Setting terminal, communication device, communication system, setting method, and program

Abstract

A setting terminal (30) for performing settings related to a plurality of communication devices (20) having functions constituting a wireless network (40) comprises a control unit (322) that performs setting on a communication device (20), which is transmitting a detection signal at predetermined first intervals when not belonging to the wireless network (40), such that a detection signal is transmitted at second intervals larger than the first intervals when the communication device belongs to the wireless network (40).

Description

Setting Terminal, Communication Device, Communication System, Setting Method, and Program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a setting terminal, a communication device, a communication system, a setting method, and a program.

[0002] Techniques for configuring a mesh network using communication devices such as lighting fixtures having a wireless communication function are known. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for allowing a communication device to participate in a mesh network using an information terminal.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2023-104468

[0004] When performing settings for a communication device to participate in a mesh network, it is necessary to communicate between the information terminal and the communication device. Generally, in order to start such communication, the information terminal detects the communication device as a communication partner by receiving a beacon signal transmitted by the communication device.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a setting terminal, a communication device, a communication system, a setting method, and a program that enable a user to more efficiently perform setting operations for communication devices.

[0006] One aspect of the setting terminal according to the present disclosure is a setting terminal for performing settings related to a plurality of communication devices having a function of configuring a wireless network, the setting terminal transmitting a detection signal at a predetermined first interval when not belonging to the wireless network, and setting to transmit the detection signal at a second interval greater than the first interval when belonging to the wireless network to one of the plurality of communication devices. The setting terminal includes a control unit.

[0007] Another aspect of the setting terminal according to the present disclosure is a setting terminal for performing settings related to a plurality of communication devices having a function of configuring a wireless network, the setting terminal transmitting a detection signal at a predetermined first intensity to a communication device that is transmitting the detection signal at the first intensity when not belonging to the wireless network, and setting to transmit the detection signal at a second intensity lower than the first intensity when belonging to the wireless network. The setting terminal includes a control unit.

[0008] Furthermore, one embodiment of the communication device relating to this disclosure is a communication device among a plurality of communication devices having functions to constitute a wireless network, and includes a beacon communication unit that transmits a detection signal at a predetermined first interval when the communication device does not belong to the wireless network, and transmits the detection signal at a second interval that is larger than the first interval when the communication device belongs to the wireless network.

[0009] Furthermore, one embodiment of the communication system relating to this disclosure comprises a plurality of communication devices having functions that constitute a wireless network, and the above-mentioned setting terminal.

[0010] Furthermore, one aspect of the setting method relating to this disclosure is a setting method performed by a setting terminal for setting up a plurality of communication devices having functions that constitute a wireless network, and includes a control step of setting a communication device that transmits a detection signal at a predetermined first interval when it is not part of the wireless network to transmit the detection signal at a second interval that is larger than the first interval when it is part of the wireless network.

[0011] Furthermore, this disclosure can be implemented not only as the above-described setting method, but also as a program that causes a computer to execute the above-described setting method. Moreover, it can also be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium that stores that program.

[0012] According to the configuration terminal, communication equipment, communication system, configuration method, and program described herein, users can perform configuration tasks on communication equipment more efficiently.

[0013] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a network diagram of the communication system according to an embodiment. Figure 3 is a sequence diagram showing the initial setup operation of the communication equipment in the communication system according to an embodiment. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the setting terminal after setup according to an embodiment. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the communication equipment according to a modified example 1 of the embodiment.

[0014] (Embodiments) Hereinafter, embodiments of the setting terminal, communication equipment, communication system, setting method, and program relating to this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are all preferred specific examples of this disclosure. The numerical values, components, arrangement positions and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not described in an independent claim will be described as any component constituting a preferred configuration.

[0015] 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.

[0016] Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc., in this disclosure do not mean the number or order of components, etc., but are used for the purpose of avoiding confusion and distinguishing similar components, etc.

[0017] [Configuration] First, the configuration of the communication system according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the communication system 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 10 comprises a plurality of communication devices 20 and a setting terminal 30.

[0018] In the communication system 10, each of the multiple communication devices 20 has a wireless communication function, and the multiple communication devices 20 constitute a wireless mesh network (hereinafter also simply referred to as a mesh network) when the user completes the initial setup operation using the setting terminal 30. The user is, for example, a setter such as a company that sets up the wireless mesh network. The wireless mesh network is an example of a wireless network. Figure 2 is a network diagram of the communication system 10 according to an embodiment.

[0019] In Figure 2, each circle represents a single communication device 20 (in other words, a communication node). In the mesh network 40, when information is transmitted from one communication node (also referred to as the first communication node) to another communication node (also referred to as the 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.

[0020] The mesh network 40 has communication paths pre-configured to allow information to be distributed to communication nodes belonging to the mesh network 40. When the first communication node unicasts information including the address information (destination information) of the second communication node based on the configured communication path, other communication nodes belonging to the same mesh network 40 as the first communication node that receive this information further unicast the received information based on the configured communication path. In other words, the other communication nodes relay the information. As this relaying of information is repeated within the same mesh network 40, the second communication node can receive the information transmitted by the first communication node.

[0021] Furthermore, the first communication node may broadcast information containing the address information (destination information) of the second communication node, and each of the other communication nodes belonging to the same mesh network 40 as the first communication node that receives this information may relay the received information and broadcast it again. By repeating such relaying of information within the same mesh network 40, the information transmitted by the first communication node will reach all communication nodes belonging to the same mesh network 40 as the first communication node. Therefore, the second communication node can receive the information transmitted by the first communication node.

[0022] The information transmitted through the wireless network 40 is, for example, control information for controlling the lighting fixtures (on / off, dimming, color temperature, color control, or light distribution) if the multiple communication devices 20 include lighting fixtures. If the multiple communication devices 20 include environmental sensors, information indicating the measured values ​​of the environmental sensors (sensing information), etc., is transmitted through the wireless network 40. If the multiple communication devices 20 include cameras, speakers, or other devices, video, images, audio, other information, or control values ​​are transmitted.

[0023] Furthermore, for example, the information transmitted through the wireless network 40 is the configuration information sent by the configuration terminal 30. The configuration information includes control group configuration information, control scene configuration information, network information, etc. The control group information indicates a group of communication devices 20 that perform the same control, and the control scene configuration information indicates the content of the control performed by the communication device 20. The network information is the information necessary for the communication device 20 to communicate within the mesh network 40. The network information includes the network ID of the mesh network 40 and the address information of the communication device 20 used for communication within the mesh network 40, etc.

[0024] In the communication system 10, wireless communication (hereinafter also simply referred to as communication) between multiple communication devices 20 is performed, for example, according to a first communication protocol for a mesh network 40. The first communication protocol is, for example, Bluetooth® mesh.

[0025] On the other hand, the configuration terminal 30, indicated by a square in Figure 2, does not belong to the mesh network 40 and cannot communicate with multiple communication devices 20 using the first communication protocol. However, the configuration terminal 30 is equipped with a communication function using a second communication protocol for one-to-one communication. The second communication protocol is a different protocol from the first communication protocol, and is, for example, BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy). Note that the first and second communication protocols may be communication protocols that use the same frequency band (for example, the 2.4 GHz band).

[0026] Returning to Figure 1, the communication device 20 and the setting terminal 30 will now be described.

[0027] The communication device 20 can be any device capable of communicating with devices other than the communication device 20, for example, a lighting fixture. Alternatively, the communication device 20 may be a lighting-related device such as a lighting remote controller or an AC relay, or it may be a device not directly related to lighting, such as an environmental sensor, camera, motion sensor, or air conditioner. Furthermore, the device that becomes the communication device 20 may be a device having two or more of the individual functions of the aforementioned devices, and the type of device that becomes the communication device 20 is not particularly limited.

[0028] The communication device 20 has its network information configured by the configuration terminal 30 and joins the mesh network 40. The communication device 20 stores network information necessary for belonging to the mesh network 40. The network information includes the network ID of the mesh network 40 and the address information of the communication device 20 used for communication within the mesh network 40.

[0029] Furthermore, a lighting fixture, which is an example of a communication device 20, will be described. The lighting fixture is a base light or the like, installed on the ceiling of an indoor space to illuminate the indoor space. As described above, each of the multiple lighting fixtures, which are multiple communication devices 20, has a wireless communication function. The multiple lighting fixtures join the mesh network 40 to form the mesh network 40. The form of the communication device 20 is not particularly limited and may be a ceiling light, downlight, spotlight, etc.

[0030] The communication device 20 specifically comprises a communication unit 21, an information processing unit 22, a storage unit 23, a function unit 24, and a beacon communication unit 25.

[0031] The communication unit 21 is a wireless communication circuit that enables communication equipment 20 to communicate wirelessly (more specifically, via radio waves) with other communication equipment 20 and the configuration terminal 30. After communication equipment 20 joins the mesh network 40, the communication unit 21 communicates with other communication equipment 20 through the mesh network 40 using a first communication protocol. The communication unit 21 also communicates one-to-one with the configuration terminal 30 using a second communication protocol. The communication standards used for wireless communication by the communication unit 21 are specifically BLE or Bluetooth® mesh, etc.

[0032] The information processing unit 22 performs information processing and other operations necessary for the operation of the communication device 20. For example, the information processing unit 22 causes the beacon communication unit 25 to broadcast a detection signal at predetermined intervals. The information processing unit 22 also operates the communication device 20 by controlling, for example, the function unit 24. The information processing unit 22 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 22 are realized by the execution of a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 23 by the hardware, such as a microcomputer or processor, that constitutes the information processing unit 22. Specifically, the information processing unit 22 includes an acquisition unit 221, a control unit 222, a determination unit 223, and an output unit 224.

[0033] The acquisition unit 221 acquires setting information from the setting terminal 30. The acquisition unit 221 also acquires control information transmitted, for example, through the mesh network 40.

[0034] The control unit 222 executes control based on the control information acquired by the acquisition unit 221 and the setting information stored in the storage unit 23.

[0035] The determination unit 223 determines whether or not the communication device 20 belongs to the mesh network 40.

[0036] The output unit 224 transmits the control signals acquired by the acquisition unit 221 to other communication devices 20 via the mesh network 40.

[0037] The memory unit 23 is a storage device that stores various information necessary for the operation of the communication device 20, such as the configuration information of the mesh network 40. The memory unit 23 stores the configuration information set by the configuration terminal 30 during the initial setup operation described later. The memory unit 23 is implemented by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0038] The functional unit 24 is a device for realizing the functions of the communication device 20 during its operation. In other words, the functions of the communication device 20 are realized by the information processing unit 22 controlling the functional unit 24. For example, if the communication device 20 is a lighting device, the functional unit 24 is a light source. The light source irradiates the indoor space with white light so that the communication device 20, which is a lighting device, can illuminate the indoor space. The light source 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 (Electroluminescence), or inorganic EL.

[0039] The beacon communication unit 25 is a wireless communication circuit for the communication device 20 to transmit a detection signal to its surroundings. The beacon communication unit 25 transmits the detection signal, for example, using a broadcast method. The detection signal is also called a beacon signal or an advertised signal. When the setting terminal 30 receives the detection signal transmitted by the beacon communication unit 25, the communication device 20 and the setting terminal 30 can communicate. During periods when the communication device 20 does not belong to the mesh network 40, in other words, during periods when the setting terminal 30 has not made any settings related to the mesh network 40, the beacon communication unit 25 transmits a detection signal at a predetermined first interval. The length of the first interval is, for example, 200 ms. The length of the first interval should be short enough so that the setting terminal 30 can detect the communication device 20 in a relatively short time, and the length of the first interval is not particularly limited here.

[0040] The configuration terminal 30 is an information terminal used by a user to build a mesh network 40 by adding or removing communication devices 20 from the mesh network 40. The configuration terminal 30 is also used by a user to configure the multiple communication devices 20 that make up the mesh network 40. Furthermore, the configuration terminal 30 is also used by a user to control the multiple communication devices 20 that make up the mesh network 40. The user here is, for example, the installer who performed the installation work of the multiple communication devices 20, but it may be any other user. The user may be, for example, the administrator of the communication system 10.

[0041] The setting terminal 30 is implemented by, for example, a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet, or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). Alternatively, the setting terminal 30 may be a dedicated remote controller used in the communication system 10. Specifically, the setting terminal 30 comprises a communication unit 31, an information processing unit 32, a storage unit 33, an operation reception unit 34, and a display unit 35.

[0042] The communication unit 31 is a communication circuit for the setting terminal 30 to communicate (more specifically, wirelessly communicate) with the communication device 20. The communication unit 31 communicates with the communication device 20 using the second communication protocol. The communication standard of the communication performed by the communication unit 31 is, for example, BLE.

[0043] The information processing unit 32 performs information processing according to the user operation received by the setting terminal 30 via the operation reception unit 34. The information processing unit 32 performs, for example, information processing related to the process of allowing the communication device 20 to join the mesh network 40. Here, the process of allowing the communication device 20 to join the mesh network 40 is, as an example, a process of storing network information related to the mesh network 40 in the communication device 20. The network information is information necessary for communication in the mesh network 40. Further, the information processing unit 32 performs, for example, information processing related to the process of detaching the communication device 20 from the mesh network 40. Here, the detaching process is, as an example, a process of changing or deleting the network information stored in the communication device 20 when the communication device 20 joins the mesh network 40. The information processing unit 32 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The function of the information processing unit 32 is realized by hardware such as a microcomputer or a processor constituting the information processing unit 32 executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 33. Specifically, the information processing unit 32 includes an acquisition unit 321, a control unit 322, and an output unit 323.

[0044] The acquisition unit 321 acquires the user operation received by the operation reception unit 34 and the like.

[0045] The control unit 322 executes information processing for causing the communication device 20 to execute various controls and information processing for allowing the communication device 20 to join the mesh network 40 and the like.

[0046] The output unit 323 transmits setting information to the communication device 20. The setting information includes network information.

[0047] The storage unit 33 is a storage device that stores information necessary for information processing such as computer programs executed by the information processing unit 32. The storage unit 33 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory or the like. The computer program stored in the storage unit 33 includes a dedicated application program for transmitting setting information for causing the setting terminal 30 to cause the communication device 20 to participate in the mesh network 40.

[0048] The operation reception unit 34 receives the user's operation. The operation reception unit 34 is realized by, for example, a touch panel or the like.

[0049] The display unit 35 displays various images. The various images are, for example, images necessary for the process of causing the communication device 20 to participate in the mesh network 40 and the process of detaching from the mesh network 40. The display unit 35 is realized by, for example, a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel.

[0050] [Initial setting operation] The setting terminal 30 can construct the wireless network 40 by performing an initial setting operation. Here, the initial setting operation will be described. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing the initial setting operation of the communication device 20 in the communication system 10 according to the embodiment.

[0051] The initial setting operation is performed, for example, after a plurality of communication devices 20 are installed on the ceiling by an installer.

[0052] First, before the communication device 20 participates in the wireless network 40, it transmits a detection signal at a first interval using the beacon communication unit 25 (S11). Each of the plurality of communication devices 20 broadcasts and transmits the detection signal at the first interval. The length of the first interval is, for example, 200 ms. The length of the first interval may be short enough for the setting terminal 30 to detect the communication device 20 in a relatively short time, and here, the length of the first interval is not particularly limited.

[0053] For example, when the setting terminal 30 receives a start operation from the user via the operation reception unit 34 to instruct the start of the initial setup operation, the communication unit 31 of the setting terminal 30 receives a detection signal. Each of the multiple communication devices 20 transmits a detection signal that includes identification information for identifying the communication device 20. The identification information is, for example, a MAC (Media Access Control) address, but any identification information that can identify the communication device 20 is acceptable. The detection signal also includes information indicating the type of communication device 20.

[0054] Next, the setting terminal 30 transmits a connection signal to one of the communication devices 20 that are the source of the detection signal received using the communication unit 31, in order to establish a one-to-one communication connection with that communication device 20 (S12). For example, when a user selects the communication device using the operation reception unit 34 from the list of communication devices 20 that are the source of the detection signal displayed on the display unit 35, a connection signal is transmitted to that communication device 20.

[0055] When the connection signal is received by the communication device 20, the communication device 20 and the setting terminal 30 begin communicating.

[0056] The configuration terminal 30 registers the communication device 20 with the wireless network 40 (S13). The process of registering the communication device 20 with the wireless network 40 includes, for example, a process of associating information for identifying the communication device 20 with the wireless network 40, and a process of associating map information with the location information of the communication device 20.

[0057] The configuration terminal 30 transmits configuration information to the communication device 20 using the communication unit 31 (S14). The configuration information includes network information for the wireless network 40. Furthermore, the configuration information includes information to cause the beacon communication unit 25 to transmit a detection signal at a second interval while the communication device 20 belongs to the wireless network 40. Here, the length of the second interval can be appropriately determined, for example, by user input to the configuration terminal 30. The second interval is, for example, 850 ms.

[0058] Furthermore, for example, the second interval is approximately four times the length of the first interval. The second interval only needs to be long enough to reduce radio interference caused by the detection signal.

[0059] Furthermore, for example, the second interval is shorter than five times the length of the first interval. The second interval may be short enough so as not to make the time required for detection by the communication device 20 transmitting the detection signal too long. Here, the length of the second interval is not particularly limited.

[0060] Upon receiving the configuration information, the communication device 20 joins the wireless network 40 (S15). The control unit 222 stores the received configuration information in the storage unit 23 and performs communication on the wireless network 40 based on the configuration information. After allowing the communication device 20 to join the wireless network 40, the configuration terminal 30 disconnects communication with the communication device 20.

[0061] Furthermore, after the communication device 20 joins the wireless network 40, but before disconnecting communication with the communication device 20, the user can use the setting terminal 30 to change the length of the second interval of the detection signal transmitted by the communication device 20.

[0062] After joining the wireless network 40, the communication device 20 transmits a detection signal at a second interval using the beacon communication unit 25 (S16).

[0063] With the above operation, the configuration terminal 30 can reduce the frequency at which the communication device 20 transmits detection signals while the communication device 20 belongs to the wireless network 40. With this operation, while maintaining communication between the configuration terminal 30 and the communication device 20 belonging to the wireless network 40, wireless interference caused by detection signals transmitted by the communication device 20 can be reduced, so that the user can perform the configuration work of the communication device 20 more efficiently.

[0064] In this case, in order to maintain a state where the configuration terminal 30 and the communication devices 20 belonging to the wireless network 40 can communicate, it is sufficient that at least one communication device 20 that is configured to transmit a detection signal at a second interval using the beacon communication unit 25 belongs to the wireless network 40. In other words, it may include a communication device 20 that stops transmitting a detection signal by the beacon communication unit 25.

[0065] The control unit 322 may configure other communication devices 20 that transmit detection signals at predetermined first intervals when they are not part of the wireless network 40 to stop transmitting detection signals when they are part of the wireless network 40. For example, in the process of step S14 described above, the control unit 322 configures other communication devices 20 to stop transmitting detection signals when they are part of the wireless network 40 by including in the configuration information information to stop the beacon communication unit 25 from transmitting detection signals, rather than information to cause the beacon communication unit 25 to transmit detection signals at second intervals.

[0066] As a result, other communication devices 20 belonging to the wireless network 40 stop transmitting detection signals, thereby further reducing wireless interference.

[0067] Here, in order to maintain a state in which the setting terminal 30 and the communication devices 20 belonging to the wireless network 40 can communicate, the control unit 322 determines, based on predetermined conditions, at least one communication device 20 from among the multiple communication devices 20 belonging to the wireless network 40 to transmit a detection signal at a second interval.

[0068] The predetermined condition is, for example, the signal strength of the detection signal received by the setting terminal 30. For example, the control unit 322 sets the communication device 20 that transmitted the detection signal with the highest signal strength among the multiple detection signals received by the communication unit 31 to transmit the detection signal at a second interval.

[0069] Furthermore, the predetermined condition is, for example, the type of equipment of the communication device 20. In other words, the predetermined condition is the role of the communication device 20 within the wireless network 40. The setting terminal 30, and the control unit 322, determine the communication device 20 to which detection signals are transmitted at the second interval based on information indicating the type of equipment of the communication device 20 included in the multiple detection signals received by the communication unit 31. Specifically, the predetermined condition may be, for example, that the communication device 20 is equipment that plays a specific role, such as a gateway device or a scheduler device.

[0070] The specified conditions may include, for example, that the communication device 20 is a device that does not perform a specific role such as a gateway device or a scheduler device. This reduces the load on the gateway device or scheduler device.

[0071] Furthermore, the at least one communication device 20 that transmits the detection signal at the second interval may be automatically determined by the control unit 322, or it may be determined by the user's selection. In other words, the control unit 322 may determine the communication device 20 that transmits the detection signal at the second interval based on the user's input.

[0072] Such a configuration terminal 30 can maintain a state where it can communicate with the wireless network 40, while also making it easier to establish a communication connection between the configuration terminal 30 and the wireless network 40.

[0073] [Operation after configuration] The configuration terminal 30 according to this embodiment can change the settings of the wireless network 40 after the wireless network 40 has been established. Changing the settings of the wireless network 40 includes changing the setting of the interval of the detection signal transmitted by the communication device 20. The operation of such a configuration terminal 30 after configuration will be described below. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the configuration terminal 30 according to this embodiment after configuration.

[0074] First, the configuration terminal 30 configures the wireless network 40 (S21). The configuration terminal 30 configures the wireless network 40 using the operation described above with reference to Figure 3.

[0075] In this case, if you want to change the settings of the wireless network 40, it is necessary to communicate between the wireless network 40 and the setting terminal 30.

[0076] For example, the configuration terminal 30 receives a detection signal transmitted at a second interval by a communication device 20 belonging to the wireless network 40, and transmits a connection signal to the communication device 20 for one-to-one communication establishment. When the connection signal is received by the communication device 20, the communication device 20 and the configuration terminal 30 begin communication. In this way, the wireless network 40 and the configuration terminal 30 can begin communication.

[0077] After the wireless network 40 and the configuration terminal 30 begin communication, the configuration terminal 30 sets the interval for the detection signals transmitted by the communication equipment 20 belonging to the wireless network 40 (S22).

[0078] For example, the setting terminal 30 configures the communication device 20, which has stopped transmitting detection signals, to transmit detection signals at a second interval. For example, the control unit 322 transmits a signal to the communication device 20, which has stopped transmitting detection signals, to start transmitting detection signals at a second interval. This signal can be transmitted through the wireless network 40.

[0079] Furthermore, for example, the setting terminal 30 changes the length of the second interval. For example, the control unit 322 changes the length of the second interval based on user input and applies the change by transmitting the changed setting information to the communication device 20. In addition, the changed setting information can be applied to the communication device 20 belonging to the wireless network 40 by transmitting it through the wireless network 40.

[0080] Furthermore, for example, when the setting terminal 30 controls the communication device 20 to leave the wireless network 40, it sets the communication device 20 to transmit a detection signal at a first interval. For example, when the control unit 322 transmits a departure request signal to the communication device 20 based on user input, it transmits a signal to the communication device 20 to start transmitting a detection signal at a first interval. The departure request signal is a signal to cause the communication device 20 to leave the wireless network 40, and includes information for identifying the communication device 20 to leave, such as the identification number of the communication device 20 to leave. When a departure is performed, for example, a process is executed to change or erase the setting information stored in the storage unit 23 of the communication device 20 when the communication device 20 joins the wireless network 40. Such a setting terminal 30 can be set to increase the frequency of transmission of the detection signal when the communication device 20 leaves the wireless network 40. With such a setting terminal 30, it is possible to easily detect a communication device 20 that no longer belongs to the wireless network 40.

[0081] With the above-described operation, the configuration terminal 30 can change the settings of the wireless network 40 after the wireless network 40 has been established.

[0082] [Modification 1] In the above embodiment, the settings for the detection signal transmitted by the communication device 20 were made by the setting terminal 30. However, the communication device 20 may change the frequency of transmission of the detection signal based on whether or not it belongs to the wireless network 40. The operation of Modification 1 of such a communication device 20 will be described below. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the communication device 20 according to Modification 1 of the embodiment.

[0083] First, the determination unit 223 determines whether or not the communication device 20 belongs to the wireless network 40 (S31). For example, the determination unit 223 determines that the communication device 20 belongs to the wireless network 40 if the setting information for the wireless network 40 is stored in the storage unit 23.

[0084] If it is determined that the device belongs to the wireless network 40 (Yes in S31), the communication device 20 transmits a detection signal at a second interval (S32). Specifically, the control unit 222 uses the beacon communication unit 25 to transmit a detection signal at a second interval. In other words, if the communication device 20 belongs to the wireless network 40, it reduces the frequency of transmitting the detection signal.

[0085] If it is determined that the device does not belong to the wireless network 40 (No in S31), the communication device 20 transmits a detection signal at a first interval (S35). Specifically, the control unit 222 uses the beacon communication unit 25 to transmit a detection signal at a first interval. In other words, if the communication device 20 does not belong to the wireless network 40, it increases the frequency of transmitting the detection signal.

[0086] Next, the determination unit 223 determines whether or not a withdrawal request signal has been received (S33). Receiving a withdrawal request signal means receiving a withdrawal request signal addressed to the communication device 20, and does not simply mean receiving a withdrawal request signal addressed to another communication device 20 for transmission.

[0087] If it is determined that a withdrawal request signal has been received (Yes in S33), the process proceeds to step S35, and the communication device 20 transmits a detection signal at the first interval. At this time, the control unit 222 modifies or erases the setting information stored in the storage unit 23.

[0088] If it is determined that no disconnection request signal has been received (No in S33), the determination unit 223 determines whether the communication device 20 has disconnected from the wireless network 40 due to, for example, a communication failure (S34). Specifically, the determination unit 223 determines that the communication device 20 has disconnected from the wireless network 40 if it has not received any signals from other communication devices 20 belonging to the wireless network 40 for a predetermined period of time. The length of the predetermined period is, for example, one hour, but it may also be two hours or one day, and the length of the predetermined period is not limited here. Signals from other communication devices 20 include, for example, control information, signals for sharing time among multiple communication devices 20 belonging to the wireless network 40, and signals for confirming whether communication in the wireless network 40 is being carried out normally.

[0089] If it is determined that the device has left the wireless network 40 (Yes in S34), the process proceeds to step S35, and the communication device 20 transmits a detection signal at the first interval.

[0090] If it is determined that the device has not left the wireless network 40 (No in S34), the process returns to step S33. In other words, if the communication device 20 belongs to the wireless network 40, it continues to transmit a detection signal at the second interval until it leaves the wireless network 40.

[0091] With this operation, the communication device 20 reduces the frequency at which it transmits detection signals while it is part of the wireless network 40 compared to when it is not part of the wireless network 40. This makes it possible to reduce wireless interference caused by detection signals transmitted by the communication device 20 while maintaining communication between the configuration terminal 30 and the communication device 20 belonging to the wireless network 40.

[0092] Furthermore, since the communication device 20 can increase the frequency of transmitting detection signals when it leaves the wireless network 40, users can more easily reconnect the setting terminal 30 and the communication device 20 when reconfiguring the communication device 20 using the setting terminal 30.

[0093] [Modification 2] In the above embodiment, the control unit 322 of the setting terminal 30 is configured to transmit the detection signal that the beacon communication unit 25 transmits at a first interval when the communication device 20 does not belong to the wireless network 40, at a second interval which is longer than the first interval when the communication device 20 belongs to the wireless network 40.

[0094] However, the control unit 322 of the setting terminal 30 may configure the communication device 20, which transmits a detection signal at a predetermined first intensity when it is not part of the wireless network 40, to transmit a detection signal at a second intensity lower than the first intensity when it is part of the wireless network 40.

[0095] In other words, instead of reducing the transmission frequency of the detection signal transmitted by the communication device 20, the transmission output of the detection signal transmitted by the communication device 20 may be reduced.

[0096] With such a configuration terminal 30, it is possible to maintain communication between the configuration terminal 30 and the communication device 20 belonging to the wireless network 40, while reducing wireless interference caused by detection signals transmitted by the communication device 20.

[0097] Furthermore, reducing the transmission frequency of the detection signal and lowering the transmission output may be done in combination.

[0098] [Effects, etc.] The technologies derived from the disclosures in this specification include, for example, the following. The technologies derived from the disclosures in this specification will be described below, along with the effects, etc., that can be obtained by such technologies.

[0099] Technology 1 is a setting terminal 30 for configuring a plurality of communication devices 20 having functions that constitute a wireless network 40, and includes a control unit 322 that configures one of the plurality of communication devices 20, which transmits a detection signal at a predetermined first interval when it is not part of the wireless network 40, to transmit the detection signal at a second interval that is greater than the first interval when it is part of the wireless network 40.

[0100] Such a configuration terminal 30 reduces the frequency with which the communication device 20 transmits detection signals while the communication device 20 belongs to the wireless network 40. This reduces wireless interference caused by detection signals transmitted by the communication device 20 while maintaining communication between the configuration terminal 30 and the communication device 20 belonging to the wireless network 40. Therefore, with such a configuration terminal 30, the user can perform configuration work on the communication device 20 more efficiently.

[0101] Technology 2 is a setting terminal 30 for Technology 2, in which the control unit 322 sets other communication devices 20 that transmit detection signals at predetermined first intervals when they are not part of the wireless network 40 to stop transmitting detection signals when they are part of the wireless network 40.

[0102] Such a configuration terminal 30 can be configured to reduce the frequency with which it transmits detection signals while the communication device 20 belongs to the wireless network 40. This reduces wireless interference caused by the detection signals transmitted by the communication device 20.

[0103] Technology 3 is a setting terminal 30 of Technology 2, in which the control unit 322 determines, based on predetermined conditions, at least one communication device 20 from among a plurality of communication devices 20 belonging to the wireless network 40 to transmit a detection signal at a second interval.

[0104] In this configuration terminal 30, at least one of the multiple communication devices 20 belonging to the wireless network 40 transmits a detection signal at a second interval. Therefore, this configuration terminal 30 can maintain a state in which it can communicate with the wireless network 40.

[0105] Technology 4 is a setting terminal 30 of Technology 3, in which the setting terminal 30 is equipped with a communication unit 31 that receives detection signals transmitted by multiple communication devices 20, and the control unit 322 sets the communication device 20 that transmitted the detection signal with the highest radio wave intensity among the multiple detection signals received by the communication unit 31 to transmit the detection signal at a second interval.

[0106] Such a configuration terminal 30 can maintain a state where it can communicate with the wireless network 40, while also making it easier to establish a communication connection between the configuration terminal 30 and the wireless network 40.

[0107] Technology 5 is a setting terminal of Technology 3, wherein the setting terminal 30 includes a communication unit 31 that receives detection signals transmitted by multiple communication devices 20, and the control unit 322 determines which communication device 20 transmits the detection signal at a second interval based on information indicating the type of communication device 20 included in the multiple detection signals received by the communication unit 31.

[0108] Such a configuration terminal 30 can determine which communication device 20 transmits a detection signal to maintain a state where the configuration terminal 30 and the wireless network 40 can communicate, according to the role of the communication device 20 within the wireless network 40.

[0109] Technology 6 is a setting terminal 30 of Technology 3, in which the control unit 322 determines the communication device 20 that transmits a detection signal at a second interval based on user input.

[0110] Such a configuration terminal 30 can determine, based on user input, a communication device 20 that transmits a detection signal to maintain a state where the configuration terminal 30 and the wireless network 40 can communicate.

[0111] Technology 7 is a setting terminal 30 of any of technologies 1 to 6, in which the control unit 322 sets up the communication device 20 by sending a signal to the communication device 20 to start sending a detection signal at a second interval.

[0112] Such a configuration terminal 30 can instruct the communication device 20, which is transmitting a detection signal at the first interval, to transmit a detection signal at the second interval.

[0113] Technology 8 is a setting terminal 30 of any of technologies 1 to 7, in which the control unit 322 determines the length of the second interval period based on user input.

[0114] Such a configuration terminal 30 can change the transmission frequency of the detection signal by the communication device 20 to an arbitrary length.

[0115] Technology 9 is a setting terminal 30 of any of technologies 1 to 8, which, when the control unit 322 controls the communication device 20 to disconnect from the wireless network 40, sets the communication device 20 to transmit a detection signal at a first interval.

[0116] Such a configuration terminal 30 can be configured to increase the frequency of transmission of a detection signal when a communication device 20 is disconnected from the wireless network 40. With such a configuration terminal 30, it is possible to easily detect a communication device 20 that is no longer part of the wireless network 40.

[0117] Technology 10 is a setting terminal 30 of any of technologies 1 to 9, wherein the second interval is shorter than a period five times the length of the first interval.

[0118] Since such a setting terminal 30 can be configured so as not to reduce the transmission frequency of the detection signal of the communication device 20 too much, the time required to detect the communication device 20 that transmits the detection signal at the second interval cannot be made too long.

[0119] Technology 11 is a setting terminal 30 of any of technologies 1 to 10, wherein multiple communication devices 20 constitute a wireless network 40 using a first communication method, transmit a detection signal using a second communication method different from the first communication method, and the setting terminal 30 communicates with one of the multiple communication devices 20 using the second communication method.

[0120] Such a configuration terminal 30 can communicate with the communication device 20 using a communication standard different from the communication used in the wireless network 40.

[0121] Technology 12 is a setting terminal 30 for configuring a plurality of communication devices 20 having functions that constitute a wireless network 40, and includes a control unit 322 that configures a communication device 20 that transmits a detection signal at a predetermined first intensity when it is not part of the wireless network 40, to transmit a detection signal at a second intensity lower than the first intensity when it is part of the wireless network 40.

[0122] Such a configuration terminal 30 reduces the transmission output of the detection signal transmitted by the communication device 20 while the communication device 20 belongs to the wireless network 40. This reduces wireless interference caused by the detection signal transmitted by the communication device 20 while maintaining communication between the configuration terminal 30 and the communication device 20 belonging to the wireless network 40. Therefore, with such a configuration terminal 30, the user can perform the configuration work of the communication device 20 more efficiently.

[0123] Technology 13 is a communication device 20 which is one of a plurality of communication devices 20 having functions to constitute a wireless network 40, and is equipped with a beacon communication unit 25 that transmits a detection signal at a predetermined first interval when the communication device 20 does not belong to the wireless network 40, and transmits a detection signal at a second interval which is greater than the first interval when the communication device 20 belongs to the wireless network 40.

[0124] Such a communication device 20 reduces the frequency at which it transmits detection signals while it is part of the wireless network 40. This reduces wireless interference caused by detection signals transmitted by the communication device 20 while maintaining communication between the configuration terminal 30 and the communication device 20 belonging to the wireless network 40. With such a communication device 20, the user can perform configuration work on the communication device 20 more efficiently.

[0125] Technology 14 further includes a determination unit 223 that determines whether or not the communication device 20 belongs to the wireless network 40, and the beacon communication unit 25 transmits a detection signal at a second interval when the determination unit 223 determines that the communication device 20 belongs to the wireless network 40, and is the communication device 20 of Technology 13.

[0126] Such a communication device 20 can determine whether or not it belongs to the wireless network 40, and if it is determined to belong to the network, it can reduce the frequency of transmission of the detection signal.

[0127] Technology 15 further includes a determination unit 223 that determines whether or not the communication device 20 belongs to the wireless network 40, and the beacon communication unit 25 transmits a detection signal at a first interval when the determination unit 223 determines that the communication device 20 does not belong to the wireless network 40, and is the communication device 20 of Technology 13 or 14.

[0128] Such a communication device 20 can determine whether or not it belongs to the wireless network 40, and if it is determined that it does not belong to the network, it can increase the frequency of transmission of the detection signal.

[0129] Technology 16 is a communication device 20 according to Technology 15, in which the determination unit 223 determines that the communication device 20 has left the wireless network 40 if it does not receive any signals from other communication devices 20 belonging to the wireless network 40 for a predetermined period of time when the communication device 20 belongs to the wireless network 40.

[0130] Such a communication device 20 can determine whether or not it has disconnected from the wireless network 40 based on whether or not it is intermittently able to acquire some information transmitted via the wireless network 40.

[0131] Technology 17 is a communication system 10 comprising a plurality of communication devices 20 having the function of constituting a wireless network 40, and a setting terminal 30 that is one of technologies 1 to 6.

[0132] In such a communication system 10, the configuration terminal 30 configures the communication device 20 to reduce the frequency with which it transmits detection signals while it is part of the wireless network 40. This reduces wireless interference caused by detection signals transmitted by the communication device 20 while maintaining communication between the configuration terminal 30 and the communication device 20 belonging to the wireless network 40. Therefore, with such a communication system 10, the user can perform the configuration work of the communication device 20 more efficiently.

[0133] Technology 18 is a setting method executed by a setting terminal 30 for setting up a plurality of communication devices 20 having functions that constitute a wireless network 40, and includes a control step of setting a communication device 20 that transmits a detection signal at a predetermined first interval when it is not part of the wireless network 40, to transmit the detection signal at a second interval that is greater than the first interval when it is part of the wireless network 40.

[0134] This configuration method reduces the frequency with which the communication device 20 transmits detection signals while it is part of the wireless network 40. This reduces wireless interference caused by detection signals transmitted by the communication device 20 while maintaining communication between the configuration terminal 30 and the communication device 20 belonging to the wireless network 40. Therefore, this configuration method allows the user to perform the configuration work of the communication device 20 more efficiently.

[0135] Technology 19 is a program that causes the setting terminal 30 to execute the setting method of Technology 18.

[0136] Such a program can help users perform the configuration of the communication device 20 more efficiently.

[0137] (Other Embodiments) Although embodiments have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0138] For example, in the above embodiment, the communication system was implemented by multiple devices. When a communication system is implemented by multiple devices in this way, the components of the communication system (especially the functional components) may be distributed among the multiple devices in any manner.

[0139] Furthermore, the method of communication between devices in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. In addition, relay devices (such as gateway devices), which are not shown, may be involved in the communication between devices.

[0140] Furthermore, 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.

[0141] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also 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.

[0142] Furthermore, each component may be implemented by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or they may be separate circuits. Also, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0143] 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 in any combination of systems, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

[0144] Furthermore, this disclosure may be implemented as a communication method executed by a computer, such as the communication system of the above embodiment, or as a program (in other words, a computer program product) that causes a computer to execute the communication method. Alternatively, this disclosure may be implemented as a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0145] Furthermore, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art could conceive, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0146] 10 Communication system 20 Communication equipment 223 Judgment unit 25 Beacon communication unit 30 Setting terminal 31 Communication unit 322 Control unit 40 Mesh network (wireless network)

Claims

1. A setting terminal for configuring multiple communication devices having the function of constituting a wireless network, comprising a control unit that transmits a detection signal at a predetermined first interval when the communication device is not part of the wireless network, and that configures one of the multiple communication devices to transmit the detection signal at a second interval greater than the first interval when the device is part of the wireless network.

2. The setting terminal according to claim 1, wherein the control unit sets other communication devices, different from the one communication device, which transmit a detection signal at a predetermined first interval when they are not part of the wireless network, to stop transmitting the detection signal when they are part of the wireless network.

3. The setting terminal according to claim 2, wherein the control unit determines, based on predetermined conditions, at least one communication device from among the plurality of communication devices belonging to the wireless network to transmit the detection signal at the second interval.

4. The setting terminal according to claim 3, wherein the setting terminal comprises a communication unit that receives detection signals transmitted by the plurality of communication devices, and the control unit configures the communication device that transmitted the detection signal with the highest radio wave intensity among the plurality of detection signals received by the communication unit to transmit the detection signal at the second interval.

5. The setting terminal according to claim 3, wherein the setting terminal comprises a communication unit that receives detection signals transmitted by the plurality of communication devices, and the control unit determines which communication device transmits the detection signals at the second interval based on information indicating the type of communication device included in the plurality of detection signals received by the communication unit.

6. The setting terminal according to claim 3, wherein the control unit determines a communication device that transmits the detection signal at the second interval based on user input.

7. The setting terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit sets up the communication device by transmitting a signal to start transmitting the detection signal at the second interval.

8. The setting terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit determines the length of the second interval period based on user input.

9. The setting terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit configures the communication device to transmit the detection signal at a first interval when it controls the communication device to disconnect from the wireless network.

10. The setting terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second interval is shorter than a period five times the length of the first interval.

11. The setting terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of communication devices constitute the wireless network using a first communication method, transmit the detection signal using a second communication method different from the first communication method, and the setting terminal communicates with one of the plurality of communication devices using the second communication method.

12. A configuration terminal for configuring multiple communication devices having the function of constituting a wireless network, comprising a control unit that configures a communication device that transmits a detection signal at a predetermined first intensity when it is not part of the wireless network, to transmit the detection signal at a second intensity lower than the first intensity when it is part of the wireless network.

13. A communication device, one of a plurality of communication devices having the function of constituting a wireless network, comprising a beacon communication unit that transmits a detection signal at a predetermined first interval when the communication device does not belong to the wireless network, and transmits the detection signal at a second interval greater than the first interval when the communication device belongs to the wireless network.

14. The communication device according to claim 13, further comprising a determination unit for determining whether or not the communication device belongs to the wireless network, wherein the beacon communication unit transmits the detection signal at the second interval when the determination unit determines that the communication device belongs to the wireless network.

15. The communication device according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising a determination unit for determining whether or not the communication device belongs to the wireless network, wherein the beacon communication unit transmits the detection signal at the first interval when the determination unit determines that the communication device does not belong to the wireless network.

16. The communication device according to claim 15, wherein the determination unit determines that the communication device has left the wireless network if, when the communication device belongs to the wireless network, it does not receive any signals from other communication devices belonging to the wireless network for a predetermined period of time.

17. A communication system comprising a plurality of communication devices having the function of constituting a wireless network, and a setting terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

18. A setting method to be performed by a setting terminal for setting up multiple communication devices having functions to constitute a wireless network, the setting method including a control step of setting a communication device that transmits a detection signal at a predetermined first interval when it is not part of the wireless network to transmit the detection signal at a second interval that is larger than the first interval when it is part of the wireless network.

19. A program that causes the setting terminal to execute the setting method described in claim 18.

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