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

Abstract

An information terminal (30) comprises: a wireless communication unit (33) that performs wireless communication with a lighting fixture (20); a display unit (32) that displays a setting screen for a user to designate the color temperature and the color deviation of light that is emitted by the lighting fixture (20); and an information processing unit (34) that uses the wireless communication unit (33) to transmit, to the lighting fixture (20), setting information for causing the lighting fixture (20) to emit light that has the color temperature and the color deviation that have been designated by the user. The information processing unit (34) presents to the user, on the setting screen, color temperatures and color deviations that cannot be realized by the lighting fixture (20).

Description

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

[0008] ,

[0007] , ,

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a lighting control device that communicates with a lighting fixture via a network.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-059492

[0004] A user who uses the lighting control device described in Patent Document 1 makes settings such as specifying the color temperature and color deviation of the light emitted by the lighting fixture. However, there are cases where the lighting fixture cannot achieve the color temperature and color deviation of the light specified by the user. Specifically, a difference may occur between the color temperature and color deviation of the light specified by the user and the color temperature and color deviation of the light that the lighting fixture can achieve.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides an information terminal and the like that can prevent a difference from occurring between the color temperature and color deviation of the light specified by the user and the color temperature and color deviation of the light that the lighting fixture can achieve.

[0006] An information terminal according to an aspect of the present invention includes a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with a lighting fixture, a display unit on which a setting screen for a user to specify the color temperature and color deviation of the light emitted by the lighting fixture is displayed, and an information processing unit that transmits setting information for causing the lighting fixture to emit light having the color temperature and color deviation specified by the user to the lighting fixture using the wireless communication unit. The information processing unit presents the setting screen to the user in a manner that conveys to the user the color temperature and color deviation that the lighting fixture cannot achieve on the setting screen.

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

[0008] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing method performed by an information terminal equipped with a display unit that displays a setting screen for a user to specify the color temperature and color deviation of light emitted by a lighting fixture, the method comprising: a wireless communication step of performing wireless communication with a lighting fixture; and an information processing step of transmitting setting information to the lighting fixture for emitting light with the color temperature and color deviation specified by the user, wherein in the information processing step, the setting screen is presented to the user in such a manner that the user is informed of color temperatures and color deviations that the lighting fixture cannot achieve.

[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 be designed to prevent discrepancies between the settings set on the lighting fixture and the actual illumination light.

[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 flowchart showing an overview of the initial setup operation. Figure 4A is a first sequence diagram of the initial setup operation. Figure 4B is a second sequence diagram of the initial setup operation. Figure 5 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 4A. Figure 6 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 4A. Figure 7A 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 4A is executed. Figure 7B 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 4A is executed. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the operation when the information processing unit presents the user with a color temperature or color deviation that cannot be achieved by the lighting fixture. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the setting screen when the information processing unit presents the user with a color deviation that cannot be achieved by the lighting fixture in step S402 of Figure 9. Figure 11 shows an example of a setting screen when the information processing unit presents the user with a color temperature that cannot be achieved by the lighting fixture in step S402 of Figure 9. Figure 12 shows an example of a setting screen when the display of the OK button is changed. Figure 13 shows an example of a setting conditions screen for accepting settings for the range of light color temperature and color deviation that the lighting fixture can achieve for each equipment type.

[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.

[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 or chromatic 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 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.

[0027] The memory unit 35 is a storage device that stores information necessary for information processing, such as computer programs executed by the information processing unit 34. The memory unit 35 is implemented, for example, by semiconductor memory. The computer programs stored in the memory unit 35 include dedicated application programs (also called dedicated apps) for operating the information terminal 30 as either a configuration terminal or a control terminal.

[0028] [Initial Setup Operation] Next, the initial setup operation will be described. The information terminal 30 can build a mesh network by performing the initial setup operation. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an overview of the initial setup operation. As shown in Figure 3, 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 4A and 4B are sequence diagrams of the initial setup operation. The initial setup operation shown in Figures 4A and 4B 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.

[0029] 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 5 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 4A. As shown in Figure 5, the initial setup screen displays a device registration icon 32a that accepts an instruction from the user to start the initial setup operation. In other words, by the user selecting the device registration icon 32a on the display screen of Figure 5, the operation reception unit 31 receives a start operation from the user.

[0030] Furthermore, the display screen in Figure 5 also shows a map image 32d. The map image 32d is a view from above of the area where multiple lighting fixtures 20 are installed. In the example in Figure 5, 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 32d based on location information entered by the user. In other words, the map image 32d is an image showing the installation locations of multiple lighting fixtures 20. The map image 32d 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 word "Dimming" shown on the planned installation icons is the equipment type of the lighting fixture 20 that is planned to be installed in advance. The same applies to Figures 6, 7A, and 7B thereafter.

[0031] Returning to the explanation in Figure 4A, 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. 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.

[0032] 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 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 S103 of Figure 4A. As shown in Figure 6, the initial setup screen displays multiple icons 32b corresponding to multiple lighting fixtures 20 that are sources of the beacon signal, arranged in a horizontal row. The word "Dimming" shown above each icon 32b is the equipment type of the lighting fixture 20, and the string of characters such as "L001" shown below each icon 32b is the identification number of the lighting fixture 20 assigned by the information processing unit 34.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] Returning to the explanation in Figure 4A, the operation reception unit 31 receives a selection operation from the user for one of the multiple icons 32b (S201). The selection operation is, for example, a tap operation on one of the multiple icons 32b on the display screen in Figure 6. 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 32b 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 6, triggered by the reception of a tap operation on a blinking icon 32c.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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 32d (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 32d (S206). Figure 7A shows an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the display unit 32 of the information terminal 30 before step S206 of Figure 4A is executed, and Figure 7B shows an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the display unit 32 of the information terminal 30 when step S206 of Figure 4A is executed.

[0038] In the display screen shown in Figure 7A, if the lighting fixture 20 that the user has visually confirmed (in the example of Figure 7A, the lighting fixture 20 corresponding to the icon 32b displayed in inverted black and white) is installed at the location of the planned installation icon with identification number "Temporary L006", for example, the user taps the planned installation icon with identification number "Temporary L006" to select it. When the operation reception unit 31 receives the tap operation from the user, the information processing unit 34 displays a display screen on the display unit 32 as shown in Figure 7B. Specifically, the information processing unit 34 displays a display screen on the display unit 32 showing a selection icon 32e near the planned installation icon. Then, when the user taps the selection icon 32e to select it, the operation reception unit 31 receives the operation to specify the installation location of the lighting fixture 20 in step S206.

[0039] Returning to the explanation in Figure 4A, upon receiving the specified operation in step S206, the information processing unit 34 associates the identification information indicated by the icon 32b selected in step S201 with the installation position (coordinates) specified in step S206 and stores it in the storage unit 35 (S207). The information processing unit 34 also cancels the display of the icon 32b for which the association has been completed (S208). In other words, the number of icons 32b displayed in step S103 decreases by one. Then, the information processing unit 34 disconnects the communication connection with the target lighting fixture 20 (S209).

[0040] The processes in steps S201 to S209 are repeated until all icons 32b (identification information) displayed in step S103 are associated with their installation locations. As a result, the storage unit 35 stores the identification information of multiple lighting fixtures 20 and the corresponding information showing the relationship between their installation locations. In other words, multiple lighting fixtures 20 are registered in the information terminal 30.

[0041] The processes described above in steps S201 to S209 constitute the processes performed in the identification and registration phase S20. Next, the processes performed in the configuration phase S30 will be explained. The processes performed in the configuration phase S30 are also known as provisioning processes.

[0042] As shown in Figure 4B, the information processing unit 34 of the information terminal 30 establishes a communication connection between the designated lighting fixture 20 and the wireless communication unit 33 (S301) based on an operation to specify one of the lighting fixtures 20 received by the operation reception unit 31, 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).

[0043] The setting information is the information for the lighting fixture 20 to join the mesh network. The setting information includes the network ID of the mesh network to which the lighting fixture 20 belongs, and the address information (unicast address) of the lighting fixture 20 used for communication within the mesh network. The setting information may include, as necessary, a security passcode (authentication information) used for communication within the mesh network, information regarding the radio communication frequency channel, and the identification information of the information terminal 30 that performed the initial setting operation, etc. The lighting fixture 20 in which the setting information is stored in the storage unit 23 can join the mesh network.

[0044] 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 connected in communication in step S301 (S305).

[0045] The processes of steps S301 to S305 are repeated until all the lighting fixtures 20 join the mesh network. The lighting fixture 20 that has joined the mesh network stops the periodic transmission of the beacon signal that it was performing before joining.

[0046] The processes of steps S301 to S305 described above are the processes (also referred to as setting processes) performed in the setting phase S30.

[0047] Note that the process of step S209 and the process of step S301 can be omitted. That is, the processes of steps S302 to S305 may be performed without releasing the communication connection in step S209.

[0048] As described above, the information terminal 30 can cause a plurality of lighting fixtures 20 to join the mesh network by performing an initial setting operation. In other words, the information terminal 30 can construct a mesh network.

[0049] In the initial setup operation described above, the identification and registration phase S20 and the setup phase S30 may be swapped. 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 first 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 first 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.

[0050] [Inputting Configuration Information] For example, after completing the initial setup operation described above and before operating the communication system 10, the user inputs configuration information using the information terminal 30 to specify the color temperature and color deviation of the light emitted by the lighting fixture 20. This configuration information includes, for example, information such as the brightness of the light, or the color temperature and color deviation (Duv) of the light. The information terminal 30 performs a process to display a configuration screen for the user to specify the color temperature and color deviation of the light emitted by the lighting fixture 20 in order to transmit this configuration information to the lighting fixture 20. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration screen.

[0051] As shown in Figure 8, the settings screen displays a selection field 32f, a numerical input field 32g, a slider 32h, a color bar 32i, and a confirmation button 32j.

[0052] The selection field 32f is an input area for the user to specify the color deviation of the light emitted by the lighting fixture 20. Specifically, the user specifies the color deviation of the light by tapping the "+" or "-" icon contained in the selection field 32f. At this time, the information processing unit 34 changes the display of the color deviation in the selection field 32f. The information processing unit 34 may also display a table showing multiple color deviations as the selection field 32f. The information processing unit 34 sets, for example, Duv0 (-6), Duv1 (-3), Duv2 (0), Duv3 (+3), and Duv4 (+6) as the color deviations of the light. The numbers in parentheses above are the actual values ​​of the color deviations of the light that are set.

[0053] The numerical input field 32g is an input area for the user to specify the color temperature of the light emitted by the lighting fixture 20. Specifically, the user specifies the color temperature of the light by entering a numerical value in the numerical input field 32g. At this time, the information processing unit 34 changes the position of the slider 32h to the position corresponding to the entered numerical value and displays it.

[0054] The slider 32h is an icon used by the user to specify the color temperature of the light emitted by the lighting fixture 20. Specifically, the user can specify the color temperature of the light by tapping the "+" or "-" icon included in the slider 32h to operate the slider 32h, or by sliding the slider 32h itself. At this time, the information processing unit 34 changes the value in the numerical input field 32g to a value corresponding to the position of the slider 32h and displays it.

[0055] The color bar 32i is an icon that indicates color temperature. The color bar 32i is displayed alongside the slider 32h and shows the color of the light emitted by the lighting fixture 20. Note that the color shown on the color bar 32i and the color of the light emitted by the lighting fixture 20 do not have to be exactly the same.

[0056] The OK button 32j is an icon for receiving setting information from the user to send to the lighting fixture 20. Specifically, when the user taps the OK button 32j to make a selection, the information processing unit 34 sends setting information, including information on the color temperature and color deviation of the light specified by the user, to the lighting fixture 20.

[0057] In the example shown in Figure 8, the information processing unit 34 displays the color deviation in the selection field 32f in five categories, but it may also be displayed in four or fewer categories, or in six or more categories. Also, in the example shown, the color temperature range that the information processing unit 34 can set in the numerical input field 32g and slider 32h is 1800K to 12000K, but the color temperature range may be changed depending on the type of equipment of the lighting fixture 20, etc.

[0058] [Example of setting screen display] As explained above, the information terminal 30 transmits setting information to the lighting fixture 20 to emit light with the color temperature and color deviation specified by the user. However, the lighting fixture 20 may not be able to achieve the color temperature and color deviation specified by the user. Specifically, there may be a difference between the color temperature and color deviation of the light specified by the user and the color temperature and color deviation of the light that the lighting fixture 20 can achieve.

[0059] To address these challenges, the information terminal 30 can be configured to present the user with the above-mentioned setting screen in a manner that communicates to the user the color temperature and color deviation that the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve, thereby preventing any discrepancies between the color temperature and color deviation of the light specified by the user and the color temperature and color deviation of the light that the lighting fixture 20 can achieve. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing unit 34 when it presents to the user the color temperature or color deviation that the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve.

[0060] The information processing unit 34 determines whether or not there is a color temperature or color deviation that the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve (S401).

[0061] If the information processing unit 34 determines that there is a color temperature or color deviation that the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve (Yes in S401), it presents the setting screen to the user in a manner that informs the user of the color temperature or color deviation that the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve (S402). On the other hand, if the information processing unit 34 determines that there is no color temperature or color deviation that the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve (No in S401), it displays the setting screen on the display unit 32 in normal display mode (S403). The setting screen in normal display mode is a setting screen in which no color temperature or color deviation that the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve is presented, and specifically, it is the setting screen shown in Figure 8.

[0062] Specific examples of how the information processing unit 34 presents a settings screen to the user in a manner that conveys to the user a color temperature or color deviation that cannot be achieved by the lighting fixture 20 will be explained using Figures 10 and 11.

[0063] First, a specific example of how the information processing unit 34 presents a settings screen to the user in a manner that communicates color deviations that cannot be achieved by the lighting fixture 20 will be explained. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of a settings screen when the information processing unit 34 presents to the user color deviations that cannot be achieved by the lighting fixture 20 in step S402 of Figure 9. In the example of Figure 10, the case where the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve light with a Duv0 color deviation at a color temperature of 4800K will be explained.

[0064] As shown in Figure 10, the information processing unit 34, for example, displays an "X" mark on the "-" icon in the selection field 32f to inform the user that the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve Duv0 color deviation light at a color temperature of 4800K.

[0065] Note that symbols other than those described above may be used to indicate changes to the user. For example, the information processing unit 34 may hide the "-" icon or gray it out to prevent changes from Duv1 to Duv0 from being accepted.

[0066] Furthermore, when the information processing unit 34 displays a table showing multiple color deviations in a list in the selection field 32f, it may hide or gray out color deviations that the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve in the table.

[0067] Next, a specific example of how the information processing unit 34 presents a setting screen to the user in a manner that conveys to the user a color temperature that cannot be achieved by the lighting fixture 20 will be described. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen when the information processing unit 34 presents to the user a color temperature that cannot be achieved by the lighting fixture 20 in step S402 of Figure 9. In the example of Figure 11, the case where the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve a color temperature in the range of 2000K to 2500K in the color deviation of Duv3 will be explained.

[0068] As shown in Figure 11, the information processing unit 34 presents to the user the color temperature range that the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve by excluding that range from the range that can be set by the slider 32h. Specifically, the information processing unit 34 presents to the user that the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve a color temperature of 2000K to 2500K in the Duv3 color deviation by displaying a cross symbol in a portion of the color bar 32i (the range of 2000K to 2500K). Note that, as in the example in Figure 10, the information processing unit 34 may hide or gray out the relevant portion of the color bar 32i in order to present to the user that the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve a color temperature in the range of 2000K to 2500K. Furthermore, the information processing unit 34 may control the operation reception unit 31 so that it does not accept the input of a numerical value for the color temperature into the numerical input field 32g (so that numerical values ​​for color temperatures that cannot be realized cannot be entered), or it may control the slider 32h for specifying the color temperature so that it does not accept input (so that the slider 32h cannot be moved to a position for a color temperature that cannot be realized).

[0069] As explained above, the information terminal 30 presents the user with color temperatures and color deviations that the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve on its settings screen, so the user can avoid specifying color temperatures and color deviations that the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve.

[0070] [Variations in the display of the settings screen] The information processing unit 34 may also change the display of the OK button 32j when a color temperature or color deviation that cannot be achieved by the lighting fixture 20 is specified. Figure 12 shows an example of the settings screen when the display of the OK button 32j is changed. In the example of Figure 12, the case in which the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve a color temperature in the range of 2000K to 2500K in the color deviation of Duv3 is explained.

[0071] As shown in Figure 12, when the user has set a color temperature that cannot be achieved by the lighting fixture 20 (for example, 2300K), the information processing unit 34 will, for example, display the OK button 32j in gray. In such a case, the information processing unit 34 may also hide the OK button 32j.

[0072] As explained above, when a color temperature or color deviation that cannot be achieved by the lighting fixture 20 is specified on the settings screen, the information terminal 30 can display the OK button 32j in gray or hide it, thereby informing the user of the color temperature and color deviation that the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve.

[0073] [Changing the setting conditions] The information processing unit 34 can display the color temperature and color deviation that the lighting fixture 20 can achieve to the user on the setting screen described above, once the user has set the range of color temperature and color deviation that the lighting fixture 20 can achieve. Figure 13 shows an example of a setting conditions screen for accepting settings of the range of color temperature and color deviation that the lighting fixture 20 can achieve for each equipment type.

[0074] As shown in Figure 13, the settings screen displays a list of settings 32k, a confirmation button 32l, and an edit button 32m.

[0075] The setting conditions list 32k displays the setting conditions for the lighting fixture 20 set by the user. For example, looking at the top column, we can see that lighting fixture 20 with equipment type "A" can achieve light with a color temperature of 1800K to 6000K and a color deviation of Duv0 to Duv4.

[0076] The confirmation button 32l is an icon for registering the setting conditions of the lighting fixture 20 entered by the user. Specifically, when the user taps the confirmation button 32l to select it, the information processing unit 34 stores the entered setting conditions in the storage unit 35.

[0077] The edit button 32m is an icon for changing the setting conditions of the lighting fixture 20 shown in the setting conditions list 32k. Specifically, when the user taps and selects the edit button 32m, the information processing unit 34 switches to a screen that accepts input from the user.

[0078] The user's prior settings described above may be performed, for example, before the initial setup shown in Figures 4A and 4B is executed, or after the initial setup is completed (i.e., during operation of the communication system 10). When the user's prior settings are performed during operation of the communication system 10, for example, this may include adding lighting fixtures of a different type from the lighting fixtures 20 already participating in the mesh network. This allows the information terminal 30 to accept settings for the range of color temperature and color deviation of light for each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20, each with different achievable color temperatures and color deviations. Therefore, even in a mesh network constructed with multiple lighting fixtures 20 having different achievable color temperatures and color deviations, the information terminal 30 can present the user with a setting screen that can be used in common for all of the lighting fixtures 20.

[0079] [Other Modifications] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the communication system 10 comprises a plurality of lighting fixtures 20 and an information terminal 30, but it is not limited to this. Specifically, the communication system 10 may comprise an information terminal 30, a plurality of lighting fixtures 20, and a plurality of other devices.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the color deviation (Duv) conforms to JIS Z 8725:2015.

[0085] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes a case in which the communication system 10 is equipped with multiple lighting fixtures 20, the communication system 10 may be equipped with only one lighting fixture 20.

[0086] [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.

[0087] Invention 1 comprises a wireless communication unit 33 that communicates wirelessly with a lighting fixture 20, a display unit 32 that displays a setting screen for the user to specify the color temperature and color deviation of the light emitted by the lighting fixture 20, and an information processing unit 34 that transmits setting information to the lighting fixture 20 using the wireless communication unit 33 to cause the lighting fixture 20 to emit light with the color temperature and color deviation specified by the user. The information processing unit 34 is an information terminal 30 that presents the setting screen to the user in a manner that conveys to the user color temperatures and color deviations that the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve.

[0088] In such an information terminal 30, the settings screen is presented to the user in a manner that informs the user of color temperatures and color deviations that the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve. As a result, the user can avoid specifying color temperatures and color deviations that the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve.

[0089] Invention 2 is an information terminal 30 of Invention 1, wherein the setting screen is provided with a selection field 32f for specifying color deviations, and the information processing unit 34 either does not display color deviations that the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve in the selection field 32f, or displays color deviations that the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve in gray in the selection field 32f, thereby presenting the user with color deviations that the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve.

[0090] Such an information terminal 30 can show the user color deviations that the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve by not displaying them in the selection field 32f, or by displaying them in gray.

[0091] Invention 3 is an information terminal 30 of Invention 1 or Invention 2, wherein the setting screen is provided with a slider 32h for specifying the color temperature, and the information processing unit 34 presents the user with color temperatures that the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve by excluding the range of color temperatures that the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve from the range that can be specified by the slider 32h.

[0092] Such an information terminal 30 can present the user with color temperatures that the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve by excluding those ranges from the range that can be specified by the slider 32h.

[0093] Invention 4 is an information terminal 30 of Invention 3, in which a color bar 32i indicating color temperature is displayed alongside a slider 32h on the settings screen, and the information processing unit 34 presents the user with color temperatures that the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve by graying out or hiding the range of color temperatures that the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve within the color bar 32i.

[0094] Such an information terminal 30 can display the range of color temperatures that the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve in gray or hide them from the color bar 32i, thereby showing the user the color temperatures that the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve.

[0095] Invention 5 is an information terminal 30 of any of Inventions 1 to 4, in which setting information is transmitted to the lighting fixture 20 when the OK button 32j displayed on the setting screen is selected, and the information processing unit 34, when a color temperature or color deviation that the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve is specified on the setting screen, displays the OK button 32j in gray or hides it, thereby informing the user of the color temperature and color deviation that the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve.

[0096] When a color temperature or color deviation that cannot be achieved by the lighting fixture 20 is specified in the settings screen of such an information terminal 30, the terminal can display the OK button 32j in gray or hide it, thereby informing the user of the color temperature or color deviation that the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve.

[0097] Invention 6 is an information terminal 30 which is one of Inventions 1 to 5 and whose setting screen is used in common for a plurality of lighting fixtures, including a lighting fixture 20, and which have different achievable color temperatures or color deviations from each other.

[0098] Such an information terminal 30 can, even with multiple lighting fixtures including the lighting fixture 20, present the user with color temperatures and color deviations that cannot be achieved by each of the multiple lighting fixtures on the settings screen.

[0099] Invention 7 is a communication system 10 comprising an information terminal 30 (one of Inventions 1 to 6) and a lighting fixture 20.

[0100] Such a communication system 10 provides the same effects and benefits as the information terminal 30 described above.

[0101] Invention 8 is an information processing method performed by an information terminal 30 equipped with a display unit 32 that displays a setting screen for a user to specify the color temperature and color deviation of the light emitted by a lighting fixture 20, and includes a wireless communication step (S301) of wirelessly communicating with the lighting fixture 20, and an information processing step (S302) of transmitting setting information to the lighting fixture 20 to emit light with the color temperature and color deviation specified by the user, wherein the information processing step (S302) presents the setting screen to the user in a manner that conveys to the user color temperatures and color deviations that the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve.

[0102] This information processing method presents the settings screen to the user in a manner that informs them of color temperatures and color deviations that the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve. As a result, the user can avoid specifying color temperatures and color deviations that the lighting fixture 20 cannot achieve.

[0103] Invention 9 is a program for causing the information terminal 30 to execute the information processing method of Invention 8.

[0104] Such programs produce similar effects to the information processing methods described above.

[0105] (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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 10 Communication system 20 Lighting fixture 30 Information terminal 32 Display unit 32f Selection field 32h Slider 32i Color bar 32j Confirm button 33 Wireless communication unit 34 Information processing unit

Claims

1. An information terminal comprising: a wireless communication unit that communicates wirelessly with a lighting fixture; a display unit that displays a setting screen for a user to specify the color temperature and color deviation of the light emitted by the lighting fixture; and an information processing unit that transmits setting information to the lighting fixture using the wireless communication unit, causing the lighting fixture to emit light with the color temperature and color deviation specified by the user, wherein the information processing unit presents the setting screen to the user in a manner that conveys to the user color temperatures and color deviations that the lighting fixture cannot achieve.

2. The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the settings screen is provided with a selection field for specifying a color deviation, and the information processing unit either does not display color deviations that the lighting fixture cannot achieve in the selection field, or displays color deviations that the lighting fixture cannot achieve in gray in the selection field, thereby presenting color deviations that the lighting fixture cannot achieve to the user.

3. The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the setting screen is provided with a slider for specifying a color temperature, and the information processing unit presents the user with color temperatures that the lighting fixture cannot achieve by excluding the range of color temperatures that the lighting fixture cannot achieve from the range that can be specified by the slider.

4. The information terminal according to claim 3, wherein the settings screen displays a color bar indicating color temperature alongside the slider, and the information processing unit presents the user with color temperatures that the lighting fixture cannot achieve by displaying the range of color temperatures that the lighting fixture cannot achieve in gray or by hiding them.

5. The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the transmission of setting information to the lighting fixture is triggered when the OK button displayed on the setting screen is selected, and the information processing unit, when a color temperature or color deviation that cannot be achieved by the lighting fixture is specified on the setting screen, grays out or hides the OK button to show the user the color temperature and color deviation that cannot be achieved by the lighting fixture.

6. The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the setting screen is used in common for a plurality of lighting fixtures, including the lighting fixture, which have different achievable color temperatures or color deviations.

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

8. An information processing method performed by an information terminal equipped with a display unit that displays a setting screen for a user to specify the color temperature and color deviation of light emitted by a lighting fixture, comprising: a wireless communication step of wirelessly communicating with a lighting fixture; and an information processing step of transmitting setting information to the lighting fixture for emitting light with the color temperature and color deviation specified by the user, wherein the information processing step presents the setting screen to the user in a manner that conveys to the user color temperatures and color deviations that the lighting fixture cannot achieve.

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

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