Information terminal, lighting system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

An information terminal (30) comprises: a storage unit (35) in which first identification information, which is identification information of the information terminal (30), is stored; a wireless communication unit (33) which, by communicating with a lighting device (20) constituting a wireless communication network, receives second identification information that has been stored in the lighting device (20) during a configuration process for allowing the lighting device (20) to join the wireless communication network, the second identification information being identification information of a terminal that has performed the configuration process; and an information processing unit (34) which, when the received second identification information matches the first identification information, causes the information terminal (30) to operate as a configuration terminal capable of performing a configuration related to the wireless communication network, and which, when the received second identification information does not match the first identification information, causes the information terminal (30) to operate as a control terminal capable of controlling the lighting device (20).

Description

Information terminal, lighting system, information processing method, and program

[0001] The present invention relates to an information terminal used for initial setup of a lighting system, etc.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing terminal that can synchronize the display state of display data on a plurality of terminals.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-191505

[0004] However, there is a known technology for configuring a mesh network using communication devices such as lighting fixtures that have wireless communication capabilities. However, if multiple information terminals are allowed to configure settings for a wireless communication network such as a mesh network, it becomes difficult to manage the settings.

[0005] The present invention provides an information terminal or the like that can operate as a configuration terminal for a wireless communication network in which it participates in the configuration.

[0006] An information terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a memory unit that stores first identification information that is identification information of the information terminal; a wireless communication unit that receives second identification information that is stored in the lighting fixture during a setting process for allowing the lighting fixture to join the wireless communication network by communicating with the lighting fixture that constitutes the wireless communication network, the second identification information being identification information of the terminal that performed the setting process; and an information processing unit that, if the received second identification information matches the first identification information, causes the information terminal to operate as a setting terminal capable of setting the wireless communication network, and, if the received second identification information does not match the first identification information, causes the information terminal to operate as a control terminal capable of controlling the lighting fixture.

[0007] A lighting system according to one aspect of the present invention includes the information terminal and the lighting fixture.

[0008] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing method executed by an information terminal, wherein a memory unit provided in the information terminal stores first identification information that is identification information of the information terminal, and the information processing method includes the steps of: receiving second identification information that was stored in the lighting fixture during a setting process for allowing the lighting fixture to join the wireless communication network by communicating with the lighting fixture that constitutes the wireless communication network, the second identification information being identification information of the terminal that performed the setting process; and, if the received second identification information matches the first identification information, operating the information terminal as a setting terminal capable of setting the wireless communication network, and, if the received second identification information does not match the first identification information, operating the information terminal as a control terminal capable of controlling the lighting fixture.

[0009] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing the information terminal to execute the information processing method.

[0010] According to the present invention, an information terminal or the like is realized that can operate as a configuration terminal for a wireless communication network in which it has participated in the configuration.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a lighting system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a mesh network. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an overview of an initial setting operation. FIG. 4A is a first sequence diagram of the initial setting operation. FIG. 4B is a second sequence diagram of the initial setting operation. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an initial setting screen. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an operation example 1 of an information terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 7A is a diagram showing an example of a top screen displayed on a display unit of a setting terminal. FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an example of a top screen displayed on a display unit of a control terminal. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an operation example 2 of an information terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an operation example 3 of an information terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an operation example 4 of an information terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an operation example 5 of an information terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an operation example 6 of an information terminal according to an embodiment.

[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection forms, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not recited in independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0013] It should be noted that the drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily strict illustrations. In addition, in the drawings, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0014] (Embodiment) [Configuration] First, the configuration of a lighting system according to an embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a lighting system according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, a lighting system 10 includes a plurality of lighting fixtures 20 and a plurality of information terminals 30.

[0015] In the lighting system 10, each of the lighting fixtures 20 has a wireless communication function, and the lighting fixtures 20 form a wireless mesh network (hereinafter also simply referred to as a mesh network). The wireless mesh network is an example of a wireless communication network.

[0016] 2 is a conceptual diagram of a mesh network. Each circle in FIG. 2 corresponds to a lighting fixture 20 (in other words, a communication node). In a mesh network, when information is transmitted from one communication node (also referred to as a first communication node) to another communication node (also referred to as a second communication node), the information is transmitted, for example, by a routing method, but may also be transmitted by other methods such as a flooding method.

[0017] The information transmitted through the mesh network may be, for example, control information for controlling the turning on, turning off, or dimming of lighting fixtures 20. In addition, if an environmental sensor is included in the mesh network as described below, the measurement values ​​(sensing information) of the environmental sensor may also be transmitted.

[0018] First, the lighting fixture 20 will be described. The lighting fixture 20 is a base light or the like that is installed on the ceiling of an indoor space and illuminates the indoor space. As described above, each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 has a wireless communication function, and the multiple lighting fixtures 20 form a mesh network. Note that the type of lighting fixture 20 is not particularly limited, and may be a ceiling light, a downlight, a spotlight, or the like. Specifically, the lighting fixture 20 includes a wireless communication unit 21, a light source 22, and a storage unit 23.

[0019] The wireless communication unit 21 is a wireless communication circuit that enables the lighting fixture 20 to communicate wirelessly (more specifically, via radio waves) with other lighting fixtures 20 and with the information terminal 30. After the lighting fixture 20 joins the mesh network, the wireless communication unit 21 communicates via the mesh network. Before the lighting fixture 20 joins the mesh network, the wireless communication unit 21 periodically transmits a beacon signal (also referred to as an advertisement signal) and individually communicates wirelessly with the information terminal 30 that receives the beacon signal. Specifically, the wireless communication unit 21 performs wireless communication in accordance with a communication standard such as BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) mesh.

[0020] Light source 22 emits white light into the indoor space so that lighting fixture 20 can illuminate the indoor space. Light source 22 is realized by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element, but may also be realized by other light-emitting elements such as a semiconductor laser, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), or an inorganic EL.

[0021] Storage unit 23 is a storage device that stores various information necessary for operating lighting device 20, such as setting information described below. Storage unit 23 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0022] Next, the configuration of the information terminal 30 will be described. The information terminal 30 is an information terminal that operates as either a setting terminal or a control terminal. The setting terminal is an information terminal that is capable of both configuring the mesh network (initial settings and setting changes) and controlling multiple lighting fixtures 20. The setting terminal is only required to be capable of configuring the mesh network, and does not need to be allowed to control multiple lighting fixtures 20. The control terminal is an information terminal that is only capable of configuring the mesh network and controlling multiple lighting fixtures 20. In other words, the control terminal is not allowed to configure the mesh network.

[0023] The information terminal 30 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). Alternatively, the information terminal 30 may be a dedicated remote controller used in the lighting system 10. Specifically, the information terminal 30 includes an operation receiving unit 31, a display unit 32, a wireless communication unit 33, an information processing unit 34, and a storage unit 35.

[0024] The operation reception unit 31 receives operations from a user. Specifically, the operation reception unit 31 is realized by a touch panel or the like.

[0025] The display unit 32 displays various images and is realized by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel.

[0026] Wireless communication unit 33 is a wireless communication circuit that enables information terminal 30 to perform wireless communication (more specifically, radio wave communication) with each of multiple lighting fixtures 20. Specifically, wireless communication unit 33 performs wireless communication in accordance with a communication standard such as BLE or Bluetooth (registered trademark) mesh.

[0027] The information processing unit 34 processes information in response to user operations received by the operation receiving unit 31. The information processing unit 34 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The functions of the information processing unit 34 are realized by hardware such as a microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 34 executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 35.

[0028] The storage unit 35 is a storage device that stores information necessary for information processing, such as computer programs executed by the information processing unit 34. The storage unit 35 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory. The computer programs stored in the storage unit 35 include dedicated application programs (also referred to as dedicated apps) for operating the information terminal 30 as either a setting terminal or a control terminal.

[0029] [Initial Setup Operation] The information terminal 30 can establish a mesh network by performing an initial setup operation. Here, the initial setup operation will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an overview of the initial setup operation. As shown in FIG. 3, the initial setup operation includes a detection phase S10, an identification and registration phase S20, and a setting phase S30, in this order. Specific processes performed in each phase will be described below with reference to sequence diagrams. FIGS. 4A and 4B are sequence diagrams of the initial setup operation. The initial setup operation shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B is performed, for example, after an installer has installed multiple lighting fixtures 20 on a ceiling.

[0030] First, the processing performed in the detection phase S10 will be described. The operation accepting unit 31 of the information terminal 30 accepts a start operation from the user instructing the start of an initial setup operation (S10a). Before joining the mesh network, each of the plurality of lighting devices 20 periodically transmits a beacon signal (also called an advertisement signal) (S10b). When the start operation of step S10a is accepted, the wireless communication unit 33 of the information terminal 30 receives the beacon signal. The beacon signal emitted by each of the plurality of lighting devices 20 includes identification information of that lighting device 20. The identification information is, for example, a media access control (MAC) address, but any identification information may be used as long as it can uniquely identify the lighting device 20.

[0031] The information processing unit 34 then displays on the display unit 32 the icons of the lighting fixtures 20 that transmitted the received beacon signals (S10c). Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen (initial setting screen) for the icons of the lighting fixtures 20. As shown in Fig. 5, the initial setting screen displays multiple icons 32a corresponding to the multiple lighting fixtures 20 that transmitted the beacon signals, arranged in a horizontal row.

[0032] A map image 32m is also displayed on the display screen in Fig. 5. Map image 32m is a top view of an area in which multiple lighting fixtures 20 are installed, and in the example of Fig. 5, installation positions P1 to P6 of lighting fixtures 20 are indicated by circles. In other words, map image 32m is an image showing the installation positions of multiple lighting fixtures 20. The map image is stored in advance in storage unit 35.

[0033] At the time of step S10c, it is known how the plurality of lighting devices 20 are arranged, but it is unknown which lighting device 20 is located in which location. In other words, at the time of step S10c, the installation locations of lighting devices 20 have not been associated with the identification information of lighting devices 20.

[0034] The processing of steps S10a to S10c described above is the processing performed in the detection phase S10. Next, the processing performed in the identification and registration phase S20 will be described.

[0035] The operation reception unit 31 receives a selection operation of the plurality of icons 32a from the installer (S20a). The selection operation is, for example, a tap operation on one of the plurality of icons 32a. Based on the selection operation received by the operation reception unit 31, the information processing unit 34 establishes a communication connection between the wireless communication unit 33 and the lighting device 20 corresponding to the selected icon 32a (hereinafter also referred to as the target lighting device 20) (S20b), and starts individual communication (one-to-one communication) with the target lighting device 20. The information processing unit 34 causes the wireless communication unit 33 to transmit a blinking command (S20c). The blinking command is transmitted, for example, when a tap operation on the blinking icon 32b is received after the selection operation.

[0036] The blink command is a signal for selectively blinking the target lighting device 20. Upon receiving the blink command, the target lighting device 20 blinks (S20d), allowing the user to identify the target lighting device 20.

[0037] The user visually confirms the actual installation location of the blinking target lighting fixture 20 (S20e) and specifies the installation location of the blinking target lighting fixture 20 on the map image 32m (e.g., one of installation locations P1 to P6). The operation reception unit 31 receives from the user an operation to specify the installation location of the lighting fixture 20 on the map image 32m (S20f). The information processing unit 34 then associates the identification information indicated by the icon 32a selected in step S20a with the installation location (coordinates) specified in step S20f and stores the association in the storage unit 35 (S20g). The information processing unit 34 also cancels the display of the icon 32a for which the association has been completed (S20h). In other words, the number of icons 32a displayed in step S10c is reduced by one. The information processing unit 34 then terminates the communication connection with the target lighting fixture 20 (S20i).

[0038] The processing of steps S20a to S20i is repeated until all icons 32a (identification information) displayed in step S10c have been associated with their installation locations. As a result, storage unit 35 stores correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the identification information of multiple lighting devices 20 and their installation locations. In other words, multiple lighting devices 20 are registered in information terminal 30.

[0039] The processes of steps S20a to S20i described above are the processes performed in the identification and registration phase S20. Next, the processes performed in the setting phase S30 will be described. The processes performed in the setting phase S30 are also called provisioning.

[0040] Based on an operation to designate one of lighting fixtures 20 accepted by operation accepting unit 31, information processing unit 34 establishes a communication connection between the designated lighting fixture 20 and wireless communication unit 33 (S30a) and starts individual communication with the designated lighting fixture 20. Information processing unit 34 causes wireless communication unit 33 to transmit setting information to the designated lighting fixture 20 (S30b). Lighting fixture 20 receives the setting information and stores it in memory unit 23 provided within lighting fixture 20 (S30c).

[0041] The setting information is information for the lighting fixture 20 to join the mesh network. The setting information includes the network ID of the mesh network to which the lighting fixture 20 belongs and address information (unicast address) of the lighting fixture 20 used for communication within the mesh network. The setting information also includes, as necessary, a security passcode (authentication information) used for communication within the mesh network, information regarding the frequency channel of wireless communication, and identification information of the information terminal 30 that performed the initial setting operation (corresponding to second identification information described below). A lighting fixture 20 whose setting information is stored in the storage unit 23 can join the mesh network.

[0042] When lighting device 20 has completed storing the setting information, it transmits a setting completion notification to information terminal 30 (S30d). When wireless communication unit 33 of information terminal 30 receives the setting completion notification, information processing unit 34 of information terminal 30 terminates the communication connection with lighting device 20 established in step S30a (S30e).

[0043] The processing of steps S30a to S30e is repeated until all lighting devices 20 have joined the mesh network. Lighting devices 20 that have joined the mesh network may stop the periodic transmission of beacon signals that they were performing before joining, as necessary. Note that lighting devices 20 that have joined the mesh network do not have to stop transmitting beacon signals.

[0044] The processing of steps S30a to S30e described above is the processing performed in the setting phase S30 (also referred to as setting processing).

[0045] The process of step S20i and the process of step S30a may be omitted, that is, the process of steps S30b to S30e may be performed without disconnecting the communication connection in step S20i.

[0046] As described above, the information terminal 30 can allow a plurality of lighting devices 20 to join the mesh network by performing the initial setting operation. In other words, the information terminal 30 can build a mesh network.

[0047] [Operation Example 1] If configuration changes in a mesh network are permitted not only for the information terminal 30 that constructed the mesh network (i.e., performed the initial setup operation) but also for other information terminals 30, changes made by the other information terminals 30 will not be reflected in the storage unit 35 of the information terminal 30 that performed the initial setup operation. For this reason, the lighting system 10 employs a mechanism in which the information terminal 30 that operates as a configuration terminal is limited to the information terminal 30 that performed the initial setup operation, and the other information terminals 30 operate as control terminals. Operation Example 1 of such an information terminal 30 will be described below. Figure 6 is a flowchart of Operation Example 1 of the information terminal 30.

[0048] 6, the initial setting operation will be referred to as the "setting process." The storage unit 35 of the information terminal 30 stores first identification information, which is the identification information of the information terminal 30 itself, and the storage units 23 of the lighting fixtures 20 constituting the mesh network store second identification information of the terminal that performed the setting process (the information terminal 30 or another information terminal 30). The first identification information, second identification information, and third identification information (described below) are, for example, MAC addresses, but may be any identification information that can uniquely identify the information terminal 30.

[0049] The user performs a start operation to instruct the execution of a dedicated app for operating the information terminal 30 as either a setting terminal or a control terminal, and the operation acceptance unit 31 of the information terminal 30 accepts the start operation (S41). The information processing unit 34 reads the system data stored in the storage unit 35 based on the accepted start operation (S42). This starts (executes) the dedicated app.

[0050] The information processing unit 34 uses the wireless communication unit 33 to establish a communication connection with one of the lighting fixtures 20 (hereinafter also referred to as the connected lighting fixture 20) among the multiple lighting fixtures 20 that make up the mesh network (S43). The wireless communication unit 33 communicates with the connected lighting fixture 20 to receive the second identification information stored in the storage unit 23 of the connected lighting fixture 20 (S44). For example, the wireless communication unit can transmit a request to transmit the identification information and receive the second identification information in response to the transmitted request. The second identification information is identification information stored in the connected lighting fixture 20 during the configuration process (more specifically, the process of step S30c) for allowing the connected lighting fixture 20 to join the mesh network, and is the identification information of the terminal that performed the configuration process.

[0051] Information processing unit 34 determines whether the received second identification information matches the first identification information stored in storage unit 35 (S45). If the second identification information matches the first identification information, information terminal 30 is considered to be the terminal that performed the setting process for connected lighting device 20 and is allowed to operate as a setting terminal.

[0052] When the information processing unit 34 determines that the second identification information matches the first identification information (Yes in S45), it causes the information terminal 30 to operate as a configuration terminal (S46). Fig. 7A is a diagram showing an example of a top screen displayed on the display unit 32 of the configuration terminal, and the top screen in Fig. 7A displays a configuration icon 32c. When an operation on the configuration icon 32c is accepted, a configuration screen for configuring the mesh network is displayed.

[0053] On the other hand, if the second identification information does not match the first identification information, the information terminal 30 is considered not to be allowed to operate as a setting terminal, but as a terminal that performed the setting process for the connected lighting fixture 20. If the information processing unit 34 determines that the second identification information does not match the first identification information (No in S45), it causes the information terminal 30 to operate as a control terminal (S47). Figure 7B is a diagram showing an example of the top screen displayed on the display unit 32 of the control terminal, and the setting icon 32c is not displayed on the top screen of Figure 7B. In other words, the setting screen is not displayed on the control terminal, and the control terminal cannot perform settings related to the mesh network.

[0054] In this way, in lighting system 10, information terminal 30 verifies the identification information when first communicating with lighting fixtures 20 that make up the mesh network. This allows only the terminal that performed the configuration process for that lighting fixture 20 to function as the configuration terminal, making it easier to manage the configuration contents.

[0055] In addition, in order to notify the user whether the information terminal 30 is a setting terminal or a control terminal, a dialog may be displayed indicating whether it is a setting terminal or a control terminal immediately after the login process is successful on the login screen that is displayed after instructing the execution of a dedicated app.

[0056] [Operation Example 2] In Operation Example 1, during the period from when the system data is read until the determination result is determined, the information terminal 30 may operate as a setting terminal or as a control terminal. Furthermore, by storing in the system data the identification information of the information terminal 30 that is to operate as a setting terminal, the information terminal 30 can be made to operate as a setting terminal immediately after the system data is read. Figure 8 is a flowchart of Operation Example 2 of such an information terminal 30.

[0057] 8, it is assumed that when new system data for an information terminal 30 to be operated as a setting terminal is created, third identification information, which is identification information for the information terminal 30, is stored in the system data. The system data for an information terminal 30 to be operated as a control terminal is created by transferring (copying) the system data of the information terminal 30 to be operated as a setting terminal. The system data may be transferred using a recording medium such as a USB memory or an SD card, or may be transferred via wired or wireless communication.

[0058] The user performs a start operation to instruct execution of the dedicated app, and the operation acceptance unit 31 of the information terminal 30 accepts this start operation (S51). The information processing unit 34 reads the system data stored in the storage unit 35 based on the accepted start operation (S52).

[0059] When reading the system data, the information processing unit 34 determines whether the third identification information included in the system data matches the first identification information stored in the storage unit 35 of the information terminal 30 (S53). If the information processing unit 34 determines that the third identification information matches the first identification information (Yes in S53), it causes the information terminal 30 to operate as a setting terminal (S54).

[0060] On the other hand, if it is determined that the third identification information does not match the first identification information (No in S53), the information terminal 30 is operated as a control terminal (S55).

[0061] In this way, if the third identification information of the setting terminal is stored in the system data, the information terminal 30 can verify the identification information when reading the system data, thereby enabling the information terminal 30 to determine whether to operate as a setting terminal or a control terminal when reading the system data.

[0062] [Operation Example 3] When Operation Example 1 and Operation Example 2 are combined, information terminal 30 may start operating as a setting terminal because the third identification information matches the first identification information as a result of reading the system data, but may operate as a control terminal when connecting and communicating with lighting device 20 because the second identification information does not match the first identification information. Specifically, this may occur when a mesh network is mistakenly constructed using an information terminal 30 other than the information terminal 30 intended to be used as the setting terminal.

[0063] An operation example 3 of the information terminal 30 in such a case will be described below. FIG.

[0064] The user performs a start operation to instruct execution of the dedicated app, and the operation acceptance unit 31 of the information terminal 30 accepts the start operation (S61). The information processing unit 34 reads the system data stored in the storage unit 35 based on the accepted start operation (S62).

[0065] When the information processing unit 34 reads the system data, it determines that the third identification information included in the system data matches the first identification information stored in the memory unit 35 of the information terminal 30, and causes the information terminal 30 to operate as a setting terminal (S63).

[0066] Thereafter, the information processing unit 34 uses the wireless communication unit 33 to establish a communication connection with one of the lighting fixtures 20 that make up the mesh network (S64). The wireless communication unit 33 communicates with the connected lighting fixture 20 to receive the second identification information stored in the memory of the connected lighting fixture 20. The information processing unit 34 determines that the received second identification information does not match the first identification information stored in the memory 35, and causes the information terminal 30 to operate as a control terminal (S65a). The information processing unit 34 stores operation history information (such as a flag) in the memory 35 indicating that the information terminal 30 has operated as a control terminal (S66a).

[0067] Thereafter, the user performs an end operation and a start operation to instruct the termination of execution of the dedicated app, and the operation acceptance unit 31 accepts the end operation and the start operation (S67a). The information processing unit 34 reads the system data stored in the storage unit 35 to restart the dedicated app based on the accepted end operation and start operation (S68a).

[0068] When the information processing unit 34 reads the system data, it determines that the third identification information included in the system data matches the first identification information stored in the memory unit 35 of the information terminal 30, but gives priority to the operation history information stored in step S66 and causes the information terminal 30 to operate as a control terminal based on the operation history information (S69a).

[0069] In this way, if the information processing unit 34 of the information terminal 30 determines that the third identification information included in the system data matches the first identification information and the second identification information received while the information terminal 30 is operating as a setting terminal does not match the first identification information, the information processing unit 34 will operate the information terminal 30 as a control terminal the next time the system data is read.

[0070] This allows the information terminal 30 to operate as a control terminal by prioritizing the determination result of step S65a (second identification information) over the determination result of step S63 (third identification information).

[0071] [Operation Example 4] In Operation Example 3, an example was described in which the information terminal 30 that was scheduled to be used as a setting terminal is used as a control terminal, but there are cases in which the information terminal 30 that was scheduled to be used as a setting terminal may want to continue to be used as a setting terminal. Operation Example 4 of the information terminal 30 in such a case will be described below. Figure 10 is a flowchart of Operation Example 4 of the information terminal 30.

[0072] The user performs a start operation to instruct execution of the dedicated app, and the operation acceptance unit 31 of the information terminal 30 accepts the start operation (S61). The information processing unit 34 reads the system data stored in the storage unit 35 based on the accepted start operation (S62).

[0073] When the information processing unit 34 reads the system data, it determines that the third identification information included in the system data matches the first identification information stored in the memory unit 35 of the information terminal 30, and causes the information terminal 30 to operate as a setting terminal (S63).

[0074] The information processing unit 34 then uses the wireless communication unit 33 to establish a communication connection with one of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 that make up the mesh network (S64). The wireless communication unit 33 communicates with the connected lighting fixture 20 to receive the second identification information stored in the storage unit 23 of the connected lighting fixture 20, and the information processing unit 34 determines that the received second identification information does not match the first identification information stored in the storage unit 35 (S65b). The information processing unit 34 then uses the wireless communication unit 33 to send an overwrite request to the lighting fixture 20 to overwrite the second identification information stored in the lighting fixture 20 with the first identification information (S66b). The lighting fixture 20 that has received the overwrite request overwrites the second identification information with the first identification information. The lighting fixture 20 also transmits (transfers) the overwrite request to at least one other lighting fixture 20 that belongs to the same mesh network and has the potential to communicate with the information terminal 30. The overwrite request may be sent to all lighting fixtures 20 that belong to the same mesh network. As a result, the second identification information is overwritten on the first identification information in at least one other lighting fixture 20.

[0075] In this way, when the information processing unit 34 of the information terminal 30 determines that the third identification information included in the system data matches the first identification information and the second identification information received while the information terminal 30 is operating as a setting terminal does not match the first identification information, the information processing unit 34 communicates with the lighting device 20 using the wireless communication unit 33, thereby overwriting the second identification information stored in the lighting device 20 with the first identification information.

[0076] This allows information terminal 30 to operate as a setting terminal by prioritizing the determination result of step S63 (third identification information) over the determination result of step S65b (second identification information). Furthermore, by overwriting the second identification information stored in lighting device 20 with the first identification information, information terminal 30 can continue operating as a setting terminal the next time it connects and communicates with lighting device 20.

[0077] [Operation Example 5] Next, a description will be given of an operation example for changing the information terminal 30 that is being used as a setting terminal to a control terminal in a proper state in which the system data and the identification information of the setting terminal are stored in each of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20. Figure 11 is a flowchart of Operation Example 5 of such an information terminal 30.

[0078] The user performs a start operation to instruct execution of the dedicated app, and the operation acceptance unit 31 of the information terminal 30 accepts the start operation (S71). The information processing unit 34 reads the system data stored in the storage unit 35 based on the accepted start operation (S72).

[0079] When the information processing unit 34 reads the system data, it determines that the third identification information included in the system data matches the first identification information stored in the memory unit 35 of the information terminal 30, and causes the information terminal 30 to operate as a setting terminal (S73).

[0080] Thereafter, the user performs a predetermined first operation to change the information terminal 30 from a setting terminal to a control terminal, and the operation acceptance unit 31 accepts the first operation (S74).

[0081] When the first operation is accepted, the information processing unit 34 deletes the third identification information included in the system data (S75). The information processing unit 34 then establishes a communication connection with one of the lighting fixtures 20 that make up the mesh network using the wireless communication unit 33 (S76). The information processing unit 34 then transmits a deletion request to the lighting fixture 20 using the wireless communication unit 33 to delete the second identification information stored in the lighting fixture 20 (S77). Upon receiving the deletion request, the lighting fixture 20 deletes the second identification information. The lighting fixture 20 then transmits (transfers) the deletion request to at least one other lighting fixture 20 that belongs to the same mesh network and that may be connected to the information terminal 30. The deletion request may be transmitted to all lighting fixtures 20 that belong to the same mesh network. As a result, the second identification information is deleted in at least one other lighting fixture 20.

[0082] In this way, when a predetermined first operation is accepted by the operation accepting unit 31, the information processing unit 34 of the information terminal 30 communicates with the lighting device 20 using the wireless communication unit 33 to delete the second identification information stored in the lighting device 20, and also deletes the third identification information included in the system data.

[0083] This allows the user to change the information terminal 30 that is being used as the setting terminal to the control terminal by performing the first operation.

[0084] [Operation Example 6] Next, a description will be given of an operation example for changing the information terminal 30, which is currently being used as a control terminal, to a setting terminal in an appropriate state in which the system data and the identification information of the setting terminal are stored in each of the plurality of lighting devices 20. Figure 12 is a flowchart of Operation Example 6 of such an information terminal 30.

[0085] The user performs a start operation to instruct execution of the dedicated app, and the operation acceptance unit 31 of the information terminal 30 accepts the start operation (S81). The information processing unit 34 reads the system data stored in the storage unit 35 based on the accepted start operation (S82).

[0086] When reading the system data, the information processing unit 34 determines that the third identification information included in the system data does not match the first identification information stored in the memory unit 35 of the information terminal 30, and causes the information terminal 30 to operate as a control terminal (S83).

[0087] Thereafter, the user performs a predetermined second operation to change the information terminal 30 from a control terminal to a setting terminal, and the operation acceptance unit 31 accepts the second operation (S84).

[0088] When the second operation is accepted, the information processing unit 34 overwrites the third identification information included in the system data with the first identification information (S85). The information processing unit 34 then establishes a communication connection with one of the lighting fixtures 20 constituting the mesh network using the wireless communication unit 33 (S86). The information processing unit 34 then transmits an overwrite request to the lighting fixture 20 using the wireless communication unit 33 to overwrite the second identification information stored in the lighting fixture 20 with the first identification information (S87). Upon receiving the overwrite request, the lighting fixture 20 overwrites the second identification information with the first identification information. The lighting fixture 20 then transmits (transfers) the overwrite request to at least one other lighting fixture 20 that belongs to the same mesh network and that may be connected to the information terminal 30. The overwrite request may be transmitted to all lighting fixtures 20 that belong to the same mesh network. As a result, the second identification information in at least one other lighting fixture 20 is overwritten with the first identification information.

[0089] In this way, when a predetermined second operation is accepted by the operation accepting unit 31, the information processing unit 34 of the information terminal 30 communicates with the lighting device 20 using the wireless communication unit 33 to overwrite the second identification information stored in the lighting device 20 with the first identification information, and also overwrites the third identification information included in the system data with the first identification information.

[0090] This allows the user to change the information terminal 30 that is being used as the control terminal into the setting terminal by performing the second operation.

[0091] [Modifications] In the above embodiment, the mesh network is configured by a plurality of lighting fixtures 20, but the mesh network may be configured by an information terminal 30 and a plurality of lighting fixtures 20. The mesh network may also be configured by a plurality of other devices (devices other than lighting fixtures 20). The mesh network may also include other devices in addition to the plurality of lighting fixtures 20.

[0092] Examples of the other device include a lighting remote controller that a user operates to control lighting fixture 20, and an AC relay. The AC relay is a device that is attached to a wiring duct and can turn on and off a single lighting fixture attached to the wiring duct by turning on and off AC power to the lighting fixture. The AC relay may also be a device that is attached to the base of a wiring duct and can turn on and off all lighting fixtures attached to the wiring duct by turning on and off the supply of AC power to the wiring duct.

[0093] The other devices may also be devices not directly related to lighting, such as an air conditioner, a ventilation system, a camera, a motion sensor, or an environmental sensor, including a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a carbon dioxide concentration sensor, and a PM (Particulate Matter) sensor.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the identification information of lighting fixture 20 is associated with the installation location when the lighting fixture 20 is registered in information terminal 30. However, it is not essential to associate the installation location with the identification information of lighting fixture 20 during registration. For example, if lighting fixtures 20 that have joined the mesh network are displayed on display unit 32 in a list format rather than a map format, it is not necessary to associate the identification information of lighting fixture 20 with the installation location.

[0095] [Effects, etc.] Hereinafter, examples of inventions obtained from the disclosure of this specification will be given, and effects, etc. obtained from the inventions will be described.

[0096] Invention 1 is an information terminal 30 comprising: a memory unit 35 storing first identification information that is identification information of the information terminal 30; a wireless communication unit 33 that receives second identification information that is stored in the lighting fixture 20 during a setting process for allowing the lighting fixture 20 to join the wireless communication network by communicating with the lighting fixture 20 that constitutes the wireless communication network, the second identification information being identification information of the terminal that performed the setting process; and an information processing unit 34 that, if the received second identification information matches the first identification information, causes the information terminal 30 to operate as a setting terminal capable of setting the wireless communication network, and, if the received second identification information does not match the first identification information, causes the information terminal 30 to operate as a control terminal capable of controlling the lighting fixture 20.

[0097] Such an information terminal 30 can operate as a setting terminal for the wireless communication network in which it has participated in the setting.

[0098] Invention 2 is an information terminal 30 of Invention 1, in which the memory unit 35 stores system data including third identification information which is identification information of the terminal that performed the setting process, and the information processing unit 34, when reading the system data, causes the information terminal 30 to operate as a setting terminal if the third identification information included in the system data matches the first identification information, and causes the information terminal 30 to operate as a control terminal if the third identification information included in the system data does not match the first identification information.

[0099] Such an information terminal 30 can operate as a setting terminal when its own identification information is included in the system data.

[0100] Invention 3 is an information terminal 30 of Invention 2, in which the information processing unit 34 causes the information terminal 30 to operate as a control terminal the next time the system data is read, if the second identification information received while the information terminal 30 is operating as a setting terminal does not match the first identification information because the information processing unit 34 has determined that the third identification information included in the system data matches the first identification information.

[0101] Such an information terminal 30 can operate as a control terminal by prioritizing the determination result based on the second identification information received from the lighting device 20 over the determination result based on the third identification information included in the system data.

[0102] Invention 4 is an information terminal of Invention 2, in which the information processing unit 34 communicates with the lighting device 20 using the wireless communication unit 33 to overwrite the second identification information stored in the lighting device 20 with the first identification information when the information processing unit 34 determines that the third identification information included in the system data matches the first identification information and therefore the second identification information received while the information terminal 30 is operating as a setting terminal does not match the first identification information.

[0103] Such an information terminal 30 can operate as a setting terminal by prioritizing the determination result based on the third identification information included in the system data over the determination result based on the second identification information received from the lighting device 20.

[0104] Invention 5 is information terminal 30 of Invention 2, in which the second identification information and the third identification information each match the first identification information, information terminal 30 has an operation accepting unit 31, and when a predetermined first operation is accepted by operation accepting unit 31, information processing unit 34 deletes the second identification information stored in lighting device 20 by communicating with lighting device 20 using wireless communication unit 33, and deletes the third identification information included in the system data.

[0105] According to such an information terminal 30, the user can change the information terminal 30 that is being used as a setting terminal into a control terminal by performing a first operation.

[0106] Invention 6 is information terminal 30 of Invention 2, in which the second identification information and the third identification information do not match the first identification information, information terminal 30 is provided with an operation accepting unit 31, and when a predetermined second operation is accepted by operation accepting unit 31, information processing unit 34 communicates with lighting device 20 using wireless communication unit 33 to overwrite the second identification information stored in lighting device 20 with the first identification information, and overwrites the third identification information included in the system data with the first identification information.

[0107] According to such an information terminal 30, the user can change the information terminal 30 that is being used as a control terminal into a setting terminal by performing a second operation.

[0108] A seventh aspect of the present invention is a lighting system 10 including an information terminal 30 according to any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention and a lighting fixture 20.

[0109] Such a lighting system 10 can allow the information terminal 30 involved in setting up a wireless communication network to make settings related to the wireless communication network.

[0110] Invention 8 is an information processing method executed by an information terminal 30, in which a memory unit 35 provided in the information terminal 30 stores first identification information that is identification information of the information terminal 30, and the information processing method includes the steps of receiving, by communicating with a lighting fixture 20 that constitutes a wireless communication network, second identification information that was stored in the lighting fixture 20 during a setting process for allowing the lighting fixture 20 to join the wireless communication network, the second identification information being identification information of the terminal that performed the setting process, and, if the received second identification information matches the first identification information, operating the information terminal 30 as a setting terminal capable of setting the wireless communication network, and, if the received second identification information does not match the first identification information, operating the information terminal 30 as a control terminal capable of controlling the lighting fixture 20.

[0111] According to this information processing method, the information terminal 30 can operate as a setting terminal for the wireless communication network in which it has participated in the setting.

[0112] A ninth aspect of the present invention is a program for causing an information terminal 30 to execute the information processing method of the eighth aspect of the present invention.

[0113] According to such a program, the information terminal 30 can operate as a setting terminal for the wireless communication network in which it has participated in the setting.

[0114] (Other Embodiments) Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0115] For example, in the above embodiment, a process executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. Also, the order of multiple processes may be changed, or multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

[0116] In the above-described embodiments, components such as the control unit may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0117] Furthermore, components such as the control unit may be realized by hardware. For example, components such as the control unit may be circuits (or integrated circuits). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or may be separate circuits. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0118] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0119] For example, the present invention may be realized as the lighting system or information terminal of the above-described embodiments, or as an information processing method executed by the information terminal. The present invention may be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute such an information processing method, or as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded. Such a program includes an application program for causing a computer, such as a general-purpose information terminal, to function as the information terminal of the above-described embodiments.

[0120] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art would think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope of the present invention.

[0121] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Lighting system 20 Lighting fixture 21 Wireless communication unit 22 Light source 23, 35 Storage unit 30 Information terminal 31 Operation reception unit 32 Display unit 32a Icon 32b Flashing icon 32c Setting icon 32m Map image 33 Wireless communication unit 34 Information processing unit

Claims

1. An information terminal comprising: a storage unit storing first identification information that identifies the information terminal; a wireless communication unit that receives second identification information that is stored in the lighting fixture during a setting process for allowing the lighting fixture to join the wireless communication network by communicating with the lighting fixture that constitutes the wireless communication network, the second identification information being identification information of the terminal that performed the setting process; and an information processing unit that, if the received second identification information matches the first identification information, causes the information terminal to operate as a setting terminal capable of setting the wireless communication network, and, if the received second identification information does not match the first identification information, causes the information terminal to operate as a control terminal capable of controlling the lighting fixture.

2. The information terminal of claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores system data including third identification information that is identification information of the terminal that performed the setting process, and the information processing unit, when reading the system data, causes the information terminal to operate as the setting terminal if the third identification information included in the system data matches the first identification information, and causes the information terminal to operate as the control terminal if the third identification information included in the system data does not match the first identification information.

3. The information terminal according to claim 2, wherein the information processing unit causes the information terminal to operate as the control terminal the next time the system data is read, if the second identification information received while the information terminal is operating as the setting terminal because the information processing unit has determined that the third identification information included in the system data matches the first identification information does not match the first identification information.

4. The information terminal according to claim 2, wherein when the information processing unit determines that the third identification information included in the system data matches the first identification information and the second identification information received while the information terminal is operating as the setting terminal does not match the first identification information, the information processing unit communicates with the lighting fixture using the wireless communication unit to overwrite the second identification information stored in the lighting fixture with the first identification information.

5. The information terminal according to claim 2, wherein each of the second identification information and the third identification information matches the first identification information, the information terminal comprises an operation reception unit, and when a predetermined first operation is received by the operation reception unit, the information processing unit deletes the second identification information stored in the lighting fixture by communicating with the lighting fixture using the wireless communication unit, and deletes the third identification information included in the system data.

6. The information terminal according to claim 2, wherein the second identification information and the third identification information do not match the first identification information, the information terminal comprises an operation reception unit, and when a predetermined second operation is received by the operation reception unit, the information processing unit communicates with the lighting device using the wireless communication unit to overwrite the second identification information stored in the lighting device with the first identification information, and overwrites the third identification information included in the system data with the first identification information.

7. A lighting system comprising: an information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 6; and the lighting fixture.

8. An information processing method executed by an information terminal, wherein a memory unit provided in the information terminal stores first identification information that identifies the information terminal, and the information processing method includes the steps of: receiving, by communicating with a lighting fixture that constitutes a wireless communication network, second identification information that is stored in the lighting fixture during configuration processing for allowing the lighting fixture to join the wireless communication network, the second identification information being identification information of the terminal that performed the configuration processing; and, if the received second identification information matches the first identification information, operating the information terminal as a configuration terminal that can configure the wireless communication network, and, if the received second identification information does not match the first identification information, operating the information terminal as a control terminal that can control the lighting fixture.

9. A program for causing the information terminal to execute the information processing method according to claim 8.

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