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

Abstract

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

Description

Information Terminal, Communication System, Information Processing Method, and Program

[0001] This disclosure relates to an information terminal and the like.

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

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 6692035

[0004] The lighting control system described in Patent Document 1 can prevent an unintended lighting fixture from being mapped by operating a terminal device (i.e., an information terminal) under the lighting fixture (i.e., a wireless device) to be 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 need time to identify the detected lighting fixtures, and the mapping work will be time-consuming.

[0005] The present invention provides an information terminal and the like that can improve the efficiency of the work of mapping wireless devices.

[0006] An information terminal according to an aspect of the present invention includes a wireless communication unit that communicates with each of a plurality of wireless devices and measures the reception intensity of a first wireless signal transmitted from each of the plurality of wireless devices, a display unit, an information processing unit, and a storage unit. The information processing unit displays a plurality of icons corresponding to the plurality of wireless devices on the display unit, transmits a second wireless signal to the wireless 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 wireless device, and associates the identification information of the wireless device with the installation position of the wireless device based on an operation by the user for registering the installation position of the wireless device whose control state has been changed, and registers the association in the storage unit. The plurality of icons include information regarding the measured reception intensity of the first wireless signal, are classified into a plurality of groups, and are arranged for each group and displayed on the display unit.

[0007] A communication system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises the information terminal and the plurality of wireless devices.

[0008] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing method performed by an information terminal having a display unit and a storage unit, wherein the information terminal communicates with a plurality of wireless devices and measures the received strength of a first wireless signal transmitted from each of the plurality of wireless devices, and the information processing method includes the steps of: displaying a plurality of icons corresponding to the plurality of wireless devices on the display unit; transmitting a second wireless signal to a wireless device corresponding to an icon selected by the user from among the plurality of icons to change the control state of the wireless device; and registering the identification information of the wireless device and the installation location of the wireless device in association with each other in the storage unit based on an operation by the user to register the installation location of the wireless device whose control state has been changed, wherein the plurality of icons include information relating to the measured received strength of the first wireless signal, are classified into a plurality of groups, and are displayed on the display unit arranged according to the group.

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

[0010] The information terminals and other devices disclosed herein can improve the efficiency of wireless device mapping work.

[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 information terminal 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 information terminal in step S103 of Figure 5A. Figure 8A is a diagram showing an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the display unit of the information terminal before step S206 of Figure 5A is executed. Figure 8B is a diagram showing an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the display unit of the information terminal when step S206 of Figure 5A 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 information terminal in step S114 of Figure 9. Figure 11 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the display order of multiple icons displayed on the initial setup screen. Figure 12 shows a second modified example of the display order of multiple icons shown on the initial setup screen. Figure 13 shows a first modified example of the display configuration of information regarding the received strength of the first radio signal. Figure 14 shows a second modified example of the display configuration of information regarding the received strength of the first radio signal. Figure 15 is a flowchart of operation example 1 for the information processing unit to display some of the multiple icons on the display unit. Figure 16 is a flowchart of operation example 2 for the information processing unit to display some of the multiple icons on the display unit. Figure 17 shows an example of the initial setup screen when some of the multiple icons are displayed on the display unit. Figure 18 is a flowchart of 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 19 shows an example of the initial setup screen when the 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 an information terminal 30. In Figure 1, an example is shown in which the communication system 10 comprises a plurality of lighting fixtures 20 and an information terminal 30, but the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 is an example of a plurality of wireless 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 wireless 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 is, for example, control information for controlling the lighting fixture 20 to turn on, turn off, or dim. In addition, if the mesh network includes environmental sensors, as described later, the measured values ​​(sensing information) from 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 information terminals 30, and is, for example, a wireless communication circuit. After the lighting fixture 20 joins the mesh network, the wireless communication unit 21 performs communication 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 performs individual wireless communication with information terminals 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 implemented by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element, but may also be implemented 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 information terminal 30 will be described. The information terminal 30 is a terminal device 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 information terminal 30 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, tablet, or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). The information terminal 30 may also be a dedicated remote controller used in the communication system 10. Specifically, the information terminal 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 information terminal 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 or Bluetooth® mesh.

[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 information terminal 30 and the lighting fixtures 20. For example, the closer the distance between the information terminal 30 and the lighting fixtures 20, the stronger the received strength of the first wireless signal, and the farther the distance between the information terminal 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 according to the type (device type) of the wireless 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". The information indicating the type of lighting fixture 20 (device type) is included in the first radio signal transmitted from each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20.

[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 information terminal 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 information terminal 30 can build 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 the detection phase S10, the identification and registration phase S20, and the configuration 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 information terminal 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 information terminal 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 the user selecting the device registration icon 321 on the display screen of 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 words "Dimming," "Color Adjustment," or "Color" shown on the planned installation icons are the equipment types of the lighting fixtures 20 that are planned to be installed in advance. 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 information terminal 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 information processing unit 34 displays an icon of the lighting fixture 20 that is the source of the received beacon signal on the display unit 32 (S103). Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the display unit 32 of the information terminal 30 in step S103 of Figure 5A. As shown in Figure 7, the initial setup screen displays multiple icons 322 corresponding to multiple lighting fixtures 20 that are the sources of the beacon signal, arranged in a horizontal row. The text such as "Dimming" shown above each icon 322 is the equipment type of the lighting fixture 20, and the string of characters such as "L001" shown below each icon 322 is the identification number of the lighting fixture 20 assigned by the information processing unit 34.

[0036] At step S103, the arrangement of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 is known, but the location of each lighting fixture 20 is unknown. In other words, at step S103, the installation location of the lighting fixtures 20 is not associated with the identification information of the lighting fixtures 20.

[0037] The processes described above in steps S101 to S103 constitute the processes performed in the detection phase S10. Next, the processes performed in the identification and registration phase S20 will be described.

[0038] Returning to the explanation in Figure 5A, the operation reception unit 31 receives a selection operation from the user for one of the multiple icons 322 (S201). The selection operation is, for example, a tap operation on one of the multiple icons 322 on the display screen in Figure 7. Based on the selection operation received by the operation reception unit 31, the information processing unit 34 establishes a communication connection between the lighting fixture 20 (hereinafter also referred to as the target lighting fixture 20) corresponding to the selected icon 322 and the wireless communication unit 33 (S202), and starts individual communication (one-to-one communication) with the target lighting fixture 20. The information processing unit 34 causes the wireless communication unit 33 to send a blinking command to the lighting fixture 20 (S203). The blinking command is sent, for example, after the selection operation on the display screen in Figure 7, triggered by the reception of a tap operation on the blinking icon 323. In step S203, the blinking command that the information processing unit 34 causes the wireless communication unit 33 to send corresponds to the second wireless signal.

[0039] The flashing command is a signal to selectively flash the target lighting fixture 20. When the target lighting fixture 20 receives the flashing command, it flashes (S204). This allows the user to identify the target lighting fixture 20. The flashing of the target lighting fixture 20 in step S204 corresponds to a change in the control state of the wireless device 20.

[0040] The user visually confirms the actual installation location of the flashing light fixture 20 (S205) and specifies the installation location of the flashing light fixture 20 on the map image 324 (for example, one installation icon from among multiple installation icons). The operation reception unit 31 receives the user's operation to specify the installation location of the light fixture 20 in the map image 324 (S206). Figure 8A shows an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the display unit 32 of the information terminal 30 before step S206 of Figure 5A is executed, and Figure 8B shows an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the display unit 32 of the information terminal 30 when step S206 of Figure 5A is executed.

[0041] 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 a display screen on which a selection icon 325 is shown near the planned installation icon on the display unit 32. 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 S206.

[0042] Returning to the description in FIG. 5A, when receiving the designation operation in step S206, the information processing unit 34 associates the identification information indicated by the icon 322 selected in step S201 with the installation position (coordinates) designated in step S206 and stores (registers) it in the storage unit 35 (S207). Further, the information processing unit 34 cancels the display of the icon 322 for which the association has been completed (S208). That is, the number of the plurality of icons 322 displayed in step S103 is reduced by one. Then, the information processing unit 34 releases the communication connection with the target lighting fixture 20 (S209).

[0043] The processing of steps S201 to S209 is repeated until the association between all the icons 322 (identification information) displayed in step S103 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, a plurality of lighting fixtures 20 are registered in the information terminal 30.

[0044] The processing of steps S201 to S209 described above is the processing performed in the identification and registration phase S20. Next, the processing performed in the setting phase S30 will be described. The processing performed in the setting phase S30 is a processing also called provisioning or the like.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5B, based on an operation such as an operation for designating one of the lighting fixtures 20 received by the operation reception unit 31, the information processing unit 34 of the information terminal 30 communicatively connects the designated lighting fixture 20 and the wireless communication unit 33 (S301), and starts 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 (S302). The lighting fixture 20 receives the setting information and stores it in the storage unit 23 provided in the lighting fixture 20 (S303).

[0046] The setting information is information for the lighting fixture 20 to participate in the mesh network. The setting 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 setting information includes, as necessary, a security passcode (authentication information) used for communication within the mesh network, information regarding the radio communication frequency channel, and identification information of the information terminal 30 that performed the initial setting operation. The lighting fixture 20 in which the setting information is stored in the storage unit 23 can participate in the mesh network.

[0047] When the storage of the setting information is completed, the lighting fixture 20 transmits a setting completion notification to the information terminal 30 (S304). When the information processing unit 34 of the information terminal 30 receives the setting completion notification by the wireless communication unit 33, it releases the communication connection with the lighting fixture 20 communicatively connected in step S301 (S305).

[0048] The processes of steps S301 to S305 are repeated until all the lighting fixtures 20 participate in the mesh network. The lighting fixture 20 that has participated in the mesh network stops the periodic transmission of the beacon signal that it was performing before participation.

[0049] The processes of steps S301 to S305 described above are the processes (also referred to as setting processes) performed in the setting phase S30.

[0050] Note that the processing in step S209 and step S301 can be omitted. In other words, the processing in steps S302 to S305 may be performed without disconnecting the communication connection in step S209.

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

[0052] In the initial setup operation described above, the order of the identification and registration phase S20 and the setup phase S30 may be reversed. That is, steps S301 to S305 may be executed first, followed by steps S201 to S209. In such a case, during the setup phase S30, the information terminal 30 communicates individually with any one of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 that are the source of the beacon signal received in step S102. Also, during the identification and registration phase S20, the information terminal 30 wirelessly connects with one lighting fixture 20 that has joined the mesh network set up in the setup phase S30, and communicates with multiple lighting fixtures 20 through the mesh network.

[0053] [Initial setup operation according to the embodiment] As described in step S205 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.

[0054] To address these challenges, a configuration can be considered 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 can be considered in which the information processing unit 34 displays multiple icons 322, including information regarding the reception strength of the first wireless signal, on the initial setup screen.

[0055] More specifically, when the information terminal 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 information terminal 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.

[0056] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7 above, the information terminal 30 displays multiple icons 322 on the initial setup screen regardless of the equipment type of the lighting fixture 20; in other words, it displays multiple icons 322 on the initial setup screen without any regularity. As a result, if a user wants to set the same settings for each equipment type of lighting fixture 20, they need to search for the icon 322 of the same equipment type among the multiple icons 322 displayed on the initial setup screen, which can make the setup process complicated.

[0057] To address these challenges, when displaying multiple icons 322 corresponding to multiple lighting fixtures 20 on the display unit 32, a configuration can be considered in which the information processing unit 34 classifies the multiple icons 322 into multiple groups and rearranges the multiple icons 322 so that each group of icons 322 is displayed on the initial setup screen. For example, a configuration can be considered in which the information processing unit 34 classifies the multiple icons 322 according to the equipment type of the lighting fixture 20 and rearranges the multiple icons 322 so that each equipment type of icon 322 is displayed on the initial setup screen.

[0058] More specifically, the information terminal 30 identifies the equipment type of the lighting fixture 20 according to the information indicating the equipment type of the lighting fixture 20 included in the first wireless signal, and rearranges the multiple icons 322 so that multiple icons 322 are displayed on the initial setup screen for each equipment type. By arranging the multiple icons 322 in groups, the user can perform the initial setup operation for each lighting fixture 20 that requires the same type of setting registration, and the setup work can be simplified, thus reducing the working time. Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing the initial setup operation according to this embodiment.

[0059] The processing in steps S101 to S102 is as described above. After step S102, the wireless communication unit 33 measures the received strength of the first wireless signal (S111). The information processing unit 34 identifies the equipment type of the lighting fixture 20 according to the information indicating the equipment type of the lighting fixture 20 included in the first wireless signal (S112) and classifies them into multiple groups (i.e., by equipment type) (S113). Then, the information processing unit 34 displays multiple icons 322 arranged on the display unit 32 for each group classified in step S113 (S114). Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the display unit 32 of the information terminal 30 in step S114 of Figure 9.

[0060] As shown in Figure 10, the multiple icons 322 are displayed in groups (specifically, by device type). In the example shown in Figure 10, the information processing unit 34 displays the icons 322 of device type "color tuning" as the first group 322a, the icons 322 of device type "color" as the second group 322b, and the icons 322 of device type "dimming" as the third group 322c. In other words, the information processing unit 34 rearranges the multiple icons 322 according to the groups classified in step S113 of Figure 9 and displays them on the display unit 32.

[0061] Furthermore, the information processing unit 34 indicates, for example, information regarding the reception strength of the first radio signal (i.e., the difference in the reception 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 reception strength of the first radio signal is shown according to the number of antennas, with a larger number of antennas indicating a stronger reception strength of the first radio signal. In other words, an icon 322 containing a symbol with a large number of antennas means that the reception strength of the first radio signal is high (i.e., the distance between the information terminal 30 and the lighting fixture 20 is small), and an icon 322 containing a symbol with a small number of antennas means that the reception strength of the first radio signal is low (i.e., the distance between the information terminal 30 and the lighting fixture 20 is far).

[0062] The processes described above in steps S101 to S102 and steps S111 to S114 are the processes performed in the detection phase S10 of the initial setup operation according to this embodiment. The processes performed in the identification and registration phase S20 and the setting phase S30 are the same as the processes performed in the identification and registration phase S20 and the setting phase S30 of the initial setup operation according to the comparative example described above, so their explanation is omitted.

[0063] In this way, in step S114 described above, the information processing unit 34 displays a plurality of icons 322 containing information about the received strength of the measured first wireless signal on the display unit 32 in groups. This makes it easier for the user to predict the installation location of the target lighting fixture 20 when visually inspecting the target lighting fixture 20, thereby shortening the time required for the setup work. Furthermore, since the information terminal 30 displays icons 322 of lighting fixtures 20 that require similar setup registration in groups, it reduces the effort required for the user to search for the same type of equipment icon 322 among multiple icons 322, thereby simplifying the user's setup work.

[0064] 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.

[0065] Similarly, although an example was shown in which the information processing unit 34 classifies and displays multiple lighting fixtures 20 into three groups, it may also classify and display them into two groups, or further classify and display them into four or more groups. In other words, the information processing unit 34 only needs to classify and display multiple lighting fixtures 20 into n groups (where n is a natural number of 2 or more).

[0066] [Display Order of Multiple Icons] The information processing unit 34 may display the multiple icons 322 on the initial setup screen in a display order other than that shown in Figure 10. Figure 11 shows a first modified example of the display order of the multiple icons 322 displayed on the initial setup screen. Specifically, an example will be described in which the information processing unit 34 changes the display order of multiple groups according to the number of icons contained in each of the multiple groups.

[0067] As shown in Figure 11, the information processing unit 34 displays the icons 322 included in the third group on the display unit 32 first. In other words, the information processing unit 34 displays the icons in order from the group with the most icons 322 included in each group. Specifically, the information processing unit 34 displays the icons 322 on the display unit 32 in the order of the third group 322c, the first group 322a, and the second group 322b.

[0068] The information processing unit 34 may also display the icons 322 in order from the group with the fewest number of icons 322 in it. In other words, the information processing unit 34 may display multiple icons 322 on the display unit 32 in the order of the second group 322b, the first group 322a, and the third group 322c.

[0069] As explained above, the information terminal 30 can display a more user-friendly initial setup screen to the user by changing the display order of multiple groups according to the number of icons 322 included in each group.

[0070] Figure 12 also shows a second modified example of the display order of multiple icons 322 displayed on the initial setup screen. Specifically, the information processing unit 34 will explain an example in which it displays multiple icons 322 classified into the same group in order of the strength of the received signal strength of the measured first radio signal.

[0071] As shown in Figure 12, the information processing unit 34 displays, for example, the icons 322 included in the first group 322a on the display unit 32 in order of the strength of the received first wireless signal. As described above, the information terminal 30 can display a more user-friendly initial setup screen to the user by displaying multiple icons 322 classified in the same group in order of the strength of the measured received first wireless signal.

[0072] Furthermore, if there are two or more icons 322 classified within the same group that have the same received strength of the first radio signal, the information processing unit 34 will arrange and display the two or more icons 322 in a predetermined order. For example, the information processing unit 34 may arrange and display the two or more icons 322 in order of identification numbers such as MAC addresses, or in alphabetical order based on the names assigned to the lighting fixtures 20.

[0073] [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.

[0074] Figure 13 shows a first modified example of the display method for information regarding the received strength of the first radio signal. As shown in Figure 13, 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 13, 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 information terminal 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 information terminal 30 and the lighting fixture 20 is far).

[0075] Figure 14 shows a second modified example of the display method for information regarding the received strength of the first radio signal. As shown in Figure 14, 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 14), yellow (hatched horizontal lines in Figure 14), and red (hatched dots in Figure 14). In the example shown in Figure 14, 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 information terminal 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 information terminal 30 and the lighting fixture 20 is far).

[0076] 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, 13, or 14. For example, the information processing unit 34 may display a table (display screen) on the display unit 32 that associates multiple icons 322 with the measured information regarding the received strength of the first radio signal. The display screen may be displayed, for example, as a pop-up (overlaid display) on the initial settings screen.

[0077] [Modification of the initial setup screen] In step S114 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 15 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.

[0078] 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).

[0079] 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).

[0080] Figure 16 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.

[0081] 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).

[0082] 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).

[0083] Figure 17 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 17, 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 wireless device 20 installed nearby when visually confirming the target wireless device 20, and the setup time can be shortened.

[0084] [Updating Multiple Icons] The information terminal 30 may update multiple icons 322 containing information about the reception strength of the first radio signal in real time by continuously receiving the first radio signal. Whether or not the information terminal 30 updates multiple icons 322 in real time may be set as appropriate by the user.

[0085] 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 18 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.

[0086] 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).

[0087] 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.

[0088] Furthermore, a specific example of the initial setup screen when multiple icons 322 are updated by the information processing unit 34 will be described.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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 19, the information processing unit 34 may display the new icon 322 in a darker color when it was displayed on the initial setup screen, and the old icon 322 in a lighter color (grayed out) when it was displayed on the initial setup screen. Figure 19 is a diagram showing an example of the initial setup screen when multiple icons 322 have been updated.

[0091] As described above, the information terminal 30 updates the display unit 32 with multiple icons 322 containing information about the reception strength of the first wireless signal, for example, when the user operating the information terminal 30 moves. This allows the information terminal 30 to provide the user with the latest information.

[0092] [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 information terminal 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 information terminal 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 information terminal 30 (hereinafter also referred to as the second distance) as the estimated distance.

[0093] 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 information terminal 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.

[0094] 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 information terminal 30. In order to calculate the second distance, the information processing unit 34 calculates, in addition to the first distance, the distance between the information terminal 30 and the floor (hereinafter also referred to as the third distance) and the distance between the information terminal 30 and the ceiling (hereinafter also referred to as the fourth distance).

[0095] The information processing unit 34 may, for example, assume that the information terminal 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 information terminal 30 has a function to calculate the distance between the information terminal 30 and the floor, the information processing unit 34 may set the value calculated by that function as the third distance.

[0096] 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 entered by the user into the information terminal 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 entered value. If the information terminal 30 has a function to calculate the distance between the information terminal 30 and the ceiling, the information processing unit 34 may set the value calculated by that function to be the fourth distance.

[0097] 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 information terminal 30.

[0098] As explained above, by displaying information regarding the estimated distance of the lighting fixture 20 on the information terminal 30, the user can more easily predict the installation location of the target wireless device 20 when visually inspecting the target wireless device 20, thereby shortening the setup time.

[0099] [Other Modifications] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the multiple wireless devices 20 were multiple lighting fixtures 20, but they do not have to be multiple lighting fixtures 20. The multiple wireless devices 20 may be multiple lighting fixtures 20 and multiple other devices, or they may be multiple other devices alone.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] [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.

[0105] Invention 1 is an information terminal 30 comprising a wireless communication unit 33 that communicates with each of a plurality of wireless devices 20 and measures the received strength of a first wireless signal transmitted from each of the plurality of wireless devices 20, a display unit 32, an information processing unit 34, and a storage unit 35. The information processing unit 34 displays a plurality of icons 322 corresponding to the plurality of wireless devices 20 on the display unit 32, transmits a second wireless signal via the wireless communication unit 33 to the wireless device 20 corresponding to the icon 322 selected by the user from the plurality of icons 322 to change the control state of the wireless device 20, and registers the identification information of the wireless device 20 and the installation position of the wireless device 20 in association with each other based on the user's operation to register the installation position of the wireless device 20 whose control state has been changed in the storage unit 35. The plurality of icons 322 include information on the measured received strength of the first wireless signal, are classified into a plurality of groups, and are displayed on the display unit 32 arranged by group.

[0106] Since the information terminal 30 displays multiple icons 322 containing information about the reception strength of the first wireless signal on the display unit 32, the user can more easily predict the installation location of the target wireless device 20 by visually inspecting the target wireless device 20, thereby shortening the setup time. Furthermore, since the information terminal 30 displays icons 322 of wireless devices 20 that require similar setup registration in groups, the user has less trouble searching for the same type of icon 322 among multiple icons 322, simplifying the user's setup work. As a result, the information terminal 30 can improve the efficiency of the mapping work of wireless devices 20.

[0107] Invention 2 is an information terminal 30 of Invention 1, wherein the information processing unit 34 changes the display order of multiple groups according to the number of icons 322 included in each of the multiple groups.

[0108] Such an information terminal 30 can display a more user-friendly initial setup screen to the user by changing the display order of multiple groups according to the number of icons contained in each group.

[0109] Invention 3 is an information terminal 30 of Invention 1 or Invention 2, in which the information processing unit 34 displays a plurality of icons 322 classified into the same group in order of the strength of the measured reception intensity of the first wireless signal.

[0110] Such an information terminal 30 can display a more user-friendly initial setup screen to the user by arranging multiple icons 322 classified in the same group in order of the strength of the measured reception of the first wireless signal.

[0111] Invention 4 is an information terminal 30 of Invention 3, in which, if there are two or more icons with the same received strength of the first radio signal among a plurality of icons 322 classified in the same group, the information processing unit arranges and displays two or more icons in a predetermined order.

[0112] Such an information terminal 30 displays icons 322 with the same received strength of the first wireless signal in a predetermined order, thus providing the user with an even more user-friendly initial setup screen.

[0113] Invention 5 is an information terminal 30 of any of Inventions 1 to 3, wherein the first radio signal transmitted from each of the multiple wireless devices 20 includes information indicating the type of wireless device 20, and the information processing unit 34 classifies the multiple icons 322 into multiple groups according to the information indicating the type of wireless device 20.

[0114] Such an information terminal 30 classifies multiple icons 322 into multiple groups according to information indicating the type of wireless device, so that multiple icons 322 can be displayed side by side according to the type of wireless device 20.

[0115] Invention 6 is a communication system 10 comprising an information terminal 30 from any of Inventions 1 to 5 and a plurality of wireless devices 20.

[0116] Such a communication system 10 provides the same effects and benefits as the information terminal 30 described above.

[0117] Invention 7 is a control method executed by an information terminal 30 comprising a display unit 32 and a storage unit 35, wherein the information terminal 30 communicates with each of a plurality of wireless devices 20, measures the received strength of a first wireless signal transmitted from each of the plurality of wireless devices 20, and the information processing method includes the steps of displaying a plurality of icons 322 corresponding to the plurality of wireless devices 20 on the display unit 32 (S114), transmitting a second wireless signal to the wireless device 20 corresponding to an icon 322 selected by the user from the plurality of icons 322 to change the control state of the wireless device 20 (S202 to S203), and registering the identification information of the wireless device 20 and the installation location of the wireless 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 wireless device 20 whose control state has been changed (S206 to S207), wherein the plurality of icons 322 include information on the measured received strength of the first wireless signal, are classified into a plurality of groups, and are displayed on the display unit 32 arranged by group.

[0118] This information processing method displays multiple icons 322 containing information about the reception strength of the first wireless signal on the display unit 32, making it easier for the user to predict the installation location of the target lighting fixture 20 when visually inspecting the fixture, thereby shortening the setup time. Furthermore, the information terminal 30 displays icons 322 of lighting fixtures 20 that require similar setup registration in groups, reducing the effort required for the user to search for the same type of device icon 322 among multiple icons 322, and simplifying the user's setup work. As a result, the information processing method can improve the efficiency of the mapping work of wireless devices 20.

[0119] Invention 8 is a program for causing the information terminal 30 to execute the information processing method of Invention 7.

[0120] Such programs produce similar effects to the information processing methods described above.

[0121] (Other Embodiments) Although information terminals and the like according to one or more embodiments have been described above based on the embodiments, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Without departing from the spirit of this disclosure, various modifications that a person skilled in the art could conceive of may be applied to the embodiments described above, or forms constructed by combining components from different embodiments may also be included within the scope of one or more embodiments.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the information terminal according to the above embodiment may be realized by a processor such as a CPU executing a program.

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 10 Communication system 20 Lighting fixture (wireless equipment) 30 Information terminal 32 Display unit 322 Icon 33 Wireless communication unit 34 Information processing unit 35 Storage unit

Claims

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

2. The information processing unit changes the display order of the plurality of groups according to the number of icons contained in each of the plurality of groups, as described in claim 1.

3. The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the information processing unit displays a plurality of icons classified into the same group in order of the strength of the measured reception intensity of the first wireless signal.

4. The information terminal according to claim 3, wherein the information processing unit, when there are two or more icons among the plurality of icons classified in the same group that have the same received strength of the first wireless signal, arranges and displays the two or more icons in a predetermined order.

5. The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the first wireless signal transmitted from each of the plurality of wireless devices includes information indicating the type of wireless device, and the information processing unit classifies the plurality of icons into the plurality of groups according to the information indicating the type of wireless device.

6. A communication system comprising an information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and the plurality of wireless devices.

7. An information processing method performed by an information terminal comprising a display unit and a storage unit, wherein the information terminal communicates with a plurality of wireless devices, measures the received strength of a first wireless signal transmitted from each of the plurality of wireless devices, and the information processing method includes the steps of: displaying a plurality of icons corresponding to the plurality of wireless devices on the display unit; transmitting a second wireless signal to a wireless device corresponding to an icon selected by the user from among the plurality of icons to change the control state of the wireless device; and registering the identification information of the wireless device and the installation location of the wireless device in association with each other in the storage unit based on an operation by the user to register the installation location of the wireless device whose control state has been changed, wherein the plurality of icons include information relating to the measured received strength of the first wireless signal, are classified into a plurality of groups, and are displayed on the display unit arranged according to the group.

8. A program for causing the information terminal to execute the information processing method described in claim 7.

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