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

Abstract

A lighting control system (A1) comprises a plurality of lighting devices (L) and a control device (Ct). The plurality of lighting devices (L) light up in a first lighting state after a power supply is turned on. The control device (Ct) wirelessly transmits a control command signal (Sg2) to the plurality of lighting devices (L). Among the plurality of lighting devices (L), the lighting device (L) that has received the control command signal (Sg2) lights up in a second lighting state that is a lighting state different from the first lighting state. Pairing is performed between the control device (Ct) and the lighting device (L) which has been lighted up in the second lighting state among the plurality of lighting devices (L). This configuration makes it possible to reduce the load of a system construction.

Description

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

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a conventional lighting control system. The lighting control system disclosed in this document includes a plurality of lighting devices and a switch device. The plurality of lighting devices and the switch device are connected by wire. Information such as lighting control information from the switch device is transmitted to the plurality of lighting devices via the wired connection.

[0003] Patent No. 7117553

[0004] When constructing the lighting control system disclosed in the document, wiring work is required to connect a plurality of lighting devices and control devices.

[0005] The present invention was conceived in light of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its object is to provide a lighting control system, a lighting control method, a program, a display method, and a lighting device that can reduce the burden of system construction.

[0006] A lighting control system provided by a first aspect of the present invention is a lighting control system comprising a plurality of lighting devices and a control device, wherein the plurality of lighting devices light up in a first lighting state after being powered on, the control device wirelessly transmits a setting start command signal to the plurality of lighting devices, a lighting device among the plurality of lighting devices that receives the setting start command signal lights up in a second lighting state that is different from the first lighting state, and pairing is performed between the lighting device among the plurality of lighting devices that is lighted up in the second lighting state and the control device.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control device has a plurality of switches and further includes a mobile terminal, wherein identification information of the plurality of paired lighting devices is displayed on a display unit of the mobile terminal, one or more lighting devices are selected from the identification information of the plurality of lighting devices displayed on the display unit, and the selected one or more lighting devices are turned on in a third lighting state different from the first lighting state and the second lighting state, and the one or more lighting devices that are turned on in the third lighting state are assigned to any of the plurality of switches.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a server is provided, and a plurality of lighting schedule patterns for the plurality of lighting devices are stored in the server. The mobile terminal downloads the plurality of lighting schedule patterns and displays the plurality of lighting schedule patterns on a display unit so that the plurality of lighting schedule patterns can be individually selected. The mobile terminal transmits the lighting schedule pattern selected from the plurality of lighting schedule patterns to the control device, and the control device stores the selected lighting schedule pattern.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a server is provided, and property information including attributes of the location where the plurality of lighting devices are to be installed is stored on the server, the mobile terminal downloads the property information and displays the property information on a display unit, the mobile terminal transmits the property information and setting information regarding the plurality of lighting devices to the server, and the server stores the property information and the setting information.

[0010] A second aspect of the present invention provides a lighting control system comprising a plurality of lighting devices, a control device, and a mobile terminal, and further comprising a sensor device that detects environmental information such as the presence or absence of human bodies, temperature, and humidity in a location where the plurality of lighting devices are installed, wherein the mobile terminal transmits a selection signal in response to the selection of the sensor device, the control device forwards the selection signal, and the sensor device lights up an indicator when it receives the selection signal.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sensor device has a plurality of sensor units each having a different detection area, and a plurality of indicators corresponding to the plurality of sensor units, and the mobile terminal transmits the selection signal in response to the selection of one of the plurality of detection areas, and the sensor device lights up the indicator corresponding to the selected detection area.

[0012] A lighting control method provided by a third 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: turning on the power of the plurality of lighting devices; lighting the plurality of lighting devices in a first lighting state; wirelessly transmitting a setting start command signal by a control device to the plurality of lighting devices; lighting a lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices that has received the setting start command signal in a second lighting state that is different from the first lighting state; and pairing the lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices that has turned on in the second lighting state with the control device.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control device has a plurality of switches, and after the step of performing the pairing, the control device includes the steps of: displaying identification information of the plurality of lighting devices on a display unit of the mobile terminal; selecting one or more lighting devices from the identification information of the plurality of lighting devices displayed on the display unit; lighting up the selected one or more lighting devices in a third lighting state different from the first lighting state and the second lighting state; and assigning the one or more lighting devices that are to be lit up in the third lighting state to any of the plurality of switches.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the steps of: the mobile terminal downloading a plurality of lighting schedule patterns for the plurality of lighting devices from a server; the mobile terminal displaying the plurality of lighting schedule patterns on a display unit so that the plurality of lighting schedule patterns can be individually selected; the mobile terminal transmitting the lighting schedule pattern selected from the plurality of lighting schedule patterns to the control device; and the control device storing the selected lighting schedule pattern.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the steps of: a server storing property information including attributes of the location where the plurality of lighting devices are to be installed; the mobile terminal downloading the property information and displaying the property information on a display unit; the mobile terminal transmitting the property information and setting information regarding the plurality of lighting devices to the server; and the server storing the property information and the setting information.

[0016] 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, comprising the steps of selecting a sensor device in a mobile terminal, transmitting a selection signal based on the selection from the mobile terminal to a control device, transferring the selection signal by the control device, and turning on an indicator of the sensor device when the sensor device receives the selection signal.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the steps of selecting one of a plurality of detection areas in the mobile terminal, transmitting the selection signal based on the selection of the detection area from the mobile terminal to a control device, and lighting up the indicator corresponding to the selected detection area in the sensor device.

[0018] A program provided by a fifth 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: displaying identification information of the plurality of lighting devices on a display unit; selecting one or more lighting devices from the identification information of the plurality of lighting devices displayed on the display unit; transmitting a selection signal targeted at the selected one or more lighting devices; and assigning the selected one or more lighting devices to any of a plurality of switches of a control device.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a computer provided in a mobile terminal for lighting control of a plurality of lighting devices executes the steps of downloading a plurality of lighting schedule patterns for the plurality of lighting devices from a server, displaying the plurality of lighting schedule patterns on a display unit so that the plurality of lighting schedule patterns can be individually selected, and transmitting the lighting schedule pattern selected from the plurality of lighting schedule patterns to the control device.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a computer provided in a mobile terminal for lighting control of a plurality of lighting devices executes the steps of downloading property information including attributes of the location where the plurality of lighting devices are installed from a server, displaying the property information on a display unit, and transmitting the property information and setting information regarding the plurality of lighting devices to the server.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a computer provided in a mobile terminal for lighting control of a plurality of lighting devices executes the steps of calculating energy consumption information for the selected lighting schedule pattern and displaying the energy consumption information on a display unit.

[0022] A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a program that causes a computer provided in a mobile terminal for lighting control of a plurality of lighting devices to execute the steps of displaying identification information and types of the plurality of lighting devices and one or more sensor devices on a display unit, selecting one or more lighting devices and sensor devices from the identification information of the plurality of lighting devices and the one or more sensor devices displayed on the display unit, grouping the selected one or more lighting devices and sensor devices, and transmitting setting information including the results of the grouping to a control device.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, before the step of displaying the identification information and types of the plurality of lighting devices and the one or more sensor devices, a step of downloading the identification information of the plurality of lighting devices and property information including attributes of the location where the plurality of lighting devices are installed from a server is executed, and in the step of displaying the identification information and types of the plurality of lighting devices and the one or more sensor devices, the identification information and types of the plurality of lighting devices and the one or more sensor devices and the property information are displayed.

[0024] A display method provided by a seventh 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 downloading property information including attributes of a location where the plurality of lighting devices are installed from a server, and displaying the property information on a display unit.

[0025] A display method provided by an eighth 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: displaying a plurality of lighting schedule patterns downloaded from a server on a display unit so that the patterns can be individually selected; calculating energy consumption information for the selected lighting schedule pattern; and displaying the energy consumption information on the display unit.

[0026] A lighting device provided by a ninth aspect of the present invention is a lighting device comprising a light source unit, a wireless communication unit, and a control unit, and further comprising an indicator and a battery, wherein the control unit lights up the indicator using power from the battery when the wireless communication unit receives a setting start command signal.

[0027] According to the present invention, the load of system construction can be reduced.

[0028] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0029] 10 is a system configuration diagram showing a lighting control system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing lighting devices in the lighting control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of a control device in the lighting control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is an external view showing an example of a control device in the lighting control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing another example of a control device in the lighting control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is an external view showing another example of a control device in the lighting control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing another example of a control device in the lighting control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a system configuration diagram showing another example of a lighting control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a system configuration diagram showing a lighting control system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a lighting schedule pattern in the lighting control system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram showing a lighting control method in the lighting control system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is an external view showing an example of a control device in the lighting control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram showing another example of a lighting control method of a lighting control system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an example of a screen display of a mobile terminal in yet another example of a lighting control system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram showing a lighting control system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a lighting device of the lighting control system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing a lighting control method of the lighting control system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a system configuration diagram showing a lighting control system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a sensor device of the lighting control system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 10 is an example of a screen display of a mobile terminal in a lighting control system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an example of a screen display of a mobile terminal in a lighting control system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is an example of property information and identification information in another example of a lighting control system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing yet another example of a lighting control method for a lighting control system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a system configuration diagram showing a first modified example of a lighting control system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing a lighting control method for a modified example of a lighting control system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a system configuration diagram showing a second modified example of a lighting control system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0031] The terms "first," "second," "third," etc. in this disclosure are used for identification purposes only and are not intended to impose any ranking on their objects.

[0032] 1 to 8 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, and a mobile terminal Mt. 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.

[0033] [Lighting Device L] The 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 devices L may also be configured for outdoor lighting. The specific form of the lighting devices 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. In the following description, the lighting device L will be referred to as the lighting device L when describing the general configuration of the lighting device L, and reference symbols such as lighting devices L1...Ln will 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.

[0034] 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 wireless communication unit 14, and a power supply unit 15.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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).

[0037] 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.

[0038] The wireless communication unit 14 is a communication unit for wirelessly communicating with the control device Ct, and transmits and receives wireless signals. The wireless communication unit 14 may also be configured to wirelessly communicate with the wireless communication units 14 of other lighting devices L. The wireless communication unit 14 is connected to the control unit 12 via, for example, UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) communication, but is not limited to this.

[0039] The wireless communication unit 14 may have the following functions: receive data from the control device Ct, and transmit a signal included in the received data to the control unit 12. The wireless communication unit 14 also transmits an acknowledgement signal indicating that the data has been received to the control device Ct. The wireless communication unit 14 may also transmit a status information signal indicating the operating status of the lighting device L to the control device Ct.

[0040] In this embodiment, identification information such as a unique lighting device ID of each of the multiple lighting devices L is stored in the wireless communication unit 14. Specific examples of the identification information are not particularly limited, and include, for example, a media access control (MAC) address and location information. In the following description, a MAC address is used as the identification information of the lighting device L. Note that the identification information may be stored in a component other than the wireless communication unit 14, such as the storage unit 13. When the wireless communication unit 14 recognizes that a received signal is a signal for the lighting device ID of the lighting device itself, it transmits the signal to the control unit 12.

[0041] The wireless communication performed by the wireless communication unit 14 is not limited in any way, and in this embodiment, wireless communication using a first protocol will be described. The communication frequency of the wireless communication using the first protocol is not limited in any way, and examples thereof include the 920 MHz band, the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 13.56 MHz band. Specific examples of the first protocol are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include Bluetooth (registered trademark) including BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), Zigbee (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and proprietary protocols.

[0042] The power supply unit 15 is for supplying the light source unit 11, the control unit 12, the wireless communication unit 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.

[0043] [Control device Ct] The control device Ct controls the lighting of multiple lighting devices L. In this embodiment, the control device Ct is installed in a location where wireless communication with the multiple lighting devices L is possible, such as a room where multiple lighting devices L are installed. The lighting control system A1 is required to include at least one control device Ct, and may include multiple control devices Ct in other configurations.

[0044] Fig. 3 is a block diagram of an example of the control device Ct, and Fig. 4 is an external view of the example of the control device Ct. The control device Ct of this example is configured to perform a function for controlling the lighting of a plurality of lighting devices L, for example, referred to as a base module. In this embodiment, the control device Ct includes a control unit 22, a storage unit 23, a wireless communication unit 24, and a power supply unit 25. Note that the control device Ct may be further configured to include a display unit used for initial setup work of the control device Ct, etc.

[0045] 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.

[0046] The wireless communication unit 24 is for wirelessly communicating with the wireless communication units 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. The wireless communication unit 24 wirelessly transmits, for example, lighting control data from the control unit 22 to the multiple lighting devices L. In addition to the wireless communication unit 24, the control device Ct has a communication circuit for performing wireless communication or wired communication via a public communication line or a LAN (Local Area Network). The public communication line is, for example, configured by an Internet communication line network, a mobile phone network conforming to the LTE (Long Term Evolution) standard, 5G, 6G, or the like, or a combination of these.

[0047] The power supply unit 25 is for supplying the control unit 22, the wireless communication unit 24, etc. with the power required for their operation. The power supply unit 25 has a function as an AC / DC converter that converts commercial AC 100V or 200V power into DC power, a voltage transformation function, etc. In this example, the power supply unit 25 has a plug 251. The plug 251 is inserted into an outlet that supplies commercial AC 100V or 200V power, for example.

[0048] After pairing, which will be described later, the control device Ct holds 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 identification information held by the control device Ct may be, for example, a MAC address or location information as the lighting device ID held by the lighting device L.

[0049] 5 and 6 show another example of the control device Ct. The control device Ct of this example has a function as a switch and further includes an operation unit 26. The control device Ct of this example may be attached to a wall surface or an open storage space in a wall surface, for example.

[0050] The operation unit 26 is used by a user to control the lighting state of all or any of the plurality of lighting devices L. The operation unit 26 is a part operated by the user, and generates an electrical signal in response to the user's operation. The operation unit 26 is configured by, for example, a push button, a touch panel, a slider, etc.

[0051] In the illustrated example, four operation units 26 are provided, and each operation unit 26 is marked with an upward and downward arrow. Each arrow corresponds to, for example, an operation to increase or decrease the dimming rate. The numbers "1," "2," "3," "4," etc., marked on each operation unit 26 correspond to the respective group numbers when, for example, multiple lighting devices L are divided into multiple groups.

[0052] [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.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 7, the mobile terminal Mt of this embodiment includes a display unit 31, a control unit 32, a storage unit 33, a wireless communication unit 34, and a power supply unit 35.

[0054] 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. Furthermore, if the mobile terminal Mt is a notebook PC, the mobile terminal Mt may include, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like.

[0055] The wireless communication unit 34 performs wireless communication via a public communication line or a local area network (LAN). For example, the wireless communication unit 34 performs wireless communication via a mobile phone communication network conforming to the LTE standard. This allows the mobile terminal Mt to communicate with the control device Ct.

[0056] 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 control by the control unit 32, and may be, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0057] 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 that the mobile terminal Mt has.

[0058] 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, 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.

[0059] The mobile terminal Mt may further include an imaging unit. The imaging unit captures images of external objects, etc. The imaging unit may include, for example, a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) sensor. The imaging unit functions to convert the external objects, etc. into digital images. The imaging unit may also be configured to capture video.

[0060] Next, an example of a lighting control method of the lighting control system A1 will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0061] First, the power of the plurality of lighting devices L is turned on (step S1-1). Specific tasks and operations for turning on the lighting devices L are not limited in any way. For example, the lighting devices L may be configured so that the light source units 11 are turned on when connected to an external power source, or may be configured so that the lighting devices are turned on when a predetermined power switch (not shown) or the like is operated after being connected to the external power source.

[0062] When the lighting devices L are powered on, they are lit in a first lighting state (step S1-2). The first lighting state is the lighting state of the lighting devices L immediately after powering on, which is the lighting state stored as an initial setting in the control unit 12, storage unit 13, etc. at the time of product shipment of the lighting devices L. When the lighting devices L start receiving lighting control signals, etc. from the control devices Ct, etc., lighting in accordance with the lighting control instructions is given priority over lighting in the first lighting state.

[0063] Meanwhile, in the mobile terminal Mt, the person setting up the mobile terminal Mt operates the display unit 31 to start the setting work for pairing. In the mobile terminal Mt, the control unit 32 causes the wireless communication unit 34 to transmit a setting start command signal Sg1 (step S2-1). The setting start command signal Sg1 includes an instruction to turn on the lighting device L in the second lighting state during the setting work for pairing.

[0064] The second lighting state is a lighting state different from the first lighting state. Specific combinations of the first lighting state and the second lighting state are not limited in any way. For example, various combinations can be selected, such as a combination in which the first lighting state and the second lighting state have different dimming rates of the lighting device L, a combination in which the color adjustment rates are different, or a combination in which one is a constant lighting state and the other is a flashing lighting state. In this example, a case will be described in which the dimming rate in the first lighting state is 100% and the dimming rate in the second lighting state is 20%.

[0065] The setting start command signal Sg1 transmitted from the mobile terminal Mt is received by the wireless communication unit 24 of the control device Ct. The control unit 22 of the control device Ct converts the setting start command signal Sg1 into a form that can be transmitted via wireless communication using the first protocol, or reads out a control command signal Sg2 pre-stored in the storage unit 23 and transmits this control command signal Sg2 from the wireless communication unit 24. At the time of transmission, pairing has not yet been established, and therefore the signal is transmitted as so-called broadcast data that does not specify which lighting device L is the target (step S2-2).

[0066] The control command signal Sg2 transmitted from the control device Ct is received by the wireless communication units 14 of the plurality of lighting devices L. In each of the plurality of lighting devices L, when the control command signal Sg2 is received by the wireless communication units 14, the control unit 12 turns on the light source units 11 in the second lighting state in accordance with the information on the second lighting state included in the control command signal Sg2 (step S2-3: lighting devices L1 and L2 in FIG. 8 ).

[0067] The control command signal Sg2 may be determined to have been received by the wireless communication unit 14 if the received data can be read without error. However, for example, the wireless communication unit 14 may determine that the control command signal Sg2 has been received if the data related to the radio wave conditions (received radio wave strength and S / N ratio) of the control command signal Sg2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. As an example, the predetermined value of the received radio wave strength may be set to a value that is greater than the lower limit at which data can be received without error. In this case, even if the control command signal Sg2 is received without data errors, the lighting state will not change if the received radio wave strength is near the lower limit at which data can be received, i.e., if the radio wave conditions are poor, the lighting state will not change, and it can be recognized that measures such as installing a relay unit Ru are necessary.

[0068] In this example, the light source unit 11 of the lighting device L that has received the control command signal Sg2 is turned on at a dimming rate of 20%. That is, the light source unit 11 of the lighting device L changes from being turned on at a dimming rate of 100% to being turned on at a dimming rate of 20%.

[0069] On the other hand, if the lighting device L is unable to receive the control command signal Sg2 from the control device Ct, for example, because the lighting device L is far away from the control device Ct, the lighting device L continues to be lit in the first lighting state (step S2-4: lighting device Ln in Figure 8).

[0070] If a lighting device L (lighting device Ln) that cannot receive the control command signal Sg2 is found among the multiple lighting devices L present within the setting range, the setting person may install a relay unit Ru. The relay unit Ru is a unit that transmits a signal received via wireless communication under the first protocol via wireless communication under the first protocol without changing the content of the signal. The specific configuration of the relay unit Ru is not limited in any way.

[0071] FIG. 1 shows a state in which a relay unit Ru has been additionally installed. While there are no limitations on the installation location of the relay unit Ru, it is preferable that the relay unit Ru be installed in a location where it can sufficiently transmit signals to the lighting devices Ln that were not able to receive the signal. The control device Ct retransmits the control command signal Sg2 (step S4-1). The transmitted control command signal Sg2 is relayed by the relay unit Ru (step S4-2). As a result, the control command signal Sg2 is normally received by the lighting devices L1, L2, etc., as well as the lighting device Ln, with a received radio wave intensity equal to or greater than a predetermined value. As a result, all lighting devices L within the setting range are turned on in the second lighting state (step S4-3).

[0072] When the setting person confirms that all lighting devices L present within the setting range are lit in the second lighting state, the setting person determines that the wireless environment is ready and starts the pairing process (step S5).

[0073] The specific content of the pairing work is not limited in any way. Once the above-described wireless communication environment is established, the identification information (MAC addresses) of the multiple lighting devices L to be configured can be obtained on the mobile terminal Mt. For example, the person configuring the pairing may prepare numbers for the lighting devices L that can be distinguished and associate these numbers with the identification information (MAC addresses) of the multiple lighting devices L. Alternatively, the person configuring the pairing may associate each displayed lighting device L with its identification information (MAC address) on a layout diagram of the multiple lighting devices L generated on the mobile terminal Mt.

[0074] Next, the operation of the lighting control system A1 will be described.

[0075] According to this embodiment, there is no need to install a wired connection for signal transmission between the control device Ct and the plurality of lighting devices L. Furthermore, lighting devices L that successfully receive the control command signal Sg2 from the control device Ct with a radio wave intensity equal to or greater than a predetermined value change their lighting state from the first lighting state to the second lighting state. This allows the operator to easily and reliably visually determine which of the plurality of lighting devices L received the control command signal Sg2. This reduces the burden of system construction.

[0076] If there is a lighting device L that is not receiving the control command signal Sg2 normally with a radio wave strength equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the person setting up the device can immediately improve the wireless environment of the lighting device L by installing an additional relay unit Ru.

[0077] Furthermore, when the control device Ct is configured as a switch as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the lighting control method of FIG. 8 may be performed as follows.

[0078] The transmission of the setting start command signal Sg1 from the mobile terminal Mt in step S2-1 may be omitted, and the control command signal Sg2 may be transmitted from the control device Ct. For example, regardless of which of the multiple operation units 26 of the control device Ct is operated, the control unit 22 of the control device Ct causes the wireless communication unit 24 to transmit the control command signal Sg2 as broadcast data. In this case, the control command signal Sg2 may be stored in advance in, for example, the storage unit 23 of the control device Ct.

[0079] According to this example, it is possible to confirm, without an additional device such as a smartphone, whether communication is possible from the control device Ct to the multiple lighting devices L. In other words, even a person who does not have sufficient specialized knowledge about network settings, such as a construction company that installs the control device Ct and the multiple lighting devices L, can confirm whether communication is possible.

[0080] 9 to 31 show modified examples and other embodiments of the present invention. In these figures, elements identical or similar to those in the above-described embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the configurations of the various parts in each of the modified examples and embodiments can be combined as appropriate to the extent that no technical contradictions arise. Furthermore, the step numbers, such as steps S1, S2, etc., used in the description of each embodiment and modified example are defined individually for each embodiment and modified example, and are not necessarily commonly defined across different embodiments and modified examples.

[0081] 9 to 12 show a grouping process following the lighting control method (pairing process) for a plurality of lighting devices L described with reference to FIG.

[0082] 9, in this example, lighting devices L1-1, L1-2, L1-3, L2-1, ..., L6-1, L6-2, and L6-3 are arranged as the multiple lighting devices L. After the processing described with reference to FIG. 8 has been performed, these lighting devices L are lit in the second lighting state (dimming rate 20%) (FIG. 12: step S0).

[0083] As shown in FIG. 10 , the display unit 31 of the mobile terminal Mt displays, for example, a list of identification information (MAC addresses) of multiple lighting devices L. The identification information (MAC addresses) of the multiple lighting devices L may be transmitted from the control device Ct to the mobile terminal Mt, and the mobile terminal Mt may acquire the information. The setting person selects any one of the multiple identification information (MAC addresses) displayed in the list (e.g., MAC2) by touching it (step S1). The control unit 32 of the mobile terminal Mt causes the wireless communication unit 34 to transmit a selection signal Sg3 including the selected identification information (MAC address) (step S2-1). The control device Ct converts the received selection signal Sg3 into a first protocol and transmits it from the wireless communication unit 24 (step S2-2).

[0084] The selection signal Sg3 includes information for lighting the lighting device L in a third lighting state. The third lighting state is a lighting state different from the first lighting state and the second lighting state. The specific combination of the first lighting state, the second lighting state, and the third lighting state is not limited in any way. For example, various combinations can be selected, such as combinations in which the first lighting state, the second lighting state, and the third lighting state have different dimming rates of the lighting device L, combinations in which different color adjustment rates are used, or combinations in which one is in a constant lighting state and the other is in a flashing lighting state. In this example, a case will be described in which the first lighting state is in a constant lighting state with a dimming rate of 100%, the second lighting state is in a constant lighting state with a dimming rate of 20%, and the third lighting state is in a flashing lighting state.

[0085] The lighting devices L each receive the selection signal Sg3. If the identification information (MAC address) included in the selection signal Sg3 matches the identification information (MAC address) of the lighting device L, the control unit 12 turns on the light source unit 11 in the third lighting state (step S3-1). Figure 9 shows a case in which the lighting device L3-1 is selected and therefore flashes (step S3-3). The lighting devices L that have not yet been selected continue to be lit in the first lighting state (step S3-2).

[0086] The configurator visually checks the lighting device L3-1 in the third lighting state (flashing). If the lighting device L3-1 in the third lighting state (flashing) is the lighting device L to be grouped, the configurator touches the setting button in FIG. 10 . This sets the lighting device L3-1 as the lighting device L to be grouped. If the lighting device L3-1 in the third lighting state (flashing) is not the lighting device L to be grouped, the configurator touches MAC2 again to cancel the selection. Then, the configurator touches other identification information (MAC addresses) to confirm the lighting device L in the third lighting state in the same manner as the above-described process. By repeating the operation of confirming the lighting device L in the third lighting state and touching the setting button, all lighting devices L to be grouped are set. Next, as shown in FIG. 11 , the configurator selects the identification information of the switch to be assigned to the group to which the currently selected lighting device L belongs (SW1 in the figure).

[0087] The identification information of the switch may be, for example, the MAC address of the control device Ct. Alternatively, in the case where the control device Ct configured as the switch has a plurality of operation units 26, individual identification information corresponding to each operation unit 26 may be displayed.

[0088] Once the switch selection is complete, the setting person touches the setting button in FIG. 11 . This completes the setting of the lighting devices L and control devices Ct (switches) that are the targets of the grouping process ( FIG. 12 : step S4). The control unit 32 of the mobile terminal Mt causes the wireless communication unit 34 to transmit a setting completion signal Sg4. Upon receiving the setting completion signal Sg4 from the mobile terminal Mt, the control device Ct converts the signal to the first protocol and transmits the setting completion signal Sg4 (step S5). In this transmission, the MAC addresses of the lighting devices L and control devices Ct that are the targets of the grouping process may be the destinations.

[0089] Upon receiving the setting completion signal Sg4, the lighting device L3-1 lights up in a fourth lighting state, which is different from the first to third lighting states (S6-1). The fourth lighting state is one of various lighting states similar to the first to third lighting states, and in this example, it is lighting with a dimming rate of 50%, for example. The lighting devices L that do not receive the setting completion signal Sg4 remain lit in the second lighting state (step S6-2). FIG. 9 shows, for example, lighting devices L1-1 to L1-3 and L2-1 to L2-3, which are targets of grouping processing, lighting up in the fourth lighting state (dimming rate of 50%) as a result of receiving the setting completion signal Sg4.

[0090] In order to realize the grouping process in the lighting control system A1 described above, the storage unit 33 of the mobile terminal Mt may store a program that causes the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal Mt to execute the following steps: displaying identification information (MAC addresses) of the multiple lighting devices L; selecting one or more lighting devices L from the identification information (MAC addresses) of the multiple lighting devices L displayed on the display unit 31; transmitting a selection signal Sg3 targeted at the selected one or more lighting devices L; and assigning the selected one or more lighting devices L to any of the multiple switches (operation unit 26) of the control device Ct.

[0091] According to the grouping process in the lighting control system A1, it is possible to visually check whether the lighting devices L selected as targets for the grouping process among multiple processes are the intended lighting devices L by visually checking the lighting devices L in the third lighting state. This visual check targets the multiple lighting devices L that are actually installed, and there is no need to prepare a layout diagram of the multiple lighting devices L for the grouping process. This makes it possible to perform the grouping process more easily and efficiently, and has the advantage that the grouping process can be easily performed by users of the multiple lighting devices L, in addition to a setter with specialized skills who installs the multiple lighting devices L, for example.

[0092] 13 to 15 show a lighting control system and a lighting control method according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 13 , the lighting control system A2 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 A2 may also be configured to additionally include the relay unit Ru described above.

[0093] [Cloud CL] The cloud CL is an example of a server in the lighting control system A2. The server of the present invention may be a virtual cloud CL configured, for example, using a commercial cloud service on the Internet, which is a public communication line, or may be configured by a PC or the like installed in a predetermined location. As shown in FIG. 13 , the cloud CL includes 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 realized domestically by a user using a mobile terminal Mt in Japan and a control device Ct located in Japan transmitting lighting control signals to multiple lighting devices L.

[0094] The analysis unit 61 performs analysis and control to implement the lighting control method of the lighting control system A2. The analysis unit 61 may be implemented by a CPU or the like.

[0095] The storage unit 62 stores various information in the lighting control system A2, 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 a public communication line, and is capable of either or both of wired communication and wireless communication.

[0096] 15, an administrator or the like uses an inputter's PC to send a schedule setting signal Sg6 including a lighting schedule pattern to the cloud CL (step S1-1). The cloud CL stores the schedule setting signal Sg6 received by the communication unit 63 in the storage unit 62 (step S1-2). As a result of this process, a plurality of lighting schedule patterns are prepared in the cloud CL.

[0097] The mobile terminal Mt downloads the schedule setting signal Sg6 stored in the cloud CL (step S2). In this download, multiple schedule setting signals Sg6 each including one lighting schedule pattern may be downloaded, or one schedule setting signal Sg6 including multiple lighting schedule patterns may be downloaded.

[0098] 14 shows an example of a plurality of lighting schedule patterns. In the illustrated example, five lighting schedule patterns are shown. These lighting schedule patterns are displayed on the display unit 31 of the mobile terminal Mt so that they can be selected. For example, a dimming rate for each time of day is set for each lighting schedule pattern. The person setting the lighting schedule selects a lighting schedule pattern suitable for the target lighting device L from the plurality of lighting schedule patterns displayed on the display unit 31 by touching it (step S2).

[0099] Furthermore, the pairing process described using the lighting control system A1 as an example is appropriately performed among the mobile terminal Mt, the control device Ct, and the plurality of lighting devices L (step S3).

[0100] The person setting the lighting schedule may use the mobile terminal Mt to edit the selected lighting schedule pattern as needed to make it more suitable for the lighting device L in question. The person setting the lighting schedule may then input and modify lighting conditions such as the on / off times and dimming rate as needed (step S4). The person setting the lighting schedule sends the setting information, which has been completed by selecting and modifying the lighting schedule pattern, to the cloud CL. The cloud CL saves this setting information (step S5-1).

[0101] Furthermore, when the grouping process described with reference to FIG. 12 has been completed, the plurality of lighting devices L are turned on in the fourth lighting state (dimming rate 50%) (step S5-2).

[0102] The set schedule setting signal Sg6 is transmitted from the mobile terminal Mt to the control device Ct. Based on the schedule setting signal Sg6, the control device Ct transmits a lighting control signal Sg7 to the target lighting device L (step S6-1). Based on the lighting control of the received lighting control signal Sg7, the lighting devices L turn on their light source units 11 (step S6-2).

[0103] In order to realize the processing in the lighting control system A2 described above, the memory unit 33 of the mobile terminal Mt may store a program that causes the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal Mt to execute the following steps: downloading multiple lighting schedule patterns for the multiple lighting devices L from the cloud CL; displaying the multiple lighting schedule patterns on the display unit 31 so that they can be individually selected; and transmitting a lighting schedule pattern selected from the multiple lighting schedule patterns to the control device Ct.

[0104] In this embodiment, multiple lighting schedule patterns are prepared in the cloud CL. The setter can perform the main operations for constructing a lighting schedule pattern by selecting any lighting schedule pattern from the multiple lighting schedule patterns using the mobile device Mt. For example, the setter's burden can be significantly reduced compared to creating a lighting schedule pattern by specifying all the dimming rates for each time period.

[0105] 16 and 17 show another example of a lighting control method using the lighting control system A2. In this example, as shown in FIG. 17 , a user, administrator, or the like associates property information with a property ID and transmits the property information signal Sg8 to the cloud CL (step S1-1). The property information is information including attributes of the location where multiple lighting devices L are installed. Specific examples of property information include the size and height of the property, the number of lighting devices L installed, the types of lighting devices L, the number of groups to be collectively controlled, the lighting control schedule, and whether sensors (motion detection, illuminance) are required.

[0106] The cloud CL stores the property information signal Sg8 transmitted from the inputter's PC in the storage unit 62 (step S1-2). At the mobile terminal Mt, the setter downloads the property information signal Sg8 from the cloud CL (step S2-1). At the mobile terminal Mt, the property information is displayed on the display unit 31, as shown in FIG. 16 . The setter may be able to modify the property information as appropriate using the screen display. Furthermore, a setting save button for setting and saving the property information is displayed on the display unit 31 (step S2-2).

[0107] Furthermore, the pairing process described using the lighting control system A1 as an example is appropriately performed among the mobile terminal Mt, the control device Ct, and the plurality of lighting devices L (step S3).

[0108] Next, when the person setting the property touches the setting save button on the display unit 31, a setting information signal Sg9 including setting information such as result information of the pairing process, result information of the grouping process, and a lighting schedule pattern is transmitted from the mobile terminal Mt to the cloud CL. The cloud CL stores the setting information included in the received property information signal Sg8 in the storage unit 62 (step S4-2). This allows the property information and the setting information to be stored in association with each other.

[0109] After this, normal lighting control is performed on the multiple lighting devices L. For example, while normal lighting control is being repeated, some kind of trouble may occur with the control device Ct. In this case, for example, the control device Ct may be replaced with a new control device Ct or may be initialized. Then, using the control device Ct that is operating normally, a search is performed based on the property ID for the setting information set in the cloud CL (step S5-1). As a result of the search, the cloud CL transmits a setting information signal Sg9 including the relevant property information to the mobile terminal Mt (step S5-2).

[0110] If there is information to be reset, the mobile terminal Mt selects the information by, for example, touching the corresponding area on the display unit 31 (step S6-1) and resets it (step S6-2). Then, the mobile terminal Mt transmits a setting information signal Sg9 including the reset setting information to the cloud CL. The cloud CL stores the received setting information signal Sg9 in the storage unit 62 (step S6-3).

[0111] In order to realize the processing in the lighting control system A2 described above, the memory unit 33 of the mobile terminal Mt may store a program that causes the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal Mt to execute the following steps: downloading property information including attributes of the location where the multiple lighting devices L are installed from the cloud CL; displaying the property information on the display unit 31; and transmitting the property information and setting information regarding the multiple lighting devices L to the cloud CL.

[0112] According to this example, the setting information such as the result information of the pairing process, the result information of the grouping process, and the lighting schedule pattern is stored in the cloud CL in a state linked to the property ID. Therefore, if the setting information of the control device Ct is lost due to some error or trouble, it can be easily reset using the setting information associated with the property information backed up in the cloud CL.

[0113] 18 and 19 show another example of a lighting control method using lighting control system A2. In this example, as shown in Fig. 19, a user, administrator, or the like sets a lighting schedule pattern using an inputter PC and transmits a schedule setting signal Sg6 to cloud CL (step S1-1). Cloud CL stores the received schedule setting signal Sg6 in storage unit 62 (step S1-2).

[0114] Next, the mobile device Mt downloads the schedule setting signal Sg6 from the cloud CL (step S1-3). Then, the above-mentioned pairing process is performed as appropriate (step S2-1). Next, multiple lighting schedule patterns are displayed on the display unit 31, and the user selects a desired lighting schedule pattern (step S2-2). The user also modifies lighting conditions such as the on / off times and dimming ratio as needed (step S3).

[0115] The control unit 32 of the mobile device Mt calculates energy consumption information for the set lighting schedule pattern and displays it on the display unit 31 (step S4). The energy consumption information may be, for example, an energy saving rate, which is the reduction rate obtained by comparing the amount of energy consumed when the lighting device L is turned on for a predetermined period in accordance with the set lighting schedule pattern with the amount of energy consumed when the lighting device L is turned on at a dimming rate of 100% throughout the predetermined period.

[0116] If the energy saving rate displayed on the display unit 31 is as expected, the setting person completes the setting by touching the setting save button in Figure 18 (step S5). The mobile terminal Mt transmits a setting information signal Sg9 including information linking the lighting schedule pattern with the property ID to the cloud CL and the control device Ct (step S6-1). The cloud CL stores the setting information signal Sg9 in the storage unit 62 (step S6-2), and the control device Ct stores the setting information signal Sg9 in the storage unit 23 (step S6-2).

[0117] In order to realize the processing in the lighting control system A2 described above, the memory unit 33 of the mobile terminal Mt may store a program that executes the steps of calculating energy consumption information for a selected lighting schedule pattern and displaying the energy consumption information on the display unit 31.

[0118] According to this example, by applying a lighting schedule pattern to actual lighting control, it is possible to grasp in advance how much energy will be consumed, thereby making it possible to determine whether the lighting schedule pattern is appropriate from the perspective of energy consumption.

[0119] 20 to 22 show a lighting control system and a lighting control method according to a third embodiment of the present invention. A lighting control system A3 of this embodiment differs from the above-described embodiments in the configuration of the multiple lighting devices L.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 21 , the lighting device L of this embodiment further includes a battery 16 and an indicator 17. The indicator 17 has, for example, a built-in LED and is arranged so as to be visible on the exterior of the lighting device L. The battery 16 may be, for example, a dry cell battery or a rechargeable secondary battery. The battery 16 outputs power sufficient to operate the control unit 12 and the wireless communication unit 14 and to light the indicator 17. That is, the lighting device L of this embodiment is configured so that the indicator 17 can be lighted by the battery 16 even when it is not yet connected to an external power source that supplies commercial AC 100V or 200V power. FIG. 20 shows the external power source and the wiring for connecting to the external power source with imaginary lines, illustrating a state in which multiple lighting devices L are not yet connected to an external power source.

[0121] 22, in this embodiment, the person setting up the device operates the display unit 31 of the mobile terminal Mt to start the setting. A setting start command signal Sg1 is transmitted from the mobile terminal Mt (step S-1). The control device Ct transfers the setting start command signal Sg1 (step S1-2).

[0122] Each of the lighting devices L receives the setting start command signal Sg1 using power from the battery 16 while not yet connected to an external power source. If the setting start command signal Sg1 is received, the indicator 17 is turned on by the battery 16 (step S1-3). On the other hand, if the indicator 17 is not turned on, the lighting device L has not received the setting start command signal Sg1 and is determined to have an unfavorable wireless environment. In this case, for example, a relay unit Ru is additionally installed (step S2). After the wireless environment of the lighting devices L is deemed favorable by, for example, installing a relay unit Ru, the lighting devices L are connected to an external power source and power supply from the external power source is initiated (step S3-1). The lighting devices L are turned on in the first lighting state (step S3-2). Furthermore, for example, before or after step S3-1, the lighting device L may turn off the indicator 17 powered by the battery 16.

[0123] 22, the lighting control described above may be performed to confirm that the wireless environment of the plurality of lighting devices L is good. Then, once it is confirmed that the wireless environment of all lighting devices L is ready, the pairing process is started (step S5).

[0124] According to this embodiment, when work to install multiple lighting devices L and electrical work to connect to an external power source is required, it is possible to determine whether or not additional installation of a relay unit Ru is required after the multiple lighting devices L have been installed but before the electrical work is performed. This allows the electrical work, such as wiring work for the relay unit Ru, to be performed simultaneously with the wiring work for the multiple lighting devices L. Therefore, after the wiring work for the multiple lighting devices L has been completed, there is no need to perform wiring work for the relay unit Ru at a separate time, and additional work can be reduced.

[0125] 23 to 26 show a lighting control system and a lighting control method according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. A lighting control system A4 of this embodiment includes a plurality of lighting devices L, a control device Ct, a mobile terminal Mt, a cloud CL, and a sensor device Es.

[0126] [Sensor Device Es] The sensor device Es measures physical quantities of various objects and functions as, for example, a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, human presence sensor, illuminance sensor, carbon dioxide concentration sensor, magnet sensor, etc. The installation locations of the multiple sensor devices Es are not limited in any way, and they may be attached to various locations such as ceilings, walls, floors, doors, etc., or may be built into various devices installed indoors or outdoors. The sensor device Es measures environmental information such as the presence or absence of a human body, temperature, humidity, and illuminance in a location where multiple lighting devices are installed.

[0127] 24 is a block diagram of the sensor device Es. The sensor device Es includes a sensor unit 51, a control unit 52, a storage unit 53, a wireless communication unit 54, and a power supply unit 55. In the illustrated example, the sensor device Es may also include an indicator 56.

[0128] The sensor unit 51 functions to measure a target physical quantity. Examples of the sensor unit 51 include a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a human presence sensor, an illuminance sensor, and a magnet sensor. The measurement principle of the sensor unit 51 is not limited in any way. In this example, a case will be described in which the sensor unit 51 is a human presence sensor.

[0129] The control unit 52 controls each unit of the sensor device Es. The specific configuration of the control unit 52 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a CPU. The storage unit 53 stores information such as programs and setting conditions required for control by the control unit 52, and may be, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0130] The wireless communication unit 54 is for performing wireless communication with the control device Ct using the first communication protocol described above.

[0131] In this embodiment, the sensor device Es has unique identification information. Specific examples of the identification information are not limited, and a MAC (Media Access Control) address is used, for example. The identification information may be stored in the wireless communication unit 54 or, for example, in the storage unit 53.

[0132] The power supply unit 55 is for supplying the power necessary for operation to the sensor unit 51, the control unit 52, the wireless communication unit 54, etc. The power supply unit 55 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, dry cell battery, or the like.

[0133] The indicator 56 incorporates, for example, an LED, and is arranged so as to appear on the exterior of the sensor device Es.

[0134] FIG. 25 shows a state in which identification information of multiple lighting devices L and sensor devices Es has been acquired by a mobile device Mt using the same method as the lighting control method of the lighting control system A1 described above. A group setting screen is displayed on the display unit 31 of the mobile device Mt. The group setting screen displays the identification information and types of the multiple lighting devices L and sensor devices Es whose identification information has been acquired, as well as a grouping button. In the figure, the identification information is a MAC address. The type is assigned attributes such as "lighting device" and "sensor." The setting operator selects multiple lighting devices L and sensor devices Es displayed on the display unit 31 by touching them, and then touches the grouping button. This causes the selected multiple lighting devices L and sensor devices Es to be grouped together.

[0135] As shown in Fig. 26, if the selected and displayed lighting devices L and sensor devices Es are appropriate, the setting person touches the setting button. This causes the lighting devices L and sensor devices Es to be grouped, and a setting information signal Sg5 is transmitted from the mobile terminal Mt to the control device Ct, as shown in Fig. 23. Thereafter, a lighting control signal Sg7 is transmitted from the control device Ct, thereby controlling the lighting of the lighting devices L.

[0136] When lighting control of any lighting device L is performed based on the detection result of the sensor device Es, for example, a detection signal from the sensor device Es is transmitted to the control device Ct, and lighting control of a specific lighting device L is performed based on this detection signal.

[0137] In order to realize the processing in the lighting control system A4 described above, the memory unit 33 of the mobile terminal Mt may store a program that executes the following steps: displaying identification information and types of the multiple lighting devices L and one or more sensor devices Es; selecting one or more lighting devices L and sensor devices Es from the identification information of the multiple lighting devices L and one or more sensor devices Es displayed on the display unit 31; grouping the selected one or more lighting devices L and sensor devices Es; and transmitting setting information including the grouping results to the control device Ct.

[0138] According to the present embodiment, the types of lighting devices L and sensor devices Es are displayed on the group setting screen of the display unit 31. This allows a plurality of lighting devices L and sensor devices Es to be more appropriately selected in the grouping process.

[0139] In another example of this embodiment, the information shown in FIG. 27 is stored in the cloud CL. For example, a user or an administrator uses an inputter PC to input identification information (MAC addresses) and type information of multiple lighting devices L and sensor devices Es, linking them to a property ID, and transmits the input information to the cloud CL. The cloud CL stores this setting information in the storage unit 62. The information shown in FIG. 27 is an example of setting information stored in the storage unit 62.

[0140] Next, the mobile terminal Mt downloads the above-mentioned setting information from the cloud CL. Using the downloaded setting information, the mobile terminal Mt displays the above-mentioned group setting screen on the display unit 31. In this display, the types of the lighting devices L and the sensor devices Es are distinguished.

[0141] Thereafter, the lighting device L and the sensor device Es are selected in the same manner as in the operation of the group setting screen in the above example. Next, the mobile terminal Mt transmits the above-mentioned selection signal Sg3 to the control device Ct. The control device Ct transmits the selection signal Sg3 to the lighting device L or the sensor device Es whose identification information (MAC address) is included in the selection signal Sg3.

[0142] Next, the setting person visually checks the lighting state of the lighting device L (or sensor device Es) selected on the display unit 31 and the lighting state of the multiple lighting devices L that are actually placed, and performs pairing processing. Then, when the setting person touches the setting completion button on the group setting screen on the display unit 31, setting information is transmitted from the wireless communication unit 34 to the control device Ct.

[0143] In order to realize the above-described processing, the memory unit 33 of the mobile terminal Mt may store a program that executes a step of downloading the identification information of the plurality of lighting devices L and the sensor device Es and property information including attributes of the location where the plurality of lighting devices L are installed from the cloud CL before the step of displaying the identification information and types of the plurality of lighting devices L and the one or more sensor devices Es, and that displays the identification information and types of the plurality of lighting devices L and the one or more sensor devices Es and the property information in the step of displaying the identification information and types of the plurality of lighting devices L and the one or more sensor devices Es.

[0144] According to this example, the type is displayed in addition to the identification information, as shown in Fig. 27. This allows the lighting devices and sensor devices to be clearly distinguished from each other and selected, making it easier to perform grouping processing.

[0145] 28 shows yet another example of a lighting control method using the lighting control system A4. In this example, the lighting control method uses the indicator 56 of the sensor device Es.

[0146] First, the lighting devices L are powered on and illuminated in the first illumination state (step S0). Using the inputter's PC, a user, administrator, or the like transmits a product information signal Sg10 to the cloud CL, linking property information and product information such as identification information and type to a property ID (step S1-1). The cloud CL stores the received product information signal Sg10 in the storage unit 62 (step S1-2). Next, the mobile terminal Mt downloads the product information signal Sg10 from the cloud CL (step S2). The mobile terminal Mt displays the lighting devices L and sensor devices Es on the display unit 31 in a distinguishing manner (step S3). The user selects any of the lighting devices L and sensor devices Es displayed on the display unit 31. The control unit 32 of the mobile terminal Mt controls the wireless communication unit 34 to transmit a selection signal Sg3 targeting the identification information (MAC addresses) of the selected lighting devices L and sensor devices Es (step S4-1). The control device Ct receives the selection signal Sg3 and transmits the selection signal Sg3 to the selected identification information (MAC address) (step S4-2).

[0147] When the lighting device L receives the selection signal Sg3, it turns on in the second lighting state (step S4-3). When the sensor device Es receives the selection signal Sg3, it turns on the indicator 56 (step S4-4).

[0148] The setting person visually checks the lighting status of the lighting devices L and the sensor devices Es to determine that the wireless communication status of the lighting devices L and the sensor devices Es is good. Then, the setting person performs a pairing process using the mobile terminal Mt (step S5). Once the pairing process for all lighting devices L and sensor devices Es has been completed, the setting person transmits a setting information signal Sg9 containing setting information linking the pairing results with the property ID to the cloud CL and the control device Ct (step S6-1). The cloud CL and the control device Ct each store the setting information signal Sg9.

[0149] In this example, the lighting devices and the sensor devices can be clearly distinguished from each other and the grouping process can be performed more easily. In addition, the lighting of the indicator 56 allows the user to visually check whether the wireless environment of the sensor device Es is good or bad.

[0150] 29 and 30 show a first modified example of the lighting control system A4. In this modified lighting control system A41, the configuration of the sensor device Es is different from that of the sensor device Es of the lighting control system A4 described above.

[0151] The sensor device Es of this modified example has multiple sensor units 511, 512, 513, and 514. The multiple sensor units 511, 512, 513, and 514 each detect the presence or absence of a human body in a respective detection area Ar1, Ar2, Ar3, and Ar4. In the illustrated example, the multiple detection areas Ar1, Ar2, Ar3, and Ar4 are each an area extending in a 90-degree direction from the sensor device Es in a planar view. A specific example of a sensor device Es having multiple sensor units 511, 512, 513, and 514 that detect such multiple detection areas Ar1, Ar2, Ar3, and Ar4 is the sensor device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-102830. However, specific examples of the sensor device Es having multiple sensor units 511, 512, 513, and 514 are not limited in any way.

[0152] In this example, a group setting screen is displayed on the display unit 31 of the mobile terminal Mt. This group setting screen displays, instead of a single identification information for the sensor device Es, multiple identification information corresponding to the multiple sensor units 511, 512, 513, and 514. As shown in FIG. 30 , the user touches one of the multiple sensor units 511, 512, 513, and 514 to select it (step S1-1). The mobile terminal Mt changes the display of the selected sensor unit among the multiple sensor units 511, 512, 513, and 514 on the display unit 31 and transmits a selection signal Sg3 including the identification information of the selected sensor unit to the sensor device Es (step S1-2). The control device Ct transfers the selection signal Sg3 to the sensor device Es (step S2-1). Upon receiving the selection signal Sg3, the sensor device Es turns on the indicator 56 (step S2-2). This confirms that the wireless environment of the sensor device Es is good.

[0153] Next, the setting person selects, on the display unit 31, lighting devices L that belong to the same group as the selected sensor unit. The mobile terminal Mt transmits the selection result as a selection signal Sg3 (step S3-1). The control device Ct transfers the selection signal Sg3 to the selected lighting devices L (step S3-2). As a result of the setting start process performed in advance, the multiple lighting devices L are lit in the second lighting state (step S3-0). The lighting devices L that receive the selection signal Sg3 are lit in the third lighting state (step S3-3).

[0154] When the setting person confirms that the lighting device L lit in the third lighting state is appropriate, he or she touches the grouping button and the setting button in that order on the group setting screen of the display unit 31 to complete the setting (step S4). The mobile terminal Mt transmits a setting information signal Sg9 to the control device Ct. Upon receiving the setting information signal Sg9, the control device Ct stores it in the storage unit 23 (step S5).

[0155] Subsequently, a detection signal Sg11 including the result of human body detection in the detection area Ar1 by a selected sensor unit (e.g., sensor unit 511) of the sensor device Es is transmitted from the sensor device Es (step S6-1). The control device Ct transmits an illumination control signal Sg7 based on the detection signal Sg11 to the illumination device L having the same group number as the sensor unit 511 (step S6-2). In the example shown in FIG. 29 , the illumination control signal Sg7 is transmitted to the illumination devices L1-1 to L1-6 included in the detection area Ar1 of the sensor unit 511.

[0156] According to this example, by checking the lighting state of the indicator 56, it is possible to easily know whether the wireless communication state of the sensor device Es is good or bad.

[0157] 31 shows a second modified example of the lighting control system A4. In this modified lighting control system A42, the sensor device Es has multiple indicators 561, 562, 563, and 564. The multiple indicators 561, 562, 563, and 564 correspond to the multiple sensor units 511, 512, 513, and 514, respectively. That is, the multiple indicators 561, 562, 563, and 564 correspond to the multiple detection areas Ar1, Ar2, Ar3, and Ar4, respectively.

[0158] It is preferable that the lighting states of the multiple indicators 561, 562, 563, and 564 are different from one another. For example, the lighting colors of the multiple indicators 561, 562, 563, and 564 may be different from one another. Alternatively, the multiple indicators 561, 562, 563, and 564 may be arranged in positions on the housing of the sensor device Es or the like corresponding to the multiple detection areas Ar1, Ar2, Ar3, and Ar4.

[0159] In step S2-2 in the example described with reference to Fig. 30, one of the plurality of indicators 561, 562, 563, 564 corresponding to the selected one of the plurality of sensor units 511, 512, 513, 514 (the plurality of detection areas Ar1, Ar2, Ar3, Ar4) lights up. This allows the person setting up the setting to easily confirm whether the selected one of the plurality of sensor units 511, 512, 513, 514 (the plurality of detection areas Ar1, Ar2, Ar3, Ar4) has been appropriately selected.

[0160] The lighting control system, lighting control method, program, display method, and lighting device according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments. The specific configurations of the lighting control system, lighting control method, program, display method, and lighting device according to the present invention can be freely modified in various ways.

Claims

1. A lighting control system comprising: a plurality of lighting devices; and a control device, wherein the plurality of lighting devices are turned on in a first lighting state after being powered on; the control device wirelessly transmits a setting start command signal to the plurality of lighting devices; a lighting device among the plurality of lighting devices that receives the setting start command signal is turned on in a second lighting state different from the first lighting state; and a lighting device among the plurality of lighting devices that is turned on in the second lighting state is paired with the control device.

2. A lighting control system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control device has a plurality of switches and further comprises a mobile terminal, identification information of the plurality of lighting devices with which the pairing has been performed is displayed on a display unit of the mobile terminal, one or more lighting devices are selected from the identification information of the plurality of lighting devices displayed on the display unit, the one or more selected lighting devices are turned on in a third lighting state different from the first lighting state and the second lighting state, and the one or more lighting devices turned on in the third lighting state are assigned to one of the plurality of switches.

3. A lighting control system as claimed in claim 2, comprising a server, wherein a plurality of lighting schedule patterns of the plurality of lighting devices are stored in the server, the mobile terminal downloads the plurality of lighting schedule patterns and displays the plurality of lighting schedule patterns on a display unit so that the plurality of lighting schedule patterns can be individually selected, the mobile terminal transmits the lighting schedule pattern selected from the plurality of lighting schedule patterns to the control device, and the control device stores the selected lighting schedule pattern.

4. A lighting control system as described in claim 3, wherein property information including attributes of the location where the plurality of lighting devices are installed is stored in the server, the mobile terminal downloads the property information and displays the property information on a display unit, the mobile terminal transmits the property information and setting information regarding the plurality of lighting devices to the server, and the server stores the property information and the setting information.

5. A lighting control system comprising a plurality of lighting devices, a control device, and a mobile terminal, further comprising a sensor device for detecting environmental information in a location where the plurality of lighting devices are installed, wherein the mobile terminal transmits a selection signal in response to selection of the sensor device, the control device forwards the selection signal, and the sensor device turns on an indicator when it receives the selection signal.

6. A lighting control system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the sensor device has a plurality of sensor units each having a different detection area and a plurality of indicators corresponding to the plurality of sensor units, the mobile terminal transmits the selection signal in response to the selection of one of the plurality of detection areas, and the sensor device lights up the indicator corresponding to the selected detection area.

7. A lighting control method for controlling lighting of a plurality of lighting devices, comprising: a step of turning on the power of the plurality of lighting devices; a step of lighting the plurality of lighting devices in a first lighting state; a step of a control device wirelessly transmitting a setting start command signal to the plurality of lighting devices; a step of lighting a lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices that has received the setting start command signal in a second lighting state different from the first lighting state; and a step of pairing the lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices that has been turned on in the second lighting state with the control device.

8. A lighting control method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the control device has a plurality of switches, and the lighting control method comprises, after the step of performing the pairing, the steps of: displaying identification information of the plurality of lighting devices on a display unit of a mobile terminal; selecting one or more lighting devices from the identification information of the plurality of lighting devices displayed on the display unit; lighting up the selected one or more lighting devices in a third lighting state different from the first lighting state and the second lighting state; and assigning the one or more lighting devices to be lit in the third lighting state to any of the plurality of switches.

9. A lighting control method as claimed in claim 8, comprising the steps of: said mobile terminal downloading from a server a plurality of lighting schedule patterns for said plurality of lighting devices; said mobile terminal displaying on a display unit said plurality of lighting schedule patterns so as to be individually selectable; said mobile terminal transmitting to said control device the lighting schedule pattern selected from said plurality of lighting schedule patterns; and said control device storing the selected lighting schedule pattern.

10. A lighting control method as claimed in claim 9, comprising the steps of: a server storing property information including attributes of the location where the plurality of lighting devices are installed; the mobile terminal downloading the property information and displaying the property information on a display unit; the mobile terminal transmitting the property information and setting information relating to the plurality of lighting devices to the server; and the server storing the property information and the setting information.

11. A lighting control method for controlling lighting of a plurality of lighting devices, comprising: a step of selecting a sensor device in a mobile terminal; a step of transmitting a selection signal based on the selection from the mobile terminal to a control device; a step of the control device transferring the selection signal; and a step of turning on an indicator when the sensor device receives the selection signal.

12. A lighting control method as claimed in claim 11, comprising the steps of: selecting one of a plurality of detection areas in the mobile terminal; transmitting the selection signal based on the selection of the detection area from the mobile terminal to a control device; and lighting up the indicator corresponding to the selected detection area in the sensor device.

13. A program causing a computer provided in a mobile terminal for lighting control of a plurality of lighting devices to execute the steps of: displaying identification information of the plurality of lighting devices on a display unit; selecting one or more lighting devices from the identification information of the plurality of lighting devices displayed on the display unit; transmitting a selection signal intended for the one or more selected lighting devices; and assigning the one or more selected lighting devices to any of a plurality of switches of a control device.

14. A program as claimed in claim 13, causing a computer provided in a mobile terminal for lighting control of a plurality of lighting devices to execute the steps of: downloading from a server a plurality of lighting schedule patterns for the plurality of lighting devices; displaying on a display unit the plurality of lighting schedule patterns so that the plurality of lighting schedule patterns can be individually selected; and transmitting to the control device the lighting schedule pattern selected from the plurality of lighting schedule patterns.

15. A program as claimed in claim 13 or 14, which causes a computer provided in a mobile terminal for lighting control of a plurality of lighting devices to execute the steps of: downloading property information including attributes of the location in which the plurality of lighting devices are installed from a server; displaying the property information on a display unit; and transmitting the property information and setting information relating to the plurality of lighting devices to the server.

16. A program as claimed in claim 14, causing a computer provided in a mobile terminal for lighting control of a plurality of lighting devices to execute the steps of: calculating energy consumption information for the selected lighting schedule pattern; and displaying the energy consumption information on a display unit.

17. A program causing a computer provided in a mobile terminal for lighting control of a plurality of lighting devices to execute the steps of: displaying identification information and types of the plurality of lighting devices and one or more sensor devices on a display unit; selecting one or more lighting devices and sensor devices from the identification information of the plurality of lighting devices and the one or more sensor devices displayed on the display unit; grouping the selected one or more lighting devices and sensor devices; and transmitting setting information including the results of the grouping to a control device.

18. A program as recited in claim 17, which executes a step of downloading from a server the identification information of the plurality of lighting devices and property information including attributes of the location where the plurality of lighting devices are installed, prior to a step of displaying the identification information and types of the plurality of lighting devices and one or more sensor devices, and in the step of displaying the identification information and types of the plurality of lighting devices and one or more sensor devices, displays the identification information and types of the plurality of lighting devices and one or more sensor devices and the property information.

19. A display method for a mobile device for lighting control of a plurality of lighting devices, comprising: a step of downloading property information including attributes of a location in which the plurality of lighting devices are installed from a server; and a step of displaying the property information on a display unit.

20. A display method of a mobile terminal for lighting control of a plurality of lighting devices, comprising the steps of: displaying a plurality of lighting schedule patterns downloaded from a server on a display unit so that the patterns can be individually selected; calculating energy consumption information for the selected lighting schedule pattern; and displaying the energy consumption information on the display unit.

21. A lighting device comprising a light source unit, a wireless communication unit, and a control unit, further comprising an indicator and a battery, wherein the control unit turns on the indicator using power from the battery when the wireless communication unit receives a setting start command signal.

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