned to one group other than the management group (i.e., 2-1=1) (group "2"). In this case, the information processing unit 34 performs a second decision process to determine that "b", "d", "f", and "h" belong to one of the four lower mesh networks.

[0117] Then, once the assignment process, the first decision process, and the second decision process are completed, the information processing unit 34 executes the initial setup process (S205). In the initial setup process, the information processing unit 34 transmits setting information to each of the determined nodes 20 via the wireless communication unit 33. Each node 20 that receives the setting information via the wireless communication unit 21 stores the setting information in the storage unit. As a result, each node 20 joins the hierarchical mesh network and stops the periodic transmission of beacon signals.

[0118] With the above steps completed, the node configuration work in area A1 where the configurator B1 is located is finished. Once the node configuration work is complete, configurator B1 moves from area A1 to the next area A1 and performs the node configuration work in the new area A1. Subsequently, configurator B1 performs the node configuration work in all areas A1 in space Sp1, and the initial setup work is completed.

[0119] After the initial setup is complete, the configurator B1 operates the information terminal 30 to cause the information processing unit 34 to perform a verification process. The information processing is a process of verifying whether or not a hierarchical mesh network has been established by communicating with each of the multiple nodes 20. Specifically, the information processing unit 34 transmits a control signal to each node 20 via the wireless communication unit 33, which includes a command instructing a verification control. The verification control is, for example, a control that makes the node 20 blink.

[0120] If the configurator B1 visually confirms that all nodes 20 are blinking, that is, that verification control has been performed on all nodes 20, then B1 can determine that all nodes 20 have joined the hierarchical mesh network and that the hierarchical mesh network is correctly constructed. On the other hand, if the configurator B1 confirms that some nodes 20 are not blinking, that is, that verification control has not been performed on some nodes 20, then B1 can determine that those some nodes 20 have not joined the hierarchical mesh network and that the hierarchical mesh network is not correctly constructed. In this case, the configurator B1 should perform the node configuration work again for those some nodes 20.

[0121] The following describes specific examples of the assignment process, first decision process, and second decision process in Example 2 using Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of a hierarchical mesh network constructed when the number of divisions N=2 in Example 2. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of a hierarchical mesh network constructed when the number of divisions N=3 in Example 2. In the examples shown in Figures 9 and 10, the number of nodes 20 installed in space Sp1 is 12. In Figures 9 and 10, the rectangular frames enclosed by dotted lines represent lower mesh networks. In Figures 9 and 10, nodes 20 represented by circles are member nodes, and nodes 20 represented by squares are management nodes.

[0122] When the number of divisions N=2, the assignment process randomly assigns the 12 nodes 20 to group "1" and group "2" respectively according to random numbers. Then, as shown in Figure 9, the first decision process determines that the 6 nodes 20 assigned to group "1" (management group) will each become management nodes of 6 different lower-level mesh networks. In other words, in the example shown in Figure 9, the 6 management nodes assigned to group "1" construct the upper-level mesh network.

[0123] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the second decision process determines that the six nodes 20 assigned to group "2" (a group other than the management group) belong to one of the six lower-level mesh networks.

[0124] In other words, in the example shown in Figure 9, in one of the six lower-level mesh networks, the network is constructed using the management node corresponding to that lower-level mesh network and the six member nodes assigned to group "2". In each of the remaining five lower-level mesh networks, the network is constructed using only the corresponding single management node.

[0125] When the number of divisions N=3, the assignment process randomly assigns the 12 nodes 20 to groups "1", "2", and "3" according to random numbers. Then, as shown in Figure 10, the first decision process determines that the 4 nodes 20 assigned to group "1" (management group) will each become management nodes of four different lower-level mesh networks. In other words, in the example shown in Figure 10, the upper-level mesh network is constructed by the 4 management nodes assigned to group "1".

[0126] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the second decision process determines that the four nodes 20 assigned to group "2" (a group other than the management group) belong to one of the four lower-mesh networks. Similarly, the second decision process determines that the four nodes 20 assigned to group "3" (a group other than the management group) belong to one of the four lower-mesh networks (excluding the lower-mesh network corresponding to group "2").

[0127] In other words, in the example shown in Figure 10, one of the four lower-level mesh networks is constructed using the management node corresponding to that lower-level mesh network and the four member nodes assigned to group "2". Another lower-level mesh network is constructed using the management node corresponding to that lower-level mesh network and the four member nodes assigned to group "3". The remaining two lower-level mesh networks are constructed using only the corresponding single management node.

[0128] Figure 11 shows an example of a hierarchical mesh network constructed in Example 2 when there are 60 nodes 20 installed in space Sp1. Figure 11 also shows an example of a hierarchical mesh network constructed when the number of divisions N=2. In Figure 11, nodes 20 represented by circles are member nodes, and nodes 20 represented by rectangles are management nodes.

[0129] In the example shown in Figure 11, since the number of divisions N=2, 30 nodes 20 are assigned to the management group. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 11, 30 lower-level mesh networks are constructed, and a higher-level mesh network is constructed by 30 management nodes. In addition, in the example shown in Figure 11, the remaining 30 nodes 20 belong to one of the lower-level mesh networks. Specifically, one lower-level mesh network is constructed by one management node represented by a black rectangle and 30 belonging nodes represented by black circles. And in each of the remaining 29 lower-level mesh networks, the lower-level mesh network is constructed by only the corresponding one management node.

[0130] As shown in the examples in Figures 9 and 11, when the number of divisions N=2, each of the multiple nodes 20 essentially belongs to either one lower-level mesh network or one upper-level mesh network. Therefore, when the number of divisions N=2, the number of mesh networks to which each node 20 can belong is smaller compared to when the number of divisions N is 3 or more. This has the advantage that even if each of the multiple nodes 20 is randomly assigned to N groups, a hierarchical mesh network is more likely to be established.

[0131] As described above, in Embodiment 2, the information terminal 30 (information processing method) performs node configuration work, including assignment processing, first determination processing, and second determination processing, for all nodes 20 installed in space Sp1. With such an information terminal 30 (information processing method), the configurer B1 can simply instruct the information terminal 30 to start the node configuration work, and the system can automatically determine one or more belonging nodes and management nodes belonging to the lower mesh network, thereby reducing the effort required for the configurer B1 to determine one or more belonging nodes and management nodes. In other words, such an information terminal 30 (information processing method) can support configuration work for constructing a hierarchical mesh network. Furthermore, with such an information terminal 30 (information processing method), the configurer B1 can easily perform configuration work even if there is no information showing the placement of each of the multiple nodes 20 on space Sp1, such as a lighting diagram.

[0132] [Modified version of Example 2] The following describes a modified example of Example 2. Points common to the modified example of Example 1 will be omitted from the following explanation.

[0133] In Embodiment 2, the information processing unit 34 assigns multiple nodes 20 to one of N groups according to a random number during the assignment process, but is not limited to this. For example, during the assignment process, multiple nodes 20 may be assigned to one of N groups according to the order in which communication was established with the nodes 20.

[0134] For example, suppose that when the setter B1 is in an arbitrary area A1, communication is established with node 20 in the order of "d", "f", "c", "a", "h", "g", "b", and "e", and these are assigned to two groups (i.e., N=2). In this case, the information processing unit 34 performs the assignment process to assign "d", "f", "c", and "a" to group "1" and "h", "g", "b", and "e" to group "2", for example, according to the order in which the communication was established. Alternatively, the information processing unit 34 performs the assignment process to alternately assign "d", "f", "c", "a", "h", "g", "b", and "e" to group "1" and group "2", for example, according to the order in which the communication was established.

[0135] Alternatively, for example, in the allocation process, multiple nodes 20 may be assigned to one of N groups according to the signal strength (RSSI value) of the signals transmitted from each node 20.

[0136] For example, suppose that when the programmer B1 is in an arbitrary area A1, the nodes 20 that can communicate with it are arranged in descending order of RSSI value (i.e., signal strength), and the order is "c", "g", "h", "d", "a", "f", "e", and "b", and these are to be assigned to two groups (i.e., N=2). In this case, the information processing unit 34 performs the assignment process to assign "c", "g", "h", and "d" to group "1" and "a", "f", "e", and "b" to group "2", for example, according to the above descending order of RSSI value. Alternatively, the information processing unit 34 performs the assignment process to alternately assign "c", "g", "h", "d", "a", "f", "e", and "b" to group "1" and group "2", for example, according to the descending order of RSSI value.

[0137] Furthermore, the information processing unit 34 may perform a presentation process during the setting process. The presentation process is the process of presenting multiple patterns for assigning each of the multiple nodes 20 to one of N groups in the assignment process. The information processing unit 34 performs the presentation process, for example, by displaying a screen on the display unit 32 that lists multiple patterns for the assignment of each node 20. The setter B1 performs a selection operation to select a desired pattern from among the multiple patterns presented. When the operation reception unit 31 receives the selection operation, the information processing unit 34 assigns each of the multiple nodes 20 to one of N groups according to the selected pattern.

[0138] For example, suppose that when the user B1 is in an arbitrary area A1, there are eight nodes 20 that can communicate with each other: "a", "b", "c", "d", "e", "f", "g", and "h", and these are to be assigned to two groups (i.e., N=2). In this case, the information processing unit 34 performs a presentation process to present, for example, a first pattern and a second pattern. The first pattern is one in which, for example, "a", "c", "e", and "g" are assigned to group "1" and "b", "d", "f", and "h" are assigned to group "2" according to a random number. The second pattern is one in which, for example, "a", "b", "f", and "h" are assigned to group "1" and "c", "d", "e", and "g" are assigned to group "2" according to a random number. The user B1 simply needs to perform a selection operation to choose the desired pattern from the first and second patterns displayed on the display unit 32.

[0139] In Embodiment 2, the information processing unit 34 may perform a second control process in the same manner as in Embodiment 1 after performing the initial setup process in the node configuration work. In this case, one or more affiliated nodes and one or more management nodes determined by the first and second determination processes, that is, each node 20 that has joined the lower mesh network, is controlled in a visual manner different from other nodes 20. Therefore, the setter B1 can visually grasp one or more nodes 20 that have joined the lower mesh network.

[0140] In Example 2, the information processing unit 34 performs a verification process after the initial setup work is completed, but this is not limited to this. For example, the information processing unit 34 may perform a verification process after the initial setup process is executed. In this case, the information processing unit 34 will perform a verification process in each area A1.

[0141] In Example 2, it is assumed that space Sp1 is divided into multiple areas A1, and the configurator B1 performs the node configuration work by moving sequentially through each area A1, but this is not the only way. For example, the configurator B1 may perform the node configuration work by moving freely within space Sp1 without being aware of the multiple areas A1.

[0142] [Summary of Example 2 and its variations] As described above, the information processing method according to the first embodiment in Embodiment 2 is an information processing method for constructing a hierarchical mesh network, which is executed by a computer. The hierarchical mesh network includes a plurality of first mesh networks and a second mesh network composed of management nodes belonging to each of the plurality of first mesh networks. The information processing method performs an assignment process (S202), a first decision process (S203), and a second decision process (S204). The assignment process is the process of assigning a plurality of nodes 20 to one of N (N is a natural number of 2 or more) groups. The first decision process is the process of determining that all nodes 20 assigned to one of the N groups will each become management nodes of the plurality of first mesh networks. The second decision process is the process of determining that for each of the remaining N-1 groups, all nodes 20 assigned to the corresponding group will become belonging nodes belonging to one of the plurality of first mesh networks. A lower mesh network is an example of a first mesh network, and a higher mesh network is an example of a second mesh network.

[0143] With this information processing method, the configurator B1 can simply instruct the information terminal 30 to start the node configuration process, and the system can automatically determine one or more affiliated nodes and the management node belonging to the lower mesh network. This reduces the effort required for the configurator B1 to determine the affiliated nodes and management node. In other words, the information processing method has the advantage of being able to support the configuration process for building a hierarchical mesh network.

[0144] Furthermore, in the information processing method according to the second embodiment in Example 2, the N groups in the first embodiment are 2 groups.

[0145] This information processing method requires fewer mesh networks to belong to each node 20 compared to assigning each node 20 to three or more groups. Therefore, even when each of the multiple nodes 20 is randomly assigned to N groups, a hierarchical mesh network is more likely to be established, which is an advantage.

[0146] Furthermore, in the information processing method according to the third embodiment of Embodiment 2, in the first or second embodiment, the assignment process assigns each of the multiple nodes 20 to one of N groups according to a random number.

[0147] This information processing method has the advantage that nodes 20 assigned to the same group are less likely to be concentrated in space Sp1, making it easier for a hierarchical mesh network to be established.

[0148] Furthermore, in the information processing method according to the fourth embodiment of Embodiment 2, in the first or second embodiment, the assignment process assigns each of the multiple nodes 20 to one of N groups in the order in which communication with the node 20 is established.

[0149] This information processing method has the advantage that nodes 20 assigned to the same group are less likely to be concentrated in space Sp1, making it easier for a hierarchical mesh network to be established.

[0150] Furthermore, in the information processing method according to the fifth embodiment of Embodiment 2, in the first or second embodiment, the assignment process assigns each of the multiple nodes 20 to one of N groups according to the radio wave intensity of the signal transmitted from the node 20.

[0151] This information processing method has the advantage that nodes 20 assigned to the same group are less likely to be concentrated in space Sp1, making it easier for a hierarchical mesh network to be established.

[0152] Furthermore, in the information processing method according to the sixth aspect of Embodiment 2, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, a presentation process is further executed that presents multiple patterns of assigning each of the multiple nodes 20 to one of N groups in the assignment process.

[0153] This information processing method has the advantage of allowing the programmer B1 to be presented with multiple patterns for assigning each node 20, thereby enabling the programmer B1 to assign each of the multiple nodes 20 to one of N groups, reflecting B1's intentions.

[0154] Furthermore, in the information processing method according to the seventh embodiment in Embodiment 2, a verification process is further performed to confirm whether or not a hierarchical mesh network has been constructed by communicating with each of the multiple nodes 20 in any one of the first to sixth embodiments.

[0155] This information processing method has the advantage that the programmer B1 can check whether a hierarchical mesh network has been constructed, and if not, can perform the node configuration work again.

[0156] Furthermore, the program according to the eighth embodiment in Example 2 causes one or more processors to execute the information processing method according to any one of the first to seventh embodiments.

[0157] With such a program, the configurator B1 can simply instruct the information terminal 30 to start the node configuration process, and the program can automatically determine one or more affiliated nodes and the management node belonging to the lower mesh network, thus reducing the effort required for configurator B1 to determine the affiliated nodes and management node. In other words, the program has the advantage of being able to assist in the configuration process for building a hierarchical mesh network.

[0158] Furthermore, the information terminal 30 according to the ninth embodiment in Embodiment 2 includes an information processing unit 34 that performs information processing for constructing a hierarchical mesh network. The hierarchical mesh network includes a plurality of first mesh networks and a second mesh network composed of management nodes belonging to each of the plurality of first mesh networks. The information processing unit 34 performs an assignment process (S202), a first decision process (S203), and a second decision process (S204). The assignment process is the process of assigning a plurality of nodes 20 to one of N (N is a natural number of 2 or more) groups. The first decision process is the process of determining that all nodes 20 assigned to one of the N groups will each become management nodes of the plurality of first mesh networks. The second decision process is the process of determining that for each of the remaining N-1 groups, all nodes 20 assigned to the corresponding group will become belonging nodes belonging to one of the plurality of first mesh networks.

[0159] With such an information terminal 30, the configurator B1 can simply instruct the information terminal 30 to start the node configuration process, and it will automatically determine one or more affiliated nodes and the management node belonging to the lower mesh network, thus reducing the effort required for the configurator B1 to determine one or more affiliated nodes and the management node. In other words, the information terminal 30 has the advantage of being able to support the configuration process for building a hierarchical mesh network.

[0160] Furthermore, the communication system 10 according to the tenth embodiment in Embodiment 2 comprises an information terminal 30 according to the ninth embodiment and a plurality of nodes 20.

[0161] With such a communication system 10, the configurator B1 can simply instruct the information terminal 30 to start the node configuration work, and the system can automatically determine one or more member nodes and the management node belonging to the lower mesh network, thereby reducing the effort required for the configurator B1 to determine one or more member nodes and the management node. In other words, the communication system 10 has the advantage of being able to support the configuration work for building a hierarchical mesh network.

[0162] Furthermore, in the communication system 10 according to the 11th embodiment in Example 2, in the 10th embodiment, the plurality of nodes 20 include lighting fixtures.

[0163] Such a communication system 10 has the advantage of being able to function as a control system for lighting fixtures.

[0164] [Example 3] Figure 12 is a flowchart of Example 3. Figure 12(a) is a flowchart of the first setting process (described later). Figure 12(b) is a flowchart of the second setting process (described later).

[0165] In Example 3, similar to Example 1, the programmer B1 moves sequentially through each of the multiple areas A1 in space Sp1. Then, in each area A1, programmer B1 performs the first node setting operation shown below, instead of the node setting operation in Example 1. Furthermore, in Example 3, once the first node setting operation in each area A1 is completed, programmer B1 moves to a specific location in space Sp1 and performs the second node setting operation shown below. From here on, explanations of points common to Examples 1 and 2 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0166] Figure 13 shows an example of the movements of the configurator B1 performing the first node configuration work in Example 3. In Example 3, space Sp1 is divided into four areas A1. In Example 3, as shown in Figure 13, configurator B1 starts from one of the four corners of space Sp1 (in this case, the upper left corner) in area A1 and moves sequentially through the other three areas A1. Then, configurator B1 performs the first node configuration work described below in each area A1.

[0167] Figure 14 shows an example of the position of the setter B1 performing the second node setting work in Example 3. After the completion of the first node setting work in each area A1, setter B1 moves to the center of space Sp1 in a plan view, as shown in Figure 14, and performs the second node setting work described below. In other words, in Example 3, the specific position in space Sp1 is the center of space Sp1 in a plan view.

[0168] <First Node Setup Procedure> The user B1 moves to a designated location in area A1 (in this case, the center of area A1) and performs an operation on the information terminal 30 to start the first setting process. Upon receiving this operation from the operation reception unit 31, the information processing unit 34 starts the first setting process.

[0169] As shown in Figure 12(a), first, the information processing unit 34 determines the number of lower-level mesh networks (first mesh networks) based on the number of nodes 20 installed in space Sp1 (S301). In step S301, the user B1 inputs the number of nodes 20 installed in space Sp1 using the information terminal 30. The information processing unit 34 then determines the number of lower-level mesh networks by dividing the input number of nodes 20 by the upper limit of the number of nodes 20 that can belong to one lower-level mesh network. Step S301 only needs to be executed at the start of the first setting process and does not need to be executed each time area A1 is moved thereafter. In Embodiment 3, the above upper limit is stored in the storage unit 35 in advance. The above upper limit may also be set, for example, by the user B1 inputting it using the information terminal 30.

[0170] Next, the information processing unit 34 executes the first decision process (S302). In the first decision process, the information processing unit 34 randomly determines that one or more nodes 20 that were able to receive a beacon signal via the wireless communication unit 33, that is, one or more communicable nodes 20, belong to one of the multiple lower mesh networks. In other words, the first decision process in Embodiment 3 is a process in which, according to random numbers, each of the one or more communicable nodes 20 belongs to one of the multiple lower mesh networks (first mesh network). Here, the information processing unit 34 determines that one or more nodes 20 belong to one of the multiple lower mesh networks according to pseudorandom numbers generated by an appropriate pseudorandom number generation algorithm.

[0171] For example, suppose that when the programmer B1 is in an arbitrary area A1, there are eight nodes 20 that can communicate with each other: "a", "b", "c", "d", "e", "f", "g", and "h", and that each of these is determined to belong to one of three lower-level mesh networks: "MN1", "MN2", and "MN3". In this case, the information processing unit 34 performs a first determination process, for example, by determining, according to a random number, that "a", "c", and "f" belong to "MN1", "e" and "g" belong to "MN2", and "b", "d", and "h" belong to "MN3".

[0172] In the examples shown in Figures 13 and 14, the nodes 20 represented by white circles belong to "MN1", the nodes 20 represented by black circles belong to "MN2", and the nodes 20 represented by hatched circles belong to "MN3". In this way, by the information processing unit 34 executing the first decision process in each area A1, each of the multiple nodes 20 installed in space Sp1 will randomly belong to one of the multiple lower mesh networks.

[0173] Next, the information processing unit 34 performs a transmission process (S303). The transmission process involves sending a signal containing membership information to each of the one or more communicable nodes 20, indicating the lower-level mesh network (first mesh network) to which the corresponding node 20 belongs. The membership information is, for example, information used to distinguish each of the multiple lower-level mesh networks, such as a number assigned to each lower-level mesh network. Here, the information processing unit 34 transmits a signal containing membership information to each node 20 via the wireless communication unit 33. Each node 20 that receives the signal via the wireless communication unit 21 stores the membership information in the storage unit. Thereafter, each node 20 periodically transmits a beacon signal containing membership information.

[0174] For example, the information processing unit 34 transmits a signal containing affiliation information indicating that its affiliated node is "MN1" to "a," "c," and "f," which are affiliated nodes of "MN1," via the wireless communication unit 33. As a result, "a," "c," and "f" each store their affiliation information in the storage unit and periodically transmit a beacon signal containing affiliation information indicating that the lower mesh network to which they belong is "MN1."

[0175] <Second node setup procedure> The user B1 moves to a specific location in space Sp1 (in this case, the center of space Sp1) and performs an operation on the information terminal 30 to start the second setting process. Upon receiving this operation from the operation reception unit 31, the information processing unit 34 starts the second setting process.

[0176] As shown in Figure 12(b), first, the information processing unit 34 executes an acquisition process (S304). The acquisition process is the process of acquiring affiliation information from each of two or more nodes 20 that are able to communicate. Here, the information processing unit 34 receives beacon signals that each of the two or more nodes 20 located within communication range transmits periodically via the wireless communication unit 33. As a result, the information processing unit 34 acquires affiliation information from each node 20.

[0177] In the example shown in Figure 14, the circular area (outlined by the dashed line) with the center of space Sp1 where the programmer B1 is located as the origin represents the communication range of the information terminal 30. The information processing unit 34 acquires affiliation information from each node 20 located within this circular area.

[0178] Next, the information processing unit 34 executes the second decision process (S305). The second decision process determines the management nodes for each of the multiple lower mesh networks (first mesh network) from the two or more nodes 20 based on the affiliation information of each of the two or more nodes 20 acquired in the acquisition process. Here, the information processing unit 34 distributes the two or more nodes 20 to each lower mesh network by referring to the affiliation information acquired from the two or more nodes 20. Then, for each lower mesh network, the information processing unit 34 determines the nodes 20 that satisfy predetermined conditions to be the management nodes for the corresponding lower mesh network.

[0179] In Example 3, the predetermined conditions include a first condition that the radio wave strength (RSSI value) of the beacon signal (transmitted signal) received by the wireless communication unit 33 is equal to or greater than a threshold. The threshold is, for example, an RSSI value equivalent to half the communication distance between the nodes 20. This is because if two nodes 20 belonging to different lower-level mesh networks each satisfy the first condition, it is considered that communication is possible between these nodes 20. Furthermore, the predetermined conditions include a second condition that, if there are multiple nodes 20 that satisfy the first condition, the node with the largest RSSI value of the beacon signal (i.e., the strongest radio wave strength) is the one with the highest signal strength.

[0180] For example, let's assume that three nodes 20, "α", "β", and "γ", belonging to an arbitrary lower-level mesh network, are within the communication range of the information terminal 30. Let's also assume that of these three nodes 20, "α" and "β" are the two nodes 20 whose RSSI values ​​of the beacon signals received by the wireless communication unit 33 are above a threshold. In this case, the information processing unit 34 performs a second decision process to determine that the node 20 with the largest RSSI value among "α" and "β" is the management node of the lower-level mesh network.

[0181] In the example shown in Figure 14, of the two or more nodes 20 located within the communication range of the information terminal 30 (area enclosed by dashed lines), the node 20 represented by a white rectangle is determined to be the management node for "MN1", the node 20 represented by a black rectangle is determined to be the management node for "MN2", and the node 20 represented by a hatched rectangle is determined to be the management node for "MN3". In this way, the information processing unit 34 performs acquisition processing and second determination processing at a specific location in space Sp1, thereby determining the management node for each lower mesh network.

[0182] Then, once the second decision process is complete, the information processing unit 34 executes the initial setup process (S306). In the initial setup process, the information processing unit 34 transmits setting information to each of the determined nodes 20 via the wireless communication unit 33. Each node 20 that receives the setting information via the wireless communication unit 21 stores the setting information in the storage unit. As a result, each node 20 joins the hierarchical mesh network and stops the periodic transmission of beacon signals.

[0183] After the initial setup is complete, the configurator B1 operates the information terminal 30 to cause the information processing unit 34 to perform a verification process. The information processing is a process of verifying whether or not a hierarchical mesh network has been established by communicating with each of the multiple nodes 20. Specifically, the information processing unit 34 transmits a control signal to each node 20 via the wireless communication unit 33, which includes a command instructing a verification control. The verification control is, for example, a control that makes the node 20 blink.

[0184] If the configurator B1 visually confirms that all nodes 20 are blinking, that is, that verification control has been performed on all nodes 20, then B1 can determine that all nodes 20 have joined the hierarchical mesh network and that the hierarchical mesh network is correctly constructed. On the other hand, if the configurator B1 confirms that some nodes 20 are not blinking, that is, that verification control has not been performed on some nodes 20, then B1 can determine that those some nodes 20 have not joined the hierarchical mesh network and that the hierarchical mesh network is not correctly constructed. In this case, the configurator B1 should perform the first node configuration operation or the second node configuration operation again for those some nodes 20. At that time, B1 may also perform initialization or configuration changes of the nodes 20 as necessary.

[0185] As described above, in Embodiment 3, the information terminal 30 (information processing method) performs a first node setting operation, including a first determination process and a transmission process, in each of the multiple areas A1 in space Sp1, and performs a second node setting operation, including an acquisition process and a second determination process, at a specific location in space Sp1. With such an information terminal 30 (information processing method), the setter B1 can simply instruct the information terminal 30 to start the first node setting operation and the second node setting operation, and the system can automatically determine one or more belonging nodes and a management node belonging to the lower mesh network, thereby reducing the effort required for the setter B1 to determine one or more belonging nodes and a management node. In other words, such an information terminal 30 (information processing method) can support the setting operation for constructing a hierarchical mesh network. Furthermore, with such an information terminal 30 (information processing method), the setter B1 can easily perform the setting operation even if there is no information showing the placement of each of the multiple nodes 20 on space Sp1, such as a lighting diagram.

[0186] [Modified version of Example 3] The following describes a modified example of Example 3. In the following, we will omit explanations of points common to the modified examples of Example 1 and Example 2.

[0187] In Example 3, the space Sp1 and the multiple areas A1 are not limited to the example shown in Figure 14. For example, the space Sp1 and the multiple areas A1 may be the example shown in Figure 15. Figure 15 is a plan view showing another example of the space Sp1 and the multiple areas A1. In Figure 15, the position of the setter B1 corresponds to a specific position in the space Sp1.

[0188] In the example shown in Figure 15(a), space Sp1 is divided into a grid of six areas A1. In the example shown in Figure 15(a), the specific location of space Sp1 is the center of space Sp1 in a plan view, similar to the example shown in Figure 14.

[0189] In the example shown in Figure 15(b), space Sp1 is divided into a total of five areas A1: four areas A1 arranged in a grid and one area A1 located in the center of space Sp1. In the example shown in Figure 15(b), the specific location of space Sp1 is the center of space Sp1 in a plan view, similar to the example shown in Figure 14.

[0190] In the example shown in Figure 15(c), space Sp1 is L-shaped in plan view. Space Sp1 is divided into four areas A1. In the example shown in Figure 15(c), the specific location in space Sp1 is the center of the rectangle that circumscribes space Sp1 in plan view. Thus, the specific location in space Sp1 is not limited to the center of space Sp1 in plan view. The specific location in space Sp1 can be any location such that at least a part of each of the multiple areas A1 is included in the communication range of the information terminal 30.

[0191] In Embodiment 3, the information processing unit 34 acquires affiliation information from each of the two or more communicable nodes 20 by receiving beacon signals that each node periodically transmits during the acquisition process of the second setting process, but is not limited to this. For example, the information processing unit 34 may broadcast a signal containing a command requesting affiliation information via the wireless communication unit 33 during the acquisition process. In this case, each of the two or more nodes 20 installed within communication range of the information terminal 30 receives the signal via the wireless communication unit 21 and transmits a response signal containing affiliation information to the information terminal 30. This makes it possible for the information processing unit 34 to acquire affiliation information from each of the two or more nodes 20. In this case, each of the multiple nodes 20 installed in space Sp1 may stop the periodic transmission of beacon signals or change the transmission interval of beacon signals after the completion of the transmission process of the first setting process. Alternatively, the periodic transmission of beacon signals may be stopped or the transmission interval of beacon signals may be changed at other times, such as after the completion of the transmission process of the second setting process.

[0192] In Embodiment 3, the information processing unit 34 determines, in the second decision process of the second setting process, to designate a node 20 that satisfies predetermined conditions including the first and second conditions as a management node for each lower mesh network, but is not limited to this. For example, in the second decision process, the information processing unit 34 may determine, in each lower mesh network, to designate a node 20 that satisfies only the first condition as a management node. If there are multiple nodes 20 that satisfy the first condition, the information processing unit 34 may, for example, randomly select one node 20 from the multiple nodes 20 and designate the selected node 20 as a management node. Alternatively, for example, the information processing unit 34 may display multiple candidate nodes 20 for the management node on the display unit 32 and allow the user B1 to select the desired node 20.

[0193] In Embodiment 3, the information processing unit 34 may, in the second determination process of the second setting process, determine the management node of each of the multiple lower mesh networks based on the communication performance of each of the one or more member nodes belonging to the corresponding lower mesh network with respect to other member nodes. Here, communication performance includes, for example, the number of hops required to communicate with other member nodes. Communication performance also includes, for example, the success rate of communication with other member nodes.

[0194] Information indicating communication performance can be obtained, for example, by having each node 20 in each of the multiple lower-level mesh networks perform a communication test process to attempt communication with other nodes 20 belonging to the same lower-level mesh network, after the information processing unit 34 has completed the first decision process but before it executes the second decision process. Then, each node 20 can transmit this information to the information terminal 30 by including the acquired information indicating communication performance in a beacon signal.

[0195] In the second decision process, the node with relatively high communication performance is basically selected as the management node. Here, "relatively high communication performance" means, for example, that the number of hops is relatively small, or that the success rate of the communication is relatively high.

[0196] For example, when communication is performed using a flooding method in a lower-level mesh network, the second decision process may determine that for each of the multiple lower-level mesh networks, the node with the smallest maximum hop count among the one or more nodes belonging to the corresponding lower-level mesh network will be designated as the management node of that lower-level mesh network.

[0197] Furthermore, for example, when communication is performed using a routing method in a lower-level mesh network, the second decision process may determine, for each of the multiple lower-level mesh networks, that the node with the smallest total hop count among the one or more nodes belonging to the corresponding lower-level mesh network will be designated as the management node of that lower-level mesh network.

[0198] Furthermore, for example, when communication is performed using both flooding and routing methods in a lower-level mesh network, the second decision process may determine the management node of a lower-level mesh network by comprehensively evaluating the maximum hop count and the total hop count from one or more affiliated nodes belonging to the corresponding lower-level mesh network for each of the multiple lower-level mesh networks.

[0199] Furthermore, for example, in the second decision process, for each of the multiple lower-level mesh networks, the success rate of the above communication may be evaluated from one or more affiliated nodes belonging to the corresponding lower-level mesh network, and the management node of that lower-level mesh network may be determined.

[0200] The following section will explain a specific example of determining a management node based on the above communication performance, using Figure 16. Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram of an example of determining a management node based on communication performance. Here, as shown in Figure 16(a), we will explain assuming that there are five nodes 20 belonging to an arbitrary lower mesh network: "A", "B", "C", "D", and "E". The communication performance of these nodes 20 is shown in Figure 16(b).

[0201] In Figure 16(b), "Longest" represents the maximum number of hops required for each node 20 to communicate with other nodes 20, and "Total" represents the sum of the number of hops required for each node 20 to communicate with other nodes 20. For example, for "A", the number of hops required to communicate with the other nodes 20, "B", "C", "D", and "E", is "1", "2", "3", and "2", respectively. Therefore, the "Longest" for "A" is the maximum of these hops, which is "3", and the "Total" for "A" is the sum of these hops, which is "8".

[0202] For example, when communication is performed using the flooding method in the lower mesh network shown in Figure 16(a), the second decision process determines that node 20, "B" or "C," which has the "longest" hop count (i.e., the smallest maximum hop count), will be the management node of the lower mesh network.

[0203] Furthermore, for example, when communication is performed using a routing method in the lower mesh network shown in Figure 16(a), the second decision process determines that node 20, "B," which has the smallest "total" value, i.e., the total number of hops, will be the management node of the lower mesh network.

[0204] [Summary of Example 3 and its modified examples] As described above, the information processing method according to the first embodiment in Embodiment 3 is an information processing method for constructing a hierarchical mesh network, which is executed by a computer. The hierarchical mesh network includes a plurality of first mesh networks and a second mesh network composed of management nodes belonging to each of the plurality of first mesh networks. In the information processing method, a first determination process (S302) and a transmission process (S303) are executed in each of the plurality of areas A1 in space Sp1, where a plurality of nodes 20 are installed and the space is divided into a plurality of areas A1. The first determination process is a process in which, according to a random number, each of the one or more communicable nodes 20 is determined to be a belonging node belonging to one of the plurality of first mesh networks. The transmission process is a process in which a signal containing belonging information indicating the first mesh network to which the corresponding node 20 belongs is transmitted to each of the one or more nodes 20. In the information processing method, an acquisition process (S304) and a second determination process (S305) are executed at a specific location in space Sp1. The acquisition process involves acquiring affiliation information from each of two or more communicateable nodes 20. The second determination process involves determining the management node for each of the multiple first mesh networks from the two or more nodes 20 based on the affiliation information acquired in the acquisition process. A lower mesh network is an example of a first mesh network, and a higher mesh network is an example of a second mesh network.

[0205] With this information processing method, the configurator B1 can simply instruct the information terminal 30 to start the first node configuration work and the second node configuration work, and the system can automatically determine one or more affiliated nodes and the management node belonging to the lower mesh network, thereby reducing the effort required for the configurator B1 to determine one or more affiliated nodes and the management node. In other words, the information processing method has the advantage of being able to support the configuration work for building a hierarchical mesh network.

[0206] Furthermore, in the information processing method according to the second embodiment in Embodiment 3, in the first embodiment, the number of multiple first mesh networks is determined based on the number of nodes 20 installed in space Sp1.

[0207] This information processing method has the advantage of reducing the effort required for the programmer B1 to determine the number of first mesh networks.

[0208] Furthermore, in the information processing method according to the third embodiment of Embodiment 3, in the first or second embodiment, the second decision process determines the management node of each of the multiple first mesh networks based on the communication performance of each of the one or more member nodes belonging to the corresponding first mesh network to other member nodes.

[0209] This information processing method has the advantage of making it easier to establish a second mesh network.

[0210] Furthermore, in the information processing method according to the fourth embodiment in Example 3, in the third embodiment, the communication performance includes the number of hops required to communicate with other affiliated nodes.

[0211] This information processing method has the advantage of making it easier to establish a second mesh network.

[0212] Furthermore, in the information processing method according to the fifth aspect of Embodiment 3, in the fourth aspect, the second decision process determines the management node of each of the multiple first mesh networks as the member node with the smallest maximum hop count among the one or more member nodes belonging to the corresponding first mesh network.

[0213] This information processing method has the advantage of making it easier to establish a second mesh network.

[0214] Furthermore, in the information processing method according to the sixth aspect of Embodiment 3, in the fourth aspect, the second decision process determines the management node of each of the multiple first mesh networks as the member node with the smallest total hop count among the one or more member nodes belonging to the corresponding first mesh network.

[0215] This information processing method has the advantage of making it easier to establish a second mesh network.

[0216] Furthermore, in the information processing method according to the seventh embodiment in Example 3, in the third or fourth embodiment, communication performance includes the success rate of communication with other affiliated nodes.

[0217] This information processing method has the advantage of making it easier to establish a second mesh network.

[0218] Furthermore, in the information processing method according to the eighth aspect of Embodiment 3, in the first or second aspect, the second decision process determines, for each of the multiple first mesh networks, to be the management node of the first mesh network, which is the node with the highest signal strength among the one or more belonging nodes belonging to the corresponding first mesh network.

[0219] This information processing method has the advantage of making it easier to establish a second mesh network.

[0220] Furthermore, in the information processing method according to the ninth aspect of Embodiment 3, in any one of the first, second, and eighth aspects, the second decision process determines, for each of the multiple first mesh networks, that the node whose transmitted signal strength is equal to or greater than a threshold among the one or more belonging nodes belonging to the corresponding first mesh network is designated as the management node of the first mesh network. The threshold is a signal strength equivalent to half the communication distance between the nodes 20.

[0221] This information processing method has the advantage of making it easier to establish a second mesh network.

[0222] Furthermore, in the information processing method according to the tenth embodiment in Example 3, in any one of the first to ninth embodiments, the channels used for communication in multiple first mesh networks and the channels used for communication in the second mesh network are the same.

[0223] This information processing method has the advantage of making it easier to construct a hierarchical mesh network compared to using different channels in the first and second mesh networks.

[0224] Furthermore, in the information processing method according to the 11th embodiment in Embodiment 3, a verification process is further performed to confirm whether or not a hierarchical mesh network has been constructed by communicating with each of the multiple nodes 20, in any one of the first to tenth embodiments.

[0225] This information processing method has the advantage that the programmer B1 can check whether a hierarchical mesh network has been constructed, and if not, can perform the node configuration work again.

[0226] Furthermore, in the information processing method according to the twelfth embodiment in Example 3, in any one of the first to eleventh embodiments, the specific position is the center of space Sp1 in a plan view.

[0227] This information processing method has the advantage of making it easier to establish communication with at least one node belonging to each lower-level mesh network, thus facilitating the determination of the management node for each lower-level mesh network.

[0228] Furthermore, the program relating to the 13th embodiment in Example 3 causes one or more processors to execute the information processing method according to any one of the 1st to 12th embodiments.

[0229] With such a program, the configurator B1 simply instructs the information terminal 30 to start the first node configuration and second node configuration operations, and the program automatically determines one or more affiliated nodes and the management node belonging to the lower mesh network, thus reducing the effort required for configurator B1 to determine one or more affiliated nodes and the management node. In other words, the program has the advantage of being able to assist in the configuration work for building a hierarchical mesh network.

[0230] Furthermore, the information terminal 30 according to the 14th embodiment in Embodiment 3 includes an information processing unit 34 that performs information processing for constructing a hierarchical mesh network. The hierarchical mesh network includes a plurality of first mesh networks and a second mesh network composed of management nodes belonging to each of the plurality of first mesh networks. The information processing unit 34 performs a first determination process (S302) and a transmission process (S303) in each of the plurality of areas A1 in space Sp1, where a plurality of nodes 20 are installed and the area is divided into a plurality of areas A1. The first determination process is a process that determines, according to a random number, that each of the one or more communicable nodes 20 belongs to one of the plurality of first mesh networks. The transmission process is a process that transmits a signal to each of the one or more nodes 20 that includes membership information indicating the first mesh network to which the corresponding node 20 belongs. The information processing unit 34 performs an acquisition process (S304) and a second determination process (S305) at a specific location in space Sp1. The acquisition process involves acquiring affiliation information from each of two or more communicating nodes 20. The second determination process involves determining the management node for each of the multiple first mesh networks from the two or more nodes 20 based on the affiliation information of each of the two or more nodes 20 acquired in the acquisition process.

[0231] With such an information terminal 30, the configurator B1 can simply instruct the information terminal 30 to start the first node configuration work and the second node configuration work, and the terminal can automatically determine one or more affiliated nodes and the management node belonging to the lower mesh network, thereby reducing the effort required for the configurator B1 to determine one or more affiliated nodes and the management node. In other words, the information terminal 30 has the advantage of being able to support the configuration work for building a hierarchical mesh network.

[0232] Furthermore, the communication system 10 according to the 15th embodiment in Embodiment 3 comprises an information terminal 30 according to the 14th embodiment and a plurality of nodes 20.

[0233] With such a communication system 10, the configurator B1 can simply instruct the information terminal 30 to start the first node configuration work and the second node configuration work, and the system can automatically determine one or more member nodes belonging to the lower mesh network, as well as the management node. This reduces the effort required for the configurator B1 to determine one or more member nodes and the management node. In other words, the communication system 10 has the advantage of being able to support the configuration work for building a hierarchical mesh network.

[0234] Furthermore, in the communication system 10 according to the 16th embodiment in Example 3, in the 15th embodiment, the plurality of nodes 20 include lighting fixtures.

[0235] Such a communication system 10 can function as a control system for lighting fixtures.

[0236] [Example 4] Figure 17 is a flowchart of Example 4. Figure 17(a) is a flowchart of the first setting process (described later). Figure 17(b) is a flowchart of the second setting process (described later).

[0237] In Example 4, similar to Example 3, the programmer B1 moves sequentially through each of the multiple areas A1 in space Sp1. Then, programmer B1 performs the first node setting operation shown below in each area A1. Also in Example 4, similar to Example 3, once programmer B1 has completed the first node setting operation in each area A1, they move to a specific location in space Sp1 and perform the second node setting operation shown below. From here on, explanations of points common to Examples 1 to 3 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0238] Figure 18 shows an example of the movements of the configurator B1 performing the first node configuration work in Example 4. In Example 4, as in Example 3, the configurator B1 performs the following first node configuration work in each area A1.

[0239] Figure 19 shows an example of the position of the setter B1 performing the second node setting work in Example 4. After the completion of the first node setting work in each area A1, as in Example 3, setter B1 moves to the center of space Sp1 in a plan view, as shown in Figure 19, and performs the second node setting work described below. In other words, in Example 4, the specific position in space Sp1 is the center of space Sp1 in a plan view.

[0240] <First Node Setup Procedure> The user B1 moves to a predetermined location in area A1 (in this case, the corner furthest from the center of space Sp1 among the four corners of area A1) and performs an operation on the information terminal 30 to start the first setting process. Upon receiving this operation from the operation reception unit 31, the information processing unit 34 starts the first setting process.

[0241] As shown in Figure 17(a), first, the information processing unit 34 executes a first determination process (S401). In the first determination process, the information processing unit 34 receives beacon signals transmitted from each of the one or more nodes 20 that can communicate via the wireless communication unit 33. Then, the information processing unit 34 determines one or more affiliated nodes to belong to the lower mesh network based on the RSSI value of the beacon signals transmitted from each node 20. Here, the range in which the information terminal 30 can communicate corresponds to approximately area A1. Therefore, the information processing unit 34 determines one or more affiliated nodes to belong to the lower mesh network of the corresponding area A1 (i.e., area A1 where the setter B1 is performing the first node setting work) from one or more nodes 20 installed in area A1. In other words, the first determination process in Embodiment 4 is a process that determines one or more affiliated nodes to belong to the lower mesh network (first mesh network) of the corresponding area A1 based on the RSSI value (radio wave strength) of the beacon signals (signals) transmitted from each of the one or more nodes 20 that can communicate.

[0242] In Embodiment 4, the information processing unit 34 arranges one or more nodes 20 whose RSSI value is equal to or greater than the threshold in descending order of RSSI value (i.e., in descending order of signal strength), and determines that the node 20 with the highest RSSI value is the first node, and that the nodes 20 from the first node up to the upper limit belong to the corresponding area A1 as one or more nodes. If the number of one or more nodes 20 is less than the upper limit, the information processing unit 34 determines that all of the one or more nodes 20 belong to one or more nodes. The threshold may also be adjusted as appropriate, for example, by the setter B1 operating the information terminal 30.

[0243] Here, the upper limit is the maximum number of one or more affiliated nodes in each area A1, and is the maximum number of nodes 20 that are allowed to belong to one area A1. The upper limit is a parameter that is pre-stored in the storage unit 35, for example. The upper limit is set based on, for example, the dimensions of area A1 in plan view and the spacing at which the nodes 20 are installed. In Embodiment 4, the upper limit is set to 20. The upper limit may be adjusted as appropriate, for example, by the setter B1 operating the information terminal 30.

[0244] For example, in the examples shown in Figures 18 and 19, the lower mesh network corresponding to the upper left area A1 is named "MN1", the lower mesh network corresponding to the lower left area A1 is named "MN2", the lower mesh network corresponding to the lower right area A1 is named "MN3", and the lower mesh network corresponding to the upper right area A1 is named "MN4". In this case, for example, when the information processing unit 34 performs a first decision process in the upper left area A1, one or more nodes belonging to "MN1" are determined from one or more nodes 20 installed in the upper left area A1. The same applies to the other areas A1.

[0245] In this way, by having the information processing unit 34 execute the first decision process in each area A1, each of the multiple nodes 20 installed in space Sp1 will belong to one of the multiple lower mesh networks corresponding to the multiple areas A1. In the example shown in Figure 19, the nodes 20 represented by white circles belong to "MN1", the nodes 20 represented by black circles belong to "MN2", the nodes 20 represented by circles with solid hatching belong to "MN3", and the nodes 20 represented by circles with dot hatching belong to "MN4".

[0246] Next, the information processing unit 34 performs a transmission process (S402). The transmission process involves sending a signal containing membership information indicating the corresponding lower-level mesh network of area A1 to each of the one or more membership nodes determined by the first determination process. The membership information is, for example, information used to distinguish each of the multiple lower-level mesh networks, such as a number assigned to each lower-level mesh network. Here, the information processing unit 34 transmits a signal containing membership information to each membership node via the wireless communication unit 33. Each membership node that receives the signal via the wireless communication unit 21 stores the membership information in the storage unit. Thereafter, each membership node periodically transmits a beacon signal containing membership information.

[0247] For example, the information processing unit 34 transmits a signal containing affiliation information indicating that its affiliated network is "MN1" to one or more affiliated nodes of "MN1" via the wireless communication unit 33. As a result, each affiliated node stores its affiliation information in its storage unit and periodically transmits a beacon signal containing affiliation information indicating that the lower mesh network to which it belongs is "MN1".

[0248] <Second node setup procedure> The user B1 moves to a specific location in space Sp1 (in this case, the center of space Sp1) and performs an operation on the information terminal 30 to start the second setting process. Upon receiving this operation from the operation reception unit 31, the information processing unit 34 starts the second setting process.

[0249] As shown in Figure 17(b), first, the information processing unit 34 executes an acquisition process (S403). The acquisition process is the process of acquiring membership information from each of the two or more nodes 20 that can communicate. The acquisition process is the same as the acquisition process in Embodiment 3, so its explanation is omitted here.

[0250] In the example shown in Figure 19, the circular area (outlined by the dashed line) with the center of space Sp1 where the programmer B1 is located as the origin represents the communication range of the information terminal 30. The information processing unit 34 acquires affiliation information from each node 20 located within this circular area.

[0251] Next, the information processing unit 34 executes the second decision process (S404). The second decision process determines the management node for each of the multiple lower-level mesh networks from the two or more nodes 20 based on the affiliation information of each of the two or more nodes 20 acquired in the acquisition process. The second decision process is the same as the second decision process in Example 3, so its explanation is omitted here.

[0252] In the example shown in Figure 19, of the two or more nodes 20 located within the communication range of the information terminal 30 (area enclosed by dashed lines), the node 20 represented by a white rectangle is determined to be the management node for "MN1", the node 20 represented by a black rectangle is determined to be the management node for "MN2", the node 20 represented by a rectangle with solid hatching is determined to be the management node for "MN3", and the node 20 represented by a rectangle with dot hatching is determined to be the management node for "MN4". In this way, the information processing unit 34 performs acquisition processing and second determination processing at a specific location in space Sp1, thereby determining the management node for each lower mesh network.

[0253] Then, once the second decision process is complete, the information processing unit 34 executes the initial setup process (S405). The initial setup process is the same as the initial setup process in Embodiment 3, so its explanation is omitted here.

[0254] After the initial setup is complete, the configurator B1 operates the information terminal 30 to cause the information processing unit 34 to perform a verification process. The information processing is a process that verifies whether or not a hierarchical mesh network has been established by communicating with each of the multiple nodes 20. The verification process is the same as the verification process in Example 3, so the explanation is omitted here.

[0255] As described above, in Embodiment 4, the information terminal 30 (information processing method) performs a first node setting operation, including a first determination process and a transmission process, in each of the multiple areas A1 in space Sp1, and performs a second node setting operation, including an acquisition process and a second determination process, at a specific location in space Sp1. With such an information terminal 30 (information processing method), the setter B1 can simply instruct the information terminal 30 to start the first node setting operation and the second node setting operation, and the system can automatically determine one or more belonging nodes and management nodes belonging to the lower mesh network, thereby reducing the effort required for the setter B1 to determine one or more belonging nodes and management nodes. In other words, such an information terminal 30 (information processing method) can support the setup work for constructing a hierarchical mesh network. Furthermore, with such an information terminal 30 (information processing method), the setter B1 can easily perform the setup work even if there is no information showing the placement of each of the multiple nodes 20 on space Sp1, such as a lighting diagram.

[0256] [Modified Example 4] The following describes a modified example of Example 4. In the following, we will omit explanations of points common to each of the modified examples of Examples 1 to 3.

[0257] In Embodiment 4, the information processing unit 34 may, in the second determination process of the second setting process, determine the management node of each of the multiple lower mesh networks for each of the corresponding lower mesh networks based on the communication performance of each of the one or more member nodes belonging to that lower mesh network to other member nodes, similar to Embodiment 3. The specific second determination process has already been described in [Modification of Embodiment 3] and will be omitted here.

[0258] In Embodiment 4, the information processing unit 34 automatically determines, in the first determination process of the first node setting operation, that each of the one or more communicable nodes 20 belongs to one of the lower mesh networks, but is not limited to this. For example, in the first node setting operation, the setter B1 may, while visually confirming each of the nodes 20 installed in space Sp1 by turning on the lights, determine, by operating the operation reception unit 31, that each of the one or more nodes 20 installed in area A1 where he is located belongs to the lower mesh network corresponding to area A1.

[0259] [Summary of Example 4 and its modified examples] As described above, the information processing method according to the first embodiment in Embodiment 4 is an information processing method for constructing a hierarchical mesh network, which is executed by a computer. The hierarchical mesh network includes a plurality of first mesh networks and a second mesh network composed of management nodes belonging to each of the plurality of first mesh networks. In the information processing method, a first determination process (S401) and a transmission process (S402) are executed in each of the plurality of areas A1 in space Sp1, which is divided into a plurality of areas A1 by the installation of a plurality of nodes 20. The first determination process is a process that determines one or more belonging nodes belonging to the first mesh network of the corresponding area A1 based on the radio wave strength of the signals transmitted from each of the one or more communicable nodes 20. The transmission process is a process that transmits a signal containing belonging information indicating the first mesh network of the corresponding area A1 to each of the one or more belonging nodes. In the information processing method, an acquisition process (S403) and a second determination process (S404) are executed at a specific location in space Sp1. The acquisition process involves acquiring affiliation information from each of two or more communicateable nodes 20. The second determination process involves determining the management node for each of the multiple first mesh networks from the two or more nodes 20 based on the affiliation information acquired in the acquisition process. A lower mesh network is an example of a first mesh network, and a higher mesh network is an example of a second mesh network.

[0260] With this information processing method, the configurator B1 can simply instruct the information terminal 30 to start the first node configuration work and the second node configuration work, and the system can automatically determine one or more affiliated nodes and the management node belonging to the lower mesh network, thereby reducing the effort required for the configurator B1 to determine one or more affiliated nodes and the management node. In other words, the information processing method has the advantage of being able to support the configuration work for building a hierarchical mesh network.

[0261] Furthermore, in the information processing method according to the second embodiment in Embodiment 4, in the first embodiment, the second decision process determines the management node of each of the multiple first mesh networks based on the communication performance of each of the one or more member nodes belonging to the corresponding first mesh network to other member nodes.

[0262] This information processing method has the advantage of making it easier to establish a second mesh network.

[0263] Furthermore, in the information processing method according to the third embodiment in Example 4, in the second embodiment, the communication performance includes the number of hops required to communicate with other affiliated nodes.

[0264] This information processing method has the advantage of making it easier to establish a second mesh network.

[0265] Furthermore, in the information processing method according to the fourth aspect of Embodiment 4, in the third aspect, the second decision process determines the management node of each of the multiple first mesh networks as the member node with the smallest maximum hop count among the one or more member nodes belonging to the corresponding first mesh network.

[0266] This information processing method has the advantage of making it easier to establish a second mesh network.

[0267] Also, in the information processing method according to the fifth aspect in Example 4, in the third aspect, in the second determination process, for each of the plurality of first mesh networks, among one or more affiliated nodes belonging to the corresponding first mesh network, the affiliated node with the smallest total hop count is determined as the management node of the first mesh network.

[0268] According to such an information processing method, there is an advantage that the second mesh network is likely to be established.

[0269] Also, in the information processing method according to the sixth aspect in Example 4, in the second or third aspect, the communication performance includes the success rate of communication with other affiliated nodes.

[0270] According to such an information processing method, there is an advantage that the second mesh network is likely to be established.

[0271] Also, in the information processing method according to the seventh aspect in Example 4, in the first aspect, in the second determination process, for each of the plurality of first mesh networks, among one or more affiliated nodes belonging to the corresponding first mesh network, the affiliated node with the highest radio wave intensity of the transmission signal is determined as the management node of the first mesh network.

[0272] According to such an information processing method, there is an advantage that the second mesh network is likely to be established.

[0273] Also, in the information processing method according to the eighth aspect in Example 4, in the first or seventh aspect, in the second determination process, for each of the plurality of first mesh networks, among one or more affiliated nodes belonging to the corresponding first mesh network, the affiliated node with a radio wave intensity of the transmission signal equal to or greater than the threshold value is determined as the management node of the first mesh network. The threshold value is the radio wave intensity corresponding to half of the communication possible distance between nodes 20.

[0274] According to such an information processing method, there is an advantage that the second mesh network is likely to be established.

[0275] Further, in the information processing method according to the ninth aspect in Example 4, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the channels used for communication in the plurality of first mesh networks and the channels used for communication in the second mesh network are the same.

[0276] According to such an information processing method, there is an advantage that a hierarchical mesh network can be easily constructed as compared with the case where different channels are used in each of the first mesh network and the second mesh network.

[0277] Further, in the information processing method according to the tenth aspect in Example 4, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, a confirmation process for confirming whether a hierarchical mesh network is constructed by communicating with each of the plurality of nodes 20 is further executed.

[0278] According to such an information processing method, there is an advantage that the setter B1 can confirm whether the hierarchical mesh network is constructed, and if not, can perform the node setting operation again.

[0279] Further, in the information processing method according to the eleventh aspect in Example 4, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, the specific position is the center of the space Sp1 in plan view.

[0280] According to such an information processing method, since communication with at least one or more affiliated nodes of each lower-level mesh network is likely to be established, there is an advantage that it becomes easy to determine the management node of each lower-level mesh network.

[0281] Further, the program according to the twelfth aspect in Example 4 causes one or more processors to execute the information processing method according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects.

[0282] With such a program, the configurator B1 simply instructs the information terminal 30 to start the first node configuration and second node configuration operations, and the program automatically determines one or more affiliated nodes and the management node belonging to the lower mesh network, thus reducing the effort required for configurator B1 to determine one or more affiliated nodes and the management node. In other words, the program has the advantage of being able to assist in the configuration work for building a hierarchical mesh network.

[0283] Furthermore, the information terminal 30 according to the 13th embodiment in Embodiment 4 includes an information processing unit 34 that performs information processing for constructing a hierarchical mesh network. The hierarchical mesh network includes a plurality of first mesh networks and a second mesh network composed of management nodes belonging to each of the plurality of first mesh networks. The information processing unit 34 performs a first determination process (S401) and a transmission process (S402) in each of the plurality of areas A1 in space Sp1, which is divided into a plurality of areas A1 by which a plurality of nodes 20 are installed. The first determination process is a process that determines one or more belonging nodes belonging to the first mesh network of the corresponding area A1 based on the radio wave strength of the signals transmitted from each of the one or more communicable nodes 20. The transmission process is a process that transmits a signal to each of the one or more belonging nodes that includes belonging information indicating the first mesh network of the corresponding area A1. The information processing unit 34 performs an acquisition process (S403) and a second determination process (S404) at a specific location in space Sp1. The acquisition process involves acquiring affiliation information from each of two or more communicating nodes 20. The second determination process involves determining the management node for each of the multiple first mesh networks from the two or more nodes 20 based on the affiliation information of each of the two or more nodes 20 acquired in the acquisition process.

[0284] With such an information terminal 30, the configurator B1 can simply instruct the information terminal 30 to start the first node configuration work and the second node configuration work, and the terminal can automatically determine one or more affiliated nodes and the management node belonging to the lower mesh network, thereby reducing the effort required for the configurator B1 to determine one or more affiliated nodes and the management node. In other words, the information terminal 30 has the advantage of being able to support the configuration work for building a hierarchical mesh network.

[0285] Furthermore, the communication system 10 according to the 14th embodiment in Embodiment 4 comprises an information terminal 30 according to the 13th embodiment and a plurality of nodes 20.

[0286] With such a communication system 10, the configurator B1 can simply instruct the information terminal 30 to start the first node configuration work and the second node configuration work, and the system can automatically determine one or more member nodes belonging to the lower mesh network, as well as the management node. This reduces the effort required for the configurator B1 to determine one or more member nodes and the management node. In other words, the communication system 10 has the advantage of being able to support the configuration work for building a hierarchical mesh network.

[0287] Furthermore, in the communication system 10 according to the 15th embodiment in Embodiment 4, in the 14th embodiment, the plurality of nodes 20 include lighting fixtures.

[0288] Such a communication system 10 can function as a control system for lighting fixtures.

[0289] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0290] Examples 1 to 4 of the above embodiments should be recognized not as independent embodiments, but as interrelated embodiments, and the present invention includes an invention that can be realized by arbitrarily combining the contents described in Examples 1 to 4.

[0291] In addition, in the above embodiment, a communication system has been described on the premise that only one management node is included in one lower-level mesh network. However, a plurality of management nodes may be included in one lower-level mesh network.

[0292] In addition, in the above embodiment, it has been described that a node before participating in the mesh network periodically transmits a beacon signal. However, in the communication system, a configuration may be adopted in which only a node that has received a wireless communication signal from an information terminal transmits a signal corresponding to the beacon signal. That is, the communication system is not limited to a system in which a node automatically transmits a beacon signal.

[0293] In addition, in the above embodiment, one information terminal is used to construct a hierarchical mesh network, but a plurality of information terminals may be used in combination.

[0294] In addition, the communication method between devices described in the above embodiment is an example. The communication method between devices is not particularly limited.

[0295] In addition, in the above embodiment, the processing executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. Also, the order of a plurality of processes may be changed, or a plurality of processes may be executed in parallel. Also, a part of the processes included in the flowchart of the above embodiment may be omitted, or new processes may be added to the flowchart of the above embodiment.

[0296] In addition, in the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory. <00009,71> 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. Each component may be implemented by logic circuits such as FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays).

[0298] 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.

[0299] For example, the present invention may be implemented as a communication system or information terminal as described in the above embodiment, or as an information processing method executed by a computer such as an information terminal. The present invention may be implemented as a program for causing a computer to execute such an information processing method, or as a non-temporary recording medium on which such a program is stored. Such a program includes an application program for causing a computer such as a general-purpose information terminal to function as an information terminal as described in the above embodiment.

[0300] 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]

[0301] 10 Communication Systems 20 nodes 21 Wireless Communication Section 30 Information terminals 31 Operation reception section 32 Display section 33 Wireless Communication Section 34 Information Processing Section 35 Storage section A1 Area B1 Setter Sp1 space

Claims

1. A computer-based information processing method for constructing a hierarchical mesh network, The hierarchical mesh network includes a plurality of first mesh networks and a second mesh network composed of management nodes belonging to each of the plurality of first mesh networks. The aforementioned information processing method is performed in each of the multiple areas in a space where multiple nodes are installed and the space is divided into multiple areas, An acquisition process that obtains the radio wave strength of the one or more signals by receiving one or more signals transmitted from one or more nodes, A first determination process determines one or more first candidate nodes that are candidates for one or more belonging nodes belonging to the first mesh network of the corresponding area, based on the radio wave intensity of the one or more signals acquired in the acquisition process, A second decision process is performed to determine, among the one or more first candidate nodes determined in the first decision process, a node whose radio wave intensity satisfies a predetermined condition as a second candidate node to be a candidate for the management node of the first mesh network. Information processing methods.

2. The above-mentioned node 1 or more is two or more nodes, Based on the signal strengths of two or more signals transmitted from the two or more nodes acquired in the acquisition process, a third determination process is further executed to determine one or more replacement candidate nodes that have the next strongest signal strength after the one or more first candidate nodes and that can become the first candidate node in place of the one or more first candidate nodes. The information processing method according to claim 1.

3. Further, a first control process is performed to control the one or more first candidate nodes determined in the first decision process and the second candidate node determined in the second decision process so that they have a different visual appearance from the other nodes. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Based on the dimensions of each of the aforementioned multiple areas and the spacing at which each of the aforementioned multiple nodes is installed, the upper limit of the one or more first candidate nodes is determined. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2.

5. Based on the communication performance of each of the plurality of nodes, the conditions for the radio wave intensity to determine the one or more first candidate nodes in the first decision process are determined. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2.

6. If the one or more affiliated nodes and the management node are determined, a second control process is further executed to control the determined one or more affiliated nodes and the management node so that they have a different visual appearance from the other nodes. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2.

7. One or more processors, To perform the information processing method described in claim 1 or 2, program.

8. It includes an information processing unit that performs information processing to construct a hierarchical mesh network, The hierarchical mesh network includes a plurality of first mesh networks and a second mesh network composed of management nodes belonging to each of the plurality of first mesh networks. The information processing unit, in each of the multiple areas in a space where multiple nodes are installed and the space is divided into multiple areas, An acquisition process that obtains the radio wave strength of the one or more signals by receiving one or more signals transmitted from one or more nodes, A first determination process determines one or more first candidate nodes that are candidates for one or more belonging nodes belonging to the first mesh network of the corresponding area, based on the radio wave intensity of the one or more signals acquired in the acquisition process, A second decision process is performed to determine, among the one or more first candidate nodes determined in the first decision process, a node whose radio wave intensity satisfies a predetermined condition as a second candidate node to be a candidate for the management node of the first mesh network. Information terminal.

9. The information terminal described in claim 8, The plurality of nodes, Communication system.

10. The aforementioned multiple nodes include lighting fixtures. The communication system according to claim 9.

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