Lighting control system, lighting apparatus, electronic device, lighting control method, display method, and program

Abstract

A lighting control system (A1) comprises lighting apparatuses (L), a control apparatus (Ct), a mobile terminal (Mt), and cloud (CL). The plurality of lighting apparatuses (L) each wirelessly transmit beacon signals (Sg2). The mobile terminal (Mt) wirelessly receives the beacon signals (Sg), and wirelessly transmits an identification signal in accordance with the reception of the beacon signals (Sg). The cloud (CL) receives the identification signal, and, when permitting lighting control via the mobile terminal (Mt) in accordance with comparison between a permission condition and identification information included in the identification signal, transmits a lighting control operation permission signal to the mobile terminal (Mt). Upon receiving the lighting control operation permission signal, the mobile terminal (Mt) wirelessly transmits a lighting operation signal. By such a configuration, erroneous operation in lighting control via an inappropriate mobile terminal can be prevented more certainty.

Description

Lighting control system, lighting device, electronic device, lighting control method, display method, and program

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting control system, a lighting device, an electronic device, a lighting control method, a display method, and a program.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a conventional lighting control system. The lighting control system disclosed in this document includes multiple lighting devices and a smartphone. The smartphone is capable of operating the lighting control of the multiple lighting devices. This lighting control system uses an entrance pass downloaded to the smartphone in advance to determine whether or not the smartphone can operate the lighting control.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-158084

[0004] Lighting control operations should not be permitted in inappropriate locations or at inappropriate times. However, for example, if a smartphone with an entrance pass downloaded to it in advance is moved to an inappropriate location, lighting control operations may be permitted.

[0005] The present invention was conceived in light of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its object is to provide a lighting control system, lighting device, electronic device, lighting control method, display method, and program that can more reliably prevent erroneous lighting control operation by inappropriate mobile terminals.

[0006] A lighting control system provided by a first aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of lighting devices, a control device, a mobile terminal, and a server, wherein each of the plurality of lighting devices wirelessly transmits a beacon signal, the mobile terminal wirelessly receives the beacon signal and wirelessly transmits an identification signal in response to the reception of the beacon signal, the server receives the identification signal and, based on a comparison of identification information included in the identification signal with permission conditions, transmits a lighting control operation permission signal to the mobile terminal if lighting control by the mobile terminal is permitted, and upon receiving the lighting control operation permission signal, the mobile terminal wirelessly transmits a lighting operation signal for performing lighting control on at least one of the plurality of lighting devices as a control target lighting device, the server transmits a lighting control signal based on the received lighting operation signal to the control device, and the control device transmits the received lighting control signal to the control target lighting device.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device further includes a medium for providing URL information, and the mobile terminal reads the URL information from the medium, launches a web application corresponding to the URL information, and wirelessly transmits the identification signal using the web application.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of lighting devices change the beacon information included in the beacon signal over time, and the medium is an electronic device that receives the beacon signal and displays an image according to the URL information included in the beacon information.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the server has a storage unit that stores the permission conditions, and the permission conditions stored in the storage unit can be changed by an administrator.

[0010] The electronic device provided by the second aspect of the present invention receives beacon signals including beacon information that changes over time from a plurality of lighting devices, and provides the URL information to a mobile terminal by displaying an image corresponding to the URL information included in the beacon information.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the display device has a first mode in which an image corresponding to the URL information is displayed, and a second mode in which one or more lighting-controllable lighting devices included in the plurality of lighting devices are displayed, and a lighting operation signal is transmitted based on an operation targeted at the display of the one or more lighting-controllable lighting devices.

[0012] A third aspect of the present invention provides a lighting device whose lighting is controlled by a control device, and which has a first lighting device mode in which it receives a beacon output information signal from the control device and, in response to the beacon output information signal, wirelessly transmits a beacon signal used by a mobile terminal to determine whether lighting control is possible, and a second lighting device mode in which it does not wirelessly transmit the beacon signal.

[0013] A lighting control method provided by a fourth aspect of the present invention is a lighting control method for controlling lighting of a plurality of lighting devices, the method comprising the steps of: each of the plurality of lighting devices wirelessly transmitting a beacon signal; a mobile terminal wirelessly receiving the beacon signal and wirelessly transmitting an identification signal in response to the reception of the beacon signal; a server receiving the identification signal and, if lighting control by the mobile terminal is permitted based on a comparison of identification information included in the identification signal with a permission condition, transmitting a lighting control operation permission signal to the mobile terminal; if the mobile terminal has received the lighting control operation permission signal, wirelessly transmitting a lighting operation signal for performing lighting control on at least one of the plurality of lighting devices as a control target lighting device; the server transmitting a lighting control signal based on the received lighting operation signal to a control device; and the control device transmitting the received lighting control signal to the control target lighting device.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the step in which the mobile terminal wirelessly transmits the identification signal, the mobile terminal reads the URL information from a medium that provides the URL information, launches a web application corresponding to the URL information, and wirelessly transmits the identification signal using the web application.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of lighting devices change the beacon information included in the beacon signal over time, and the medium is an electronic device that receives the beacon signal and displays an image according to the URL information included in the beacon information.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the server has a storage unit that stores the permission conditions, and the permission conditions stored in the storage unit can be changed by an administrator.

[0017] A display method provided by a fifth aspect of the present invention is a display method for an electronic device for lighting control of a plurality of lighting devices, comprising the steps of receiving beacon signals transmitted from the plurality of lighting devices, the beacon signals including beacon information that changes over time, and displaying an image according to URL information included in the beacon information to provide the URL information included in the beacon information to a mobile terminal.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the steps of: executing a first mode of displaying an image corresponding to the URL information; and executing a second mode of displaying one or more lighting-controllable lighting devices included in the plurality of lighting devices and transmitting a lighting operation signal based on an operation targeted at the display of the one or more lighting-controllable lighting devices.

[0019] A display method provided by a fifth aspect of the present invention is a display method for a mobile terminal for lighting control of a plurality of lighting devices, comprising the steps of: receiving beacon signals from the plurality of lighting devices by the mobile terminal; wirelessly transmitting, by the mobile terminal, an identification signal in response to reception of the beacon signal, to a server; displaying, by the mobile terminal, information for guiding to a lighting control screen, if the mobile terminal receives a lighting control operation permission signal from the server; and, if the mobile terminal does not receive the lighting control operation permission signal from the server, displaying a fact that the lighting control operation is not permitted and displaying appropriate information.

[0020] A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a program that causes a computer provided in a server for lighting control of a plurality of lighting devices to execute the steps of receiving an identification signal transmitted from a mobile terminal that has received beacon signals from the plurality of lighting devices, and transmitting a lighting control operation permission signal to the mobile terminal if lighting control by the mobile terminal is permitted based on a comparison of identification information included in the identification signal with permission conditions; and receiving a lighting operation signal from the mobile terminal that has received the lighting control operation permission signal, and transmitting a lighting control signal based on the lighting operation signal to a control device that performs lighting control on at least one of the plurality of lighting devices as a control target lighting device.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a step of allowing an administrator to change the permission conditions stored in the storage unit is executed.

[0022] A program provided by a seventh aspect of the present invention causes a computer provided in a mobile terminal for lighting control of a plurality of lighting devices to execute the steps of reading URL information from a medium that provides the URL information, launching a web application according to the URL information, and wirelessly transmitting an identification signal to a server using the web application.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the following steps are executed: displaying a confirmation screen to confirm that the identification signal is to be sent; displaying guidance information to a lighting control screen if a lighting control operation permission signal is received from the server; and displaying a denial of permission and information on how to deal with the situation if the lighting control operation permission signal is not received from the server.

[0024] A program provided by an eighth aspect of the present invention causes a computer provided in an electronic device for lighting control of a plurality of lighting devices to execute the steps of receiving beacon signals transmitted from the plurality of lighting devices, the beacon signals including beacon information that changes over time, and providing the URL information to a mobile terminal by displaying an image according to URL information included in the beacon information.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system executes the steps of: executing a first mode of displaying an image corresponding to the URL information; and executing a second mode of displaying one or more lighting-controllable lighting devices included in the plurality of lighting devices and transmitting a lighting operation signal based on an operation targeted at the display of the one or more lighting-controllable lighting devices.

[0026] According to the present invention, it is possible to more reliably prevent erroneous lighting control operations using inappropriate mobile terminals.

[0027] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a lighting control system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a lighting device of the lighting control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control device of the lighting control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a mobile terminal of the lighting control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing a lighting control method of the lighting control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing a lighting control method of the lighting control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a permission condition of the lighting control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a lighting control method of the lighting control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is an example screen display of a mobile terminal of the lighting control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an example screen display of a mobile terminal of the lighting control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an example screen display of a mobile terminal of the lighting control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a system configuration diagram showing a lighting control system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing a lighting control method of the lighting control system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a system configuration diagram showing a lighting control system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electronic device of a lighting control system according to a third embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an example of a screen display of an electronic device of the lighting control system according to the third embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing a lighting control method of the lighting control system according to the third embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing a lighting control method of the lighting control system according to the third embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing a first modified example of the lighting control method of the lighting control system according to the third embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing a first modified example of the lighting control method of the lighting control system according to the third embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 7 is an example of a screen display of an electronic device of the first modified example of the lighting control system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.10 is a system configuration diagram showing a lighting control system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is an example of setting a first lighting device and a second lighting device in the lighting control system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0030] 1 to 13 show a lighting control system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The lighting control system A1 of this embodiment includes a plurality of lighting devices L, a control device Ct, a mobile terminal Mt, and a cloud CL. The lighting control system A1 is a system in which the control device Ct controls the lighting of the plurality of lighting devices L using wireless communication via the plurality of lighting devices L.

[0031] [Lighting Device L] Multiple lighting devices L are used, for example, for indoor lighting and are installed in various locations such as ceilings, walls, floors, and entrances. The lighting device L may also be configured for outdoor lighting. The specific form of the lighting device L is not limited, and various forms such as straight tube lighting, high ceiling lighting, ceiling lights, downlights, base lights, and spotlights can be appropriately adopted. FIG. 2 shows an example in which multiple lighting devices L are installed in a matrix on a ceiling, for example. In the following description, the general configuration of the lighting device L will be referred to as lighting device L, and reference characters such as lighting devices L1...Ln may be used as appropriate to distinguish between the multiple lighting devices L. The multiple lighting devices L in FIG. 1 may have the same configuration, may share some common features with each other, or may have different configurations or forms. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the multiple lighting devices L will be described as having the same configuration.

[0032] 2 is a block diagram of the lighting device L. The lighting device L includes a light source unit 11, a control unit 12, a storage unit 13, a communication module 14, and a power supply unit 15.

[0033] The light source unit 11 is a part that performs a light-emitting function in the lighting device L. There are no particular limitations on the specific configuration of the light source unit 11, and it may include, for example, a substrate and a plurality of LEDs mounted in a row on the substrate. The lighting device L may also include a transparent or translucent cover (not shown) that transmits light from the light source unit 11.

[0034] The light source unit 11 includes, for example, multiple types of LEDs that emit different wavelengths. By adjusting the ratio at which the multiple types of LEDs emit light, the light source unit 11 can emit light of various color temperatures. The light source unit 11 emits light of, for example, daylight color (6500K), neutral white (5000K), warm white (3500K), and incandescent color (3000K).

[0035] The control unit 12 controls the light source unit 11 and the power supply unit 15 based on, for example, an illumination control signal from the control device Ct, thereby performing color adjustment control and dimming control of the illumination device L. The specific configuration of the control unit 12 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a CPU. The storage unit 13 stores information necessary for the control of the control unit 12, and may be, for example, a semiconductor memory. Note that the storage unit 13 is not limited to being built into the housing (not shown) of the illumination device L, and may be detachably provided outside the housing of the illumination device L.

[0036] The communication module 14 is a communication unit for wirelessly communicating with the control device Ct, other lighting devices L constituting the communication network, and the mobile terminal Mt, and is a module for transmitting and receiving wireless signals. The communication module 14 is connected to the control unit 12 via, for example, UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) communication, but is not limited to this. The communication module 14 of this embodiment has a first communication unit 141 and a beacon transmission unit 142.

[0037] The functions of the communication module 14 include receiving data from the control device Ct and transmitting a signal included in the received data to the control unit 12. The communication module 14 also transmits an acknowledgement signal indicating that the data has been received to the control device Ct. The communication module 14 may also transmit a status information signal indicating the operating status of the lighting device L to the control device Ct.

[0038] In this embodiment, unit identification information such as a unique lighting device ID of each of the multiple lighting devices L is stored in the communication module 14. Specific examples of the unit identification information are not particularly limited, and include, for example, a Media Access Control (MAC) address and location information. In the following description, location information is used as the unit identification information of the lighting device L. Note that the unit identification information may be stored in either the first communication unit 141 or the beacon transmission unit 142, or in another component of the communication module 14, or may be stored in, for example, the storage unit 13. When the communication module 14 recognizes that a received signal is a signal for the lighting device ID of its own device, it transmits the signal to the control unit 12.

[0039] The first communication unit 141 performs wireless communication with the control device Ct and other lighting devices L using first wireless radio waves. The wireless communication using the first wireless radio waves is not limited in any way, and in this embodiment, wireless communication using a first protocol is described. The communication frequency of the wireless communication using the first protocol is not limited in any way, and examples include the 920 MHz band, the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 13.56 MHz band. In addition, specific examples of the first protocol are not particularly limited, and examples include Bluetooth (registered trademark) including BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), Zigbee (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and proprietary protocols.

[0040] In this embodiment, a plurality of lighting devices L each having a first communication unit 141 and a control device Ct construct a wireless communication network Cn1, which is a mesh network shown in FIG. 1 , using a unique protocol that uses a first wireless radio wave in the 2.4 GHz band, for example. First wireless communication is performed over the wireless communication network Cn1. Since the first protocol is used to transfer various types of data between the plurality of lighting devices L as described below, a protocol that can construct the mesh network while ensuring the transfer speed and reliability required for the data transfer is selected.

[0041] In this embodiment, the control device Ct is the root node of the wireless communication network Cn1. Any of the multiple lighting devices L may function as a GM (gateway module). The gateway module is the root node of the cluster and is connected to the control device Ct. In this case, the gateway module builds a mesh network together with other gateway modules and communicates with the control device Ct. The gateway module constantly evaluates the communication quality with other gateway modules and the control device Ct and automatically connects to the device with the best communication quality. Similarly, the lighting device L constantly evaluates the communication quality with other lighting devices L or gateway modules and automatically connects to the device with the best communication quality. The hardware configuration of a normal lighting device L and a lighting device L functioning as a gateway module is the same. The lighting device L may be equipped with different software, or may be switched between operating as a normal lighting device L and as a gateway module by mode switching.

[0042] The beacon transmitter 142 is configured to transmit at least the second wireless radio waves. The second wireless radio waves are different from the first wireless radio waves, and have different frequency bands and protocols. Alternatively, the first and second wireless radio waves may use the same frequency band and transmission protocol, but have different power levels. Even when the first and second wireless radio waves have different power levels, the lighting device L can still be considered to configure a wireless communication network Cn1 using the first wireless radio waves and output the second wireless radio waves separately from the first wireless radio waves. The second wireless communication using the second wireless radio waves is not limited in any way, and in this embodiment, it is described as wireless communication using the second protocol. The communication frequency of the wireless communication using the second protocol is not limited in any way, and examples include the 920 MHz band, the 2.4 GHz band, and the 5 GHz band. Specific examples of the second protocol are not particularly limited, and examples include Bluetooth (registered trademark), including BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), Zigbee (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and proprietary protocols. As the second protocol, for example, when wireless communication with a mobile terminal Mt located in a short distance is intended, Bluetooth (registered trademark) is selected.

[0043] In this embodiment, the beacon transmitter 142 transmits at least a beacon signal Sg2. The beacon signal Sg2 is transmitted, for example, at predetermined intervals by radio waves using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) such as iBeacon (registered trademark). The transmission interval of the beacon signal Sg2 is, for example, 100 to 500 ms. Extending the output interval can reduce power consumption.

[0044] The specific configuration of the beacon signal Sg2 is not limited, and may be, for example, a signal including unit identification information of the lighting device L. The unit identification information included in the beacon signal Sg2 is, for example, location information of the lighting device L, a lighting device ID such as a MAC (Media Access Control) address, etc.

[0045] The power supply unit 15 is for supplying the light source unit 11, the control unit 12, the communication module 14, etc. with the power required for their operation. The power supply unit 15 has a function as an AC / DC converter that converts commercial AC power of 100V or 200V into DC power, a voltage transformation function, etc.

[0046] [Control device Ct] The control device Ct controls the lighting of the multiple lighting devices L. In this embodiment, the control device Ct may be installed in a room where the multiple lighting devices L are installed, or on another floor, or in another building. When the control device Ct and the multiple lighting devices L are located at a certain distance from each other, the control device Ct and the multiple lighting devices L may be configured to communicate with each other using not only wireless communication but also wired communication, or may be configured to communicate with each other using a combination of wired and wireless communication. Note that the lighting control system A1 is only required to include at least one control device Ct, and may also be configured to include multiple control devices Ct in other configurations.

[0047] 3 is a block diagram of the control device Ct. In this embodiment, the control device Ct includes a display unit 21, a control unit 22, a storage unit 23, a wireless communication unit 24, and a power supply unit 25.

[0048] The display unit 21 is not necessarily required for the lighting control method of the lighting control system A1 described below, but is used for initial setup and maintenance of the control device Ct. The display unit 21 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and may further have a touch panel function. Alternatively, instead of the display unit 21 functioning as a touch panel, the control device Ct may be provided with a separate operation device such as a keyboard or a mouse.

[0049] The control unit 22 is a main component that controls the lighting of the multiple lighting devices L, and controls each unit of the control device Ct. For example, the control unit 22 transmits a control signal to the wireless communication unit 24 so that the control unit 22 transmits a lighting control signal to the target lighting device L. The specific configuration of the control unit 22 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a CPU. The storage unit 23 stores information such as programs and setting conditions required for the control of the control unit 22, and may be, for example, a semiconductor memory or a hard disk drive.

[0050] The wireless communication unit 24 is for wireless communication with the first communication units 141 of the communication modules 14 of the multiple lighting devices L. The frequency band and wireless communication standard of the wireless communication unit 24 are wireless communication using the first protocol described above. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the control device Ct forms a wireless communication network Cn1 together with the multiple lighting devices L. The wireless communication unit 24 transmits, for example, lighting control data from the control unit 22 to the multiple lighting devices L via the wireless communication network Cn1. In addition to the wireless communication unit 24, the control device Ct also has a communication circuit for wireless communication or wired communication via the Internet In. The Internet In is formed, for example, by an Internet communication line network, a mobile phone line network conforming to the LTE (Long Term Evolution) standard, 5G, 6G, or the like, or a combination of these.

[0051] The power supply unit 25 is for supplying the power necessary for operation to the display unit 21, the control unit 22, the wireless communication unit 24, etc. The power supply unit 25 has a function as an AC / DC converter that converts commercial AC power of 100V or 200V into DC power, a voltage transformation function, etc.

[0052] The control device Ct holds unit identification information such as lighting device IDs of the plurality of lighting devices L, which is stored, for example, in the storage unit 23. The unit identification information held by the control device Ct may be, for example, a MAC address or location information serving as the lighting device ID held by the lighting device L.

[0053] [Mobile Terminal Mt] The mobile terminal Mt is a terminal for controlling the lighting states of the plurality of lighting devices L in the lighting control system A1. The specific configuration of the mobile terminal Mt is not limited in any way, and examples thereof include a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, etc.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 4, the mobile terminal Mt of this embodiment includes a display unit 31, a control unit 32, a storage unit 33, a wireless communication unit , a power supply unit , and an imaging unit .

[0055] The display unit 31 is for displaying information and images necessary for operating the mobile terminal Mt. The display unit 31 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. If the mobile terminal Mt is a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like, the display unit 31 may be configured as a touch panel and serve as an operation unit as well. Furthermore, if the mobile terminal Mt is a notebook PC, the mobile terminal Mt may be equipped with, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like.

[0056] The wireless communication unit 34 performs wireless communication via the Internet In. The wireless communication unit 34 performs wireless communication via, for example, an LTE mobile phone communication network. This allows the mobile terminal Mt to communicate with the cloud CL. The mobile terminal Mt may also communicate with the control device Ct. Furthermore, the wireless communication unit 34 receives at least beacon signals Sg2 from the beacon transmitters 142 of the multiple lighting devices L.

[0057] The control unit 32 controls each unit of the mobile terminal Mt. The specific configuration of the control unit 32 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a CPU. The storage unit 33 stores information such as programs and setting conditions required for the control of the control unit 32, and may be, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0058] Identification information of the mobile terminal Mt may be stored in the storage unit 33 or the wireless communication unit 34. The identification information is a unique mobile terminal ID possessed by the mobile terminal Mt.

[0059] The power supply unit 35 supplies the power necessary for the operation of the display unit 31, the control unit 32, the wireless communication unit 34, the imaging unit 36, etc. The power supply unit 35 may have a function as an AC / DC converter that converts commercial AC power of 100V or 200V into DC power, a voltage transformation function, or may be a rechargeable battery. The battery may be charged using either a contact charger or a contactless charger.

[0060] The imaging unit 36 ​​captures images of external objects and the like. The imaging unit 36 ​​may include, for example, a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) sensor. The imaging unit 36 ​​functions to convert the external objects and the like into digital images. The imaging unit 36 ​​may also be configured to capture moving images.

[0061] [Cloud CL] The cloud CL is an example of a server in the lighting control system A1. The server of the present invention may be a virtual cloud CL configured on a network such as the Internet In, for example, using a commercial cloud service, or may be configured as a PC installed in a predetermined location. The cloud CL determines whether to permit lighting control by a mobile terminal Mt. As shown in FIG. 1, the cloud CL has an analysis unit 61, a memory unit 62, and a communication unit 63. It is preferable that the cloud CL is located domestically. However, even if the cloud CL is located overseas, it may be considered a variation of the present embodiment as long as the functions, roles, and effects of the present invention are achieved domestically by a user using a mobile terminal Mt within the country and a control device Ct located within the country transmitting lighting control signals to multiple lighting devices L.

[0062] The analysis unit 61 analyzes whether lighting control by the mobile terminal Mt is permitted or not, based on the identification signal Sg3 etc. transmitted from the mobile terminal Mt. The analysis unit 61 may be implemented by a CPU or the like.

[0063] The storage unit 62 stores various information in the lighting control system A1, and uses a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, etc. The communication unit 63 communicates with the mobile terminal Mt, the control device Ct, etc. via the Internet In, and is capable of either wired communication or wireless communication, or both.

[0064] Next, a lighting control method in the lighting control system A1 will be described below.

[0065] 5 and 6 show a lighting control method in the lighting control system A1.

[0066] In the lighting control method in the lighting control system A1, as described below, a program that causes a computer provided in the cloud CL to execute the following steps is stored in, for example, a storage unit 62 of the cloud CL and executed by an analysis unit 61: receiving an identification signal Sg3 transmitted from a mobile terminal Mt that has received beacon signals Sg2 from a plurality of lighting devices L, and determining whether or not to permit lighting control by the mobile terminal Mt based on a comparison of the identification information included in the identification signal Sg3 with a permission condition; and, if lighting control by the mobile terminal Mt is permitted, transmitting a lighting control operation permission signal Sg4 to the mobile terminal Mt; and receiving a lighting operation signal Sg5 from the mobile terminal Mt that has received the lighting control operation permission signal Sg4, and transmitting a lighting control signal Sg6 based on the lighting operation signal Sg5 to a control device Ct that performs lighting control of at least one of the plurality of lighting devices L to be controlled.

[0067] FIG. 5 shows a lighting control method in the lighting control system A1.

[0068] First, the control device Ct transmits a beacon output information signal Sg1 (step S1). The beacon output information signal Sg1 includes information regarding the transmission of beacon signals Sg2 by the multiple lighting devices L. Examples of the information regarding the transmission of the beacon signal Sg2 include information instructing the transmission of the beacon signal Sg2, information regarding the transmission time and transmission interval of the beacon signal Sg2, and specific information to be included in the beacon signal Sg2. It may also be information instructing not to transmit the beacon signal Sg2. The information instructing the transmission of the beacon signal Sg2 may be information instructing all of the multiple lighting devices L to transmit the beacon signal Sg2, or information instructing only one of the lighting devices L to transmit the beacon signal Sg2. The beacon output information signal Sg1 transmitted by the control device Ct is received by a certain lighting device L in the wireless communication network Cn1 and sequentially transferred to the other lighting devices L.

[0069] Next, the lighting devices L receive the beacon output information signal Sg1 and transmit a beacon signal Sg2 (step S2). The lighting device L receives the beacon output information signal Sg1 via the first communication unit 141 of the communication module 14. If the beacon output information signal Sg1 includes information instructing the lighting device L to transmit a beacon signal Sg2, the control unit 12 of the lighting device L transmits a beacon signal Sg2 from the beacon transmitter 142 of the communication module 14. The beacon signal Sg2 may include predetermined beacon information. The beacon information may be, for example, transmission time information when each lighting device L transmitted the beacon signal Sg2.

[0070] Next, the mobile terminal Mt receives the beacon signal Sg2 and transmits an identification signal Sg3 (step S3). The mobile terminal Mt receives the beacon signal Sg2 via the wireless communication unit 34. The control unit 32 of the mobile terminal Mt generates an identification signal Sg3 including a beacon signal reception record and identification information. The beacon information reception record may be, for example, transmission time information included in the beacon information when the lighting device L transmitted the beacon signal Sg2. The identification information may be, for example, a mobile terminal ID unique to the mobile terminal Mt. The wireless communication unit 34 transmits the identification signal Sg3 to the cloud CL via the Internet In, which is a commercial communication line.

[0071] Next, the cloud CL receives the identification signal Sg3, performs authentication processing based on the identification signal Sg3, and transmits a lighting control operation permission signal Sg4 (step S4). The identification signal Sg3 from the mobile terminal Mt is received by the communication unit 63 of the cloud CL, for example, via the Internet In. The analysis unit 61 of the cloud CL compares the beacon signal reception record and identification information included in the identification signal Sg3 with the permission conditions stored in the storage unit 62. Based on the comparison result, the analysis unit 61 determines whether or not to permit the mobile terminal Mt to perform lighting control. If the mobile terminal Mt is permitted to perform lighting control operation, the analysis unit 61 transmits a lighting control operation permission signal Sg4, including information permitting the operation of lighting control, to the mobile terminal Mt from the communication unit 63 via the Internet In.

[0072] Next, the mobile terminal Mt receives the lighting control operation permission signal Sg4 and transmits the lighting operation signal Sg5 (step S5).

[0073] Here, a more detailed example of steps S3 to S5 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0074] In step S3, when the wireless communication unit 34 of the mobile terminal Mt receives the beacon signal Sg2, an application is started (step S3-1). This application may be, for example, a dedicated application (a mobile application used as a means for using a specific service from a mobile terminal Mt such as a smartphone) that is started when the control unit 32 executes a program stored in the storage unit 33, or a web application (such as application software used from a network such as the Internet In) that is started by accessing a predetermined URL (Uniform Resource Locator: a technology that indicates the location or address of information (documents, images, etc.) present on the Internet In) via the Internet In.

[0075] The user of the mobile terminal Mt operates an application to transmit an identification signal Sg3 to the cloud CL via the Internet In (step S3-2).

[0076] In step S4, the cloud CL receives the identification signal Sg3 (step S4-1). The analysis unit 61 of the cloud CL compares the identification signal Sg3 with the permission conditions to determine whether the mobile terminal Mt has the right to control lighting in the building where the lighting device L that transmitted the beacon signal Sg2 is installed, and determines whether to permit or deny the mobile terminal Mt to operate the lighting control, and performs authentication (step S4-2). Furthermore, the cloud CL identifies the lighting devices L (and lighting device groups) that can be controlled by the mobile terminal Mt.

[0077] 7 shows examples of permission conditions stored in the storage unit 62 and examples of beacon signal reception records included in the identification signal Sg3. The permission conditions may include, for example, a permission area and a permission time. When multiple lighting devices L are arranged in multiple areas, the permission area includes the names of the respective areas. The permission time includes the time period during which lighting control operations are permitted for each permission area. The identification signal Sg3 includes, as the beacon signal reception record, the lighting device ID of the lighting device L that transmitted the beacon signal Sg2, the area ID and location information of the location where the lighting device L is located, and time information when the beacon signal Sg2 was transmitted. Note that authentication may be performed for each lighting device L identified by the lighting device ID, or, when multiple lighting devices L belong to multiple lighting device groups, authentication may be performed for each lighting device group.

[0078] The program executed by the computer installed in the cloud CL may execute a step in which the permission conditions are changed by an administrator's operation. In this case, the permission areas, permission times, etc. included in the permission conditions in Fig. 7 can be changed arbitrarily by an administrator's operation.

[0079] The analysis unit 61 compares the permission conditions with the beacon signal reception record, and if the permission conditions are met, the authentication result is OK. In the example shown in Figure 7, the authentication results for the mobile terminal IDs "12345", "56789", and "27397" are all OK.

[0080] When the authentication process is completed, the analysis unit 61 transmits a lighting control operation permission signal Sg4 to the mobile terminal Mt via the Internet In, as shown in FIG. 6 (step S4-3).

[0081] In step S5, when the wireless communication unit 34 of the mobile terminal Mt receives the lighting control operation permission signal Sg4, the control unit 32 displays an operation screen for lighting control operation on the display unit 31 based on the information included in the lighting control operation permission signal Sg4 regarding whether lighting control operation is possible and the lighting device L or lighting device group that can be controlled (step S5-1).The user then performs an operation to specify the lighting state (dimming, color adjustment) of the target lighting device L, for example by touching the display unit 31.Based on the user's operation, the control unit 32 transmits a lighting operation signal Sg5 including information for controlling the lighting state of the lighting device L to the cloud CL via the Internet In (step S5-2).

[0082] 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the application in steps S3 to S5. In response to S3-1, the application is launched in step S301. In response to S3-2, in step S302, an identification signal transmission confirmation screen 311, which asks whether or not to transmit the identification signal Sg3, is displayed on the display unit 31. FIG. 10 shows an example of the mobile terminal Mt on which the identification signal transmission confirmation screen 311 is displayed on the display unit 31.

[0083] When the user operates "Send" on the identification signal transmission confirmation screen 311 (step S303: Yes), the identification signal Sg3 is transmitted to the cloud CL (step S304). When the user does not operate "Send" on the identification signal transmission confirmation screen 311 but selects "Return" (step S303: No), the process returns to step S301.

[0084] Furthermore, when the lighting control operation permission signal Sg4 is received in response to step S5 (step S305: Yes), a control permission screen 312 is displayed on the display unit 31, as shown in FIG. 11 . The control permission screen 312 notifies the mobile terminal Mt that lighting control operation has been permitted. The application prompts the user to touch, for example, a setting button via the control permission screen 312 to set the lighting state (step S306). FIG. 13 shows an example of a lighting operation screen 314 displayed on the display unit 31. The lighting operation screen 314 appropriately includes icons, buttons, slide bars, and the like for selecting the lighting device L or lighting device group whose lighting state is to be controlled, and for setting the lighting state of the lighting device L, such as dimming and color adjustment. The user sets the lighting state by operating the lighting operation screen 314. Once the lighting state setting is complete, the user touches the “send” button. This causes the lighting operation signal Sg5 to be transmitted from the wireless communication unit 34 to the cloud CL via the Internet In.

[0085] 10 to 13 show an example of a display method for the mobile terminal Mt in the lighting control system A1.

[0086] On the other hand, in step S4-2 of Fig. 6, there are cases where lighting control operations are not permitted (when lighting control rights are not available). In the example shown in Fig. 8, lighting control operations for mobile terminal IDs "56789" and "27397" are both not permitted. For example, mobile terminal ID "56789" is not permitted because it is requesting operation outside of the permitted time period. Also, mobile terminal ID "27397" is not permitted because it is requesting operation from a location outside of the permitted area.

[0087] In FIG. 9 , if the lighting control operation permission signal Sg4 is not transmitted (step S305: No), a control denial screen 313 is displayed on the display unit 31 as shown in FIG. 12 . The control denial screen 313 notifies the user that lighting control operation is not permitted by the mobile terminal Mt. The control denial screen 313 may prompt the user to contact an administrator as a countermeasure for the denial of lighting control operation. In the illustrated example, the user touches the “Call” button to place a call to the administrator. Note that, instead of the lighting control operation permission signal Sg4 not being transmitted (step S305: No) in FIG. 9 , a lighting control operation permission signal Sg4 including information indicating that lighting control operation by the mobile terminal Mt is not permitted may be transmitted.

[0088] 5 , when the cloud CL receives the lighting operation signal Sg5, the analysis unit 61 of the cloud CL generates a lighting control signal Sg6 in response to the lighting operation signal Sg5. The analysis unit 61 transmits the lighting control signal Sg6 from the communication unit 63 to the control device Ct via the Internet In (step S6).

[0089] When the control device Ct receives the lighting control signal Sg6, it converts the lighting control signal Sg6 into a signal conforming to the first protocol and transfers the signal to the plurality of lighting devices L via the wireless communication network Cn1 (step S7). In the wireless communication network Cn1, the lighting control signal Sg6 is transferred sequentially to at least one of the plurality of lighting devices L as a control target lighting device.

[0090] When at least one of the lighting devices L receives the lighting control signal Sg6, it checks whether the lighting control signal is for the lighting device ID of the lighting device L. If the lighting control signal Sg6 is for lighting control for the lighting device ID of the lighting device L, the control unit 12 controls the light source unit 11, power supply unit 15, etc. to set the lighting state (dimming, color adjustment) according to the lighting control signal Sg6 (step S8).

[0091] Next, the operation of the lighting control system A1 will be described.

[0092] According to this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 , the mobile terminal Mt transmits an identification signal Sg3 to the cloud CL upon receiving a beacon signal Sg2. The cloud CL compares the identification signal Sg3 with the permission conditions to authenticate whether or not the mobile terminal Mt is permitted to operate the lighting control. This makes it possible to reliably deny, for example, lighting control operations by a mobile terminal Mt that receives the beacon signal Sg2 at an inappropriate time. Alternatively, it is possible to reliably deny lighting control operations by a mobile terminal Mt that receives the beacon signal Sg2 from a lighting device L located in an inappropriate location. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent erroneous lighting control operations by inappropriate mobile terminals Mt.

[0093] When the operation of lighting control by the mobile terminal Mt is not permitted, a control not permitted screen 313 is displayed on the display unit 31 of the mobile terminal Mt, as shown in Fig. 12. The user is able to clearly recognize that the operation is not permitted and can take more appropriate measures, such as inquiring of an administrator about how to handle the situation.

[0094] If the administrator can change the permission conditions of the cloud CL, the administrator can set the permission conditions to the desired content at the desired timing, thereby making it possible to strengthen security more appropriately.

[0095] 14 to 26 show other embodiments of the present invention. In these figures, elements that are the same as or similar to those in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the configurations of the various parts in each of the modified examples and embodiments can be combined with each other as appropriate within the scope of not causing technical contradictions.

[0096] Second Embodiment FIGS. 14 to 16 show a lighting control system A2 and a lighting control method thereof according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 14 , the lighting control system A2 uses a medium Md. The medium Md provides URL information for launching a web application to the mobile terminal Mt in step S3-1 of FIG. 6 and step S301 of FIG. 9 described above. The specific configuration of the medium Md is not limited in any way. Examples of the medium Md include a card or sheet on which an image containing URL information (e.g., a QR code (registered trademark)) is printed, an electronic device that displays an image containing URL information (e.g., a QR code (registered trademark)), or an electronic tag (e.g., an RFID tag) that can transfer URL information to Mt by electronic means. In the illustrated example, the medium Md is a card or sheet on which an image containing URL information (e.g., a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark)) is printed.

[0098] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the user uses the imaging unit 36 ​​of the mobile terminal Mt to capture an image containing the URL information of the medium Md and read the URL information (step S3-1). Next, by accessing the Internet In or the like according to the URL information, a web application is launched (step S3-2). Then, as shown in Figure 15, in step S3-3, an identification signal Sg3 is output. The subsequent processing is the same as that described with reference to Figures 5, 6, etc.

[0099] If the medium Md is an electronic tag (e.g., an RFID tag), when the mobile terminal Mt irradiates the medium Md with radio waves, the antenna of the medium Md receives the radio waves and activates the built-in chip. Next, the antenna transmits the URL information of the IC chip. The mobile terminal Mt receives the URL information and can then activate a web application based on the URL information.

[0100] This embodiment also makes it possible to more reliably prevent erroneous lighting control operations by inappropriate mobile terminals Mt. Furthermore, by reading URL information from the medium Md by the mobile terminal Mt, it is possible to easily and reliably cause the mobile terminal Mt to execute a predetermined web application or the like.

[0101] 17 to 21 show a lighting control system A3 and a lighting control method thereof according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The lighting control system A3 includes an electronic device Dv as the medium Md in the lighting control system A2.

[0102] [Electronic Device Dv] The electronic device Dv is an example of a medium Md that provides URL information in the lighting control system A3. The specific configuration of the electronic device Dv is not limited in any way, and examples thereof include a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, and a smartphone.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 18, the electronic device Dv of this embodiment includes a display unit 41, a control unit 42, a storage unit 43, a wireless communication unit 44, and a power supply unit 45.

[0104] The display unit 41 is for displaying information and images necessary for operating the electronic device Dv. The display unit 41 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. If the electronic device Dv is a tablet terminal or the like, the display unit 41 may be configured as a touch panel and serve as an operation unit. Furthermore, if the electronic device Dv is a notebook PC, the electronic device Dv may include, for example, a keyboard and a mouse.

[0105] The wireless communication unit 44 performs wireless communication via the Internet In. The wireless communication unit 44 performs wireless communication via, for example, an LTE mobile phone communication network. This allows the electronic device Dv to communicate with the cloud CL. The electronic device Dv may also communicate with the control device Ct. Furthermore, the wireless communication unit 44 receives at least beacon signals Sg2 from the beacon transmitters 142 of the multiple lighting devices L.

[0106] The control unit 42 controls each unit of the electronic device Dv. The specific configuration of the control unit 42 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a CPU. The storage unit 43 stores information such as programs and setting conditions required for control by the control unit 42, and may be, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0107] The power supply unit 45 supplies the power necessary for the operation of the display unit 41, the control unit 42, the wireless communication unit 44, etc. The power supply unit 45 may have a function as an AC / DC converter that converts commercial AC power of 100V or 200V into DC power, a voltage transformation function, or may be a rechargeable battery. The battery may be charged using either a contact charger or a contactless charger.

[0108] 20 and 21 show an example of a lighting control method for the lighting control system A3. The processing of the electronic device Dv in the lighting control method shown in these figures is realized by causing a computer provided in the electronic device Dv to execute a program stored in the storage unit 43.

[0109] In the lighting control method of the lighting control system A3, as shown in Fig. 20, multiple lighting devices L change their beacon information over time. The beacon information includes URL information to be read by the mobile terminal Mt. That is, in this embodiment, the URL information for launching a web application on the mobile terminal Mt is periodically changed. The individual URL information may be provided as appropriate from, for example, the cloud CL or the control device Ct. A beacon signal Sg2 including such beacon information is transmitted from each lighting device L (step S2).

[0110] Next, the wireless communication unit 44 of the medium Md receives the beacon signal Sg2 (step S3-1). The control unit 42 of the medium Md generates an image including the URL information contained in the beacon signal Sg2 and displays it on the display unit 41 (step S3-1). Figure 19 shows an example in which a URL information screen 411 is displayed on the display unit 41 of the electronic device Dv, which corresponds to the first mode of the present invention.

[0111] Next, the user uses the imaging unit 36 ​​of the mobile terminal Mt to capture an image of the URL information screen 411 displayed on the display unit 41 of the electronic device Dv and reads the URL information (step S3-2). The mobile terminal Mt then accesses the Internet In based on the URL information, thereby launching the web application. The subsequent processing is the same as that described with reference to Figures 15 and 16, etc.

[0112] This embodiment also more reliably prevents erroneous lighting control operations by inappropriate mobile terminals Mt. Furthermore, the URL information included in the URL information screen 411 displayed by the electronic device Dv changes over time. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a mobile terminal Mt that has launched a web application using URL information read from a previously displayed URL information screen 411 from erroneously operating the lighting control of multiple lighting devices L.

[0113] 22 and 23 show a first modification of the lighting control method of the lighting control system A2. In this example, as shown in FIG. 22 , the user selects the first mode by pressing the mode selection button on the electronic device Dv (step S3-0). In the first mode, the URL information screen 411 shown in FIG. 19 is displayed on the display unit 41 in step S3-1 described above (first mode). Thereafter, the processing from step S3-1 onward can be performed using the URL information screen 411 in the first mode.

[0114] Furthermore, in this example, steps S5-0 to S5-2 shown in FIG. 23 are executed. In step S5-0, the second mode is selected by using the mode selection button on the electronic device Dv. The control unit 42 displays a lighting operation screen 412 on the display unit 41, as shown in FIG. 24. The lighting operation screen 412 is, for example, a lighting arrangement diagram based on the actual arrangement of multiple lighting devices L. Each lighting device L can be selectively turned on or off, and the state is displayed by the degree of color, etc. Furthermore, in order to more precisely set the lighting state (dimming, color adjustment) of the lighting device L, an operation screen similar to the lighting operation screen 314 of FIG. 13 may be displayed on the display unit 41.

[0115] The user specifies a desired lighting state (dimming, color adjustment) by touching the lighting operation screen 412. The control unit 42 generates a lighting operation signal Sg5 relating to the lighting state based on the operation, and transmits the signal from the wireless communication unit 44 to the cloud CL via the Internet In (step S5-2).

[0116] This modification also more reliably prevents erroneous lighting control operations by inappropriate mobile terminals Mt. Furthermore, by using the electronic device Dv to operate the lighting control of multiple lighting devices L in the second mode, the user can have more diverse options for operation.

[0117] Fourth Embodiment FIGS. 25 and 26 show a lighting control system A4 and a lighting control method thereof according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] In the lighting control system A4, the beacon output information signal Sg1 from the control device Ct includes information on whether each of the plurality of lighting devices L should be set as a first lighting device or a second lighting device.

[0119] In the wireless communication network Cn1, a beacon output information signal Sg1 is sequentially transferred to a plurality of lighting devices L. Each of the plurality of lighting devices L sets itself as either a first lighting device or a second lighting device based on information included in the beacon output information signal Sg1. The first lighting device is a lighting device in a mode in which it transmits a beacon signal Sg2. The second lighting device is a lighting device in a mode in which it does not transmit a beacon signal Sg2.

[0120] 26 shows an example of setting the first lighting device and the second lighting device using the beacon output information signal Sg1. In the example shown, the plurality of lighting devices L are divided into first lighting devices and second lighting devices for each time period. In each time period, some of the plurality of lighting devices L (e.g., half of the lighting devices L) are set as first lighting devices, and another portion of the plurality of lighting devices L (e.g., the other half of the lighting devices L) are set as first lighting devices.

[0121] 25, the lighting device L1 and the lighting device Ln are set as the second lighting device and are not transmitting the beacon signal Sg2, while the lighting device L2 is set as the first lighting device and is transmitting the beacon signal Sg2.

[0122] This embodiment also makes it possible to more reliably prevent erroneous lighting control operations by inappropriate mobile terminals Mt. Furthermore, when a large number of lighting devices L are installed, it is possible to suppress interference between the beacon signals Sg2 transmitted from the lighting devices L.

[0123] The lighting control system, lighting device, electronic device, lighting control method, display method, and program according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments. The specific configurations of the lighting control system, lighting device, electronic device, lighting control method, display method, and program according to the present invention can be freely designed and modified in various ways.

Claims

1. A lighting control system comprising: a plurality of lighting devices; a control device; a mobile terminal; and a server, wherein each of the plurality of lighting devices wirelessly transmits a beacon signal; the mobile terminal wirelessly receives the beacon signal and wirelessly transmits an identification signal in response to the reception of the beacon signal; the server receives the identification signal and, depending on a comparison between identification information included in the identification signal and a permission condition, transmits a lighting control operation permission signal to the mobile terminal if lighting control by the mobile terminal is permitted; when the mobile terminal receives the lighting control operation permission signal, wirelessly transmits a lighting operation signal for performing lighting control of at least one of the plurality of lighting devices that is to be controlled; the server transmits a lighting control signal based on the received lighting operation signal to the control device; and the control device transmits the received lighting control signal to the control device.

2. A lighting control system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a medium for providing URL information, wherein the mobile terminal reads the URL information from the medium, launches a web application corresponding to the URL information, and wirelessly transmits the identification signal using the web application.

3. A lighting control system as described in claim 2, wherein the plurality of lighting devices change the beacon information included in the beacon signal over time, and the medium is an electronic device that receives the beacon signal and displays an image corresponding to the URL information included in the beacon information.

4. A lighting control system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the server has a memory unit for storing the permission conditions, and the permission conditions stored in the memory unit are changeable by an administrator.

5. An electronic device in which beacon signals including beacon information that changes over time are transmitted from a plurality of lighting devices, and the electronic device provides the URL information to a mobile terminal by displaying an image corresponding to URL information included in the beacon information.

6. An electronic device according to claim 5, having: a first mode for displaying an image corresponding to the URL information; and a second mode for displaying one or more controllable lighting devices included in the plurality of lighting devices, and transmitting a lighting operation signal based on an operation targeted at the display of the one or more controllable lighting devices.

7. A lighting device whose lighting is controlled by a control device, the lighting device having a first lighting device mode in which a beacon output information signal is received from the control device, and a beacon signal used for determining whether or not lighting control by a mobile terminal is possible in response to the beacon output information signal is wirelessly transmitted, and a second lighting device mode in which the beacon signal is not wirelessly transmitted.

8. A lighting control method for controlling lighting of a plurality of lighting devices, comprising: a step of each of the plurality of lighting devices wirelessly transmitting a beacon signal; a step of a mobile terminal wirelessly receiving the beacon signal and wirelessly transmitting an identification signal in response to the reception of the beacon signal; a step of a server receiving the identification signal and, depending on a comparison between identification information included in the identification signal and a permission condition, transmitting a lighting control operation permission signal to the mobile terminal if lighting control by the mobile terminal is permitted; a step of the mobile terminal wirelessly transmitting a lighting operation signal for performing lighting control of at least any of the plurality of lighting devices as a control target lighting device when the mobile terminal receives the lighting control operation permission signal; a step of the server transmitting a lighting control signal based on the received lighting operation signal to a control device; and a step of the control device transmitting the received lighting control signal to the control target lighting device.

9. A lighting control method as described in claim 8, wherein, in the step of the mobile terminal wirelessly transmitting the identification signal, the mobile terminal reads the URL information from a medium providing the URL information, launches a web application corresponding to the URL information, and wirelessly transmits the identification signal using the web application.

10. A lighting control method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the plurality of lighting devices change the beacon information contained in the beacon signal over time, and the medium is an electronic device that receives the beacon signal and displays an image corresponding to the URL information contained in the beacon information.

11. A lighting control method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the server has a memory unit that stores the permission conditions, and the permission conditions stored in the memory unit are changeable by an administrator.

12. A display method of an electronic device for lighting control of a plurality of lighting devices, comprising: a step of receiving a beacon signal transmitted from the plurality of lighting devices, the beacon information being changed over time; and a step of displaying an image according to URL information included in the beacon information in order to provide a mobile terminal with URL information.

13. A display method as claimed in claim 12, comprising: a step of executing a first mode of displaying an image corresponding to the URL information; and a step of executing a second mode of displaying one or more controllable lighting devices included in the plurality of lighting devices, and transmitting a lighting operation signal based on an operation targeted at the display of the one or more controllable lighting devices.

14. A display method of a mobile terminal for lighting control of a plurality of lighting devices, comprising: a step of the mobile terminal receiving beacon signals from the plurality of lighting devices; a step of the mobile terminal wirelessly transmitting an identification signal in response to receiving the beacon signal to a server; a step of displaying information for guiding to a lighting control screen when the mobile terminal receives a lighting control operation permission signal from the server; and a step of displaying a fact that permission is not granted and information on how to deal with the situation when the mobile terminal does not receive the lighting control operation permission signal from the server.

15. A program causing a computer provided in a server for lighting control of a plurality of lighting devices to execute the steps of receiving an identification signal transmitted from a mobile terminal which has received beacon signals from said plurality of lighting devices, and transmitting a lighting control operation permission signal to said mobile terminal if lighting control by said mobile terminal is permitted based on a comparison between identification information contained in said identification signal and permission conditions; and receiving a lighting operation signal from the mobile terminal which has received the lighting control operation permission signal, and transmitting a lighting control signal based on said lighting operation signal to a control device which performs lighting control of at least one of said plurality of lighting devices as a control target lighting device.

16. A program according to claim 15, further comprising a step of causing an administrator to change the permission conditions stored in the storage unit.

17. A program causing a computer provided in a mobile terminal for controlling lighting of multiple lighting devices to execute the steps of: reading URL information from a medium providing the URL information; launching a web application according to the URL information; and wirelessly transmitting an identification signal to a server using the web application.

18. A program as claimed in claim 17, which executes the steps of: displaying a confirmation screen for confirming that the identification signal is to be transmitted; displaying information guiding to a lighting control screen when a lighting control operation permission signal is received from the server; and displaying information indicating that permission is not granted and how to deal with the situation when the lighting control operation permission signal is not received from the server.

19. A program causing a computer provided in an electronic device for lighting control of a plurality of lighting devices to execute the steps of: receiving beacon signals transmitted from the plurality of lighting devices, the beacon signals including beacon information that changes over time; and providing the URL information to a mobile terminal by displaying an image according to URL information included in the beacon information.

20. A program as claimed in claim 19, comprising: a step of executing a first mode of displaying an image corresponding to the URL information; and a step of executing a second mode of displaying one or more controllable lighting devices included in the plurality of lighting devices, and transmitting a lighting operation signal based on an operation targeted at the display of the one or more controllable lighting devices.

Images