Control device, communication system, control method, and program

Abstract

A control device (30) comprises: a wireless communication unit (33) that communicates with each of a plurality of devices (20) to be controlled and measures the reception strength of a first wireless signal transmitted from each of the plurality of devices (20) to be controlled; a display unit (32); and an information processing unit (34). The information processing unit (34) displays, on the display unit (32), a plurality of icons (322) corresponding to the plurality of devices (20) to be controlled, changes the control state of the device (20) to be controlled corresponding to the icon (322) selected by a user, and registers, in a storage unit (35), identification information of the device (20) to be controlled and the installation position of the device (20) to be controlled in association with each other. The plurality of icons (322) include information relating to the measured reception strength of the first wireless signal.

Description

Control Device, Communication System, Control Method, and Program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device and the like.

[0002] Techniques for constructing a mesh network using communication devices such as lighting fixtures having a wireless communication function are known. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for mapping lighting fixtures in order to construct a mesh network.

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 6692035

[0004] In the lighting control system described in Patent Document 1, by operating a terminal device (that is, a control device) under a lighting fixture to be mapped (that is, a controlled device), it is possible to prevent an unintended lighting fixture from being mapped. However, when there are many lighting fixtures to be mapped, or when the lighting fixtures to be mapped are installed in a vast space, it is conceivable that the operator will take time to identify the detected lighting fixtures, and the mapping work will be laborious.

[0005] The present invention provides a control device and the like that can improve the efficiency of the work of mapping controlled devices.

[0006] A control device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a wireless communication unit that communicates with each of a plurality of controlled devices and measures the reception intensity of a first wireless signal transmitted from each of the plurality of controlled devices, a display unit, and an information processing unit. The information processing unit displays a plurality of icons corresponding to the plurality of controlled devices on the display unit, transmits a second wireless signal to the controlled device corresponding to the icon selected by the user among the plurality of icons via the wireless communication unit to change the control state of the controlled device, and based on an operation by the user for registering the installation position of the controlled device whose control state has been changed, associates the identification information of the controlled device with the installation position of the controlled device and registers it in a storage unit. The plurality of icons include information regarding the measured reception intensity of the first wireless signal.

[0007] A communication system according to an aspect of the present invention includes the control device and the plurality of controlled devices.

[0008] A control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a control method performed by a control device equipped with a display unit, wherein the control device communicates with each of a plurality of controlled devices, measures the received strength of a first radio signal transmitted from each of the plurality of controlled devices, and the control method includes the steps of: displaying a plurality of icons corresponding to the plurality of controlled devices on the display unit; transmitting a second radio signal to a controlled device corresponding to an icon selected by a user from among the plurality of icons to change the control state of the controlled device; and registering identification information of the controlled device and the installation location of the controlled device in association with each other in a storage unit based on an operation by the user to register the installation location of the controlled device whose control state has been changed, wherein the plurality of icons include information regarding the measured received strength of the first radio signal.

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

[0010] The control devices disclosed herein can improve the efficiency of mapping operations for controlled devices.

[0011] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram conceptually showing a mesh network. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a table associating lighting fixture types with correction coefficients. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an overview of the initial setup operation. Figure 5A is a first sequence diagram of the initial setup operation according to a comparative example. Figure 5B is a second sequence diagram of the initial setup operation according to a comparative example. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the display unit of the control device in step S101 of Figure 5A. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the display unit of the control device in step S302 of Figure 5B. Figure 8A is a diagram showing an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the display unit of the control device before step S307 of Figure 5B is executed. Figure 8B is a diagram showing an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the display unit of the control device when step S307 of Figure 5B is executed. Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing the initial setup operation according to this embodiment. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the display unit of the control device in step S312 of Figure 9. Figure 11 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the display mode of information regarding the received strength of the first radio signal. Figure 12 shows a second modified example of the display method for information regarding the received strength of the first radio signal. Figure 13 shows a third modified example of the display method for information regarding the received strength of the first radio signal. Figure 14 is a flowchart of operation example 1 for the information processing unit to display some of the icons out of a plurality of icons on the display unit. Figure 15 is a flowchart of operation example 2 for the information processing unit to display some of the icons out of a plurality of icons on the display unit. Figure 16 shows an example of the initial setup screen when some of the icons out of a plurality of icons are displayed on the display unit. Figure 17 is a flowchart of an operation example for the information processing unit to update multiple icons to include information regarding the received strength of the first radio signal and display them on the display unit. Figure 18 shows a first example of the initial setup screen when multiple icons have been updated. Figure 19 shows a second example of the initial setup screen when multiple icons have been updated. Figure 20 shows a third example of the initial setup screen when multiple icons have been updated.

[0012] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are all specific examples of this disclosure. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement and connection configurations of components, as well as the processes (steps) and their order, shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Accordingly, any components in the following embodiments that are not described in the independent claims of this disclosure will be described as optional components.

[0013] Please note that each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0014] (Embodiment) [Configuration] First, the configuration of the communication system according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication system 10 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 10 comprises a plurality of lighting fixtures 20 and a control device 30. In Figure 1, an example is shown in which the communication system 10 comprises a plurality of lighting fixtures 20 and a control device 30, but the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 is an example of a plurality of controlled devices 20. For example, the communication system 10 may be equipped with a plurality of other devices such as a plurality of sensors or a plurality of schedulers instead of a plurality of lighting fixtures 20. In this embodiment, the case in which a plurality of lighting fixtures 20 is used as an example of a plurality of controlled devices 20 will be described.

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

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

[0017] The information transmitted through the mesh network may include, for example, control information for controlling the lighting fixture 20 to turn on, turn off, or dim, or setting information that the control device 30 sets for the lighting fixture 20 (e.g., control group settings, control scene settings, wireless settings, etc.). In addition, if the mesh network includes environmental sensors as described later, the measured values ​​(sensing information) of the environmental sensors may also be transmitted.

[0018] Returning to the explanation in Figure 1, let's first describe the lighting fixture 20. The lighting fixture 20 is a base light or the like that is installed on the ceiling of an indoor space to illuminate the indoor space. 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. The form of the lighting fixture 20 is not particularly limited and may be a ceiling light, downlight, spotlight, etc. Specifically, the lighting fixture 20 comprises a wireless communication unit 21, a light source 22, and a storage unit 23.

[0019] The wireless communication unit 21 is a processing unit that performs wireless communication (more specifically, radio wave communication) for the lighting fixture 20 to communicate wirelessly with other lighting fixtures 20 and control equipment 30, and is, for example, a wireless communication circuit. After the lighting fixture 20 joins the mesh network, the wireless communication unit 21 communicates through the mesh network as described above. Before the lighting fixture 20 joins the mesh network, the wireless communication unit 21 periodically transmits beacon signals (sometimes called advertisement signals, etc.) and individually communicates wirelessly with control equipment 30 that receive the beacon signals. Specifically, the wireless communication unit 21 performs wireless communication according to communication standards such as BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) or Bluetooth® mesh.

[0020] The light source 22 emits white light into the room so that the lighting fixture 20 can illuminate the room. The 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, organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), or inorganic EL.

[0021] The memory unit 23 is a storage device that stores various information necessary for the operation of the lighting fixture 20, such as the setting information described later. The memory unit 23 is implemented, for example, by a semiconductor memory.

[0022] Next, the configuration of the control device 30 will be described. The control device 30 is an information terminal used by the user to configure settings related to the mesh network (initial setup and setting changes) and to control multiple lighting fixtures 20. The control device 30 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, tablet, or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). The control device 30 may also be a dedicated remote controller used in the communication system 10. Specifically, the control device 30 comprises an operation reception unit 31, a display unit 32, a wireless communication unit 33, an information processing unit 34, and a storage unit 35.

[0023] The operation reception unit 31 receives user input. Specifically, the operation reception unit 31 is implemented by a touch panel or the like.

[0024] The display unit 32 displays various images. The display unit 32 is implemented by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel.

[0025] The wireless communication unit 33 is a processing unit that performs wireless communication (more specifically, radio wave communication) for the control device 30 to communicate wirelessly with each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20, and is, for example, a wireless communication circuit. Specifically, the wireless communication unit 33 performs wireless communication in accordance with communication standards such as BLE.

[0026] The wireless communication unit 33 receives wireless signals (hereinafter also referred to as the first wireless signal) transmitted from each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 and measures the received strength of the wireless signals. The received strength of the first wireless signal changes depending on the distance between the control device 30 and the lighting fixtures 20. For example, the closer the distance between the control device 30 and the lighting fixtures 20, the stronger the received strength of the first wireless signal, and the farther the distance between the control device 30 and the lighting fixtures 20, the weaker the received strength of the first wireless signal. The wireless communication unit 33 also transmits wireless signals (hereinafter also referred to as the second wireless signal) to the lighting fixtures 20 to control the lighting state of the lighting fixtures 20.

[0027] The information processing unit 34 causes the wireless communication unit 33 to transmit a wireless signal in response to user operations received by the operation reception unit 31. The information processing unit 34 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor or dedicated circuit. The functions of the information processing unit 34 are realized by the execution of computer programs (software) stored in the storage unit 35 by the hardware, such as the microcomputer or processor that constitutes the information processing unit 34.

[0028] Furthermore, the information processing unit 34 may correct the received strength of the first radio signal measured by the wireless communication unit 33 depending on the type of controlled device 20. For example, the amount of attenuation of the beacon signal periodically transmitted by the wireless communication unit 21 of the lighting fixture 20 differs depending on the structure and material of the housing of the lighting fixture 20. In other words, the received strength of the first radio signal measured by the wireless communication unit 33 may depend on the type of lighting fixture 20. In such cases, the information processing unit 34 corrects the received strength of the first radio signal measured by the wireless communication unit 33 using the table shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a table that associates the type of lighting fixture 20 with a correction coefficient. The table shown in Figure 3 is stored, for example, in the storage unit 35.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, a correction coefficient is associated with each type of lighting fixture 20. For example, if the information processing unit 34 identifies the type of lighting fixture 20 as "device A", the information processing unit 34 corrects the received strength of the first radio signal measured by the wireless communication unit 33 by multiplying it by "1.1". Information regarding the type of lighting fixture 20 is included in the first radio signal.

[0030] Returning to the explanation in Figure 1, the storage unit 35 is a memory device that stores information necessary for information processing, such as computer programs executed by the information processing unit 34. The storage unit 35 is implemented, for example, by semiconductor memory. The computer programs stored in the storage unit 35 include dedicated application programs (also called dedicated apps) for operating the control device 30 as either a setting terminal or a control terminal.

[0031] [Initial Setup Operation Related to the Comparative Example] Next, the initial setup operation related to the comparative example will be described. The control device 30 can construct a mesh network by performing an initial setup operation. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an overview of the initial setup operation. As shown in Figure 4, the initial setup operation includes a detection phase S10, a setting phase S20, and an identification and registration phase S30 in that order. The specific processes performed in each phase will be described below with reference to the sequence diagrams. Figures 5A and 5B are sequence diagrams of the initial setup operation related to the comparative example. The initial setup operation shown in Figures 5A and 5B is performed, for example, after multiple lighting fixtures 20 have been installed on the ceiling by the installer. The installer is an example of a user.

[0032] First, let's explain the process performed in the detection phase S10. The operation reception unit 31 of the control device 30 receives a start operation from the user to instruct the start of the initial setup operation (S101). Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the display unit 32 of the control device 30 in step S101 of Figure 5A. As shown in Figure 6, the initial setup screen displays a device registration icon 321 that accepts an instruction from the user to start the initial setup operation. In other words, by selecting the device registration icon 321 on the display screen in Figure 6, the operation reception unit 31 receives a start operation from the user.

[0033] Furthermore, the display screen in Figure 6 also shows a map image 324. The map image 324 is a view from above of an area where multiple lighting fixtures 20 are installed. In the example in Figure 6, the pre-planned installation locations of the lighting fixtures 20 are indicated by icons (hereinafter also referred to as planned installation icons). The planned installation icons are displayed on the map image 324 based on location information entered by the user. In other words, the map image 324 is an image showing the installation locations of multiple lighting fixtures 20. The map image 324 is stored in the storage unit 35 in advance. The strings such as "Temporary L001" shown on the planned installation icons are identification numbers assigned by the information processing unit 34. The same applies to Figures 7, 8A, and 8B thereafter.

[0034] Returning to the explanation in Figure 5A, each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 periodically transmits a beacon signal (sometimes called an advertisement signal, etc.) before joining the mesh network (S102). Upon acceptance of the start operation in step S101, the wireless communication unit 33 of the control device 30 receives the beacon signal (i.e., the first wireless signal). The beacon signal emitted by each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 contains identification information for that lighting fixture 20. The identification information is, for example, a MAC (Media Access Control) address, but any identification information that can uniquely identify the lighting fixture 20 is acceptable.

[0035] The processes described above in steps S101 to S102 are the processes performed in the detection phase S10. Next, the processes performed in the configuration phase S20 will be explained. The processes performed in the configuration phase S20 are also called provisioning processes.

[0036] In step S102, the information processing unit 34 establishes a communication connection between the wireless communication unit 33 and any one of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 that are the source of the beacon signal received in step S102 (S201), and begins individual communication with the lighting fixture 20. The information processing unit 34 causes the wireless communication unit 33 to transmit setting information to the lighting fixture 20 (S202). The lighting fixture 20 receives the setting information and stores it in the storage unit 23 provided in the lighting fixture 20 (S203).

[0037] The configuration information is the information necessary for the lighting fixture 20 to join the mesh network. The configuration information includes the network ID of the mesh network to which the lighting fixture 20 belongs, and the address information (unicast address) of the lighting fixture 20 used for communication within the mesh network. The configuration information also includes, if necessary, a security passcode (authentication information) used for communication within the mesh network, information regarding the wireless communication frequency channel, and identification information of the control device 30 that performed the initial setup operation. Once the configuration information is stored in the storage unit 23, the lighting fixture 20 can join the mesh network.

[0038] When the lighting fixture 20 has finished storing the setting information, it sends a setting completion notification to the control device 30 (S204). When the information processing unit 34 of the control device 30 receives the setting completion notification via the wireless communication unit 33, it disconnects the communication connection with the lighting fixture 20 that it connected to in step S201 (S205).

[0039] The process from steps S201 to S205 is repeated until all lighting fixtures 20 have joined the mesh network. In other words, the information processing unit 34 of the control device 30 performs configuration processing by establishing a communication connection with each of the lighting fixtures 20 that were able to receive the beacon signal in step S102. Lighting fixtures 20 that have joined the mesh network either stop the periodic transmission of beacon signals that they were performing before joining, or continue the periodic transmission of beacon signals while increasing the transmission interval of the beacon signals.

[0040] The processes described above in steps S201 to S205 constitute the processes performed in the setting phase S20 (also called the setting process). Next, the processes performed in the identification and setting phase S30 will be explained.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5B, the information processing unit 34 establishes a communication connection between one of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 that have joined the mesh network and the wireless communication unit 33 (S301). Note that the process in step S301 can be omitted by not terminating (maintaining) the communication connection with the lighting fixture 20 that last transmitted the setting information in the setting phase S20. Furthermore, the process in step S301 can also be omitted when the control device 30 joins the mesh network (the control device 30 itself is a communication node in the mesh network).

[0042] Next, the information processing unit 34 displays icons for the multiple lighting fixtures 20 that have joined the mesh network on the display unit 32 (S302). For example, the information processing unit 34 displays multiple icons 322 corresponding to the multiple lighting fixtures 20 in a horizontal row, as shown in the initial setup screen of Figure 7. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the display unit 32 of the control device 30 in step S302 of Figure 5B.

[0043] Returning to the description of FIG. 5B, the operation reception unit 31 receives a selection operation of a plurality of icons 322 from the user (S303). The selection operation is, for example, a tap operation on any one of the plurality of icons 322 on the display screen of FIG. 7. The information processing unit 34 transmits a blinking command to the lighting fixture 20 corresponding to the selected icon 322 (hereinafter, also referred to as the target lighting fixture 20) through the mesh network to the lighting fixture 20 (S304). More specifically, after the blinking command is passed from the wireless communication unit 33 of the control device 30 to the lighting fixture 20 wirelessly connected in step S301, it is transmitted to the target lighting fixture 20 through the mesh network. Further, the blinking command is transmitted, for example, on the display screen of FIG. 7, triggered by the reception of a tap operation on the blinking icon 323 after the selection operation. Note that in step S304, the blinking command transmitted by the information processing unit 34 to the wireless communication unit 33 corresponds to the second wireless signal.

[0044] The blinking command is a signal for selectively blinking the target lighting fixture 20. When the target lighting fixture 20 receives the blinking command, it blinks (S305). Thereby, the user can identify the target lighting fixture 20. Note that the blinking of the target lighting fixture 20 in step S305 corresponds to a change in the control state of the controlled device 20.

[0045] The user visually confirms the actual installation position of the blinking target lighting fixture 20 (S306), and designates the installation position of the blinking target lighting fixture 20 on the map image 324 (for example, one of the plurality of planned installation icons). The operation reception unit 31 receives a designation operation of the installation position of the lighting fixture 20 within the map image 324 from the user (S307). FIG. 8A is a diagram showing an example of the initial setting screen displayed on the display unit 32 of the control device 30 before step S307 of FIG. 5B is executed, and FIG. 8B is a diagram showing an example of the initial setting screen displayed on the display unit 32 of the control device 30 when step S307 of FIG. 5B is executed.

[0046] In the display screen shown in FIG. 8A, when the lighting fixture 20 of the target visually confirmed by the user (in the example of FIG. 8A, the lighting fixture 20 corresponding to the icon 322 displayed in black and white inversion) is installed at the position of the planned installation icon with the identification number "Temporary L006", for example, the user taps and selects the planned installation icon with the identification number "Temporary L006". When the operation reception unit 31 receives the tap operation from the user, the information processing unit 34 displays a display screen as shown in FIG. 8B on the display unit 32. Specifically, the information processing unit 34 displays on the display unit 32 a display screen in which a selection icon 325 is shown near the planned installation icon. Then, when the user taps and selects the selection icon 325, the operation reception unit 31 receives the designation operation of the installation position of the lighting fixture 20 in step S307.

[0047] Returning to the description in FIG. 5B, when receiving the designation operation in step S307, the information processing unit 34 associates and stores (registers) the identification information indicated by the icon 322 selected in step S303 with the installation position (coordinates) designated in step S307 in the storage unit 35 (S308). Further, the information processing unit 34 cancels the display of the icon 322 for which the association has been completed (309). That is, the number of the plurality of icons 322 displayed in step S302 is reduced by one.

[0048] The processes of steps S303 to S309 are repeated until the association between all the icons 322 (identification information) displayed in step S302 and the installation position is completed. As a result, the storage unit 35 stores correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the identification information of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 and their installation positions. That is, the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 are registered in the control device 30.

[0049] The processes of steps S301 to S309 described above are the processes performed in the identification and registration phase S30.

[0050] Furthermore, in the initial setup operation described above, the setup phase S20 and the identification and registration phase S30 may be swapped. In other words, steps S301 to S309 may be executed first, followed by steps S201 to S205. In such a case, during the identification and registration phase S30, the control device 30 receives beacon signals emitted by multiple lighting fixtures 20 in advance and communicates individually with any one of the multiple lighting fixtures 20.

[0051] As explained above, the control device 30 can bring multiple lighting fixtures 20 into the mesh network by performing an initial setup operation. In other words, the control device 30 can build a mesh network.

[0052] [Initial setup operation according to the embodiment] As described in step S306 above, the actual installation location of the lighting fixture 20 is compared with its location on the map image 324 by the user's visual inspection. In such cases, if there are hundreds or thousands of lighting fixtures 20 installed in a large space, the user may not be able to determine the exact installation location of the flashing lighting fixture 20 because it is far away from the user.

[0053] To address these challenges, a configuration is conceivable in which, when displaying multiple icons 322 corresponding to multiple lighting fixtures 20 on the display unit 32, the information processing unit 34 displays information regarding the reception strength of the first wireless signal on the initial setup screen. For example, a configuration is conceivable in which the information processing unit 34 displays multiple icons 322 containing information regarding the reception strength of the first wireless signal on the initial setup screen.

[0054] More specifically, when the control device 30 receives a first wireless signal from multiple lighting fixtures 20, it measures the reception strength of the first wireless signal and displays multiple icons 322 containing information about the reception strength of the first wireless signal on the initial setup screen. Since the strength of the reception strength can be considered to indicate the approximate distance from the control device 30 to the multiple lighting fixtures 20, if the reception strength is displayed, the user can prioritize flashing the lighting fixtures 20 that are considered to be nearby and whose exact installation location can be easily determined. Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing the initial setup operation according to this embodiment.

[0055] The processing in steps S101 to S102, steps S201 to S205, and step S301 is as described above. After step S301, the wireless communication unit 33 measures the received strength of the beacon signal (first wireless signal) received in step S102 (S311).

[0056] Next, the information processing unit 34 displays a plurality of icons 322 on the display unit 32 that include information regarding the received strength of the first radio signal measured in step S311 (S312). Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the display unit 32 of the control device 30 in step S312 of Figure 9.

[0057] As shown in Figure 10, the information processing unit 34 indicates, for example, information regarding the received strength of the first radio signal (i.e., the difference in the received strength of the first radio signal) using marks (i.e., symbols) such as antennas. In the example shown in Figure 10, the difference in the received strength of the first radio signal is shown according to the number of antennas, with a larger number of antennas indicating a stronger received strength of the first radio signal. In other words, an icon 322 containing a symbol with a large number of antennas means that the received strength of the first radio signal is high (i.e., the distance between the control device 30 and the lighting fixture 20 is small), and an icon 322 containing a symbol with a small number of antennas means that the received strength of the first radio signal is low (i.e., the distance between the control device 30 and the lighting fixture 20 is far).

[0058] The multiple icons 322 may also contain information other than information regarding the received strength of the first radio signal. For example, the word "Dimming" shown at the top of each icon 322 indicates the type of equipment of the lighting fixture 20 (controlled equipment 20). The string of characters such as "L001" shown at the bottom of each icon 322 is the identification number of the lighting fixture 20, and is a display identification number automatically assigned by the control equipment 30 for each piece of identification information of the lighting fixture 20.

[0059] The processes described above in steps S301, S311-S312, and S303-S309 are the processes performed in the identification and registration phase S30 of the initial setup operation according to this embodiment.

[0060] In this way, in step S312 described above, the information processing unit 34 displays a plurality of icons 322 on the display unit 32 that include information regarding the received strength of the measured first wireless signal. This makes it easier for the user to predict the installation position of the target lighting fixture 20 when visually inspecting the target lighting fixture 20, and shortens the time required for setting up.

[0061] Furthermore, while Figure 10 shows an example where the information processing unit 34 displays information regarding the received strength of the first radio signal in three distinct stages, it may also display it in two distinct stages, or in four or more finely divided stages. In other words, the information processing unit 34 only needs to display information regarding the received strength of the first radio signal in n stages (where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2). Also, the threshold used to distinguish the received strength of the first radio signal may be a value set by the information processing unit 34 (initial value), or a value set by the user.

[0062] [Variations in the display of information regarding the received strength of the first radio signal] The information regarding the received strength of the first radio signal included in the multiple icons 322 should be displayed in a way that distinguishes the differences in the received strength of the first radio signal measured by the wireless communication unit 33. The following describes variations in the display of information regarding the received strength of the first radio signal.

[0063] Figure 11 shows a first modified example of the display method for information regarding the received strength of the first radio signal. As shown in Figure 11, the information processing unit 34 may also display information regarding the received strength of the first radio signal (i.e., the difference in the received strength of the first radio signal) in words. The words may be, for example, words such as "close," "normal," and "far." In the example shown in Figure 11, it is shown that the received strength of the first radio signal changes in the order of "close," "normal," and "far." In other words, an icon 322 containing the word "close" means that the received strength of the first radio signal is high (i.e., the distance between the control device 30 and the lighting fixture 20 is close), and an icon 322 containing the word "far" means that the received strength of the first radio signal is low (i.e., the distance between the control device 30 and the lighting fixture 20 is far).

[0064] Figure 12 shows a second modified example of the display method for information regarding the received strength of the first radio signal. As shown in Figure 12, the information processing unit 34 may indicate information regarding the received strength of the first radio signal (i.e., differences in the received strength of the first radio signal) using color. The colors may be, for example, blue (hatched diagonal lines in Figure 12), yellow (hatched horizontal lines in Figure 12), and red (hatched dots in Figure 12). In the example shown in Figure 12, the received strength of the first radio signal changes in the order of blue, yellow, and red. That is, an icon 322 including a blue display means that the received strength of the first radio signal is high (i.e., the distance between the control device 30 and the lighting fixture 20 is close), and an icon 322 including a red display means that the received strength of the first radio signal is low (i.e., the distance between the control device 30 and the lighting fixture 20 is far).

[0065] Furthermore, the information processing unit 34 may display a plurality of icons 322 on the display unit 32 that include information regarding the estimated direction of the lighting fixture 20, in addition to information regarding the received strength of the first radio signal. For example, if the wireless communication unit 33 includes a plurality of receiving antennas (antenna arrays), the information processing unit 34 can estimate the direction of arrival of the beacon signal based on the phase difference of the beacon signal received by the plurality of receiving antennas (or the difference in the timing of receiving the beacon signal) according to the AoA (Angle of Arrival) method. Figure 13 is a diagram showing a third modified example of the display of information regarding the received strength of the first radio signal. As shown in Figure 13, the information processing unit 34 may display a plurality of icons 322 that include information indicating the installation direction of the lighting fixture 20 (arrow marks in Figure 13), in addition to information regarding the received strength of the first radio signal. In this way, the information processing unit 34 displays multiple icons 322 that include not only the reception strength of the first wireless signal but also the estimated direction of the lighting fixture 20. This makes it easier for the operator to predict the installation position of the target lighting fixture 20 when visually inspecting the target lighting fixture 20, thereby shortening the setup time.

[0066] Furthermore, information regarding the received strength of the first radio signal may be displayed in a manner other than by the icon 322 itself, as shown in the examples in Figures 10 to 13. For example, the information processing unit 34 may display a table (display screen) on the display unit 32 in which multiple icons 322 and the measured information regarding the received strength of the first radio signal are associated. The display screen may be displayed as a pop-up (overlaid display) on the initial settings screen, for example.

[0067] [Modification of the initial setup screen] In step S312 of Figure 9, the display process of the icon 322 was described in an example in which the information processing unit 34 displays multiple icons 322 corresponding to the lighting fixture 20 which is the source of the received first wireless signal on the display unit 32. However, the information processing unit 34 may display only some of the multiple icons 322 on the display unit 32. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of operation 1 for the information processing unit 34 to display some of the multiple icons 322 on the display unit 32.

[0068] First, the information processing unit 34 determines whether the received strength of the first radio signal measured by the wireless communication unit 33 is above a predetermined threshold (S401).

[0069] If the information processing unit 34 determines that the measured received strength of the first radio signal is above a predetermined threshold (Yes in S401), it displays an icon 322 corresponding to the lighting fixture 20 that is the source of the first radio signal on the display unit 32 (S402). On the other hand, if the measured received strength of the first radio signal is below a predetermined threshold (No in S401), the information processing unit 34 does not display an icon 322 corresponding to the lighting fixture 20 that is the source of the first radio signal on the display unit 32 (S403).

[0070] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation 2 in which the information processing unit 34 displays some of the icons 322 out of a plurality of icons 322 on the display unit 32.

[0071] First, the information processing unit 34 determines whether the wireless communication unit 33 has received a first wireless signal from more than a predetermined number of lighting fixtures 20 (S501).

[0072] If the information processing unit 34 determines that the wireless communication unit 33 has received the first radio signal from more than a predetermined number of lighting fixtures 20 (Yes in S501), it selects icons 322 corresponding to the lighting fixtures 20 up to a predetermined number, in descending order of the received signal strength of the first radio signal measured by the wireless communication unit 33, and displays them on the display unit 32 (S502). On the other hand, if the information processing unit 34 determines that the wireless communication unit 33 has not received the first radio signal from more than a predetermined number of lighting fixtures 20 (No in S501), it displays all icons 322 corresponding to the lighting fixtures 20 that are the sources of the received first radio signal on the display unit 32 (S503).

[0073] Figure 16 shows an example of an initial setup screen when some of the multiple icons 322 are displayed on the display unit 32. As shown in Figure 16, for example, the icon 322 corresponding to the lighting fixture 20 with identification number "L002" is not displayed on the display unit 32, and some of the icons 322 are displayed. In this way, the information processing unit 34 displays icons 322 that meet predetermined conditions on the display unit 32, so the user only needs to focus on the controlled equipment 20 that is installed nearby when visually confirming the target controlled equipment 20, and the time required for setup can be shortened.

[0074] [Updating Multiple Icons] The control device 30 may update multiple icons 322 containing information about the received strength of the first radio signal in real time by continuously receiving the first radio signal. Whether or not the control device 30 updates the multiple icons 322 in real time may be set as appropriate by the user.

[0075] For example, the information processing unit 34 may update the icons 322 containing newly measured information about the received strength of the first radio signal each time the wireless communication unit 33 measures the received strength of the first radio signal, and display them on the display unit 32. Figure 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation by which the information processing unit 34 updates the icons 322 containing information about the received strength of the first radio signal and displays them on the display unit 32.

[0076] First, the information processing unit 34 determines whether or not the received strength of the first radio signal has been newly measured by the wireless communication unit 33 (S601).

[0077] If the information processing unit 34 determines that the reception strength of the first radio signal has been newly measured (Yes in S601), it updates the multiple icons 322 containing information about the newly measured reception strength of the first radio signal and displays them on the display unit 32 (S602). On the other hand, if the information processing unit 34 determines that the reception strength of the first radio signal has not been newly measured (No in S601), it does not update the multiple icons 322 containing information about the reception strength of the first radio signal (S603). In other words, the information processing unit 34 does not change the multiple icons 322 displayed on the display unit 32.

[0078] Furthermore, a specific example of the initial setup screen when multiple icons 322 are updated by the information processing unit 34 will be described.

[0079] For example, the information processing unit 34 may delete the icon 322 corresponding to the lighting fixture 20, which is the source of the first wireless signal that can no longer be received, from the initial setup screen, or it may display it on the initial setup screen in the same way it was displayed before the first wireless signal could no longer be received.

[0080] Furthermore, the information processing unit 34 may or may not display the icon 322 corresponding to the lighting fixture 20, which is the source of the newly received first wireless signal, on the initial setup screen. When the information processing unit 34 displays a new icon 322 on the initial setup screen, the information processing unit 34 may change the display manner of the multiple icons 322 so that it can identify the timing at which each icon 322 was displayed on the initial setup screen. For example, as shown in Figure 18, the information processing unit 34 may display the second icon 322b, which was displayed on the initial setup screen at a newer timing, in a darker color, and the first icon 322a, which was displayed on the initial setup screen at an older timing, in a lighter color (grayed out). Figure 18 is a diagram showing a first example of the initial setup screen when multiple icons 322 have been updated.

[0081] Furthermore, when the information processing unit 34 displays an icon 322 (an unplaced icon 322c) on the initial setup screen before the identification information of the lighting fixture 20 and the installation position of the lighting fixture 20 are associated, and then displays an icon 322 (a new icon 322d) corresponding to the lighting fixture 20 that is the source of the newly received first wireless signal on the initial setup screen, the unplaced icon 322c may be displayed before or after the new icon 322d. For example, as shown in Figure 19, the unplaced icon 322c (in the example in Figure 19, icons 322 with identification numbers L002, L007, and L013) may be displayed to the left of the new icon 322d (in the example in Figure 19, the remaining icons 322). Also, as shown in Figure 20, the new icon 322d may be displayed to the left of the unplaced icon 322c (not shown in the example in Figure 20). Furthermore, the information processing unit 34 may rearrange and display the multiple icons 322 according to the device type or identification number, etc. Figure 19 is a diagram showing a second example of the initial setup screen when multiple icons 322 have been updated, and Figure 20 is a diagram showing a third example of the initial setup screen when multiple icons 322 have been updated.

[0082] In this way, the control device 30 updates multiple icons 322 containing information about the received strength of the first wireless signal when, for example, the user operating the control device 30 moves, and displays them on the display unit 32. This allows the control device 30 to provide the user with the latest information.

[0083] [Variations of Information Regarding the Received Strength of the First Radio Signal] The information processing unit 34 may display information regarding the estimated distance to the lighting fixture 20 on the display unit 32 instead of information regarding the received strength of the first radio signal. Specifically, the information processing unit 34 may calculate the estimated distance from the control device 30 to the lighting fixture 20 based on the received strength of the first radio signal measured by the wireless communication unit 33, and display a plurality of icons 322 on the display unit 32 that indicate the calculated estimated distance. For example, the information processing unit 34 may calculate the straight-line distance between the lighting fixture 20 and the control device 30 (hereinafter also referred to as the first distance) as the estimated distance, or it may calculate the horizontal distance between the lighting fixture 20 and the control device 30 (hereinafter also referred to as the second distance) as the estimated distance.

[0084] First, an example will be described in which the information processing unit 34 calculates the straight-line distance (first distance) between the lighting fixture 20 and the control device 30. The information processing unit 34 calculates the first distance based on the received strength of the first radio signal measured by the wireless communication unit 33. Alternatively, the information processing unit 34 may calculate the first distance based on the corrected received strength of the first radio signal.

[0085] Next, an example will be described in which the information processing unit 34 calculates the horizontal distance (second distance) between the lighting fixture 20 and the control device 30. In order to calculate the second distance, the information processing unit 34 calculates, in addition to the first distance, the distance between the control device 30 and the floor (hereinafter also referred to as the third distance) and the distance between the control device 30 and the ceiling (hereinafter also referred to as the fourth distance).

[0086] The information processing unit 34 may, for example, assume that the control device 30 is operated at a height of 0 cm to 200 cm, and may set the median value of 100 cm (initial value) as the third distance. Alternatively, the information processing unit 34 may set the value entered by the user as the third distance. Furthermore, if the control device 30 has a function to calculate the distance between the control device 30 and the floor, the information processing unit 34 may set the value calculated by that function as the third distance.

[0087] Furthermore, if the information processing unit 34 assumes that the ceiling on which the lighting fixture 20 is installed is of a predetermined height, it may set the distance from the floor to the ceiling to a specific value (initial value). For example, if the information processing unit 34 assumes that the distance from the floor to the ceiling is between 200 cm and 300 cm, it may set the median value of 250 cm to the initial value. Alternatively, it may set the value input by the user to the control device 30 to be the distance from the floor to the ceiling. The information processing unit 34 may then calculate the fourth distance by subtracting the third distance calculated above from the initial value or the input value. If the control device 30 has a function to calculate the distance between the control device 30 and the ceiling, the information processing unit 34 may set the value calculated by that function to be the fourth distance.

[0088] As described above, the information processing unit 34 uses the calculated first distance and fourth distance to estimate the horizontal distance (second distance) between the lighting fixture 20 and the control device 30.

[0089] In this way, by displaying information regarding the estimated distance of the lighting fixture 20, the user can more easily predict the installation location of the controlled device 20 when visually inspecting the device, thereby shortening the setup time.

[0090] [Other Modifications] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the multiple controlled devices 20 were multiple lighting fixtures 20, but they do not have to be multiple lighting fixtures 20. The multiple controlled devices 20 may be multiple lighting fixtures 20 and multiple other devices, or they may be multiple other devices alone.

[0091] Other devices mentioned above include a remote lighting controller operated by the user to control the lighting fixture 20, a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) dimmer, a scheduler, and an AC (Alternating Current) relay.

[0092] A PWM dimmer is a device that can dim a lighting fixture 20 attached to the PWM dimmer. A scheduler is a device that turns the lighting fixture 20 on, off, or dims it according to a pre-set schedule.

[0093] The AC relay includes two types: a first AC relay and a second AC relay. The first AC relay is a device that is mounted on a wiring duct and can turn on and off a single device mounted on the wiring duct by switching the AC power to that device on and off. The second AC relay is a device that is mounted at the base of a wiring duct and can turn on and off all devices mounted on the wiring duct by switching the AC power supply to the wiring duct on and off. Alternatively, the AC relay may be a wireless control switch or the like that does not utilize a wiring duct.

[0094] Furthermore, the other devices mentioned above may include devices not directly related to lighting, such as air conditioners, ventilation systems, cameras, speakers, motion sensors, or environmental sensors. Environmental sensors include temperature sensors, humidity sensors, carbon dioxide concentration sensors, and PM (Particle Matter) sensors.

[0095] [Effects, etc.] The above describes examples of inventions that can be obtained from the disclosures of this specification, and explains the effects, etc. that can be obtained from said inventions.

[0096] Invention 1 comprises a wireless communication unit 33 that communicates with each of the multiple controlled devices 20 and measures the received strength of a first wireless signal transmitted from each of the multiple controlled devices 20, a display unit 32, and an information processing unit 34. The information processing unit 34 displays multiple icons 322 corresponding to the multiple controlled devices 20 on the display unit 32, transmits a second wireless signal via the wireless communication unit 33 to the controlled device 20 corresponding to the icon 322 selected by the user from among the multiple icons 322 to change the control state of the controlled device 20, and registers the identification information of the controlled device 20 and the installation position of the controlled device 20 in association with each other in the storage unit 35 based on the user's operation to register the installation position of the controlled device 20 whose control state has been changed. The multiple icons 322 are control devices 30 that include information regarding the measured received strength of the first wireless signal.

[0097] Since the control device 30 displays multiple icons 322 containing information about the received strength of the first wireless signal on the display unit 32, the user can more easily predict the installation location of the controlled device 20 by visually inspecting the device, thereby shortening the setup time. As a result, the control device 30 can improve the efficiency of the mapping work of the controlled device 20.

[0098] Invention 2 is a control device 30 of Invention 1, wherein the information processing unit 34 updates a plurality of icons 322 containing newly measured information regarding the received strength of the first radio signal each time the received strength of the first radio signal is measured by the wireless communication unit 33, and displays them on the display unit 32.

[0099] Each time the reception strength of the first wireless signal is measured, the control device 30 displays a series of updated icons 322 on the display unit 32, thereby providing the user with the latest information.

[0100] Invention 3 is a control device 30 of Invention 1 or Invention 2, in which the information processing unit 34 corrects the received strength of the measured first radio signal according to the type of controlled device 20.

[0101] Such a control device 30 corrects the measured received strength of the first radio signal according to the type of controlled device 20, so that it can provide the user with more accurate information regarding the received strength of the first radio signal.

[0102] Invention 4 is a control device 30 of any of Inventions 1 to 3, wherein the information processing unit 34 displays an icon 322 corresponding to a controlled device 20 whose measured received strength of the first radio signal is above a predetermined threshold, and does not display an icon 322 corresponding to a controlled device 20 whose measured received strength of the first radio signal is below a predetermined threshold.

[0103] Since this control device 30 displays only icons 322 corresponding to controlled devices 20 that are presumed to be installed within a certain distance from the control device 30, the user only needs to focus on the controlled devices 20 installed nearby when visually confirming the target controlled devices 20, thereby shortening the setup time. As a result, the control device 30 can further improve the efficiency of the mapping work of controlled devices 20.

[0104] Invention 5 is a control device 30 in which the information processing unit 34 displays on the display unit 32 icons 322 that correspond to a predetermined number of controlled devices 20, in descending order of the measured received strength of the first wireless signal from among a plurality of icons 322.

[0105] Such a control device 30 displays a predetermined number of icons 322 corresponding to the controlled devices 20 that are presumed to be installed near the control device 30. Therefore, when visually confirming the target controlled device 20, the user only needs to focus on the controlled devices 20 installed nearby, thereby shortening the setup time. As a result, the control device 30 can further improve the efficiency of the mapping work of the controlled devices 20.

[0106] Invention 6 is a communication system 10 comprising a control device 30 from any of Inventions 1 to 5 and a plurality of controlled devices 20.

[0107] Such a communication system 10 provides the same effects and benefits as the control device 30 described above.

[0108] Invention 7 is a control method executed by a control device 30 equipped with a display unit 32, wherein the control device 30 communicates with each of a plurality of controlled devices 20, measures the received strength of a first radio signal transmitted from each of the plurality of controlled devices 20, and the control method includes the steps of: displaying a plurality of icons 322 corresponding to the plurality of controlled devices 20 on the display unit 32 (S312); transmitting a second radio signal to a controlled device 20 corresponding to an icon 322 selected by the user from the plurality of icons 322 to change the control state of the controlled device 20 (S303 to S304); and registering the identification information of the controlled device 20 and the installation location of the controlled device 20 in association with each other in the storage unit 35 based on an operation by the user to register the installation location of the controlled device 20 whose control state has been changed (S307 to S308), wherein the plurality of icons 322 include information regarding the measured received strength of the first radio signal.

[0109] This control method displays multiple icons 322 containing information about the received strength of the first wireless signal on the display unit 32. As a result, the user can more easily predict the installation location of the controlled device 20 when visually inspecting the device, and the setup time can be shortened. This allows the control method to improve the efficiency of the mapping work of the controlled device 20.

[0110] Invention 8 is a program for causing the control device 30 to execute the control method of Invention 7.

[0111] Such a program produces the same effects as the control method described above.

[0112] (Modifications) Although control devices, etc. relating to one or more embodiments have been described above based on the above embodiments, this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. Without departing from the spirit of this disclosure, various modifications that a person skilled in the art can conceive of may be applied to the above embodiments, and forms constructed by combining components from different embodiments may also be included within the scope of one or more embodiments.

[0113] For example, in the above embodiment, a process executed by one processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. Furthermore, the order of multiple processes may be changed, or multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

[0114] Furthermore, the communication method between devices in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. In addition, relay devices (not shown) may be involved in the communication between devices.

[0115] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each component may be implemented by being composed of dedicated hardware or by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program stored on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0116] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the control device according to the above embodiment may be realized by a processor such as a CPU executing a program.

[0117] Some or all of the components constituting each of the above devices may consist of detachable IC cards or standalone modules attached to each device. The IC card or module is a computer system composed of a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. The IC card or module may also include a multi-functional LSI. The microprocessor operates according to a computer program, thereby enabling the IC card or module to achieve its function. The IC card or module may also be tamper-resistant.

[0118] Furthermore, the general or specific embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. They may also be implemented as any combination of a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

[0119] For example, the present invention may be implemented as a communication system or information terminal as described in the above embodiment, or as a setting method executed by an information terminal. The present invention may be implemented as a program for causing an information terminal (computer) to execute such a setting method, or as a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium on which such a program is recorded. In other words, the program is a computer program product. Such a program includes an application program for causing a computer, such as a general-purpose information terminal, to function as an information terminal as described in the above embodiment.

[0120] 10 Communication system 20 Lighting fixture (controlled equipment) 30 Control equipment 32 Display unit 322 Icon 33 Wireless communication unit 34 Information processing unit 35 Storage unit

Claims

1. A control device comprising: a wireless communication unit that communicates with each of a plurality of controlled devices and measures the received strength of a first wireless signal transmitted from each of the plurality of controlled devices; a display unit; and an information processing unit, wherein the information processing unit displays a plurality of icons corresponding to the plurality of controlled devices on the display unit; transmits a second wireless signal via the wireless communication unit to a controlled device corresponding to an icon selected by the user from among the plurality of icons to change the control state of the controlled device; and registers the identification information of the controlled device and the installation position of the controlled device in association with each other in a storage unit based on the user's operation to register the installation position of the controlled device whose control state has been changed; and the plurality of icons include information regarding the measured received strength of the first wireless signal.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein each time the reception strength of the first radio signal is measured by the wireless communication unit, the information processing unit updates the plurality of icons to include newly measured information regarding the reception strength of the first radio signal and displays them on the display unit.

3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing unit corrects the measured received strength of the first wireless signal according to the type of device to be controlled.

4. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing unit displays an icon from among the plurality of icons corresponding to the controlled device for which the measured received strength of the first wireless signal is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and does not display an icon corresponding to the controlled device for which the measured received strength of the first wireless signal is less than the predetermined threshold.

5. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing unit displays on the display unit a predetermined number of icons from the plurality of icons that correspond to the controlled devices, in descending order of the measured received strength of the first wireless signal.

6. A communication system comprising a control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and the plurality of controlled devices.

7. A control method performed by a control device equipped with a display unit, wherein the control device communicates with each of a plurality of controlled devices, measures the received strength of a first radio signal transmitted from each of the plurality of controlled devices, and the control method includes the steps of: displaying a plurality of icons corresponding to the plurality of controlled devices on the display unit; transmitting a second radio signal to a controlled device corresponding to an icon selected by a user from among the plurality of icons to change the control state of the controlled device; and registering identification information of the controlled device and the installation location of the controlled device in association with each other in a storage unit based on an operation by the user to register the installation location of the controlled device whose control state has been changed, wherein the plurality of icons include information regarding the measured received strength of the first radio signal.

8. A program for causing the control device to execute the control method described in claim 7.

Images