Lighting control system, lighting fixture, lighting control method, and program

Abstract

A lighting control system (10) comprises a lighting fixture (20) disposed in a prescribed space, a motion sensor (30) that detects whether or not a person is present in the prescribed space, and an information terminal (40) that controls the lighting fixture (20) by using wireless communication. The lighting fixture (20) has a function whereby if a first signal for turning on the lighting fixture (20) is received from the motion sensor (30), and the lighting fixture (20) is turned on on the basis of the first signal, the a second signal for turning off the lighting fixture (20) is invalidated even if received from the information terminal (40).

Description

Illumination control system, lighting fixture, illumination control method, and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an illumination control system and the like.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a terminal device that constitutes a wireless mesh network by lighting fixtures installed in a space.

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

[0004] By the way, when a lighting fixture that emits light in response to detection of a person by a human presence sensor is turned off by a signal from a terminal device belonging to the same wireless mesh network, there is a problem that it becomes dark even though there is a person. That is, the terminal device may inhibit the control for lighting the lighting fixture by the human presence sensor.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides an illumination control system and the like that can prevent inhibition of control for lighting a lighting fixture by a human presence sensor.

[0006] An illumination control system according to an aspect of the present invention includes lighting fixtures arranged in a predetermined space, a human presence sensor that detects whether a person is present in the predetermined space, and an information terminal that controls the lighting fixtures using wireless communication. When the lighting fixture receives a first signal for lighting the lighting fixture from the human presence sensor and is lit based on the first signal, the lighting fixture has a function of invalidating a second signal for turning off the lighting fixture even if the second signal is received from the information terminal.

[0007] A lighting fixture according to an aspect of the present invention is a lighting fixture arranged in a predetermined space. When the lighting fixture receives a first signal for lighting the lighting fixture from a human presence sensor arranged in the predetermined space and is lit based on the first signal, the lighting fixture has a function of invalidating the signal even if a second signal for turning off the lighting fixture is received from an information terminal.

[0008] A lighting control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a lighting control method performed by a lighting fixture arranged in a predetermined space, and includes the step of invalidating a second signal to turn off the lighting fixture even if the lighting fixture receives a first signal from a motion sensor indicating the presence of a person and is lit based on the first signal.

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

[0010] The lighting control system, etc., of this disclosure can be made so as not to interfere with the control of turning on lighting fixtures using a motion sensor.

[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 the setting screen displayed on the display unit of the information terminal. Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing the operation when a lighting fixture receives a signal from a motion sensor to turn on the lighting fixture, and then receives a signal from an information terminal to turn off the lighting fixture, and the signal is invalidated. Figure 10 shows an example of a control screen displayed on the information terminal's display unit in step S404 of Figure 9. Figure 11 shows an example of a notification screen displayed on the information terminal's display unit in step S405 of Figure 9. Figure 12A shows an example of a notification displayed on the control screen indicating that the signal from the information terminal to turn off the lighting fixture is invalid. Figure 12B shows another example of a notification displayed on the control screen indicating that the signal from the information terminal to turn off the lighting fixture is invalid.

[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 lighting control system according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the lighting control system 10 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the lighting control system 10 comprises a plurality of lighting fixtures 20, a plurality of motion sensors 30, and an information terminal 40.

[0015] In the lighting control system 10, each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 and the multiple motion sensors 30 has a wireless communication function, and the multiple lighting fixtures 20 and the multiple motion sensors 30 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 single lighting fixture 20 or a single motion sensor 30 (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, a storage unit 23, and an information processing unit 24.

[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, motion sensors 30, and information terminals 40, and is, for example, a wireless communication circuit. After the lighting fixture 20 joins the mesh network, the wireless communication unit 21 communicates through the mesh network as described above. Before the lighting fixture 20 joins the mesh network, the wireless communication unit 21 periodically transmits beacon signals (sometimes called advertisement signals, etc.) and communicates wirelessly individually with information terminals 40 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] The information processing unit 24 controls the light source 22 (on, off, etc.) based on signals transmitted from the information terminal 40. The information processing unit 24 also controls the light source 22 to turn on based on signals transmitted from the motion sensor 30 to turn on the lighting fixture 20. Furthermore, if a certain period of time (for example, 1 minute) has elapsed since the signal transmitted from the motion sensor 30, the information processing unit 24 controls the light source 22 to turn off.

[0023] Furthermore, the information processing unit 24 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The functions of the information processing unit 24 are realized by the execution of a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 23 by the hardware, such as a microcomputer or processor, that constitutes the information processing unit 24.

[0024] Next, the configuration of the motion sensor 30 will be described. The motion sensor 30 is a sensor that detects whether or not a person is present in the indoor space (i.e., a predetermined space) where the lighting fixture 20 is installed. The motion sensor 30 may be implemented as, for example, an infrared sensor or a camera. The motion sensor 30 also includes a wireless communication unit 31, an information processing unit 32, and a storage unit 33.

[0025] The wireless communication unit 31 is a processing unit that performs wireless communication (more specifically, radio wave communication) for the motion sensor 30 to communicate wirelessly with the lighting fixture 20 and the information terminal 40, and is, for example, a wireless communication circuit. After the motion sensor 30 joins the mesh network, the wireless communication unit 31 communicates through the aforementioned wireless mesh network. Before the motion sensor 30 joins the mesh network, the wireless communication unit 31 periodically transmits beacon signals (sometimes called advertisement signals, etc.) and performs individual wireless communication with the information terminal 40 that receives the beacon signals. Specifically, the wireless communication unit 31 performs wireless communication according to communication standards such as BLE or Bluetooth® mesh.

[0026] The information processing unit 32 performs processes such as determining whether or not a person is present in a predetermined space. The information processing unit 32 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a program or a dedicated circuit. The functions of the information processing unit 32 are realized by the execution of a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 23 by the hardware, such as a microcomputer or processor, that constitutes the information processing unit 32.

[0027] The memory unit 33 is a storage device that stores various information necessary for the operation of the human presence sensor 30, such as setting information described later. The memory unit 33 is implemented, for example, by a semiconductor memory.

[0028] Next, the configuration of the information terminal 40 will be described. The information terminal 40 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 and multiple motion sensors 30. The information terminal 40 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, tablet, or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). The information terminal 40 may also be a dedicated remote controller used in the lighting control system 10. Specifically, the information terminal 40 comprises an operation reception unit 41, a display unit 42, a wireless communication unit 43, an information processing unit 44, and a storage unit 45.

[0029] The operation reception unit 41 receives user input. Specifically, the operation reception unit 41 is implemented by a touch panel or the like.

[0030] The display unit 42 displays various images. The display unit 42 is implemented by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel.

[0031] The wireless communication unit 43 is a processing unit that performs wireless communication (more specifically, radio wave communication) for the information terminal 40 to communicate wirelessly with each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 and the multiple motion sensors 30, and is, for example, a wireless communication circuit. Specifically, the wireless communication unit 43 performs wireless communication in accordance with communication standards such as BLE.

[0032] The wireless communication unit 43 receives wireless signals transmitted from each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 and the multiple motion sensors 30. The wireless communication unit 43 also transmits wireless signals to each of the lighting fixtures 20 or motion sensors 30.

[0033] The information processing unit 44 causes the wireless communication unit 43 to transmit wireless messages in response to user operations received by the operation reception unit 41. The information processing unit 44 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 44 are realized by the execution of computer programs (software) stored in the storage unit 45 by the hardware, such as the microcomputer or processor that constitutes the information processing unit 44.

[0034] The memory unit 45 is a storage device that stores information necessary for information processing, such as computer programs executed by the information processing unit 44. The memory unit 45 is implemented, for example, by semiconductor memory. The computer programs stored in the memory unit 45 include dedicated application programs (also called dedicated apps) for operating the information terminal 40 as either a configuration terminal or a control terminal.

[0035] [Initial Setup Operation] Next, the initial setup operation will be described. The information terminal 40 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 the installer has installed multiple lighting fixtures 20 and multiple motion sensors 30 on the ceiling. The installer is an example of a user. Also, in the explanation in Figures 4A and 4B, the multiple lighting fixtures 20 and multiple motion sensors 30 are described as multiple wireless devices 20 and 30.

[0036] First, let's explain the process performed in the detection phase S10. The operation reception unit 41 of the information terminal 40 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 42 of the information terminal 40 in step S101 of Figure 4A. As shown in Figure 5, the initial setup screen displays a device registration icon 42a that accepts an instruction from the user to start the initial setup operation. In other words, by the user selecting the device registration icon 42a on the display screen of Figure 5, the operation reception unit 41 receives a start operation from the user.

[0037] Furthermore, the display screen in Figure 5 also shows a map image 42d. The map image 42d is a view from above of the area where multiple wireless devices 20 and 30 are installed. In the example in Figure 6, the pre-planned installation locations of the wireless devices 20 and 30 are indicated by icons (hereinafter also referred to as planned installation icons). The planned installation icons are displayed on the map image 42d based on location information entered by the user. In other words, the map image 42d is an image showing the installation locations of multiple wireless devices 20 and 30. The map image 42d is stored in the storage unit 45 in advance. The strings such as "Temporary L001" shown on the planned installation icons are identification numbers assigned by the information processing unit 44. The word "Dimming" shown on the planned installation icons is the type of lighting fixture 20 that is planned to be installed in advance. The same applies to Figures 6, 7A, and 7B thereafter.

[0038] Returning to the explanation in Figure 4A, each of the multiple wireless devices 20 and 30 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 43 of the information terminal 40 receives the beacon signal. The beacon signal emitted by each of the multiple wireless devices 20 and 30 contains the identification information of the wireless device 20 or 30. The identification information is, for example, a MAC (Media Access Control) address, but any identification information that can uniquely identify the wireless device 20 or 30 is acceptable.

[0039] The information processing unit 44 displays icons of the wireless devices 20 and 30 that are the source of the received beacon signals on the display unit 42 (S103). Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the display unit 42 of the information terminal 40 in step S103 of Figure 4A. As shown in Figure 6, the initial setup screen displays multiple icons 42b corresponding to multiple lighting fixtures 20 that are the source of the beacon signals, arranged in a horizontal row. The word "Dimming" shown above each icon 42b is the equipment type of the lighting fixture 20, and the string of characters such as "L001" shown below each icon 42b is the identification number of the wireless devices 20 and 30 assigned by the information processing unit 44.

[0040] At step S103, the arrangement of the multiple wireless devices 20 and 30 is known, but the location of each wireless device 20 or 30 is unknown. In other words, at step S103, the installation locations of the wireless devices 20 and 30 are not associated with the identification information of the wireless devices 20 and 30.

[0041] 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.

[0042] Returning to the description of FIG. 4A, the operation reception unit 41 receives a selection operation of a plurality of icons 42b from the user (S201). The selection operation is, for example, a tap operation on any one of the plurality of icons 42b on the display screen of FIG. 6. Based on the selection operation received by the operation reception unit 41, the information processing unit 44 communicatively connects the wireless devices 20 and 30 corresponding to the selected icon 42b (hereinafter also referred to as the target wireless devices 20 and 30) to the wireless communication unit 43 (S202), and starts individual communication (one-to-one communication) with the target wireless devices 20 and 30. The information processing unit 44 causes the wireless communication unit 43 to transmit a blinking command to the wireless devices 20 and 30 (S203). The blinking command is transmitted, for example, on the display screen of FIG. 6, triggered by the reception of a tap operation on the blinking icon 42c after the selection operation.

[0043] The blinking command is a signal for selectively blinking the target wireless devices 20 and 30. When the target wireless devices 20 and 30 receive the blinking command, they blink (S204). Thereby, the user can identify the target wireless devices 20 and 30. Note that the blinking of the target wireless devices 20 and 30 in step S204 corresponds to a change in the control state of the wireless devices 20 and 30.

[0044] The user visually confirms the actual installation position of the blinking target wireless devices 20 and 30 (S205), and designates the installation position (for example, one installation plan icon from among a plurality of installation plan icons) of the blinking target wireless devices 20 and 30 on the map image 42d. The operation reception unit 41 receives a designation operation of the installation position of the wireless devices 20 and 30 within the map image 42d from the user (S206). FIG. 7A is a diagram showing an example of an initial setting screen displayed on the display unit 42 of the information terminal 40 before step S206 of FIG. 4A is executed, and FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an example of an initial setting screen displayed on the display unit 42 of the information terminal 40 when step S206 of FIG. 4A is executed.

[0045] In the display screen shown in FIG. 7A, when the wireless devices 20 and 30 that the user visually confirms (in the example of FIG. 7A, the wireless devices 20 and 30 corresponding to the icon 42b displayed in black and white inversion) are installed at the position of the installation-scheduled icon with the identification number "Temporary L006", for example, the user taps and selects the installation-scheduled icon with the identification number "Temporary L006". When the operation reception unit 41 receives the tap operation from the user, the information processing unit 44 displays a display screen as shown in FIG. 7B on the display unit 42. Specifically, the information processing unit 44 displays on the display unit 42 a display screen in which a selection icon 42e is shown near the installation-scheduled icon. Then, when the user taps and selects the selection icon 42e, the operation reception unit 41 receives the designation operation of the installation positions of the wireless devices 20 and 30 in step S206.

[0046] Returning to the description in FIG. 4A, when receiving the designation operation in step S206, the information processing unit 44 associates the identification information indicated by the icon 42b selected in step S201 with the installation position (coordinates) designated in step S206 and stores the same in the storage unit 45 (S207). Further, the information processing unit 44 releases the display of the icon 42b for which the association has been completed (S208). That is, the number of the plurality of icons 42b displayed in step S103 is reduced by one. Then, the information processing unit 44 releases the communication connection with the target wireless devices 20 and 30 (S209).

[0047] The processes of steps S201 to S209 are repeated until the association between all the icons 42b (identification information) displayed in step S103 and the installation positions is completed. As a result, the storage unit 45 stores correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the identification information of the plurality of wireless devices 20 and 30 and their installation positions. That is, the plurality of wireless devices 20 and 30 are registered in the information terminal 40.

[0048] The processes of steps S201 to S209 described above are the processes performed in the identification and registration phase S20. Next, the processes performed in the setting phase S30 will be described. The processes performed in the setting phase S30 are processes also called provisioning or the like.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4B, the information processing unit 44 of the information terminal 40 establishes a communication connection between the designated wireless device 20 or 30 and the wireless communication unit 43 based on an operation to select one of the wireless devices 20 or 30 received by the operation reception unit 41 (S301), and starts individual communication with the wireless device 20 or 30. The information processing unit 44 causes the wireless communication unit 43 to transmit setting information to the wireless device 20 or 30 (S302). The wireless devices 20 or 30 receive the setting information and store it in the storage unit 23 or storage unit 33 provided in the wireless device 20 or 30 (S303).

[0050] The configuration information is the information required for wireless devices 20 and 30 to join the mesh network. The configuration information includes the network ID of the mesh network to which wireless devices 20 and 30 belong, and the address information (unicast address) of wireless devices 20 and 30 used for communication within the mesh network. The configuration information also includes, if necessary, a security passcode (authentication information) used for communication within the mesh network, information regarding the wireless communication frequency channel, and identification information of the information terminal 40 that performed the initial setup operation. In other words, the lighting fixture 20 with configuration information stored in the storage unit 23 and the motion sensor 30 with configuration information stored in the storage unit 33 can join the mesh network.

[0051] When the wireless devices 20 and 30 have finished storing the setting information, they send a setting completion notification to the information terminal 40 (S304). When the information processing unit 44 of the information terminal 40 receives the setting completion notification from the wireless communication unit 43, it disconnects the communication connection with the wireless devices 20 and 30 that it connected to in step S302 (S305).

[0052] The process in steps S301 to S305 is repeated until all wireless devices 20 and 30 have joined the mesh network. Once the wireless devices 20 and 30 have joined the mesh network, they stop the periodic transmission of beacon signals that they were performing before joining.

[0053] The processes described above in steps S301 to S305 constitute the processes (also called the setting processes) performed in the setting phase S30.

[0054] Note that the processing in step S209 and the processing in 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.

[0055] As explained above, the information terminal 40 can allow multiple wireless devices 20 and 30 to join the mesh network by performing an initial setup operation. In other words, the information terminal 40 can build a mesh network.

[0056] In addition, 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, in the setup phase S30, the information terminal 40 communicates individually with any one of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 that are the source of the beacon signal received in step S102. Also, in the identification and registration phase S20, the information terminal 40 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.

[0057] [Configuration Information] For example, before completing the initial setup operation described above and operating the lighting control system 10, the user inputs configuration information, which includes information regarding the control content of the lighting fixtures 20 and the motion sensor 30, using the information terminal 40. In order to receive the above configuration information, the information terminal 40 performs a process to display a configuration screen for the user to input the configuration information. Figure 8 shows an example of the configuration screen displayed on the display unit 42 of the information terminal 40.

[0058] As shown in Figure 8, the settings screen displays a first input area 42f, a second input area 42g, and a function selection icon 42h.

[0059] The first input area 42f is a display area for receiving input regarding the control content of the motion sensor 30. Specifically, the first input area 42f is a display area for receiving input regarding which of the multiple motion sensors 30 that join the mesh network will transmit control signals to which of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 that join the mesh network.

[0060] The second input area 42g is a display area for receiving input regarding the control content of the lighting fixture 20. Specifically, the second input area 42g is a display area for receiving input regarding the brightness of the light emitted by the lighting fixture 20.

[0061] The function selection icon 42h is an icon for the user to select whether to turn on or off a function of the lighting fixture 20. The function of the lighting fixture 20 is that when the lighting fixture 20 receives a first signal from the motion sensor 30 to turn on the lighting fixture 20 and is lit based on that first signal, it will ignore the second signal from the information terminal 40 to turn off the lighting fixture 20. In other words, if the user chooses to turn on the function, when the lighting fixture 20 receives a first signal from the motion sensor 30 to turn on the lighting fixture 20 and is lit based on that first signal, it will ignore the second signal from the information terminal 40 and turn on the light source 22 of the lighting fixture 20. Also, if the user chooses to turn off the function, when the lighting fixture 20 receives a first signal from the motion sensor 30 to turn on the lighting fixture 20 and is lit based on that first signal, it will turn off the light source 22 of the lighting fixture 20 based on the second signal from the information terminal 40.

[0062] As explained above, the lighting control system 10 allows the information terminal 40 to set whether or not to turn on the functions of the lighting fixture 20, so that the user can switch the functions on or off depending on the situation in which they use the lighting control system 10.

[0063] [Operation when disabling the second signal transmitted from the information terminal 40] Next, the operation of the lighting control system 10 when the function to disable the second signal from the information terminal 40 that turns off the lighting fixture 20 is set to ON will be described. Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing the operation when the lighting fixture 20 receives a first signal from the motion sensor 30 to turn on the lighting fixture 20, and then receives a second signal from the information terminal 40 to turn off the lighting fixture 20, and the second signal is disabled.

[0064] First, the motion sensor 30 detects the entry of a person into the indoor space (a predetermined space) (S401). The information processing unit 32 of the motion sensor 30 uses the wireless communication unit 31 to transmit a first signal to the lighting fixture 20 to turn on the lighting fixture 20 (S402). The wireless communication unit 21 of the lighting fixture 20 receives the first signal from the motion sensor 30, and the information processing unit 24 of the lighting fixture 20 turns on the light source 22 (S403).

[0065] The operation reception unit 41 of the information terminal 40 accepts the user's selection of a light-off icon (S404). Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the control screen displayed on the display unit 42 of the information terminal 40 in step S404 of Figure 9. As shown in Figure 10, the control screen displays a light-off icon 42i and an area light-off icon 42j for accepting instructions from the user to turn off the lighting fixtures 20. The light-off icon 42i is an icon for accepting instructions to turn off all lighting fixtures 20 that are part of the mesh network, and the area light-off icon 42j is an icon for accepting instructions to turn off lighting fixtures 20 located in a specific area (a specific indoor space) among the multiple lighting fixtures 20 that are part of the mesh network. In other words, on the control screen of Figure 10, when the user selects either the light-off icon 42i or the area light-off icon 42j, the operation reception unit 41 accepts the instruction to turn off the lighting fixtures 20.

[0066] Furthermore, the setting icon 42k is also displayed on the control screen in Figure 10. The setting icon 42k is an icon for receiving confirmation or modification of the setting information set for the lighting fixture 20 and the motion sensor 30. In other words, when the user selects the setting icon 42k on the control screen in Figure 10, the information processing unit 44 displays the setting screen shown in Figure 8 on the display unit 42.

[0067] Returning to the explanation in Figure 9, the information processing unit 44 of the information terminal 40 displays a notification screen on the display unit 42 to inform the user that, due to a function of the lighting fixture 20, the second signal that turns off the lighting fixture 20 may be invalidated (S405). Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the notification screen 42l displayed on the display unit 42 of the information terminal 40 in step S405 of Figure 9. As shown in Figure 11, the information processing unit 44 displays the notification screen 42l as a pop-up (overlaid display).

[0068] Furthermore, if the function to disable the second signal from the information terminal 40 that turns off the lighting fixture 20 is set to ON, the information processing unit 44 may display the notification screen 42l on the display unit 42 each time the operation reception unit 41 executes the process in step S404. For example, even if the lighting fixture 20 has not received the first signal from the motion sensor 30 to turn on the lighting fixture 20, the information processing unit 44 may display the notification screen 42l on the display unit 42.

[0069] Returning to the explanation in Figure 9, the information processing unit 44 of the information terminal 40 uses the wireless communication unit 43 to transmit a second signal to the lighting fixture 20 to turn it off (S406). The wireless communication unit 21 of the lighting fixture 20 receives the second signal from the information terminal 40, and the information processing unit 24 of the lighting fixture 20 determines whether or not it has received the first signal in step S402. If the information processing unit 24 determines that it has received the first signal in step S402, the information processing unit 24 invalidates the second signal received in step S406 (S407). Specifically, the information processing unit 24 discards the second signal received in step S406 and turns on the light source 22.

[0070] Then, when the information processing unit 24 of the lighting fixture 20 detects that a certain period of time has elapsed since the first signal in step S402 was received (S408), it turns off the light source 22 (S409). For example, since the length of a certain period is specified in the first signal that turns on the lighting fixture 20 transmitted in step S402, the information processing unit 24 can detect that a certain period of time has elapsed. Note that the length of the certain period may be stored (registered) in the storage unit 23 of the lighting fixture 20 in advance during initial setup, and it is not essential that the length of the certain period is specified in the first signal transmitted in step S402.

[0071] As explained above, the lighting control system 10 has a function that, when the lighting fixture 20 has received a first signal from the motion sensor 30 to turn on the lighting fixture 20 and is lit based on the first signal, it will not interfere with the control by the motion sensor 30 to turn on the lighting fixture 20, even if it receives a second signal from the information terminal 40 to turn off the lighting fixture 20.

[0072] [Variations of User Notification] The information terminal 40 may notify the user that the second signal that turns off the lighting fixture 20 may be invalidated by means other than the notification screen 42l shown in Figure 11. The following describes variations of user notification implemented by the information terminal 40.

[0073] For example, on the control screen displayed on the display unit 42 of the information terminal 40, the information processing unit 44 may display text on the off icon 42i and the area off icon 42j indicating that the second signal to turn off the lighting fixture 20 may be invalid. Figure 12A shows an example of when a notification that the second signal to turn off the lighting fixture 20 from the information terminal 40 is invalid is displayed on the control screen.

[0074] Furthermore, for example, on the control screen displayed on the display unit 42 of the information terminal 40, the information processing unit 44 may display symbols on the off icon 42i and the area off icon 42j indicating that the second signal for turning off the lighting fixture 20 may be invalid. Figure 12B shows another example of when a notification that the second signal for turning off the lighting fixture 20 from the information terminal 40 is invalid is displayed on the control screen.

[0075] As described above, the lighting control system 10 can inform the user by displaying a notification on the display unit 42 that the second signal for turning off the lighting fixture 20 is invalid, which is displayed on the information terminal 40.

[0076] [Other Modifications] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the second signal that turns off the lighting fixture 20 is disabled during the period when the lighting fixture 20 is lit in response to the motion sensor 30 detecting a person entering the room. However, during this period, not only the second signal that turns off the light, but also the third signal that dims the lighting fixture 20 to a brightness lower than its current brightness may be disabled.

[0077] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the lighting control system 10 comprises a plurality of lighting fixtures 20, a plurality of motion sensors 30, and an information terminal 40, but it is not limited to this. Specifically, the lighting control system 10 may include a plurality of other devices in addition to the plurality of lighting fixtures 20, a plurality of motion sensors 30, and an information terminal 40.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] Furthermore, the other devices mentioned above may include devices not directly related to lighting, such as air conditioners, ventilation systems, cameras, speakers, or environmental sensors. Environmental sensors include temperature sensors, humidity sensors, carbon dioxide concentration sensors, and PM (Particle Matter) sensors.

[0082] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described a case in which the lighting control system 10 is equipped with multiple lighting fixtures 20, the lighting control system 10 may be equipped with only one lighting fixture 20. Also, although the lighting control system 10 was described in which it is equipped with multiple motion sensors 30, the lighting control system 10 may be equipped with only one motion sensor 30.

[0083] [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.

[0084] Invention 1 is a lighting control system 10 comprising a lighting fixture 20 arranged in a predetermined space, a motion sensor 30 that detects whether or not a person is present in the predetermined space, and an information terminal 40 that controls the lighting fixture 20 using wireless communication. The lighting fixture 20 has a function that, when it receives a first signal from the motion sensor 30 to turn on the lighting fixture 20 and is turned on based on the first signal, it invalidates the second signal even if it receives a second signal from the information terminal 40 to turn off the lighting fixture 20.

[0085] Such a lighting control system 10 has a function that, when the lighting fixture 20 has received a signal from the motion sensor 30 to turn on the lighting fixture 20 and is lit based on the first signal, even if it receives a second signal from the information terminal 40 to turn off the lighting fixture 20, the second signal is invalidated. Therefore, the control to turn on the lighting fixture 20 by the motion sensor 30 is not interfered with.

[0086] Invention 2 is a lighting control system 10 of Invention 1, wherein the information terminal 40 sets whether or not to turn on the function of the lighting fixture 20.

[0087] In this type of lighting control system 10, the information terminal 40 sets whether or not to turn on a function for the lighting fixture 20, so the user can switch the function on or off depending on the situation in which they use the lighting control system 10.

[0088] Invention 3 is a lighting control system 10 according to Invention 1 or Invention 2, wherein the information terminal 40 is equipped with a display unit 42, and when it receives a first signal from the motion sensor 30 to turn on the lighting fixture 20 and the lighting fixture 20 is turned on based on the first signal, the lighting fixture 20 has a function that causes it to display a notification on the display unit 42 indicating that the second signal from the information terminal 40 is invalid.

[0089] In such a lighting control system 10, the information terminal 40 can display a notification on the display unit 42 indicating that the second signal for turning off the lighting fixture 20 is invalid, thereby informing the user.

[0090] Invention 4 is a lighting fixture 20 arranged in a predetermined space, which has a function to invalidate a second signal from an information terminal 40 to turn off the lighting fixture 20 when it receives a first signal from a motion sensor 30 arranged in the predetermined space to turn on the lighting fixture 20 and is lit based on the first signal.

[0091] Such a lighting fixture 20 has a function that, when it receives a first signal from the motion sensor 30 to turn on the lighting fixture 20 and is lit based on the first signal, even if it receives a second signal from the information terminal 40 to turn off the lighting fixture 20, it will not interfere with the control by the motion sensor 30 to turn on the lighting fixture 20.

[0092] Invention 5 is a lighting control method performed by a lighting fixture 20 arranged in a predetermined space, which includes the step (S407) of receiving a first signal from a motion sensor 30 arranged in the predetermined space to turn on the lighting fixture 20 and turning it on based on the first signal, and then disabling the second signal even if the lighting fixture 20 receives a second signal from an information terminal 40 to turn it off.

[0093] In this lighting control method, when the lighting fixture 20 receives a first signal from the motion sensor 30 to turn on the lighting fixture 20 and is lit based on the first signal, even if the lighting fixture 20 receives a second signal from the information terminal 40 to turn off the lighting fixture 20, the second signal is invalidated, thus preventing interference with the control by the motion sensor 30 to turn on the lighting fixture 20.

[0094] Invention 6 is a program for causing a lighting fixture 20 to execute the lighting control method of Invention 5.

[0095] Such a program produces the same effects as the lighting control method described above.

[0096] (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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 10 Lighting control system 20 Lighting fixtures 30 Motion sensor 40 Information terminal 42 Display unit 43 Wireless communication unit 44 Information processing unit

Claims

1. A lighting control system comprising: a lighting fixture placed in a predetermined space; a motion sensor for detecting whether or not a person is present in the predetermined space; and an information terminal for controlling the lighting fixture using wireless communication, wherein the lighting fixture has a function to invalidate a second signal from the information terminal for turning off the lighting fixture when it receives a first signal from the motion sensor to turn on the lighting fixture and is lit based on the first signal.

2. The lighting control system according to claim 1, wherein the information terminal sets whether or not to turn on the function for the lighting fixture.

3. The lighting control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the information terminal includes a display unit, and when it receives a first signal from the motion sensor to turn on the lighting fixture and turns on the lighting fixture based on the first signal, the lighting fixture has a function that allows it to display a notification on the display unit indicating that the second signal from the information terminal is invalid.

4. A lighting fixture placed in a predetermined space, which, when it receives a first signal from a motion sensor placed in the predetermined space to turn on the lighting fixture and is turned on based on the first signal, has a function to invalidate the second signal even if it receives a second signal from an information terminal to turn off the lighting fixture.

5. A lighting control method performed by a lighting fixture arranged in a predetermined space, the method comprising the step of invalidating a second signal from an information terminal to turn off the lighting fixture when the lighting fixture is illuminated based on a first signal received from a motion sensor indicating the presence of a person.

6. A program for causing a lighting fixture to execute the lighting control method described in claim 5.

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