CN113748686A

CN113748686A - Device installation support system, device installation support method, and program

Info

Publication number: CN113748686A
Application number: CN202080031238.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 山本尚武
Original assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Priority date: 2019-04-26
Filing date: 2020-03-25
Publication date: 2021-12-03
Anticipated expiration: 2040-03-25
Also published as: CN113748686B; WO2020217832A1; TW202043971A; JPWO2020217832A1; JP7320797B2

Abstract

Provided are a device installation support system, a device installation support method, and a program, which can improve the work efficiency relating to device installation. The device installation assistance system (1) includes a display processing unit (109), an obstacle information acquisition unit (105), and a first determination processing unit (106). The display processing unit (109) enables the display unit (12) to display an installation diagram relating to a facility that is an object on which a plurality of devices and controllers that control the plurality of devices are installed. The installation diagram additionally includes installation locations of a plurality of devices and an installation location of a controller. An obstacle information acquisition unit (105) acquires obstacle information relating to an obstacle present on a straight line connecting each of the plurality of devices and the controller. A first determination processing unit (106) determines a communication state between each of the plurality of devices and the controller based on at least the installation map and the installation map in the obstacle information and determines whether control of the corresponding device of the plurality of devices by the controller is possible based on the communication state.

Description

Device installation support system, device installation support method, and program

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to a device installation assistance system, a device installation assistance method, and a program, and more particularly, to a device installation assistance system, a device installation assistance method, and a program that assist in installing a device in a facility.

Background

A technique of mounting an auxiliary device is conventionally known (for example, see patent document 1).

Patent document 1 discloses a technique for assisting the installation of a home controller. The home controller disclosed in patent document 1 communicates with a plurality of home appliances already installed, such as lighting devices, to acquire an electric field intensity level in communication between each of the plurality of home appliances and the home controller. Accordingly, the user can decide an appropriate installation place of the home controller so that the home controller can communicate with all of the plurality of home appliances with high reliability.

In patent document 1, a user actually installs a home controller (controller) and a home appliance (device) in a facility, and then confirms a connection state between the two by performing communication. Accordingly, the user may need to change the installation place of the home controller or the home appliance according to the connection state, or additionally install another device. Changing the installation site or additionally installing another device will require a lot of effort.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open No. 2015-35655

Disclosure of Invention

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a device installation assistance system, a device installation assistance method, and a program that can achieve an improvement in work efficiency relating to installation of a device.

A device installation assistance system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a display processing unit, an obstacle information acquisition unit, and a controller control determination unit. The display processing unit is configured to enable the display unit to display an installation diagram related to a facility, which is an object in which a plurality of apparatuses and a controller configured to control the plurality of apparatuses are installed. The installation map additionally includes installation locations of the plurality of devices and installation locations of the controller. The obstacle information acquisition unit is configured to acquire obstacle information on an obstacle existing on a straight line connecting each of the plurality of devices and the controller. The controller control determination unit is configured to decide a communication state between each of the plurality of devices and the controller based on at least the installation map and the installation map in the obstacle information, and determine whether control of the respective device of the plurality of devices by the controller is possible based on the communication state.

A device installation assisting method according to an aspect of the present invention is a device installation assisting system for assisting installation of a plurality of devices. The device installation assisting method includes a display processing step, a selection step, an acquisition step, and a controller control judgment step. The display processing step is for enabling a display unit to display an installation map relating to a facility, which is an object in which the plurality of devices and a controller configured to control the plurality of devices are installed. The installation map additionally includes installation locations of the plurality of devices and installation locations of the controller. The selecting step is for selecting one of the plurality of devices as a subject device. The acquiring step is for acquiring obstacle information about an obstacle existing on a straight line connecting the object device and the controller. The controller control determination step is configured to decide a communication state between the target device and the controller based on at least the installation map and the installation map in the obstacle information, and determine whether control of the target device by the controller is possible based on the communication state. Repeating the selecting step, the acquiring step, and the controller control judging step until all of the plurality of devices are selected.

A program according to an aspect of the present invention is a device installation assistance system for assisting installation of a plurality of devices. The program is designed to enable a computer to execute the display processing step, the selecting step, the acquiring step, and the controller control judging step. The display processing step is for enabling a display unit to display an installation map relating to a facility, which is an object in which the plurality of devices and a controller configured to control the plurality of devices are installed. The installation map additionally includes installation locations of the plurality of devices and installation locations of the controller. The selecting step is for selecting one of the plurality of devices as a subject device. The acquiring step is for acquiring obstacle information about an obstacle existing on a straight line connecting the object device and the controller. The controller control determination step is configured to decide a communication state between the target device and the controller based on at least the installation map and the installation map in the obstacle information, and determine whether control of the target device by the controller is possible based on the communication state. Repeating the selecting step, the acquiring step, and the controller control judging step until all of the plurality of devices are selected.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is an explanatory view relating to the structure of a mounting assist device according to an exemplary embodiment;

fig. 2 is a plan view of a facility for explaining a state where a plurality of lighting devices, controllers, and repeaters are installed according to an exemplary embodiment;

fig. 3A is an explanatory diagram relating to a case where there is no obstacle between the lighting device and the controller (or the repeater);

fig. 3B is an explanatory diagram relating to a case where there is an obstacle between the lighting device and the controller (or the relay);

fig. 3C is an explanatory diagram relating to a case where two obstacles exist between the lighting device and the controller (or the repeater);

fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram relating to an overview of how the installation assistance apparatus works;

fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram relating to a design data display process to be performed by the installation assistance apparatus;

fig. 6 is an explanatory view relating to a device arrangement process to be performed by the installation assistance device;

fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram relating to a controller placement process to be performed by the installation assistance apparatus;

fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram relating to a first determination process to be performed by the attachment assisting apparatus;

fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram relating to a repeater arrangement process to be performed by the installation assistance apparatus;

fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram relating to a second determination process to be performed by the attachment assisting apparatus;

fig. 11 is an explanatory view relating to a design screen to be displayed by the installation assistance device;

fig. 12 is an explanatory view relating to the arrangement operation of the lighting devices on the design screen;

fig. 13 is an explanatory view relating to the arrangement operation of a plurality of lighting devices on the design screen;

fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram relating to the arrangement operation of the controllers on the design screen;

fig. 15 is an explanatory diagram relating to a selection operation of the lighting device on the design screen as a target of the first determination processing;

fig. 16 is an explanatory diagram related to display contents on the design screen in a case where an obstacle exists between the lighting device and the controller;

fig. 17 is an explanatory diagram relating to a design screen in the case of displaying the processing result of the first determination processing for the selected lighting device;

fig. 18 is an explanatory diagram relating to a design screen in the case of displaying the processing result of the first determination processing for the selected another lighting device;

fig. 19 is an explanatory diagram relating to a design screen in a case where the processing result of the first determination processing for all of the plurality of lighting devices is displayed;

fig. 20 is an explanatory view relating to a design screen before the placement operation of the repeater is performed;

fig. 21 is an explanatory diagram relating to the arrangement operation of the relays on the design screen;

fig. 22 is an explanatory diagram relating to a selection operation of a lighting device (uncontrollable device) on the design screen as a target of the second determination process;

fig. 23 is an explanatory view related to display contents on the design screen in a case where an obstacle exists between the lighting device (uncontrollable device) and the relay;

fig. 24 is an explanatory view relating to a design screen in the case of displaying a processing result of the second determination processing for the selected lighting device (uncontrollable device);

fig. 25 is an explanatory diagram relating to a design screen in the case of displaying the processing results of the second determination processing for all of the plurality of uncontrollable devices; and

fig. 26 is an explanatory diagram of a design screen in a case where a job related to the assistance of the device mounting is completed.

Detailed Description

The exemplary embodiments and modifications described below are merely examples of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting. The exemplary embodiments and the modifications described below may be easily modified in various ways according to design choice or any other factors as long as they do not deviate from the technical idea according to the present invention.

(examples)

The device installation assistance system 1 according to the exemplary embodiment will be described below with reference to fig. 1 to 26.

(1) Overview

The installation assisting device 10 serving as the device installation assisting system 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to assist in deciding the installation positions of the plurality of lighting devices 50 (see fig. 2) and the controller 60 (see fig. 2) planned to be installed to the facility. The controller 60 is configured to control the plurality of lighting devices 50 through remote communication. In the present embodiment, the controller 60 and each of the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 communicate with each other by wireless communication.

The installation assisting device 10 is also configured to assist in deciding the installation position of a repeater 70 (see fig. 2) for relaying communication between the controller 60 and a lighting device 50 that cannot receive direct control of the controller 60 among the plurality of lighting devices 50. The "direct control" mentioned here means: between the communication source (here, the controller 60) and the communication destination (here, the lighting device 50), the communication source controls the communication destination without going through another device (here, the relay 70). Hereinafter, the lighting device 50 that cannot receive direct control of the controller 60 may sometimes be referred to as an uncontrollable device.

The installation assistance apparatus 10 is configured to display design drawings (e.g., a plan view and a sectional view) related to a facility in which the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 are installed. While the plan is being displayed, the installation assisting device 10 receives the installation positions of the plurality of lighting devices 50 and the installation position of the controller 60 by a manual operation of a user (for example, a worker who installs the plurality of lighting devices 50 to the facility).

The installation assisting device 10 shows a plan view (i.e., an installation view) additionally including installation positions of the plurality of lighting devices 50 and an installation position of the controller 60.

The installation assistance device 10 determines whether or not communication between each of the plurality of lighting devices 50 and the controller 60 is possible based on the presence or absence of an obstacle on a straight line connecting the corresponding lighting device 50 and the controller 60.

While the installation diagram is being displayed, the installation assisting device 10 receives the installation position of the repeater 70 by a manual operation of the user.

The installation assistance device 10 determines whether or not the controllable device can be controlled via the relay 70 based on the presence or absence of an obstacle on a straight line connecting the controllable device and the relay 70. Reference herein to "control of the uncontrollable device via the repeater 70" means: between the communication source and the communication destination, the communication source controls the communication destination via another device (here, the repeater 70).

When all of the plurality of lighting devices 50 become communicable with the controller 60 or the relay 70, the installation assistance device 10 displays that the work related to the assistance of the device installation has been completed. Thereafter, the installation assistant device 10 disconnects its own power supply.

(2) Structure of the product

The structure of the installation assisting apparatus 10 as the apparatus installation assisting system 1 will be described.

As shown in fig. 1, the installation assisting apparatus 10 includes a communication unit 11, a display unit 12, an operation unit 13, a storage unit 14, a power supply unit 15, and a control unit 16.

The installation assistance device 10 comprises, for example, a computer system having a processor and a memory. The computer system functions as the control unit 16 by causing the processor to execute a program stored in the memory. The program to be executed by the processor may be stored in advance in the memory of the computer system. Alternatively, the program may also be distributed after being recorded in a non-transitory storage medium such as a memory card or the like, or may be downloaded through a remote line such as the internet or the like.

The communication unit 11 includes a communication interface for communicating with the outside via a network such as the internet.

The display unit 12 is a thin display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic Electroluminescence (EL) display.

The operation unit 13 has a function of receiving an operation by a user. In the present embodiment, the attachment assisting apparatus 10 is mounted with the touch panel display 20. The touch panel display 20 serves as the display unit 12 and the operation unit 13. Therefore, in the following description, various touch operations on the buttons on the screen displayed by the display unit 12 may be represented as "flicking" or the like. However, the operation unit 13 as a touch panel display is merely an example, and should not be construed as limiting. The operation unit 13 may be, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, a mechanical switch, or the like.

The storage unit 14 is constituted by, for example, an electrically rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory.

The storage unit 14 stores design data related to a design drawing of a facility acquired from the outside via a network.

The storage unit 14 stores a plurality of pieces of device information respectively related to a plurality of candidate lighting devices as installation candidates. The plurality of pieces of device information are a plurality of pieces of information acquired from the outside via a network. In the present embodiment, the plurality of device information each includes a product number of the corresponding candidate lighting device.

The storage unit 14 stores a plurality of pieces of controller information respectively related to a plurality of candidate controllers as installation candidates. The plurality of pieces of controller information are a plurality of pieces of information acquired from the outside via a network. In the present embodiment, the plurality of controller information each includes a product number of the corresponding candidate controller and a transmission power value of the corresponding candidate controller at the time when it outputs a signal.

The storage unit 14 stores a plurality of pieces of relay information respectively related to a plurality of candidate relays as installation candidates. The plurality of pieces of relay information are pieces of information acquired from the outside via a network. In the present embodiment, each of the plurality of repeater information includes a product number of the corresponding candidate repeater and a transmission power value of the corresponding candidate repeater at the time when the corresponding candidate repeater outputs a signal.

The storage unit 14 stores a first table (see table 1 below) including two or more pairs, each pair including, in association with each other, a material of an obstacle (which may exist in communication between the controller 60 and the lighting apparatus 50 or between the repeater 70 and the lighting apparatus 50), and a transmission loss coefficient associated with the material. The transmission loss coefficient is used to calculate the loss of transmission power when the signal passes through an obstacle. The transmission loss factor is based on the transmission loss [ dB ] of the corresponding material]Thus, the obtained product. More specifically, the transmission loss "Y" [ dB ] is used]And the formula "Y ═ 10 × log₁₀X "to obtain a true value" X "of the transmission loss of the material. The transmission loss coefficient is the inverse of the true value "X".

[ Table 1]

The storage unit 14 stores a second table (see table 2 below) including two or more pairs, each pair including, in association with each other, a cutoff distance described later and a cutoff loss coefficient corresponding to the cutoff distance. The cutoff loss coefficient is used to calculate the loss of transmission power when the signal avoiding the obstacle reaches the lighting device 50. The cutoff loss coefficient is determined, for example, by the formula "k ═ 1/(1+ h)²"where" h "represents the truncation distance and" k "represents the truncation loss factor.

[ Table 2]

Truncation distance [ m ]]	Coefficient of truncation loss
		0	1.00
0.1	0.83
		0.2	0.69
0.3	0.59
		0.4	0.51
0.5	0.44
		0.6	0.39
...	...
		1.0	0.25

The power supply unit 15 is, for example, a battery. The power supply unit 15 supplies power to a circuit and the like provided in the attachment assisting apparatus 10. The power supply unit 15 has a power supply controlled to be switched from an ON (ON) state to an OFF (OFF) state by the control unit 16.

As shown in fig. 1, the control unit 16 includes a data acquisition unit 101, a first arrangement setting unit 102, a second arrangement setting unit 103, a third arrangement setting unit 104, an obstacle information acquisition unit 105, a first judgment processing unit 106 (controller control judgment unit), a second judgment processing unit 107 (relay control judgment unit), a storage processing unit 108, and a display processing unit 109.

Before performing an operation related to installation assistance of the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 and the like, the data acquisition unit 101 acquires design data of a facility from the outside via the communication unit 11 according to the operation of the user. The data acquisition unit 101 enables the storage unit 14 to store the acquired design data. In the present embodiment, for example, it is assumed that the design data is Building Information Modeling (BIM) data.

Before performing an operation related to installation assistance of the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 and the like, the data acquisition unit 101 acquires a plurality of apparatus information respectively related to the plurality of candidate lighting apparatuses from the outside via the communication unit 11 according to the user's operation.

The data acquisition unit 101 acquires a plurality of pieces of controller information from the outside via the communication unit 11 in accordance with the user's operation before performing an operation related to installation assistance of a plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 and the like.

Before performing an operation related to installation assistance of the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 and the like, the data acquisition unit 101 acquires a plurality of pieces of relay information from the outside via the communication unit 11 in accordance with the user's operation.

While the display unit 12 displays a plan view of the facility (i.e., a plan view and a sectional view of the facility) obtained from the design data, the first arrangement setting unit 102 sets, on the plan view, respective positions where the plurality of lighting devices 50 are planned to be installed, according to the user's operation.

Before performing an operation related to installation assistance of the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 and the like, the data acquisition unit 101 acquires information related to the first table and information related to the second table from the outside via the communication unit 11 according to the operation of the user.

The data acquisition unit 101 may acquire various information such as design data, device information, controller information, repeater information, information related to the first table, and information related to the second table from the same external device or from two or more external devices separated from each other.

During the display unit 12 displaying the plan view of the facility, the second arrangement setting unit 103 sets the position of the planned installation controller 60 on the plan view according to the user's operation.

During the display unit 12 displaying the plan diagram additionally including the installation positions of the plurality of lighting devices 50 and the installation position of the controller 60, the third arrangement setting unit 104 sets the position where the repeater 70 is planned to be installed on the plan diagram according to the user's operation.

In the case where an obstacle exists on a straight line connecting a corresponding lighting apparatus 50 of the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 and the controller 60 during the display unit 12 displays a plan view additionally including the installation positions of the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 and the installation position of the controller 60, the obstacle information acquiring unit 105 acquires obstacle information related to the obstacle according to an operation of a user.

When the display unit 12 displays a design drawing additionally including the installation positions of the plurality of lighting devices 50, the installation position of the controller 60, and the installation position of the repeater 70, in the case where an obstacle exists on a straight line connecting an uncontrollable device among the plurality of lighting devices 50 and the repeater 70, the obstacle information acquiring unit 105 acquires obstacle information for the repeater related to the obstacle according to an operation of a user.

For example, as shown in fig. 3B, it is assumed that an obstacle (e.g., a beam 80 provided on the ceiling of a facility) exists on a straight line connecting the controller 60 (or the repeater 70) and a certain lighting device 50. In this case, the obstacle information acquiring unit 105 acquires information relating to the material of the beam 80 as obstacle information (or obstacle information for a repeater) according to the operation of the user.

The first determination processing unit 106 determines a communication state between each of the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 and the controller 60 based on at least the installation map and the installation map in the obstacle information, and determines whether control of the corresponding lighting apparatus 50 of the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 by the controller 60 is possible based on the communication state. In the case where there is no obstacle between the lighting apparatus 50 and the controller 60, the first determination processing unit 106 determines whether or not control of the lighting apparatus 50 by the controller 60 is possible based on the installation map. On the other hand, in the case where there is an obstacle between the lighting apparatus 50 and the controller 60, the first determination processing unit 106 determines whether or not control of the lighting apparatus 50 by the controller 60 is possible based on the installation map and the obstacle information.

More specifically, the first determination processing unit 106 determines attenuation information regarding attenuation of transmission power generated until the signal output from the controller 60 reaches each of the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 as the communication state. The first determination processing unit 106 determines whether or not control of the respective lighting apparatuses 50 out of the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 by the controller 60 is possible based on the decided attenuation information.

More specifically, in the case where there is no obstacle on the straight line connecting the first device of the plurality of lighting devices 50 and the controller 60, the first determination processing unit 106 determines, as the attenuation information, a result of calculation based on the transmission power value of the signal output from the controller 60 and the distance between the first device and the controller 60. For example, the first judgment processing unit 106 determines, as the attenuation information, a result of multiplying the transmission power value of the controller 60 by the reciprocal of the distance (length) L0 (see fig. 3A) of a straight line connecting the first device (the lighting device 50) and the controller 60.

In the case where there is an obstacle on a straight line connecting a second device of the plurality of lighting devices 50 and the controller 60, the first determination processing unit 106 calculates a first value to be determined according to: a first distance (length) of the linear path between the second device and the controller 60; and a transmission loss coefficient of a signal corresponding to the obstacle. The first judgment processing unit 106 calculates a second value to be determined according to: a second distance (length) of the avoidance line between the second device and the controller 60 that avoids the obstacle; and a truncation loss coefficient corresponding to a truncation distance to be obtained from the straight line path and the avoidance path. The first judgment processing unit 106 determines a result of calculation based on the transmission power value and the larger value of the first value and the second value as attenuation information. The avoidance line is formed by reflection and diffraction of radio waves, and the like. The cutoff distance is the maximum clearance distance between the avoidance line and the straight line.

For example, the first determination processing unit 106 acquires data of the transmission loss coefficient corresponding to the material of the obstacle from the first table. The first judgment processing unit 106 obtains a result of multiplying the acquired transmission loss coefficient by the reciprocal of the first distance L1 (see fig. 3B) of the straight line route P1 connecting the second device (the lighting device 50) and the controller 60 as a first value. The first determination processing unit 106 obtains the cutoff distance h1 from the avoidance line P2 avoiding the obstacle and the straight line P1. In the present embodiment, the cutoff distance h1 is the length of a perpendicular line drawn from the vertex P3 on the avoidance line P2 toward the straight line P1. The first judgment processing unit 106 acquires data of the truncation loss coefficient corresponding to the acquired truncation distance h1 from the second table. The first judgment processing unit 106 obtains, as a second value, a result of multiplying the acquired cutoff loss coefficient by the inverse of the second distance L2 of the avoidance line P2 between the second device (the lighting device 50) and the controller 60. The first judgment processing unit 106 obtains a result of multiplying the transmission power value of the controller 60 by the larger value of the first value and the second value as the attenuation information.

When two or more obstacles (two obstacles in the example of fig. 3C) exist on a straight line connecting the lighting device 50 and the controller 60, the first determination processing unit 106 acquires data of two or more transmission loss coefficients respectively corresponding to materials of the two or more obstacles from the first table. The first judgment processing unit 106 multiplies the acquired two or more transmission loss coefficients, and obtains, as a first value, a result of multiplying the result of the multiplication of the two or more transmission loss coefficients by the reciprocal of a first distance L11 (see fig. 3C) of a straight line route P11 connecting the second device (the lighting device 50) and the controller 60. The first determination processing unit 106 also obtains the cutoff distance h2 from the avoidance line P21 avoiding the obstacle and the straight line P11. In this case, the cutoff distance h2 is the length of a perpendicular line drawn from the vertex P31 on the avoidance line P21 toward the straight line P11. The first judgment processing unit 106 acquires data of the truncation loss coefficient corresponding to the acquired truncation distance h2 from the second table. The first judgment processing unit 106 obtains, as a second value, a result of multiplying the acquired cutoff loss coefficient by the inverse of the second distance L21 of the avoidance line P21 between the second device (the lighting device 50) and the controller 60.

The first determination processing unit 106 determines that the control of the lighting device 50 by the controller 60 is possible in a case where the value indicated by the obtained attenuation information is greater than or equal to a prescribed value. On the other hand, when the value indicated by the obtained attenuation information is smaller than the predetermined value, the first determination processing unit 106 determines that the control of the lighting device 50 by the controller 60 is not possible.

The second determination processing unit 107 determines the communication state between the uncontrollable device and the relay 70 based on at least the installation map and the installation map in the obstacle information for the relay, and determines whether the control of the uncontrollable device via the relay 70 is possible based on the communication state. In the case where there is no obstacle between the uncontrollable device and the relay 70, the second determination processing unit 107 determines whether the control of the uncontrollable device via the relay 70 is possible based on the installation map. On the other hand, in the case where there is an obstacle between the uncontrollable device and the relay 70, the second determination processing unit 107 determines whether or not the controllable device can be controlled via the relay 70 based on the installation map and the relay-use obstacle information.

More specifically, the second determination processing unit 107 determines, as the communication state, the relay attenuation information regarding the attenuation of the transmission power generated until the signal output from the relay 70 reaches the uncontrollable device. The second determination processing unit 107 determines whether or not the controllable apparatus can be controlled via the repeater 70 based on the determined attenuation information for the repeater.

More specifically, in the case where there is no obstacle on the straight line connecting the uncontrollable device and the repeater 70, the second determination processing unit 107 determines the result of calculation based on the transmission power value of the signal output from the repeater 70 and the distance L30 (see fig. 3A) between the uncontrollable device and the repeater 70 as the attenuation information for the repeater. For example, the second determination processing unit 107 determines, as the attenuation information for the repeater, a result of multiplying the transmission power value of the repeater 70 by the reciprocal of the distance L30 (see fig. 3A) of the straight line connecting the uncontrollable device (lighting device 50) and the repeater 70.

In the case where there is an obstacle on the straight line connecting the uncontrollable device and the repeater 70, the second judgment processing unit 107 calculates a third value to be determined according to: a third distance (length) of the linear path between the uncontrollable device and the repeater 70; and a transmission loss coefficient of a signal corresponding to the obstacle. The second judgment processing unit 107 calculates a fourth value to be determined according to: a fourth distance (length) of the avoidance line between the uncontrollable device and the repeater 70 avoiding the obstacle; and a truncation loss coefficient corresponding to a truncation distance to be obtained from the straight line path and the avoidance path. The second determination processing unit 107 determines a result of calculation based on the transmission power value of the repeater 70 and the larger value of the third value and the fourth value as the repeater use attenuation information.

For example, the second determination processing unit 107 acquires data of the transmission loss coefficient corresponding to the material of the obstacle from the first table, similarly to the first determination processing unit 106. The second judgment processing unit 107 obtains, as a third value, the result of multiplying the acquired transmission loss coefficient by the inverse of the third distance L31 (see fig. 3B) of the straight line route P41 connecting the uncontrollable device (lighting device 50) and the repeater 70. The second determination processing unit 107 obtains the cutoff distance h31 from the avoidance line P42 avoiding the obstacle and the straight line P41. The cutoff distance h31 is the length of a perpendicular line drawn from the vertex P43 on the avoidance line P42 to the straight line P41. Similarly to the first determination processing unit 106, the second determination processing unit 107 acquires data of the truncation loss coefficient corresponding to the acquired truncation distance h31 from the second table. The second judgment processing unit 107 obtains, as a fourth value, a result of multiplying the acquired cutoff loss coefficient by the reciprocal of the fourth distance L32 of the avoidance line P42 between the uncontrollable device (lighting device 50) and the repeater 70. The second determination processing unit 107 obtains a result of multiplying the transmission power value of the repeater 70 by the larger value of the third value and the fourth value as the repeater use attenuation information.

In the case where two or more obstacles exist on the straight line connecting the uncontrollable device (the lighting device 50) and the repeater 70, the second judgment processing unit 107 acquires data of two or more transmission loss coefficients respectively corresponding to the materials of the two or more obstacles from the first table. The second judgment processing unit 107 multiplies the acquired two or more transmission loss coefficients, and obtains, as a third value, a result of multiplying the result of the multiplication of the two or more transmission loss coefficients by the inverse of a third distance L41 (see fig. 3C) of the straight line route P41 connecting the uncontrollable device (lighting device 50) and the repeater 70. The second determination processing unit 107 also obtains the cutoff distance h42 from the avoidance line P42 avoiding the obstacle and the straight line P41. In this case, the cutoff distance h42 is the length of a perpendicular line drawn from the vertex P43 on the avoidance line P42 toward the straight line P41. The second determination processing unit 107 acquires data of the truncation loss coefficient corresponding to the acquired truncation distance h42 from the second table. The second judgment processing unit 107 obtains, as a fourth value, a result of multiplying the acquired cutoff loss coefficient by the reciprocal of the fourth distance L42 of the avoidance line P42 between the uncontrollable device (lighting device 50) and the repeater 70.

When the value indicated by the obtained relay attenuation information is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the second determination processing unit 107 determines that the control of the lighting apparatus 50 via the relay 70 is possible. On the other hand, when the value indicated by the obtained relay attenuation information is smaller than the predetermined value, the second determination processing unit 107 determines that the control of the lighting apparatus 50 via the relay 70 is not possible.

In the case where each of the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 can be controlled by direct communication with the controller 60, the storage processing unit 108 enables the storage unit 14 to store, in a prescribed area thereof, an installation map in which the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 and the controller 60 are arranged. In the case where each of the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 can be controlled by direct communication with the controller 60 or can be controlled via one or more relays 70, the storage processing unit 108 also enables the storage unit 14 to store, in a prescribed area thereof, an installation diagram in which the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50, the controller 60, and the one or more relays 70 are arranged.

The display processing unit 109 enables the display unit 12 to display each screen to be used by the user when assisting the device installation.

For example, the display processing unit 109 enables the display unit 12 to display a design drawing including a plan view and a sectional view of a facility based on design data stored in the storage unit 14 according to a user operation at the start of assistance of device installation. In a case where the first arrangement setting unit 102 sets, on the design drawing, respective positions where the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 are planned to be installed, the display processing unit 109 enables the display unit 12 to display the design drawing in which the plurality of first icons, which respectively represent the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50, are arranged. In a case where the second arrangement setting unit 103 sets the position where the controller 60 is planned to be mounted on the plan view, the display processing unit 109 enables the display unit 12 to display the plan view in which the plurality of first icons and the second icon representing the controller 60 are arranged. In a case where the third arrangement setting unit 104 sets a position where the repeater 70 is planned to be installed on the blueprint, the display processing unit 109 enables the display unit 12 to display the blueprint in which the plurality of first icons, the second icons, and the third icon representing the repeater 70 are arranged.

In the case where there is an obstacle on the straight line connecting the lighting device 50 and the controller 60 or the straight line connecting the uncontrollable device and the repeater 70, the display processing unit 109 enables the display unit 12 to display a list of materials for prompting the user to select the obstacle according to the user's operation.

The display processing unit 109 enables the display unit 12 to display a design drawing reduced in actual size at a prescribed reduction rate using design data such as BIM data. In the present embodiment, the first judgment processing unit 106 calculates the distances L0, L1, L2, L11, and L21 as actual distances and the cutoff distances h1 and h2 as actual cutoff distances using the distances on the design drawing and the prescribed reduction rate. Similarly, the second determination processing unit 107 calculates the distances L30, L31, L32, L41, and L42 as actual distances and the cutoff distances h31 and h42 as actual cutoff distances using the distances on the plan and the prescribed reduction rate.

Further, in the case where each of the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 can be controlled by direct communication with the controller 60 or can be controlled via the relay 70, the display processing unit 109 enables the display unit 12 to display a job completion screen showing that the job related to the assistance of the apparatus installation has been completed.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 16 controls the power supply unit 15 to turn off the power supply when a predetermined time has elapsed after the display processing unit 109 starts enabling the display unit 12 to display the job completion screen.

(3) Operation of

(3-1) overview of the operation

Here, an outline regarding how the installation assistance apparatus 10 operates will be described with reference to fig. 4.

The display processing unit 109 performs design data display processing according to the operation of the user (step S1). More specifically, the display processing unit 109 enables the display unit 12 to display a design screen including design drawings (plan views and sectional views of facilities) having plan views and sectional views of facilities based on the design data stored in the storage unit 14.

The first arrangement setting unit 102 performs device arrangement processing according to the operation of the user (step S2). More specifically, while the design screen is being displayed, the first arrangement setting unit 102 sets, on the design drawing, respective positions where the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 are planned to be installed, in accordance with a user operation such as a drag operation on the first icon.

The second arrangement setting unit 103 performs controller arrangement processing according to the operation of the user (step S3). More specifically, during the display unit 12 displaying the plan view additionally including the plurality of first icons, the second arrangement setting unit 103 sets the position on the plan view where the controller 60 is planned to be installed, according to a user operation such as a drag operation on the second icon.

The first determination processing unit 106 performs the first determination processing (step S4). More specifically, the first determination processing unit 106 determines attenuation information on each lighting device 50 as a communication state. The first judgment processing unit 106 judges whether or not the control of the corresponding lighting device 50 by the controller 60 is possible based on the decided attenuation information.

The first determination processing unit 106 determines whether or not an uncontrollable device exists among the plurality of lighting devices 50 (step S5). In other words, the first determination processing unit 106 determines whether or not there is a lighting apparatus 50 that cannot be controlled by direct communication with the controller 60 among the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50.

If the first determination processing unit 106 determines that there is an uncontrollable device (if the answer is yes in step S5), the third arrangement setting unit 104 performs a relay arrangement process according to the user' S operation (step S6). More specifically, during the display unit 12 displaying the plan view additionally including the plurality of first icons as well as the second icons, the third arrangement setting unit 104 sets the position on the plan view where the repeater 70 is planned to be installed, according to a user operation such as a drag operation on the third icon.

The second determination processing section 107 performs second determination processing (step S7). More specifically, the second determination processing unit 107 determines the relay attenuation information on the uncontrollable device as the communication state of the uncontrollable device. The second determination processing unit 107 determines whether or not the control of the corresponding uncontrollable device is possible via the repeater 70 based on the determined attenuation information for the repeater.

The second determination processing unit 107 determines whether there is a device that cannot be controlled via the relay 70 among the one or more uncontrollable devices (step S8).

If the second determination processing unit 107 determines that there is a device that cannot be controlled via the relay 70 (if the answer is yes in step S8), the processing returns to step S6 to make settings for the next relay 70.

If the first determination processing unit 106 determines that there is no uncontrollable device (if the answer is no in step S5) or if the second determination processing unit 107 determines that there is no device that cannot be controlled via the relay 70 (if the answer is no in step S8), the storage processing unit 108 performs storage processing (step S9). In other words, the storage processing unit 108 performs storage processing if each of the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 can be controlled by direct communication with the controller 60, or if each of the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 can be controlled by direct communication with the controller 60 or can be controlled via the relay 70. More specifically, if each of the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 can be controlled by direct communication with the controller 60, the storage processing unit 108 enables the storage unit 14 to store, in a prescribed area thereof, an installation map in which the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 and the controller 60 are arranged. If each of the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 can be controlled by direct communication with the controller 60 or can be controlled via the relay 70, the storage processing unit 108 enables the storage unit 14 to store, in a prescribed area thereof, an installation diagram in which the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50, the controller 60, and one or more relays 70 are arranged.

Upon completion of the storage processing by the storage processing unit 108, the display processing unit 109 enables the display unit 12 to display a job completion screen on which the job related to the assistance of the apparatus installation has been completed (step S10).

When a predetermined time has elapsed after the display unit 12 starts displaying the job completion screen, the control unit 16 controls the power supply unit 15 to turn off the power supply (step S11).

(3-2) design data display processing

Here, the design data display processing will be described in detail with reference to fig. 5.

The display processing unit 109 acquires design data from the storage unit 14 according to the operation of the user (step S21).

The display processing unit 109 enables the display unit 12 to display the plans (the plan view and the sectional view of the facility) including the plan view and the sectional view of the facility based on the acquired design data (step S22).

The display processing unit 109 determines whether it has accepted a storing operation for storing the design screen (step S23).

If the display processing unit 109 determines that it accepts the storage operation (if the answer is yes in step S23), the storage processing unit 108 enables the storage unit 14 to store data relating to the design screen being displayed (step S24).

If the display processing unit 109 determines that it has not accepted the storing operation (if the answer is no in step S23), the processing is in a state of waiting for the acceptance of the storing operation.

(3-3) device arrangement Process

Here, the device arrangement process will be described in detail with reference to fig. 6.

The display processing unit 109 performs display processing for enabling the display unit 12 to display the design screen (step S31). Alternatively, step S22 shown in fig. 5 may also be used as step S31.

The operation unit 13 accepts an operation for selecting a product number corresponding to the plurality of lighting devices 50 as objects to be installed from among a plurality of product numbers respectively corresponding to the plurality of candidate lighting devices (step S32). In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the plurality of lighting devices 50 have the same product number.

The first arrangement setting unit 102 sets the first icon corresponding to the lighting device 50 at the installation position of the corresponding lighting device 50 on the design drawing according to an arrangement operation such as a drag operation on the first icon (step S33).

The first arrangement setting unit 102 determines whether it accepts the storing operation (step S34).

If the first arrangement setting unit 102 determines that it has not accepted the storage operation (if the answer is no in step S34), the process returns to step S33 to set the first icon corresponding to another lighting apparatus 50 on the design drawing.

If the first arrangement setting unit 102 determines that it accepts the storage operation (if the answer is yes in step S34), the storage processing unit 108 enables the storage unit 14 to store data relating to a design screen additionally including a plurality of first icons respectively corresponding to the plurality of lighting devices 50 being displayed (step S35). For example, the storage processing unit 108 may update the data stored in step S24 to data relating to a design screen additionally including a plurality of first icons.

(3-4) controller arrangement processing

Here, the controller arrangement process will be described in detail with reference to fig. 7.

The display processing unit 109 performs display processing for enabling the display unit 12 to display a design screen additionally including a plurality of first icons (step S41).

The operation unit 13 accepts an operation for selecting a product number corresponding to the controller 60 as an object to be mounted from among a plurality of product numbers respectively corresponding to a plurality of candidate controllers (step S42).

The second arrangement setting unit 103 sets the second icon corresponding to the controller 60 at the installation position of the controller 60 of the design drawing according to an arrangement operation such as a drag operation on the second icon (step S43).

The second arrangement setting unit 103 determines whether it accepts the storing operation (step S44).

If the second arrangement setting unit 103 determines that it has not accepted the storage operation (if the answer is no in step S44), the processing is in a state of waiting for the acceptance of the storage operation.

If the second arrangement setting unit 103 determines that it accepts the storage operation (if the answer is yes in step S44), the storage processing unit 108 enables the storage unit 14 to store data relating to the design screen additionally including the plurality of first icons and the second icon being displayed (step S45). For example, the storage processing unit 108 may update the data stored in step S35 to data relating to a design screen additionally including a plurality of first icons and second icons.

(3-5) first judgment processing

Here, the first determination process will be described in detail with reference to fig. 8.

The display processing unit 109 performs display processing for enabling the display unit 12 to display a design screen additionally including a plurality of first icons and second icons (step S51).

The operation unit 13 accepts an operation for selecting one lighting apparatus 50 from the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 on the design screen displayed on the display unit 12 (step S52). More specifically, the operation unit 13 accepts a user operation such as a drag operation for selecting one first icon from among a plurality of first icons included in the design screen displayed by the display unit 12.

The obstacle information acquiring unit 105 determines whether or not an obstacle exists on a straight line connecting the selected lighting device 50 and the controller 60 (step S53). More specifically, the obstacle information acquiring unit 105 uses the displayed plan view and the cross-sectional view to determine whether an obstacle exists on a straight line connecting the selected one of the first icons and the second icon showing the controller 60.

If the obstacle information acquisition unit 105 determines that an obstacle is present (if the answer is yes in step S53), the display processing unit 109 enables the display unit 12 to display a material list of materials for prompting the user to select the present obstacle (step S54).

The obstacle information acquiring unit 105 acquires information on a material selected from the material list by the operation of the user as obstacle information (step S55).

If the obstacle information acquiring unit 105 determines that there is no obstacle (if the answer is no in step S53) or if the material of the obstacle is selected in step S55, the first determination processing unit 106 performs determination processing for the lighting device 50 selected in step S52 (step S56).

For example, if there is no obstacle between the selected lighting apparatus 50 and the controller 60, the first determination processing unit 106 determines whether or not control of the lighting apparatus 50 with the controller 60 is possible based on the installation map. More specifically, the first determination processing unit 106 acquires controller information including the product number of the controller 60 among the plurality of controller information stored in the storage unit 14. The first determination processing unit 106 acquires data of the transmission power value of the controller 60 included in the acquired controller information. If there is no obstacle on the straight line connecting the selected lighting apparatus 50 and the controller 60, the first judgment processing unit 106 determines the result of calculation based on the transmission power value of the controller 60 and the distance between the selected lighting apparatus 50 and the controller 60 as attenuation information.

If there is an obstacle between the selected lighting apparatus 50 and the controller 60, the first determination processing unit 106 determines whether or not control of the lighting apparatus 50 with the controller 60 is possible based on the installation map and the obstacle information. More specifically, the first determination processing unit 106 acquires controller information including the product number of the controller 60 among the plurality of controller information stored in the storage unit 14. The first determination processing unit 106 acquires data of the transmission power value of the controller 60 included in the acquired controller information. If there is an obstacle on the straight line connecting the selected lighting device 50 and the controller 60, the first judgment processing unit 106 calculates a first value to be determined according to the first distance and the transmission loss coefficient of the signal corresponding to the material of the selected obstacle. The first judgment processing unit 106 calculates a second value to be determined based on the above-described second distance and the truncation loss factor corresponding to the truncation distance. The first judgment processing unit 106 determines a result of calculation based on the acquired transmission power value of the controller 60 and the larger value of the first value and the second value as attenuation information.

The first determination processing unit 106 determines that the control of the lighting device 50 by the controller 60 is possible if the value indicated by the obtained attenuation information is greater than or equal to a prescribed value. On the other hand, if the value indicated by the obtained attenuation information is smaller than the prescribed value, the first determination processing unit 106 determines that the control of the lighting device 50 by the controller 60 is not possible.

The display processing unit 109 determines in the first determination process whether or not the selected lighting device 50 can be controlled by direct communication with the controller 60 (step S57).

If it is determined that the selected lighting apparatus 50 is not controllable by direct communication with the controller 60, that is, the lighting apparatus 50 is not controllable (answer no in step S57), the display processing unit 109 controls the display unit 12 so that the first icon corresponding to the selected lighting apparatus 50 indicates that the lighting apparatus 50 is not controllable (step S58). For example, the display processing unit 109 controls the display unit 12 to display the first icon corresponding to the selected lighting apparatus 50 in a specific color indicating that the lighting apparatus 50 is not controllable.

If it is determined that the selected lighting apparatus 50 can be controlled by direct communication with the controller 60 (yes in step S57), the display processing unit 109 controls the display unit 12 so that the first icon corresponding to the selected lighting apparatus 50 indicates that the lighting apparatus 50 is controllable (step S59). For example, the display processing unit 109 controls the display unit 12 to display the first icon corresponding to the selected lighting apparatus 50 in a specific color indicating that the lighting apparatus 50 is controllable.

The display processing unit 109 determines whether all of the plurality of lighting devices 50 planned to be installed are selected (step S60).

If the display processing unit 109 determines that the plurality of lighting devices 50 have not been all selected (if the answer in step S60 is no), that is, if there is unselected lighting device (S) 50 among the plurality of lighting devices 50, the process returns to step S52 to select the remaining unselected lighting device (S) 50.

If it is determined that all of the plurality of lighting devices 50 are selected (if the answer is yes in step S60), the display processing unit 109 determines whether it accepts the storing operation (step S61).

If the display processing unit 109 determines that it has not accepted the storing operation (if the answer is no in step S61), the processing is in a state of waiting for the acceptance of the storing operation.

If the display processing unit 109 determines that it accepts the storage operation (if the answer is yes in step S61), the storage processing unit 108 enables the storage unit 14 to store data relating to a design screen in which a plurality of first icons being displayed are respectively shown in a color corresponding to the determination result of the first determination processing unit 106 and which includes a second icon (step S62). For example, the storage processing unit 108 may update the data stored in step S45 to data on a design screen in which a plurality of first icons are respectively shown in a color corresponding to the determination result of the first determination processing unit 106 and which includes a second icon.

(3-6) repeater arrangement processing

Here, the repeater arrangement process will be described in detail with reference to fig. 9.

The display processing unit 109 performs display processing that enables the display unit 12 to display a design screen in which a plurality of first icons are respectively shown in a color corresponding to the determination result of the first determination processing unit 106 and which includes a second icon (step S71).

The operation unit 13 accepts an operation for selecting a product number corresponding to the relay 70 as an object to be installed from among a plurality of product numbers respectively corresponding to a plurality of candidate relays (step S72).

The third arrangement setting unit 104 sets the third icon corresponding to the relay 70 at the installation position of the relay 70 on the design drawing in accordance with an arrangement operation such as a drag operation on the third icon (step S73).

The third arrangement setting unit 104 determines whether it accepts the storing operation (step S74).

If the third arrangement setting unit 104 determines that it has not accepted the storage operation (if the answer is no in step S74), the processing is in a state of waiting for the acceptance of the storage operation.

If the third arrangement setting unit 104 determines that it accepts the storage operation (if the answer is yes in step S74), the storage processing unit 108 enables the storage unit 14 to store data relating to a design screen in which a plurality of first icons are respectively shown in a color corresponding to the determination result of the first determination processing unit 106 and which additionally includes a second icon and one or more third icons (step S75). For example, the storage processing unit 108 may update the data stored in step S62 to data on a design screen in which a plurality of first icons are respectively shown in a color corresponding to the determination result of the first determination processing unit 106, and which includes the second icon and one or more third icons.

(3-7) second judgment processing

Here, the second determination processing will be described in detail with reference to fig. 10.

The display processing unit 109 performs display processing that enables the display unit 12 to display a design screen in which a plurality of first icons are respectively shown in a color corresponding to the determination result of the first determination processing unit 106, and which includes the second icon and one or more third icons (step S81). At this time, the display processing unit 109 enables the display unit 12 to also display, on the design screen, a range in which control of the lighting device 50 can be performed by direct communication with the controller 60.

The operation unit 13 accepts an operation for selecting one uncontrollable device from among one or more uncontrollable devices (the lighting devices 50) on the design screen displayed by the display unit 12 (step S82). More specifically, the operation unit 13 accepts a user operation such as a drag operation to select one first icon from one or more first icons included in the design screen displayed by the display unit 12 and shown in a specific color representing that it is not controllable.

The obstacle information acquiring unit 105 determines whether or not an obstacle exists on a straight line connecting the selected uncontrollable device and the repeater 70 (step S83). More specifically, the obstacle information acquiring unit 105 determines whether there is an obstacle on a straight line connecting the selected one of the first icons (i.e., the first icon shown in a specific color indicating that it is not controllable) and the third icon showing the repeater 70, using the displayed plan view and the cross-sectional view.

If the obstacle information acquisition unit 105 determines that an obstacle is present (if the answer is yes in step S83), the display processing unit 109 enables the display unit 12 to display a material list of materials for prompting the user to select the present obstacle (step S84).

The obstacle information acquisition unit 105 acquires information on a material selected from the material list by the operation of the user as the obstacle information for the relay (step S85).

If the obstacle information acquisition unit 105 determines that there is no obstacle (if the answer is no in step S83) or if the material of the obstacle is selected in step S85, the second determination processing unit 107 performs determination processing for the uncontrollable device selected in step S82 (step S86).

For example, if there is no obstacle between the selected uncontrollable device and the relay 70, the second determination processing unit 107 determines whether the control of the uncontrollable device via the relay 70 is possible based on the installation map. More specifically, the second determination processing unit 107 acquires relay information including the product number of the relay 70 among the plurality of relay information stored in the storage unit 14. The second determination processing unit 107 acquires data of the transmission power value of the relay 70 included in the acquired relay information. If there is no obstacle on the straight line connecting the selected uncontrollable device and the repeater 70, the second judgment processing unit 107 determines the result of calculation based on the acquired transmission power value of the repeater 70 and the distance between the selected uncontrollable device and the repeater 70 as the repeater-use attenuation information.

If there is an obstacle between the selected uncontrollable device and the relay 70, the second determination processing unit 107 determines whether or not the control of the uncontrollable device via the relay 70 is possible based on the installation map and the relay-use obstacle information. More specifically, the second determination processing unit 107 acquires relay information including the product number of the relay 70 among the plurality of relay information stored in the storage unit 14. The second determination processing unit 107 acquires data of the transmission power value of the relay 70 included in the acquired relay information. If there is an obstacle on the straight line connecting the selected uncontrollable device and the repeater 70, the second judgment processing unit 107 calculates a third value to be determined according to the above-mentioned third distance and the transmission loss coefficient of the signal corresponding to the material of the selected obstacle. The second judgment processing unit 107 calculates a fourth value to be determined from the fourth distance and the truncation loss factor corresponding to the truncation distance. The second determination processing unit 107 determines a result of calculation based on the acquired transmission power value of the repeater 70 and the larger value of the third value and the fourth value as the repeater use attenuation information.

The second determination processing unit 107 determines that the control of the uncontrollable device via the repeater 70 is possible if the value indicated by the obtained attenuation information for the repeater is greater than or equal to a prescribed value. On the other hand, if the value indicated by the obtained attenuation information for a relay is smaller than the predetermined value, the second determination processing unit 107 determines that the control of the uncontrollable device via the relay 70 is not possible.

The display processing unit 109 determines whether or not the control of the selected uncontrollable device via the relay 70 is possible based on the result of the determination processing by the second determination processing unit 107 (step S87).

If it is determined that the selected uncontrollable device is not controllable via the relay 70, i.e., the uncontrollable device is uncontrollable (answer no in step S87), the display processing unit 109 controls the display unit 12 such that the first icon corresponding to the selected uncontrollable device indicates that it is uncontrollable (step S88). For example, the display processing unit 109 controls the display unit 12 to display a first icon corresponding to the selected uncontrollable device in a specific color indicating its uncontrollable.

If it is determined that the selected uncontrollable device can be controlled via the relay 70 (answer yes in step S87), the display processing unit 109 controls the display unit 12 so that the first icon corresponding to the selected uncontrollable device indicates that it is controllable (step S89). For example, the display processing unit 109 controls the display unit 13 to display the first icon corresponding to the selected uncontrollable device in a specific color indicating that it is controllable.

The display processing unit 109 determines whether all of one or more uncontrollable devices are selected (step S90).

If the display processing unit 109 determines that one or more uncontrollable devices have not been all selected (if the answer in step S90 is no), that is, if there is an unselected uncontrollable device (S), the process returns to step S82 to select the remaining unselected uncontrollable device (S).

If it is determined that all of the one or more uncontrollable devices are selected (if the answer is yes in step S90), the display processing unit 109 determines whether it accepts the storing operation (step S91).

If the display processing unit 109 determines that it has not accepted the storing operation (if the answer is no in step S91), the processing is in a state of waiting for the acceptance of the storing operation.

If the display processing unit 109 determines that it accepts the storage operation (if the answer is yes in step S91), the storage processing unit 108 enables the storage unit 14 to store data relating to a design screen in which a plurality of first icons being displayed are shown in colors corresponding to the determination result of the first determination processing unit 106, respectively, and which includes a second icon and one or more third icons (step S92). For example, the storage processing unit 108 may update the data stored in step S75 to data on a design screen in which a plurality of first icons are respectively shown in a color corresponding to the determination result of the first determination processing unit 106, and which includes the second icon and one or more third icons.

(4) Example of operation

Here, an operation example related to how the installation assisting apparatus 10 operates will be explained together with the screen transition.

First, the display processing unit 109 performs design data display processing in accordance with an operation by the user to enable the display unit 12 to display a design screen G1 (see fig. 11).

As shown in fig. 11, the design screen G1 includes a first display region R11 and a second display region R12.

In the first display region R11, a plurality of tabs (first tab G11 to fifth tab G15) for switching auxiliary objects are displayed (see fig. 11). On the first label G11, the "acquisition map" is displayed as its label name. Selecting the first tab G11 enables the result of the design data display processing performed by the display processing unit 109 to be displayed in the second display region R12. On the second label G12, "illumination" is displayed as its label name. The second label G12 is selected so as to be in a state where the arrangement of the plurality of lighting devices 50 can be set on the design drawing. On the third label G13, "controller" is displayed as its label name. The selection of the third label G13 makes it possible to be a state in which the arrangement of the controller 60 can be set on the design drawing. On the fourth label G14, "path setting" is displayed as its label name. Selecting the fourth tab G14 enables determination as to whether or not communication between the lighting apparatus selected from the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 and the controller 60 is possible (i.e., first determination processing). On the fifth label G15, "repeater" is displayed as its label name. Selecting the fifth label G15 makes it possible to be a state in which the arrangement of the repeater 70 can be set on the design drawing, and further makes a determination as to whether or not communication between the uncontrollable device and the repeater 70 is possible (i.e., a second determination process).

In the second display region R12, a sectional view G31 and a plan view G32 of the facility are displayed. For example, in the sectional view G31, two or more icons I80 corresponding to two or more beams 80 provided on the ceiling of the facility are displayed.

As shown in fig. 11, a storage button B11 is also displayed on the design screen G1. When the storage button B11 is pressed (tapped) in the state where the design screen G1 shown in fig. 11 is being displayed, the storage processing unit 108 enables the storage unit 14 to store data relating to the currently displayed content.

When the second tab G12 is pressed in a state where the design screen G1 shown in fig. 11 is being displayed, in the first display region R11, in addition to the first tab G11 to the fifth tab G15, selection buttons B21 and B22 and a product number name G41 for illumination are displayed (see fig. 12). A first icon I1 corresponding to the lighting device 50 is also displayed in the first display region R11. The user operates the selection button B21 or B22 to change the product number displayed on the product number name for illumination G41 until the product number of the illumination device 50 planned to be installed is displayed on the product number name for illumination G41. The user performs a drag operation of the first icon I1 to move the first icon I1 to a position on the plan view G32 where the lighting device 50 is planned to be installed. At this time, the first arrangement setting unit 102 sets the first icon I1 at a position on the plan view G32 that moves according to the drag operation (see fig. 12). At this time, the first arrangement setting unit 102 also sets the first icon I1 at a position on the sectional view corresponding to the position set on the plan view G32 (see fig. 12).

The drag operation of the first icon I1 is repeated as many times as the number of the lighting devices 50 scheduled to be installed at the facility. For example, if 14 lighting apparatuses 50 are planned to be installed at a facility, the drag operation on the first icon I1 is repeated 14 times as shown in fig. 13. When the storage button B11 is pressed in a state where the design screen G1 shown in fig. 13 is being displayed, the storage processing unit 108 enables the storage unit 14 to store data relating to the currently displayed content, that is, data relating to the design screen G1 additionally including a plurality of first icons I1.

When the third tab G13 is pressed after the operation of disposing the plurality of lighting devices 50 on the plan view and the cross-sectional view is completed, the selection buttons B31 and B32 and the product number name G42 for the controller are displayed in the first display region R11 instead of the selection buttons B21 and B22 and the product number name G41 for lighting (see fig. 14). A second icon I2 corresponding to the controller 60 is also displayed in the first display region R11. Further, a plurality of first icons I1 set by the first arrangement setting unit 102 are additionally included in the sectional view G31 and the plan view G32 of the second display region R12. That is, a plurality of lighting devices 50 are additionally included in the sectional view G31 and the plan view G32 of the second display region R12. The user operates the selection button B31 or B32 to change the product number displayed on the product number name G42 for the controller until the product number of the controller 60 scheduled to be installed is displayed on the product number name G42 for the controller. The user performs a drag operation of the second icon I2 to move the second icon I2 to a position of the planned installation controller 60 on the plan view G32 additionally including the plurality of first icons I1 (i.e., the plurality of lighting devices 50). At this time, the second arrangement setting unit 103 sets the second icon I2 at a position on the plan view G32 that moves according to the drag operation (see fig. 14). At this time, the second arrangement setting unit 103 also sets the second icon I2 at a position on the sectional view corresponding to the position set on the plan view G32 (see fig. 14). In the case where the storage button B11 is pressed in the state where the design screen G1 shown in fig. 14 is being displayed, the storage processing unit 108 enables the storage unit 14 to store data relating to the currently displayed content, that is, data relating to the design screen G1 additionally including the plurality of first icons I1 and the second icon I2.

When fourth tab G14 is pushed after the operation of setting controller 60 on the plan view and the cross-sectional view is completed, instead of selecting buttons B31 and B32 and product number name G42 used by the controller, first product number G43, second product number G44, material name G45, selection buttons B43 and B44, and decision button B12 are displayed in first display region R11 (see fig. 15). On the first product number G43, the product number of the controller 60 is displayed. On the second product number G44, the product number of the lighting device 50 is displayed. In the second display region R12, a diagram in which a second icon I2 and a plurality of first icons I1 are additionally included in the plan view of the facility is displayed. That is, in the second display region R12, an installation drawing in which the controller 60 and the plurality of lighting devices 50 are additionally included in the plan view of the facility is displayed. More specifically, a sectional view G31 additionally including a plurality of lighting devices 50 and a controller 60 and a plan view G32 additionally including a plurality of lighting devices 50 and a controller 60 are respectively shown as installation views. The user performs a tap operation to select one first icon I11 from the plurality of first icons I1, the first icon I11 corresponding to an object to be judged as to whether control through direct communication with the controller 60 is possible. At this time, the product number of the lighting device 50 corresponding to the selected first icon I11 is displayed on the second product number G44.

When the first icon I11 is selected, as shown in fig. 15, two icons I81 and I82 exist as obstacles on a straight line connecting the second icon I2 and the first icon I11. That is, there are two beams 80 as obstacles on a straight line connecting the controller 60 and the lighting device 50 corresponding to the first icon I11. If there is an obstacle, a list G50 (see fig. 16) of materials for prompting selection of the obstacle is displayed on the material name G45. On the list G50, the name of the material is displayed. For example, the user operates the selection button B41 or B42 to select the materials of the two beams as the obstacle. At this time, the obstacle information acquisition unit 105 acquires information about the selected material as obstacle information. When the decision button B12 is pushed after the material of the obstacle is selected, the first determination processing unit 106 performs determination processing for the first icon I11. The display processing unit 109 changes the display mode of the first icon I11 based on the result of the determination processing performed by the first determination processing unit 106 for the first icon I11 (i.e., the selected lighting device 50). For example, the display processing unit 109 enables the display unit 12 to display the first icon I11 corresponding to the selected lighting apparatus 50 in a specific color indicating that it is not controllable (see fig. 17).

When the first icon I12 is selected, as shown in fig. 18, an icon I83 exists as an obstacle on a straight line connecting the second icon I2 and the first icon I12. That is, there is one beam 80 as an obstacle on a straight line connecting the controller 60 and the lighting device 50 corresponding to the first icon I12. If there is an obstacle, a list G50 of materials for prompting selection of the obstacle is displayed on the material name G45, similarly to the case where the first icon I11 is selected. The user selects the material of the beam 80 as the obstacle. At this time, the obstacle information acquisition unit 105 acquires information about the selected material as obstacle information. When the decision button B12 is pushed after the material of the obstacle is selected, the first determination processing unit 106 performs determination processing for the first icon I12. The display processing unit 109 changes the display mode of the first icon I12 based on the result of the determination processing performed by the first determination processing unit 106 for the first icon I12. For example, the display processing unit 109 enables the display unit 12 to display the first icon I12 corresponding to the selected lighting device 50 in a specific color indicating that it is controllable (see fig. 18).

The user performs a selection operation so that the first determination processing unit 106 performs determination processing for all of the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50. The display processing unit 109 changes the respective display modes of the plurality of first icons I1 based on the result of the determination processing performed by the first determination processing unit 106 for the plurality of first icons I1. The display processing unit 109 enables the display unit 12 to display each first icon I1 of the plurality of first icons I1 in a specific color that represents the controllable or non-controllable of the lighting device 50 corresponding to the corresponding first icon I1 (see fig. 19). When the storage button B11 is pushed in a state where the design screen G1 shown in fig. 19 is being displayed, the storage processing unit 108 enables the storage unit 14 to store data relating to the currently displayed content. More specifically, the storage processing unit 108 enables the storage unit 14 to store data relating to a design screen G1 in which each first icon I1 of the plurality of first icons I1 is displayed in a color corresponding to the determination result of the first determination processing unit 106 in the design screen G1, and the design screen G1 includes the second icon I2.

When the fifth tab G15 is pushed in a state where the design screen G1 shown in fig. 19 is being displayed, in the first display region R11, in addition to the first tab G11 to the fifth tab G15, selection buttons B61 and B62 and a product number name G46 used by the relay are displayed (see fig. 20). A third icon I3 corresponding to the relay 70 is also displayed in the first display region R11. Further, a plurality of first icons I1 and second icons I2 set by the first arrangement setting unit 102 are additionally included in the sectional view G31 and the plan view G32 of the second display region R12. That is, a plurality of lighting devices 50 and a controller 60 are additionally included in the sectional view G31 and the plan view G32 of the second display region R12. Further, controllable regions G33 and G34 are displayed in the sectional view G31 and the plan view G32 of the second display region R12, respectively. The controllable regions G33 and G34 each represent a range in which control of the lighting device 50 may be performed through direct communication with the controller 60.

The user operates the selection button B61 or B62 to change the product number displayed on the product number name G46 for the repeater until the product number of the repeater 70 planned to be installed is displayed on the product number G46 for the repeater. The user performs a drag operation on the third icon I3 to move the third icon I3 to the position of the planned installation relay 70 on the plan view G32. At this time, the third arrangement setting unit 104 sets the third icon I3 at a position on the plan view G32 that moves according to the drag operation (see fig. 21). At this time, the third arrangement setting unit 104 also sets the third icon I3 at a position on the sectional view corresponding to the position set on the plan view G32 (see fig. 21). In this case, since the relay 70 needs to directly communicate with the controller 60, the relay 70 needs to be installed in an area communicable with the controller 60. In the present embodiment, since the controllable areas G33 and G34 are displayed as shown in fig. 20 and 21, the user can easily specify an area communicable with the controller 60. Therefore, the user can easily know the location where the repeater 70 can be installed.

When the storage button B11 is pushed in a state where the design screen G1 shown in fig. 21 is being displayed, the storage processing unit 108 enables the storage unit 14 to store data relating to the currently displayed content, that is, data relating to the design screen G1 additionally including a plurality of the first icon I1, the second icon I2, and the third icon I3.

After the setting of the relay 70 is completed on the plan view and the sectional view (for example, after the storage button B11 is pushed and the data relating to the currently displayed content is stored accordingly), in the first display region R11, instead of the selection buttons B61 and B62 and the product number name G46 used for the relay, the third product number G71, the fourth product number G72, the material name G73, the selection buttons B71 and B72, and the decision button B13 are displayed (see fig. 22). On the third product number G71, the product number of the repeater 70 is displayed. On the fourth product number G72, the product number of the lighting device 50 is displayed. The user performs a tap operation to select one of the first icons I11 corresponding to an uncontrollable device that is an object to be judged as to whether control via the repeater 70 is possible. At this time, the product number of the lighting device 50 corresponding to the selected first icon I11 is displayed on the fourth product number G72.

When the first icon I11 is selected, as shown in fig. 22, an icon I82 exists as an obstacle on a straight line connecting the third icon I3 and the first icon I11. That is, there is one beam 80 as an obstacle on the straight line connecting the repeater 70 and the lighting device 50 (uncontrollable device) corresponding to the first icon I11. If there is an obstacle, a list G51 (see fig. 23) of materials for prompting selection of the obstacle is displayed on the material name G73. On the list G51, the name of the material is displayed. For example, the user operates the selection button B71 or B72 to select the material of the beam 80 as the obstacle. At this time, the obstacle information acquiring unit 105 acquires information on the selected material as the obstacle information for the relay. When the decision button B13 is pushed after the material of the obstacle is selected, the second determination processing unit 107 performs determination processing for the first icon I11. The display processing unit 109 changes the display mode of the first icon I11 based on the result of the determination processing performed by the second determination processing unit 107 for the first icon I11 (i.e., for the selected lighting device 50). For example, the display processing unit 109 enables the display unit 12 to display the first icon I11 corresponding to the selected lighting apparatus 50 in a color indicating that control via the relay 70 is possible (see fig. 24). In the present embodiment, the color indicating that the control via the relay 70 is possible is, for example, the same as the color indicating that the control by the direct communication with the controller 60 is possible. Alternatively, the color indicating that the control via the relay 70 is possible may be different from the color indicating that the control by the direct communication with the controller 60 is possible.

The user performs a selection operation so that the second determination processing unit 107 performs determination processing on all the uncontrollable devices. The display processing unit 109 changes the respective display modes of the plurality of first icons I1 based on the result of the determination processing performed by the second determination processing unit 107 for the plurality of first icons I1. The display processing unit 109 enables the display unit 12 to display each first icon I1 of the plurality of first icons I1 in a color indicating that the uncontrollable device corresponding to the corresponding first icon I1 is controllable via the relay 70 or in a color indicating that the uncontrollable device is uncontrollable via the relay 70. In this embodiment, all of the uncontrollable devices can be controlled via the repeater 70. As a result, the respective first icons I1 (i.e., the first icons I1 existing outside the controllable regions G33 and G34) corresponding to the uncontrollable devices are displayed in colors indicating that the uncontrollable devices are controllable via the repeater 70 (see fig. 25).

When the storage button B11 is pushed in a state where the design screen G1 shown in fig. 25 is being displayed, the storage processing unit 108 enables the storage unit 14 to store data relating to the currently displayed content. More specifically, the storage processing unit 108 enables the storage unit 14 to store data relating to a design screen G1 in which each first icon I1 of the plurality of first icons I1 is displayed in a color corresponding to the determination result of the first determination processing unit 106 or the second determination processing unit 107 in the design screen G1, and the design screen G1 includes the second icon I2 and the third icon I3.

After the storage button B11 is pushed in a state where the design screen G1 shown in fig. 25 is being displayed, and accordingly data relating to the currently displayed content is stored, in the second display region R12, information indicating that the job relating to the assistance of the apparatus installation has been completed is displayed instead of the sectional view G31 and the plan view G32. More specifically, the display processing unit 109 enables the display unit 12 to display a job completion map G81 and a job completion message G82 (see fig. 26) as information indicating that the job related to the assistance of the apparatus installation has been completed.

(5) Advantages of

As described above, according to the installation assisting apparatus 10 (apparatus installation assisting system 1) of the present embodiment, the user installs the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 and the controller 60 on the design screen G1, and confirms the communication state between each lighting apparatus 50 and the controller 60. If there are uncontrollable devices that cannot directly communicate with the controller, the user installs one or more repeaters 70 on the design screen G1 and confirms the communication state between the uncontrollable devices and the repeaters 70. Therefore, it is not necessary for the user to actually install each device at the facility to confirm the communication state. This can reduce the labor of the user to change the installation places of devices such as the lighting device 50 or to newly add these devices. That is, the use of the installation assisting apparatus 10 (apparatus installation assisting system 1) can achieve an improvement in the work efficiency relating to the installation of the apparatus.

(6) Modification example

Modifications will be listed below. The modifications to be described below can be adopted by appropriately combining the above exemplary embodiments.

(6-1) first modification

In the above-described exemplary embodiment, the installation assistance device 10 has a structure showing the plan view G32 and the sectional view G31. However, such a structure is merely an example, and should not be construed as limiting.

The installation assistance device 10 can display a screen including a design drawing having a depth feeling of a facility.

(6-2) second modification

In the above-described exemplary embodiment, the installation assistance device 10 has a structure that shows a design drawing in which devices such as the lighting device 50 and the like are not arranged at the start of assistance. However, such a structure is merely an example, and should not be construed as limiting.

At the start of the assistance, the installation assistance device 10 may display a design drawing in which only a plurality of lighting devices 50 are arranged. In this case, the installation assisting device 10 starts the operation from the setting processing of the controller 60. Alternatively, at the start of assistance, the installation assistance device 10 may display a design diagram in which a plurality of lighting devices 50 and the controller 60 are arranged. In this case, the installation assisting device 10 starts the operation from the first judgment process. In short, it is preferable that the installation assisting device 10 is in a state of starting the operation from the first judgment process.

(6-3) third modification

In the above exemplary embodiment, the installation assistance device 10 has the following structure: before performing an operation related to installation assistance of the lighting device 50 and the like, various information (for example, design data, device information, controller information, repeater information, and information related to the first table and the second table) is acquired from the outside via a network. However, such a structure is merely an example, and should not be construed as limiting.

The installation assistance apparatus 10 may be configured to acquire various information from the outside via a network during an operation related to installation assistance.

(6-4) fourth modification

In the above-described exemplary embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the subject device of the installation assistance by the installation assistance device 10 is the lighting device 50. However, the subject device is not limited to the lighting device 50.

The target device for installation assistance by the installation assistance device 10 may be an air conditioning device.

Alternatively, the subject device assisted by the installation of the installation assisting device 10 may be both the air conditioner and the lighting device 50. If the installation assistance object devices are both the air conditioner and the lighting device 50, the installation assistance device 10 may assist the installation of both the controller for the air conditioner and the controller for the lighting device 50. Alternatively, the installation assisting device 10 may assist installation of a controller configured to control both the air conditioner and the lighting device 50.

(6-5) fifth modification

In the above-described exemplary embodiment, it is assumed that the communication between the lighting device 50 and the controller 60 and between the lighting device 50 (uncontrollable device) and the repeater 70 is performed by wireless communication. The communication between the lighting device 50 and the controller 60 and between the lighting device 50 (uncontrollable device) and the repeater 70 may be performed by communication means other than wireless communication (for example, infrared communication).

(6-6) sixth modification

In the above-described exemplary embodiment, the obstacle information acquiring unit 105 has a structure of acquiring information relating to the material of the obstacle as the obstacle information or the obstacle information for the repeater according to the selection of the user. However, such a structure is merely an example, and should not be construed as limiting. For example, if the design data (BIM data) includes information on the material of the obstacle, the obstacle information acquiring unit 105 may acquire the information on the material of the obstacle from the design data.

(other modification examples)

The above-described exemplary embodiments are only exemplary of various embodiments of the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting. The exemplary embodiment can be easily modified in various ways according to design choice or any other factors as long as the object of the present invention can be achieved. The functions similar to the device installation assisting system 1 may also be implemented as, for example, a device installation assisting method, a computer program, or a non-transitory storage medium storing the computer program. The device installation assistance method according to an aspect is used for a device installation assistance system 1 that assists installation of a plurality of devices (e.g., a plurality of lighting devices 50). The device installation assisting method includes a display processing step, a selection step, an acquisition step, and a controller control judgment step. The display processing step includes: the display unit is enabled to display an installation diagram related to a facility as an object in which a plurality of devices and a controller 60 configured to control the plurality of devices are installed. The installation diagram additionally includes installation locations of the plurality of devices and an installation location of the controller 60. The selecting step comprises: one of the plurality of devices is selected as a subject device. The acquisition step comprises: obstacle information on an obstacle existing on a straight line connecting the subject device and the controller 60 is acquired. The controller control judging step comprises the following steps: the communication state between the target device and the controller 60 is determined based on at least the installation map and the installation map in the obstacle information, and it is determined whether or not the target device can be controlled by the controller 60 based on the communication state. Repeating the selecting step, the obtaining step and the controller control judging step until all of the plurality of devices are selected.

A program according to an aspect is a program for enabling a computer system to function as the above-described device installation assisting method. More specifically, the program is for a device installation assistance system that assists in the installation of a plurality of devices (e.g., a plurality of lighting devices 50). The program is designed to enable the computer to execute the display processing step, the selecting step, the acquiring step, and the controller control judging step. The display processing step includes: the display unit is enabled to display an installation diagram related to a facility as an object in which a plurality of devices and a controller 60 configured to control the plurality of devices are installed. The installation diagram additionally includes installation locations of the plurality of devices and an installation location of the controller 60. The selecting step comprises: one of the plurality of devices is selected as a subject device. The acquisition step comprises: obstacle information on an obstacle existing on a straight line connecting the subject device and the controller 60 is acquired. The controller control judging step comprises the following steps: the communication state between the target apparatus and the controller 60 is determined based on at least the installation map and the installation map in the obstacle information, and it is determined whether control of the target apparatus by the controller 60 is possible based on the communication state. Repeating the selecting step, the obtaining step and the controller control judging step until all of the plurality of devices are selected.

The device installation assisting system 1 or the execution body of the device installation assisting method according to the present invention includes a computer system. The computer system may include a processor and memory as the primary hardware components. The function of the execution main body of the device installation assistance system 1 or the device installation assistance method according to the present invention can be performed by causing a processor to execute a program stored in a memory of a computer system. The program may be stored in advance in the memory of the computer system. Alternatively, the program may be downloaded via a telecommunication line or distributed after being recorded in some non-transitory storage medium such as a memory card, an optical disk, or a hard disk drive (any of which is readable by a computer system). The processor of the computer system may be implemented as a single or multiple electronic circuits including a semiconductor Integrated Circuit (IC) or a large scale integrated circuit (LSI). These electronic circuits may be integrated together on one chip or distributed over a plurality of chips, whichever is appropriate. These multiple chips may be integrated together in a single device or distributed among multiple devices without limitation.

The device installation assistance system 1 as a computer system may be configured with one or more computers. For example, at least some of the functions of the device installation assistance system 1 may be implemented as a cloud computing system.

(general)

As can be seen from the foregoing description, the device-installation assisting system (1) according to the first aspect includes a display processing unit (109), an obstacle information acquiring unit (105), and a controller control judging unit (first judgment processing unit 106). The display processing unit (109) is configured to enable the display unit (109) to display an installation diagram related to a facility as an object in which a plurality of devices (for example, the lighting device 50) and a controller (60) configured to control the plurality of devices are installed. The installation diagram additionally includes installation locations of a plurality of devices and an installation location of a controller (60). An obstacle information acquisition unit (105) is configured to acquire obstacle information about an obstacle (e.g., a beam 80) present on a straight line connecting each of the plurality of devices and the controller (60). The controller control determination unit is configured to decide a communication state between each of the plurality of devices and the controller (60) based on at least the installation map and the installation map in the obstacle information, and determine whether control of a corresponding device of the plurality of devices by the controller (60) is possible based on the communication state.

According to this aspect, the device installation assistance system (1) determines a communication state based on an installation map in which a plurality of devices and a controller (60) are arranged, and determines whether the controller (60) can control each device. Therefore, it is not necessary for the user to actually install each device at the facility to confirm the communication state. This can reduce the labor of the user to change the installation site of the devices or newly add the devices. That is, the use of the device installation assistance system (1) can achieve an improvement in the work efficiency relating to the installation of the device.

In a device installation assistance system (1) according to a second aspect that may be realized in combination with the first aspect, the controller control determination unit is configured to decide attenuation information on each of the plurality of devices as a communication state, and determine whether control of the corresponding device of the plurality of devices by the controller (60) is possible based on the attenuation information. The attenuation information is information relating to attenuation of transmission power generated until a signal output from the controller (60) reaches each of the plurality of devices.

According to this aspect, the device-installation assistance system (1) can determine whether the controller (60) can control each device based on the attenuation information.

In the device-installation assistance system (1) according to a third aspect that may be implemented in combination with the second aspect, in a case where there is no obstacle on a straight line connecting a first device of the plurality of devices and the controller (60), the controller-control determination unit is configured to determine a result of calculation based on a transmission power value of the controller (60) and a distance between the first device and the controller (60) as the attenuation information. In the case where there is an obstacle on a straight line connecting a second device of the plurality of devices and the controller (60), the controller control determination unit is configured to calculate a first value to be determined according to: a first distance of the straight line path between the second device and the controller (60) and a transmission loss factor corresponding to the obstacle information. The controller controls the judging unit to calculate a second value to be determined according to: a second distance of the avoidance line between the second device and the controller (60) avoiding the obstacle, and a cutoff loss coefficient corresponding to a cutoff distance to be obtained from the straight line and the avoidance line. The controller controls the determination unit to determine a result of calculation based on a larger value of the first value and the second value and the transmission power value as the attenuation information.

According to this aspect, with respect to the first device in which no obstacle exists on the straight line, the device-installation assistance system (1) can determine whether the controller (60) can control the first device according to the result of calculation based on the transmission power value of the controller (60) and the distance between the first device and the controller (60). Regarding the second device having an obstacle in a straight line, the device installation assistance system (1) may determine whether the controller (60) can control the second device according to a result of calculation based on: a transmission power value of the controller (60); and a larger value of a first value to be determined based on the first distance and the transmission loss factor and a second value to be determined based on the second distance and the truncation loss factor.

The device installation assistance system (1) according to the fourth aspect, which can be implemented in combination with any one of the first to third aspects, further includes a setting unit (third arrangement setting unit 104). The setting unit is configured to set an installation position of a repeater (70) for relaying communication between the uncontrollable device and the controller (60) in the installation diagram. The uncontrollable device is a device that is judged to be uncontrollable by the controller control judging unit among the plurality of devices.

According to this aspect, the user can specify the installation position of the repeater (70) on the installation map.

The device installation assistance system (1) according to the fifth aspect, which may be implemented in combination with the fourth aspect, further includes a relay control determination unit (second determination processing unit 107) configured to determine whether control of the uncontrollable device via the relay (70) is possible. An obstacle information acquisition unit (105) is configured to acquire obstacle information for the relay related to the obstacle in a case where the setting unit sets the installation position of the relay (70) and in a case where the obstacle exists on a straight line connecting the uncontrollable device and the relay (70). The relay control determination unit is configured to decide a communication state between the uncontrollable device and the relay (70) based on at least an installation diagram additionally including the installation position of the relay (70) and the installation diagram additionally including the installation position of the relay (70) in the relay-use obstacle information, and determine whether control of the uncontrollable device via the relay (70) is possible based on the communication state.

According to this aspect, the device installation assistance system (1) can decide the communication state between the uncontrollable device and the repeater (70) based on the installation map and determine whether the control of the uncontrollable device via the repeater (70) is possible.

In a device installation assistance system (1) according to a sixth aspect that may be implemented in combination with the fifth aspect, the repeater control determination unit is configured to decide, as a communication state between the uncontrollable device and the repeater (70), repeater-use attenuation information regarding attenuation of transmission power generated until a signal output from the repeater (70) reaches the uncontrollable device, and determine whether control of the uncontrollable device via the repeater (70) is possible based on the repeater-use attenuation information.

According to this aspect, the device installation assistance system (1) can determine whether or not control of an uncontrollable device via a repeater (70) is possible based on the repeater attenuation information.

In the device-installation assistance system (1) according to the seventh aspect, which may be implemented in combination with the sixth aspect, in a case where there is no obstacle on a straight line connecting the uncontrollable device and the repeater (70), the repeater control judging unit is configured to determine, as the repeater-use attenuation information, a result of calculation based on the repeater-use transmission power value as the transmission power value of the repeater (70) and a straight-line distance between the uncontrollable device and the repeater (70). In the case where there is an obstacle on a straight line connecting the uncontrollable device and the repeater (70), the repeater control judging unit is configured to calculate a third value to be determined according to: a third distance of the straight line between the uncontrollable device and the repeater (70), and a transmission loss coefficient of the transmission power of the repeater (70) corresponding to the repeater-use obstacle information. The relay control judgment unit is configured to calculate a fourth value to be determined according to: a fourth distance of the avoidance line avoiding the obstacle between the uncontrollable device and the repeater (70), and a cutoff loss coefficient corresponding to a cutoff distance obtained from the straight line corresponding to the third distance and the avoidance line corresponding to the fourth distance. The relay control determination unit is configured to determine a result of calculation based on a larger value of the third value and the fourth value and the transmission power value for the relay as the attenuation information for the relay.

According to this aspect, in the case where there is no obstacle in a straight line, the device installation assistance system (1) can determine whether or not control of the uncontrollable device via the repeater (70) is possible according to the result of calculation based on the transmission power value of the repeater (70) and the straight line distance between the uncontrollable device and the repeater (70). In the case where there is an obstacle on a straight line, the device installation assistance system (1) can determine whether or not control of an uncontrollable device via a relay (70) is possible according to a result of calculation based on: a transmission power value of the repeater (70); and a larger value of a third value to be determined based on the third distance and the transmission loss coefficient and a fourth value to be determined based on the fourth distance and the truncation loss coefficient.

In the device-installation assisting system (1) according to the eighth aspect, which may be implemented in combination with any one of the fourth to seventh aspects, the display processing unit (109) is configured to enable the display unit (12) to display an area (G33, G34) that the controller (60) can control on the installation diagram in a case where the setting unit sets the installation position of the repeater (70).

According to this aspect, since the area controllable by the controller (60) is displayed, the user can easily specify the area communicable with the controller (60). Therefore, the user can set the repeater (70) at a position where communication with the controller (60) is possible.

The device installation assistance system (1) according to the ninth aspect, which may be realized in combination with any one of the first to third aspects, further comprises a storage processing unit (108). The storage processing unit (108) is configured to store, in a prescribed storage area (for example, the storage unit 14), an installation map additionally including installation positions of the plurality of devices and an installation position of the controller (60), in a case where each of the plurality of devices is controllable by direct communication with the controller (60).

According to this aspect, the storage processing unit (108) stores the installation map in the installation state determined that each of the plurality of devices can be controlled by the controller (60). Therefore, the user can easily install each device and the controller (60) using the installation diagram.

The device installation assistance system (1) according to the tenth aspect, which may be implemented in combination with any one of the fourth to eighth aspects, further comprises a storage processing unit (108). The storage processing unit (108) is configured to store, in a prescribed storage area (for example, the storage unit 14), an installation map additionally including installation positions of the plurality of devices, installation positions of the controller (60), and installation positions of the relay (70), in a case where each of the plurality of devices is controllable by direct communication with the controller (60) or is controllable via the relay (70).

According to this aspect, the storage processing unit (108) stores an installation map in an installation state that is determined to be in a state in which each of the plurality of devices can be directly controlled by the controller (60) or can be controlled via the repeater (70). Therefore, the user can easily install each device, the controller (60), and the repeater (70) using the installation diagram.

In the device installation assistance system (1) according to an eleventh aspect, which may be implemented in combination with the ninth aspect or the tenth aspect, the display processing unit (109) is configured to enable the display unit (12) to display that the job relating to assistance of the installation of the device is completed, in a case where the storage processing unit (108) stores the installation diagram in the prescribed storage area.

According to this aspect, the user can start an actual job of installing the apparatus based on the stored installation diagram.

The device installation assisting method according to the twelfth aspect is a device installation assisting system (1) for assisting installation of a plurality of devices (for example, a plurality of lighting devices 50). The device installation assisting method includes a display processing step, a selection step, an acquisition step, and a controller control judgment step. The display processing step includes: the display unit is enabled to display an installation diagram related to a facility as an object in which a plurality of devices and a controller (60) configured to control the plurality of devices are installed. The installation diagram additionally includes installation locations of a plurality of devices and an installation location of a controller (60). The selecting step comprises: one of the plurality of devices is selected as a subject device. The acquisition step comprises: obstacle information relating to an obstacle present on a straight line connecting the target device and the controller (60) is acquired. The controller control judging step comprises the following steps: a communication state between the target device and the controller (60) is determined based on at least the installation map and the installation map in the obstacle information, and it is determined whether or not the target device can be controlled by the controller (60) based on the communication state. Repeating the selecting step, the obtaining step and the controller control judging step until all of the plurality of devices are selected.

According to the device installation assisting method, the communication state between each device and the controller (60) is decided based on an installation map in which a plurality of devices and the controller (60) are arranged, and it is determined whether or not the controller (60) can control each device. Therefore, it is not necessary for the user to actually install each device at the facility to confirm the communication state. This can reduce the labor of the user to change the installation site of the devices or newly add the devices. That is, the device installation assisting method can achieve an improvement in work efficiency relating to installation of the device.

In the device-installation assisting method according to a thirteenth aspect which may be implemented in combination with the twelfth aspect, the controller-control judging step includes: attenuation information on the target device is determined as a communication state, and whether or not the target device can be controlled by a controller (60) is determined based on the attenuation information. The attenuation information is information relating to the attenuation of the transmission power generated until the signal output from the controller (60) reaches the target device.

According to the device installation support method, whether or not the controller (60) can control each device can be determined based on the attenuation information.

The device installation assisting method according to a fourteenth aspect, which can be implemented in combination with the twelfth or thirteenth aspect, further includes a setting step. The setting step comprises: an installation position of a repeater (70) for repeating communication between an uncontrollable device and a controller (60) is set in an installation diagram, the uncontrollable device being a device of the plurality of devices that is judged to be uncontrollable by the controller control judging step.

According to the device installation assistance method, a user can specify an installation position of a repeater (70) on an installation diagram.

The device installation assisting method according to the fifteenth aspect, which can be implemented in combination with the fourteenth aspect, further includes a device selecting step, an obstacle information acquiring step, and a relay control judging step. The device selecting step includes: an uncontrollable device is selected. The obstacle information acquiring step includes: when an obstacle exists on a straight line connecting the uncontrollable device selected in the device selecting step and the repeater (70), repeater obstacle information related to the obstacle is acquired. The repeater control judging step includes: a communication state between the uncontrollable device and the repeater (70) is decided based on at least an installation diagram additionally including the installation position of the repeater (70) and an installation diagram additionally including the installation position of the repeater (70) in the repeater-use obstacle information, and it is determined whether the uncontrollable device can be controlled via the repeater (70) based on the communication state. The device selection step, the obstacle information acquisition step, and the repeater control determination step are repeated until all of the plurality of uncontrollable devices are selected.

According to the device installation assistance method, the communication state between the uncontrollable device and the repeater (70) can be decided based on the installation map, and it can be accordingly determined whether the control of the uncontrollable device via the repeater (70) is possible.

The device installation assisting method according to a sixteenth aspect, which can be implemented in combination with the twelfth or thirteenth aspect, further includes a storage processing step. The storage processing step comprises: in the case where each of the plurality of devices can be controlled by direct communication with the controller (60), an installation map additionally including the installation positions of the plurality of devices and the installation position of the controller (60) is stored in a prescribed storage area (for example, the storage unit 14).

According to the device installation assisting method, an installation map is stored in an installation state determined to be controllable by a controller (60) for each of a plurality of devices. Therefore, the user can easily install each device and the controller (60) using the installation diagram.

The device-installation assisting method according to a seventeenth aspect, which can be implemented in combination with the fourteenth or fifteenth aspect, further includes a storage processing step. The storage processing step comprises: in the case where each of the plurality of devices can be controlled by direct communication with the controller or can be controlled via the relay (70), an installation map additionally including the installation positions of the plurality of devices, the installation position of the controller (60), and the installation position of the relay (70) is stored in a prescribed storage area (for example, the storage unit 14).

According to the device installation support method, an installation map is stored in an installation state determined to be controllable by the controller (60) directly or via the relay (70) for each of the plurality of devices. Therefore, the user can easily install each device, the controller (60), and the repeater (70) using the installation diagram.

The device-installation assisting method according to an eighteenth aspect, which can be implemented in combination with the sixteenth or seventeenth aspect, further includes a finishing displaying step. The display finishing step comprises the following steps: in the case where the installation diagram is stored in the prescribed storage area by the storing processing step, the display unit (12) is enabled to display that the job relating to the assistance of the device installation has been completed.

According to the device installation assistance method, the user can start an actual job of installing the device based on the stored installation diagram.

A device installation assisting system (1) for assisting installation of a plurality of devices (for example, a plurality of lighting devices 50) according to the program of the nineteenth aspect. The program is designed to enable the computer to execute the display processing step, the selecting step, the acquiring step, and the controller control judging step. The display processing step includes: a display unit (12) is enabled to display an installation diagram relating to a facility as an object on which a plurality of devices and a controller (60) configured to control the plurality of devices are installed. The installation diagram additionally includes installation locations of a plurality of devices and an installation location of a controller (60). The selecting step comprises: one of the plurality of devices is selected as a subject device. The acquisition step comprises: obstacle information on an obstacle (for example, a beam 80) existing on a straight line connecting the subject device and the controller (60) is acquired. The controller control judging step comprises the following steps: a communication state between the target device and the controller (60) is determined based on at least the installation map and the installation map in the obstacle information, and it is determined whether or not the target device can be controlled by the controller (60) based on the communication state. Repeating the selecting step, the obtaining step and the controller control judging step until all of the plurality of devices are selected.

According to the program, the communication state between each device and the controller (60) is decided based on an installation map in which a plurality of devices and the controller (60) are arranged, and it is determined whether or not the controller (60) can control each device. Therefore, it is not necessary for the user to actually install each device at the facility to confirm the communication state. This can reduce the labor of the user to change the installation site of the devices or newly add the devices. That is, the program can achieve an improvement in the work efficiency relating to the installation of the device.

In a program according to a twentieth aspect, which may be implemented in combination with the nineteenth aspect, the controller controls the judging step to include: attenuation information on the target device is determined as a communication state, and whether or not the target device can be controlled by a controller (60) is determined based on the attenuation information. The attenuation information is information relating to the attenuation of the transmission power generated until the signal output from the controller (60) reaches the target device.

According to this program, it is possible to determine whether or not the controller (60) can control each device based on the attenuation information.

The program according to the twentieth aspect, which can be implemented in combination with the nineteenth aspect or the twentieth aspect, is designed to enable a computer to further perform the setting step. The setting step comprises: an installation position of a repeater (70) for repeating communication between an uncontrollable device and a controller (60) is set in an installation diagram, the uncontrollable device being a device of the plurality of devices that is judged to be uncontrollable by the controller control judging step.

According to the program, the user can specify the installation position of the repeater (70) on the installation map.

A program according to a twenty-second aspect, which can be implemented in combination with the twenty-first aspect, is designed to enable a computer to further execute the device selection step, the obstacle information acquisition step, and the relay control judgment step. The device selecting step includes: an uncontrollable device is selected. The obstacle information acquiring step includes: when an obstacle exists on a straight line connecting the uncontrollable device selected in the device selecting step and the repeater (70), repeater obstacle information related to the obstacle is acquired. The repeater control judging step includes: a communication state between the uncontrollable device and the repeater (70) is decided based on at least an installation diagram additionally including the installation position of the repeater (70) and an installation diagram additionally including the installation position of the repeater (70) in the repeater-use obstacle information, and it is determined whether control of the uncontrollable device via the repeater (70) is possible based on the communication state. The device selection step, the obstacle information acquisition step, and the repeater control determination step are repeated until all of the plurality of uncontrollable devices are selected.

According to the program, the communication state between the uncontrollable device and the repeater (70) can be decided based on the installation map, and it can be determined accordingly whether the control of the uncontrollable device via the repeater (70) is possible.

The program according to the twenty-third aspect, which can be implemented in connection with the nineteenth aspect or the twentieth aspect, is designed to enable a computer to further execute the storing processing step. The storage processing step comprises: in the case where each of the plurality of devices can be controlled by direct communication with the controller (60), an installation map additionally including the installation positions of the plurality of devices and the installation position of the controller (60) is stored in a prescribed storage area (for example, the storage unit 14).

According to the program, the installation map is stored in an installation state determined to be controllable by the controller (60) for each of the plurality of devices. Therefore, the user can easily install each device and the controller (60) using the installation diagram.

A program according to a twenty-fourth aspect, which can be implemented in combination with the twenty-first aspect or the twenty-second aspect, is designed to enable a computer to further execute the storing processing step. The storage processing step comprises: in the case where each of the plurality of devices can be controlled by direct communication with the controller (60) or can be controlled via the relay (70), an installation map additionally including the installation positions of the plurality of devices, the installation position of the controller (60), and the installation position of the relay (70) is stored in a prescribed storage area (for example, the storage unit 14).

According to the program, the installation map is stored in an installation state determined that each of the plurality of devices can be controlled directly by the controller (60) or via the relay (70). Therefore, the user can easily install each device, the controller (60), and the repeater (70) using the installation diagram.

A program according to a twenty-fifth aspect, which can be implemented in combination with the twenty-third or twenty-fourth aspect, is designed to enable a computer to further execute a finishing display step. The display finishing step comprises the following steps: in the case where the installation diagram is stored in the prescribed storage area by the storing processing step, the display unit (12) is enabled to display that the job relating to the assistance of the device installation has been completed.

According to this program, the user can start an actual job of installing the device based on the stored installation diagram.

Description of the reference numerals

1 device installation assistance System

10 installation auxiliary device

12 display unit

14 storage unit (predetermined storage area)

50 Lighting fixture (device)

60 controller

70 repeater

80 Beam (Barrier)

102 first arrangement setting unit

103 second arrangement setting unit

104 third arrangement setting unit (setting unit)

105 obstacle information acquiring unit

106 first judgment processing unit (controller control judgment unit)

107 second judgment processing section (repeater control judgment section)

108 storage processing unit

109 display processing unit

G31 sectional view (installation view)

G32 plan view (installation view)

G33, G34 controllable region

Straight-line routes of P1, P11 and P41

P2, P21, P42 avoidance line

L0, L30 distance

L1, L11 first distance

L2, L21 second distance

Third distance L31, L41

Fourth distance L32, L42

Claims

1. A device installation assistance system comprising:

a display processing unit configured to enable a display unit to display an installation map relating to a facility, the facility being an object in which a plurality of apparatuses and a controller configured to control the plurality of apparatuses are installed, the installation map additionally including installation positions of the plurality of apparatuses and an installation position of the controller;

an obstacle information acquisition unit configured to acquire obstacle information on an obstacle existing on a straight line connecting each of the plurality of devices and the controller; and

a controller control determination unit configured to decide a communication state between each of the plurality of devices and the controller based on at least the installation map and the installation map in the obstacle information, and determine whether control of the respective device of the plurality of devices by the controller is possible based on the communication state.

2. The device installation assistance system of claim 1,

the controller control determination unit is configured to decide attenuation information on attenuation of transmission power generated until a signal output from the controller reaches each of the plurality of devices as the communication state, and determine whether control of the corresponding device of the plurality of devices by the controller is possible based on the attenuation information.

3. The device installation assistance system of claim 2,

in a case where there is no obstacle on a straight line connecting a first device of the plurality of devices and the controller, the controller control determination unit is configured to determine a result of calculation based on a transmission power value of the controller and a distance between the first device and the controller as the attenuation information, and

in a case where there is an obstacle on a straight line connecting a second device of the plurality of devices and the controller, the controller control determination unit is configured to:

calculating a first value to be determined according to:

a first distance of a straight line path between the second device and the controller, an

A transmission loss coefficient corresponding to the obstacle information;

calculating a second value to be determined according to:

a second distance between the second device and the controller to avoid an avoidance line of the obstacle, an

A truncation loss factor corresponding to a truncation distance to be obtained from the straight line path and the avoidance path; and

determining a result of calculation based on the larger of the first value and the second value and the transmission power value as the attenuation information.

4. The device installation assistance system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a setting unit configured to set, in the installation map, installation positions of relays for relaying communication between an uncontrollable device and the controller, the uncontrollable device being a device of the plurality of devices that is determined to be uncontrollable by the controller control determining unit.

5. The device installation assistance system according to claim 4, further comprising a repeater control determination unit configured to determine whether control of the uncontrollable device via the repeater is possible,

wherein the obstacle information acquisition unit is configured to acquire the obstacle information for the relay related to the obstacle in a case where the setting unit sets the installation position of the relay and in a case where the obstacle exists on a straight line connecting the uncontrollable device and the relay, and

the relay control determination unit is configured to decide a communication state between the uncontrollable device and the relay based on at least an installation diagram additionally including an installation position of the relay and an installation diagram additionally including an installation position of the relay in the relay-use obstacle information, and determine whether control of the uncontrollable device via the relay is possible based on the communication state.

6. The device installation assistance system of claim 5,

the relay control determination unit is configured to decide, as a communication state between the uncontrollable device and the relay, relay-use attenuation information on attenuation of transmission power generated until a signal output from the relay reaches the uncontrollable device, and determine whether control of the uncontrollable device via the relay is possible based on the relay-use attenuation information.

7. The device installation assistance system of claim 6,

in a case where there is no obstacle on a straight line connecting the uncontrollable device and the repeater, the repeater control judging unit is configured to determine, as the repeater attenuation information, a result of calculation based on a repeater transmission power value as the transmission power value of the repeater and a straight line distance between the uncontrollable device and the repeater, and

in a case where there is an obstacle on a straight line connecting the uncontrollable device and the repeater, the repeater control judging unit is configured to:

calculating a third value to be determined according to:

a third distance of the linear path between the uncontrollable device and the repeater, an

A transmission loss coefficient corresponding to the repeater-use obstacle information;

calculating a fourth value to be determined according to:

a fourth distance between the uncontrollable device and the repeater avoiding the avoidance line of the obstacle, an

A truncation loss coefficient corresponding to a truncation distance to be obtained from a straight line path corresponding to the third distance and an avoidance path corresponding to the fourth distance; and

determining a result of calculation based on a larger value of the third value and the fourth value and the transmission power value for the repeater as the attenuation information for the repeater.

8. The device installation assistance system of any one of claims 4 to 7,

the display processing unit is configured to enable the display unit to display an area that can be controlled by the controller on the installation map in a case where the setting unit sets the installation position of the repeater.

9. The device-installation assisting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a storage processing unit configured to store an installation diagram additionally including installation positions of the plurality of devices and an installation position of the controller in a prescribed storage area in a case where each of the plurality of devices is controllable by direct communication with the controller.

10. The device installation assistance system according to any one of claims 4 to 8, further comprising a storage processing unit configured to store, in a prescribed storage area, an installation map that additionally includes installation positions of the plurality of devices, installation positions of the controller, and installation positions of the relay, in a case where each of the plurality of devices is controllable by direct communication with the controller or is controllable via the relay.

11. The device installation assistance system of claim 9 or 10,

the display processing unit is configured to enable the display unit to display that a job related to assistance of apparatus installation has been completed, in a case where the storage processing unit stores the installation map in the prescribed storage area.

12. A device installation assisting method to be used for a device installation assisting system that assists installation of a plurality of devices, the device installation assisting method comprising:

a display processing step of enabling a display unit to display an installation map relating to a facility, the facility being an object on which the plurality of devices and a controller configured to control the plurality of devices are installed, the installation map additionally including installation positions of the plurality of devices and installation positions of the controller;

a selection step of selecting one of the plurality of devices as an object device;

an acquisition step of acquiring obstacle information on an obstacle existing on a straight line connecting the object device and the controller; and

a controller control determination step of deciding a communication state between the target device and the controller based on at least the installation map and the installation map in the obstacle information, and determining whether or not control of the target device by the controller is possible based on the communication state,

wherein the selecting step, the acquiring step, and the controller control judging step are repeated until all of the plurality of devices are selected.

13. The device installation assistance method of claim 12,

the controller control determination step determines attenuation information on attenuation of transmission power generated until a signal output from the controller reaches the target apparatus as the communication state, and determines whether control of the target apparatus by the controller is possible based on the attenuation information.

14. The device installation assisting method according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising a setting step of setting, in the installation map, an installation location of a repeater for repeating communication between an uncontrollable device and the controller, the uncontrollable device being a device of the plurality of devices that is determined to be uncontrollable by the controller control determining step.

15. The device installation assistance method of claim 14, further comprising:

a device selection step for selecting the uncontrollable device;

an obstacle information acquisition step of acquiring, when an obstacle exists on a straight line connecting the uncontrollable device selected in the device selecting step and the repeater, obstacle information for the repeater relating to the obstacle; and

a relay control determination step of deciding a communication state between the uncontrollable device and the relay based on at least an installation diagram additionally including the installation position of the relay and an installation diagram additionally including the installation position of the relay in the relay-use obstacle information, and determining whether control of the uncontrollable device via the relay is possible based on the communication state,

repeating the device selecting step, the obstacle information acquiring step, and the relay control judging step until all of the plurality of uncontrollable devices are selected.

16. The device-installation assisting method according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising a storage processing step of storing an installation diagram additionally including installation positions of the plurality of devices and an installation position of the controller in a prescribed storage area in a case where each of the plurality of devices is controllable by direct communication with the controller.

17. The device installation assisting method according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising a storage processing step of storing an installation map additionally including installation positions of the plurality of devices, an installation position of the controller, and an installation position of the relay in a prescribed storage area in a case where each of the plurality of devices is controllable by direct communication with the controller or is controllable via the relay.

18. The device installation assisting method according to claim 16 or 17, further comprising a completion displaying step for enabling the display unit to display that a job relating to assistance of device installation has been completed in a case where the installation diagram is stored in the prescribed storage area by the storing processing step.

19. A program to be used for a device installation assisting system that assists installation of a plurality of devices, the program being designed to enable a computer to execute:

20. The program according to claim 19, wherein,

21. The program according to claim 19 or 20, designed to enable the computer to further execute a setting step for setting, in the installation map, an installation position of a relay for relaying communication between an uncontrollable device and the controller, the uncontrollable device being one of the plurality of devices that is judged to be uncontrollable by the controller control judging step.

22. The program according to claim 21, designed to enable the computer to further perform:

a device selection step for selecting the uncontrollable device;

23. The program according to claim 19 or 20, designed to enable the computer to further execute a storing processing step for storing an installation map additionally including installation positions of the plurality of devices and an installation position of the controller in a prescribed storage area in a case where each of the plurality of devices is controllable by direct communication with the controller.

24. The program according to claim 21 or 22, designed to enable the computer to further execute a storage processing step for storing an installation map additionally including installation positions of the plurality of devices, installation positions of the controller, and installation positions of the relay in a prescribed storage area in a case where each of the plurality of devices is controllable by direct communication with the controller or is controllable via the relay.

25. The program according to claim 23 or 24, designed to enable the computer to further execute a completion display step for enabling the display unit to display that a job related to assistance of device installation is completed in a case where the installation diagram is stored in the prescribed storage area by the storing processing step.