CN113748686B

CN113748686B - Device installation support system, device installation support method, and program

Info

Publication number: CN113748686B
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: 2024-05-03
Anticipated expiration: 2040-03-25
Also published as: TW202043971A; WO2020217832A1; CN113748686A; JP7320797B2; JPWO2020217832A1

Abstract

Provided are a device installation assistance system, a device installation assistance method, and a program, which can achieve an improvement in the work efficiency associated with device installation. The device mounting support system (1) includes a display processing unit (109), an obstacle information acquisition unit (105), and a first determination processing unit (106). A display processing unit (109) enables a display unit (12) to display an installation diagram concerning a facility as an object of a controller that installs a plurality of devices and controls the plurality of devices. The installation diagram additionally includes the installation locations of the plurality of devices and the installation locations of the controller. An obstacle information acquisition unit (105) acquires obstacle information on an obstacle existing on a straight line connecting each of a plurality of devices and a controller. A first judgment processing unit (106) determines a communication state between each of the plurality of devices and the controller based on at least the installation diagram and the installation diagram in the obstacle information and judges whether control of the corresponding one of the plurality of devices with 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 assisting system, a device installation assisting method, and a program, and more particularly, to a device installation assisting system, a device installation assisting 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 of assisting in the installation of a home controller. The home controller disclosed in patent document 1 communicates with a plurality of home appliances installed such as lighting devices or the like 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. Therefore, 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 would take a lot of effort.

Prior art literature

Patent literature

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 support system, a device installation support method, and a program that can achieve improvement in work efficiency related to installation of a device.

A device mounting assistance system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a display processing unit, an obstacle information acquisition unit, and a controller control judgment 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 on which a plurality of devices are installed and a controller configured to control the plurality of devices. The installation diagram 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 about an obstacle present on a straight line connecting each of the plurality of devices and the controller. The controller control judging unit is configured to decide a communication state between each of the plurality of devices and the controller based at least on the installation diagram and the installation diagram in the obstacle information, and judge whether control of the corresponding one of the plurality of devices with the controller is enabled 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 the installation of a plurality of devices. The device installation assisting method comprises a display processing step, a selecting step, an obtaining step and a controller control judging step. The display processing step is for enabling a display unit to display an installation diagram related to a facility, which is an object on which the plurality of devices and a controller configured to control the plurality of devices are installed. The installation diagram 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 target device. The acquisition step is for acquiring obstacle information on an obstacle existing on a straight line connecting the object device and the controller. The controller control judging step is for determining a communication state between the object device and the controller based at least on the installation diagram and the installation diagram in the obstacle information, and judging whether control of the object device with the controller is possible based on the communication state. The selecting step, the acquiring step, and the controller control judging step are repeated until all of the plurality of devices are selected.

A program according to an aspect of the present invention is a device installation assisting system for assisting installation of a plurality of devices. 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 is for enabling a display unit to display an installation diagram related to a facility, which is an object on which the plurality of devices and a controller configured to control the plurality of devices are installed. The installation diagram 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 target device. The acquisition step is for acquiring obstacle information on an obstacle existing on a straight line connecting the object device and the controller. The controller control judging step is for determining a communication state between the object device and the controller based at least on the installation diagram and the installation diagram in the obstacle information, and judging whether control of the object device with the controller is possible based on the communication state. The selecting step, the acquiring step, and the controller control judging step are repeated until all of the plurality of devices are selected.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is an explanatory view concerning the structure of an installation assisting apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment;

fig. 2 is a plan view of a facility for explaining a state in which a plurality of lighting devices, controllers, and relays 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 view concerning a case where there is one obstacle between the lighting device and the controller (or the repeater);

Fig. 3C is an explanatory diagram concerning a case where there are two obstacles between the lighting device and the controller (or the repeater);

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram relating to an overview of how the installation aid works;

fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the design data display processing to be performed by the installation assisting apparatus;

Fig. 6 is an explanatory view concerning a device arrangement process to be performed by the installation assisting device;

fig. 7 is an explanatory view concerning the controller arrangement process to be performed by the installation assisting apparatus;

Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a first determination process to be performed by the attachment assisting device;

fig. 9 is an explanatory view concerning a repeater arrangement process to be performed by the installation assisting apparatus;

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

Fig. 11 is an explanatory view of a design screen to be displayed by the installation assisting apparatus;

Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram concerning the arrangement operation of the lighting devices on the design screen;

fig. 13 is an explanatory diagram concerning the arrangement operation of the plurality of lighting devices on the design screen;

Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram concerning the arrangement operation of the controller on the design screen;

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

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

fig. 17 is an explanatory diagram concerning 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 concerning a design screen in the case of displaying a processing result of the first judgment processing for the selected other lighting device;

fig. 19 is an explanatory diagram concerning a design screen in the case of displaying the processing result of the first judgment processing for all the plurality of lighting devices;

fig. 20 is an explanatory diagram concerning a design screen before the layout operation of the repeater is performed;

fig. 21 is an explanatory diagram concerning the arrangement operation of the repeater on the design screen;

fig. 22 is an explanatory diagram concerning a selection operation of the illumination device (uncontrollable device) as the object of the second judgment processing on the design screen;

Fig. 23 is an explanatory diagram concerning the display content on the design screen in the case where there is an obstacle between the lighting device (uncontrollable device) and the repeater;

Fig. 24 is an explanatory diagram concerning a design screen in the case of displaying the processing result of the second judgment processing for the selected lighting device (uncontrollable device);

fig. 25 is an explanatory diagram concerning a design screen in the case of displaying the processing result of the second judgment processing for all of the plurality of uncontrollable devices; and

Fig. 26 is an explanatory diagram of a design screen in the case where the job relating to the assistance of the device installation 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 modifications described below may be easily modified in various ways according to design choices or any other factors as long as they do not deviate from the technical ideas according to the present invention.

Example (example)

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

(1) Summary of the invention

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

The installation assisting apparatus 10 is also configured to assist in determining an installation position of a repeater 70 (see fig. 2), the repeater 70 being used for relaying communication between the controller 60 and the lighting apparatus 50 of the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 that cannot receive direct control of the controller 60. Reference herein to "direct control" 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 repeater 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 assisting apparatus 10 is configured to display a design drawing (e.g., a plan view and a sectional view) concerning a facility in which a plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 are installed. While the design drawing is being displayed, the installation assisting apparatus 10 receives the installation positions of the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 and the installation position of the controller 60 by a manual operation of a user (for example, an operator who installs the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 to a facility).

The installation assisting apparatus 10 shows a design drawing (i.e., an installation drawing) additionally including installation positions of the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 and the installation position of the controller 60.

The installation assisting apparatus 10 determines whether or not communication between each of the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 and the controller 60 is possible based on whether or not there is an obstacle on a straight line connecting the respective lighting apparatuses 50 and the controller 60.

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

The installation assisting apparatus 10 determines whether or not control of the uncontrollable apparatus via the relay 70 is possible based on whether or not there is an obstacle on a straight line connecting the uncontrollable apparatus and the relay 70. Reference herein to "control of an 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 repeater 70, the installation assisting apparatus 10 displays that the work related to the assistance of the apparatus installation has been completed. After that, the installation assisting apparatus 10 turns off its own power supply.

(2) Structure of the

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 aid 10 comprises, for example, a computer system having a processor and a memory. The computer system functions as the control unit 16 by causing a processor to execute a program stored in a memory. The program to be executed by the processor may be pre-stored in the memory of the computer system. Alternatively, the program may 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 of a user. In the present embodiment, the installation 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. Accordingly, in the following description, various touch operations on buttons on a screen displayed by the display unit 12 may be expressed as "flicks" or the like. However, the operation unit 13 as a touch panel display is only 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 or the like.

The storage unit 14 stores design data relating 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 device information is a plurality of pieces of information acquired from 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 controller information is a plurality of information acquired from outside via a network. In the present embodiment, the plurality of controller information each includes the product number of the corresponding candidate controller and the transmission power value of the corresponding candidate controller at the time of its output 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 repeater information are a plurality of pieces of information acquired from outside via a network. In the present embodiment, the plurality of relay information each includes a product number of a corresponding candidate relay and a transmission power value of the corresponding candidate relay at the time of its output signal.

The storage unit 14 stores a first table (see table 1 below) including two or more pairs, each pair including a material of an obstacle (which may exist in communication between the controller 60 and the lighting device 50 or between the repeater 70 and the lighting device 50) in association with each other, and a transmission loss coefficient associated with the material. The transmission loss factor is used to calculate the loss of transmission power as the signal passes through an obstruction. The transmission loss coefficient is obtained based on the transmission loss [ dB ] of the corresponding material. More specifically, a true value "X" of the transmission loss of the material is obtained using the transmission loss "Y" [ dB ] and the formula "y=10×log ₁₀ X". The transmission loss factor 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 a cut-off distance described later and a cut-off loss coefficient corresponding to the cut-off distance in a manner associated with each other. The cut-off loss coefficient is used to calculate the loss of transmission power when the obstacle-avoiding signal reaches the illumination device 50. The truncation loss coefficient is obtained, for example, by the formula "k=1/(1+h) ²", where "h" represents the truncation distance and "k" represents the truncation loss coefficient.

TABLE 2

Cut-off distance [ m ]	Coefficient of cut-off 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 electric power to a circuit or the like provided in the mounting auxiliary device 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 the installation assistance of the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 and the like, the data acquisition unit 101 acquires design data of the facility from the outside via the communication unit 11 according to an operation by 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 mounting assistance of the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 and the like, the data acquisition unit 101 acquires a plurality of pieces of apparatus information related to the plurality of candidate lighting apparatuses, respectively, from the outside via the communication unit 11 according to an operation by a user.

The data acquisition unit 101 acquires a plurality of pieces of controller information from the outside via the communication unit 11 in accordance with an operation by a user before performing an operation related to mounting assistance of a plurality of lighting devices 50 or the like.

Before performing an operation related to the mounting assistance of the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 and the like, the data acquisition unit 101 acquires a plurality of pieces of repeater information from the outside via the communication unit 11 according to the operation of the user.

During the display unit 12 displays a design drawing 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 respective positions on the design drawing at which the plurality of lighting devices 50 are planned to be installed according to the operation of the user.

Before performing an operation related to the mounting 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 an operation by 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, information related to the second table, and the like from the same external device or from two or more external devices separated from each other.

During the display unit 12 displays the design drawing of the facility, the second arrangement setting unit 103 sets the position of the planned installation controller 60 on the design drawing according to the operation of the user.

During the display unit 12 displays a design drawing 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 design drawing according to the operation of the user.

During the display unit 12 displaying a design drawing additionally including the installation positions of the plurality of lighting devices 50 and the installation position of the controller 60, in the case where there is an obstacle on a straight line connecting the respective lighting devices 50 of the plurality of lighting devices 50 and the controller 60, the obstacle information acquisition unit 105 acquires obstacle information related to the obstacle according to the operation of the 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 there is an obstacle on a straight line connecting an uncontrollable device among the plurality of lighting devices 50 and the repeater 70, the obstacle information acquisition unit 105 acquires obstacle information for the repeater related to the obstacle according to the operation of the 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 acquisition unit 105 acquires information about the material of the beam 80 as obstacle information (or relay-use obstacle information) 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 at least on the installation diagram and the installation diagram in the obstacle information, and determines whether control of the corresponding lighting apparatus 50 of the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 with the controller 60 is possible based on the communication state. In the case where there is no obstacle between the lighting device 50 and the controller 60, the first determination processing unit 106 determines whether or not control of the lighting device 50 by the controller 60 is possible based on the installation diagram. On the other hand, in the case where an obstacle exists between the lighting device 50 and the controller 60, the first determination processing unit 106 determines whether or not control of the lighting device 50 by the controller 60 is possible based on the installation diagram and the obstacle information.

In more detail, the first determination processing unit 106 determines attenuation information on attenuation of the transmission power generated until the signal output from the controller 60 reaches each of the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 as a communication state. The first determination processing unit 106 determines whether control of the corresponding lighting device 50 among the plurality of lighting devices 50 by the controller 60 is possible based on the determined attenuation information.

More specifically, in the case where there is no obstacle on a straight line connecting the first device of the plurality of lighting devices 50 and the controller 60, the first determination processing unit 106 determines the 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 as attenuation information. 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 the straight line connecting the first device (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 judgment 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 route and the avoidance route. 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, diffraction, or the like of radio waves. The cutoff distance is the maximum gap distance between the avoidance line and the straight line.

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

When there are two or more obstacles (two obstacles in the example of fig. 3C) on the straight line connecting the illumination device 50 and the controller 60, the first determination processing unit 106 acquires data of two or more transmission loss coefficients corresponding to the materials of the two or more obstacles, respectively, 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 multiplication result of the two or more transmission loss coefficients by the inverse of the first distance L11 (see fig. 3C) of the straight line path P11 connecting the second device (lighting device 50) and the controller 60. The first determination processing unit 106 also obtains a cutoff distance h2 from the avoidance line P21 that avoids the obstacle and the straight line P11. In this case, the cutoff distance h2 is the length of the perpendicular 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 cut-off loss coefficient corresponding to the obtained cut-off distance h2 from the second table. The first judgment processing unit 106 obtains, as a second value, a result of multiplying the obtained cutoff loss coefficient by the reciprocal of the second distance L21 of the avoidance line P21 between the second device (lighting device 50) and the controller 60.

When the value indicated by the obtained attenuation information is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the first determination processing unit 106 determines that control of the lighting device 50 by the controller 60 is possible. 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 control of the lighting device 50 by the controller 60 is not possible.

The second determination processing unit 107 decides a communication state between the uncontrollable device and the relay 70 based at least on the installation diagram and the installation diagram in the relay obstacle information, and determines whether 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 control of the uncontrollable device via the relay 70 is possible based on the installation diagram. 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 control of the uncontrollable device via the relay 70 is possible based on the installation diagram and the obstacle information for the relay.

In more detail, the second determination processing unit 107 determines attenuation information for the repeater concerning attenuation of transmission power generated until the signal output from the repeater 70 reaches the uncontrollable device as a communication state. The second determination processing unit 107 determines whether or not control of the uncontrollable device via the relay 70 is possible based on the determined relay attenuation information.

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

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

For example, similar to the first determination processing unit 106, the second determination processing unit 107 acquires data of a transmission loss coefficient corresponding to the material of the obstacle from the first table. The second judgment processing unit 107 obtains, as a third value, a result of multiplying the acquired transmission loss coefficient by the reciprocal of the third distance L31 (see fig. 3B) of the straight line path P41 connecting the uncontrollable device (the lighting device 50) and the relay 70. The second determination processing unit 107 obtains the cutoff distance h31 from the avoidance line P42 and the straight line P41 that avoid the obstacle. The cutoff distance h31 is a length of a perpendicular line drawn from the vertex P43 on the avoidance line P42 toward the straight line P41. Similar to the first judgment processing unit 106, the second judgment processing unit 107 acquires data of the cut-off loss coefficient corresponding to the obtained cut-off distance h31 from the second table. The second judgment processing unit 107 obtains, as a fourth value, a result of multiplying the obtained 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 relay 70. The second judgment processing unit 107 obtains the result of multiplying the transmission power value of the relay 70 by the larger value of the third value and the fourth value as the relay attenuation information.

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

When the value indicated by the obtained attenuation information for the relay is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the second determination processing unit 107 determines that control of the lighting device 50 via the relay 70 is possible. On the other hand, when the value indicated by the obtained attenuation information for the relay is smaller than the predetermined value, the second determination processing unit 107 determines that 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 the installation drawings in which the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 and the controller 60 are arranged in a prescribed area thereof. In the case where each lighting device 50 of the plurality of lighting devices 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 an installation diagram in which the plurality of lighting devices 50, the controller 60, and the one or more relays 70 are arranged in a prescribed area thereof.

The display processing unit 109 enables the display unit 12 to display each screen to be used by the user when performing assistance of 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 the facility based on the design data stored in the storage unit 14 according to a user operation at the start of assistance of device installation. In the case where the first arrangement setting unit 102 sets on the design drawing the respective positions where the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 are planned to be mounted, the display processing unit 109 enables the display unit 12 to display the design drawing in which the plurality of first icons representing the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50, respectively, are arranged. In the case where the second arrangement setting unit 103 sets the position where the controller 60 is planned to be installed on the design drawing, the display processing unit 109 enables the display unit 12 to display the design drawing in which a plurality of first icons and second icons representing the controllers 60 are arranged. In the case where the third arrangement setting unit 104 sets the position where the repeater 70 is planned to be installed on the design drawing, the display processing unit 109 enables the display unit 12 to display the design drawing in which a plurality of first icons, second icons, and third icons representing the repeaters 70 are arranged.

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

The display processing unit 109 enables the display unit 12 to display a design drawing whose actual size is reduced at a prescribed reduction rate using design data such as BIM data or the like. In the present embodiment, the first judgment processing unit 106 calculates distances L0, L1, L2, L11, and L21 as actual distances and cutoff distances h1 and h2 as actual cutoff distances using distances on the design drawing and prescribed reduction rates. Similarly, the second judgment processing unit 107 calculates distances L30, L31, L32, L41, and L42 as actual distances and cutoff distances h31 and h42 as actual cutoff distances using the distances on the design drawing 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 a job related to assistance of device installation has been completed.

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

(3) Operation of

(3-1) Overview of operations

Here, an overview about how the installation assisting 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 a design drawing having a plan view and a sectional view of a facility (a plan view and a sectional view of the facility) 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 devices 50 are planned to be mounted, in accordance with a user operation such as a drag operation on the first icon.

The second arrangement setting unit 103 performs a controller arrangement process according to the operation of the user (step S3). More specifically, during the display of the design drawing including additionally a plurality of first icons by the display unit 12, the second arrangement setting unit 103 sets the position of the planned installation controller 60 on the design drawing in accordance with a user operation such as a drag operation on the second icon.

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

The first judgment processing unit 106 judges whether or not there is an uncontrollable device 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 device 50 that cannot be controlled by direct communication with the controller 60 among the plurality of lighting devices 50.

If the first judgment processing unit 106 judges that there is an uncontrollable device (if the answer is yes in step S5), the third arrangement setting unit 104 performs the repeater arrangement processing according to the operation of the user (step S6). More specifically, during the display unit 12 displays a design drawing additionally including a plurality of first icons and second icons, the third arrangement setting unit 104 sets the position on the design drawing where the repeater 70 is planned to be installed in accordance with a user operation such as a drag operation on the third icon.

The second judgment processing unit 107 performs a second judgment process (step S7). More specifically, the second determination processing unit 107 decides the relay attenuation information related to the uncontrollable device as the communication state of the uncontrollable device. The second determination processing unit 107 determines whether control of the corresponding uncontrollable device is possible via the relay 70, based on the determined attenuation information for the relay.

The second judgment processing unit 107 judges whether or not 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 process returns to step S6 to make a setting for the next relay 70.

If the first judgment processing unit 106 judges that there is no uncontrollable device (if the answer is no in step S5), or if the second judgment processing unit 107 judges 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 a storage process (step S9). In other words, 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, the storage processing unit 108 performs the storage processing. 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 the installation diagram in which the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 and the controller 60 are arranged in a prescribed area thereof. If each lighting device 50 of the plurality of lighting devices 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 an installation diagram in which the plurality of lighting devices 50, the controller 60, and one or more relays 70 are arranged in a prescribed area thereof.

In the case where the storage processing by the storage processing unit 108 is completed, the display processing unit 109 enables the display unit 12 to display a job completion screen in which a job related to the assistance of device installation has been completed (step S10).

When a predetermined time elapses 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 process 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 a design drawing (plan view and cross-sectional view of the facility) including the plan view and the cross-sectional view of the facility based on the acquired design data (step S22).

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

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

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

(3-3) Device placement Process

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

The display processing unit 109 performs display processing that enables 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 a plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 as objects to be mounted from among a plurality of product numbers respectively corresponding to a plurality of candidate lighting apparatuses (step S32). In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a plurality of lighting devices 50 have the same product number.

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

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

If the first arrangement setting unit 102 determines that it does not accept the storage operation (if the answer is no in step S34), the process returns to step S33 to set the first icon corresponding to the other lighting device 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 on a design screen additionally including a plurality of first icons respectively corresponding to the plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 being displayed (step S35). For example, the storage processing unit 108 may update the data stored in step S24 to data related 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 that enables 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 installed 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 for the second icon or the like (step S43).

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

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

If the second arrangement setting unit 103 determines that it has accepted the storage operation (if the answer is yes in step S44), the storage processing unit 108 enables the storage unit 14 to store data on a design screen additionally including a plurality of first icons and second icons being displayed (step S45). For example, the storage processing unit 108 may update the data stored in step S35 to data related 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 that enables 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 device 50 from the plurality of lighting devices 50 on the design screen displayed by the display unit 12 (step S52). More specifically, the operation unit 13 accepts a user operation such as a drag operation or the like for selecting one first icon from among the plurality of first icons included in the design screen displayed by the display unit 12.

The obstacle information acquisition unit 105 determines whether an obstacle exists on a straight line connecting the selected lighting device 50 and the controller 60 (step S53). More specifically, the obstacle information acquisition unit 105 uses the displayed plan view and 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 exists (if the answer is yes in step S53), the display processing unit 109 enables the display unit 12 to display a material list for prompting the user to select the material of the obstacle existing (step S54).

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

If the obstacle information acquisition 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 a determination process for the illumination device 50 selected in step S52 (step S56).

For example, if there is no obstacle between the selected lighting device 50 and the controller 60, the first determination processing unit 106 determines whether control of the lighting device 50 with the controller 60 is possible based on the installation diagram. More specifically, the first determination processing unit 106 acquires the controller information including the product number of the controller 60 from among the plurality of controller information stored in the storage unit 14. The first judgment 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 a straight line connecting the selected lighting device 50 and the controller 60, the first determination processing unit 106 determines a result of calculation based on the transmission power value of the controller 60 and the distance between the selected lighting device 50 and the controller 60 as attenuation information.

If an obstacle exists between the selected lighting device 50 and the controller 60, the first determination processing unit 106 determines whether control of the lighting device 50 with the controller 60 is possible based on the installation diagram and the obstacle information. More specifically, the first determination processing unit 106 acquires the controller information including the product number of the controller 60 from among the plurality of controller information stored in the storage unit 14. The first judgment 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 a 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 from the above-described 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 from the above-described second distance and the truncated loss coefficient corresponding to the truncated distance. The first judgment processing unit 106 determines the 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.

If the value indicated by the obtained attenuation information is greater than or equal to the prescribed value, the first determination processing unit 106 determines that control of the lighting device 50 by the controller 60 is possible. 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 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 device 50 cannot be controlled by direct communication with the controller 60, i.e., the lighting device 50 is not controllable (answer is no in step S57), the display processing unit 109 controls the display unit 12 such that the first icon corresponding to the selected lighting device 50 indicates that the lighting device 50 is not controllable (step S58). For example, the display processing unit 109 controls the display unit 12 to display a first icon corresponding to the selected lighting device 50 in a specific color indicating that the lighting device 50 is uncontrollable.

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

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

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

If it is determined that all of the plurality of lighting apparatuses 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 does not accept the storage operation (if the answer is no in step S61), the process is in a state of waiting for the acceptance of the storage operation.

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

(3-6) Repeater placement 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 colors corresponding to the judgment results of the first judgment processing unit 106 and which includes second icons (step S71).

The operation unit 13 accepts an operation for selecting a product number corresponding to the relay 70 as an object to be mounted 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 repeater 70 at the installation position of the repeater 70 on the design drawing according to the arrangement operation such as the drag operation for the third icon or the like (step S73).

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

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

If the third arrangement setting unit 104 determines that it has accepted the storage operation (if the answer is yes in step S74), the storage processing unit 108 enables the storage unit 14 to store data about a design screen in which a plurality of first icons are respectively shown in colors 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 related to a design screen in which a plurality of first icons are respectively shown in colors corresponding to the judgment results of the first judgment processing unit 106, and the design screen includes the second icon and one or more third icons.

(3-7) Second judgment processing

Here, the second determination process 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 colors corresponding to the judgment results of the first judgment processing unit 106, and which includes a 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 a range in which control of the illumination device 50 can be performed by direct communication with the controller 60 on the design screen.

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 among one or more first icons that are included in the design screen displayed by the display unit 12 and are shown in a specific color indicating that they are uncontrollable.

The obstacle information acquisition unit 105 determines whether an obstacle exists on a straight line connecting the selected uncontrollable device and the relay 70 (step S83). More specifically, the obstacle information acquisition 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 uncontrollable thereof) and the third icon showing the repeater 70, using the displayed plan view and cross-sectional view.

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

The obstacle information acquisition unit 105 acquires information on a material selected from the material list by an operation of the user as relay obstacle information (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 a determination process 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 control of the uncontrollable device via the relay 70 is possible based on the installation diagram. More specifically, the second judgment processing unit 107 acquires the relay information including the product number of the relay 70 among the plurality of relay information stored in the storage unit 14. The second judgment 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 relay 70, the second determination processing unit 107 determines the result of calculation based on the acquired transmission power value of the relay 70 and the distance between the selected uncontrollable device and the relay 70 as the relay attenuation information.

If there is an obstacle between the selected uncontrollable device and the relay 70, the second determination processing unit 107 determines whether control of the uncontrollable device via the relay 70 is possible based on the installation diagram and the obstacle information for the relay. More specifically, the second judgment processing unit 107 acquires the relay information including the product number of the relay 70 among the plurality of relay information stored in the storage unit 14. The second judgment 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 a straight line connecting the selected uncontrollable device and the relay 70, the second judgment processing unit 107 calculates a third value to be determined from the above-described 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 above-described fourth distance and the truncated loss coefficient corresponding to the truncated distance. The second determination processing unit 107 determines the result of calculation based on the acquired transmission power value of the relay 70 and the larger value of the third value and the fourth value as the relay attenuation information.

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

The display processing unit 109 determines whether 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 apparatus cannot be controlled via the relay 70, i.e., the uncontrollable apparatus 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 apparatus 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 that it is uncontrollable.

If it is determined that the selected uncontrollable apparatus can be controlled via the relay 70 (answer yes in step S87), the display processing unit 109 controls the display unit 12 such that the first icon corresponding to the selected uncontrollable apparatus indicates that it is controllable (step S89). For example, the display processing unit 109 controls the display unit 13 to display a 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 the 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 fully selected (if the answer is no in step S90), i.e., if there are unselected uncontrollable device (S), the process returns to step S82 to select the remaining unselected uncontrollable device (S).

If it is determined that one or more uncontrollable devices are all 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 does not accept the storage operation (if the answer is no in step S91), the process is in a state of waiting for the acceptance of the storage 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 about a design screen in which a plurality of first icons being displayed are respectively shown in colors corresponding to the determination result of the first determination processing unit 106 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 related to a design screen in which a plurality of first icons are respectively shown in colors corresponding to the judgment results of the first judgment processing unit 106, and the design screen includes the second icon and one or more third icons.

(4) Operation example

Here, an operation example regarding how the installation assisting apparatus 10 operates will be described together with screen transition.

First, the display processing unit 109 performs design data display processing in accordance with the operation of the user so that the display unit 12 can display the 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 tag G11, "acquisition chart" is displayed as its tag 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 tag G12 is selected so as to be in a state in which 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 third tag G13 is selected so as to be in a state in which the arrangement of the controller 60 can be set on the design drawing. On the fourth tab G14, "path setting" is displayed as its tab name. The fourth tag G14 is selected so that a determination (i.e., a first determination process) regarding whether communication between the lighting device selected from the plurality of lighting devices 50 and the controller 60 is possible can be made. On the fifth tag G15, "repeater" is displayed as its tag name. The fifth tag G15 is selected so as to be in a state in which the arrangement of the relay 70 can be set on the design drawing, and further a judgment (i.e., a second judgment process) regarding whether or not communication between the uncontrollable device and the relay 70 is possible is made.

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 a 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 related to the currently displayed content.

When the second tab G12 is pressed in a state in which the design screen G1 shown in fig. 11 is being displayed, in the first display region R11, the selection buttons B21 and B22 and the product number name G41 for illumination are displayed in addition to the first tab G11 to the fifth tab G15 (see fig. 12). The 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 G41 for illumination until the product number of the lighting device 50 to be mounted is displayed on the product number name G41 for illumination. The user performs a drag operation on 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 cross-sectional view corresponding to the position set on the plan view G32 (see fig. 12).

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

When the third tab G13 is pressed after the completion of the operation of disposing the plurality of lighting devices 50 on the plan view and the sectional view, 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, the 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 used by the controller until the product number of the controller 60 to be installed is displayed on the product number name G42 used by the controller. The user performs a drag operation on 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 a 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 related to the current display content, that is, data related to the design screen G1 additionally including a plurality of first icons I1 and second icons I2.

When the fourth tab G14 is pushed after the operation of setting the controller 60 on the plan view and the sectional view is completed, the first product number G43, the second product number G44, the material name G45, the selection buttons B43 and B44, and the decision button B12 (see fig. 15) are displayed in the first display area R11 instead of the selection buttons B31 and B32 and the product number name G42 used by the controller. 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 design drawing of the facility is displayed. That is, in the second display region R12, an installation diagram in which the controller 60 and the plurality of lighting devices 50 are additionally included in the design diagram of the facility is displayed. More specifically, a sectional view G31 additionally including the plurality of lighting devices 50 and the controller 60 and a plan view G32 additionally including the plurality of lighting devices 50 and the controller 60 are respectively shown as installation views. The user performs a flick operation to select one first icon I11 from among the plurality of first icons I1, the first icon I11 corresponding to an object to be determined concerning whether control by direct communication with the controller 60 is possible or not. 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, there are two icons I81 and I82 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) for prompting selection of a material of the obstacle is displayed on the material name G45. On the list G50, the names of the materials are displayed. For example, the user operates the selection button B41 or B42 to select the material 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 selecting the material of the obstacle, the first judgment processing unit 106 performs judgment 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 judgment processing performed by the first judgment 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 device 50 in a specific color indicating that it is uncontrollable (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 for prompting the selection of a material of the obstacle is displayed on the material name G45, similarly to the case of selecting the first icon I11. The user selects the material of the beam 80 as an 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 selecting the material of the obstacle, the first judgment processing unit 106 performs judgment 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 judgment processing performed by the first judgment 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 that indicates that it is controllable (see fig. 18).

The user performs a selection operation such that the first determination processing unit 106 performs a determination process 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 judgment processing performed by the first judgment processing unit 106 for the plurality of first icons I1. The display processing unit 109 enables the display unit 12 to display each of the plurality of first icons I1 in a specific color that indicates that the lighting device 50 corresponding to the corresponding first icon I1 is controllable or a specific color that indicates that it is not controllable (see fig. 19). When the storage button B11 is pushed in a state in which the design screen G1 shown in fig. 19 is being displayed, the storage processing unit 108 enables the storage unit 14 to store data related to the currently displayed content. More specifically, the storage processing unit 108 enables the storage unit 14 to store data related to a design screen G1 in which each of the plurality of first icons I1 is displayed in a color corresponding to the judgment result of the first judgment processing unit 106, and the design screen G1 includes the second icon I2.

When the fifth tab G15 is pushed in a state in which the design screen G1 shown in fig. 19 is being displayed, in the first display region R11, the selection buttons B61 and B62 and the product number name G46 for the repeater (see fig. 20) are displayed in addition to the first tab G11 to the fifth tab G15. A third icon I3 corresponding to the repeater 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, the 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 areas G33 and G34 each represent a range in which control of the lighting device 50 can be performed by 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 to be mounted 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 a position on the plan view G32 where the repeater 70 is planned to be installed. 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 repeater 70 needs to directly communicate with the controller 60, the repeater 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 designate an area communicable with the controller 60. Thus, the user can easily know the position where the repeater 70 can be installed.

When the storage button B11 is pushed in a state in which the design screen G1 shown in fig. 21 is being displayed, the storage processing unit 108 enables the storage unit 14 to store data related to the currently displayed content, that is, data related to the design screen G1 additionally including a plurality of first, second, and third icons I1, I2, and 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 related to the current display content is stored accordingly), in the first display region R11, instead of the selection buttons B61 and B62 and the product number name G46 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 flick operation to select one of the first icons I11 corresponding to an uncontrollable device which is an object to be judged regarding whether or not control via the relay 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 a 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 for prompting selection of a material of the obstacle is displayed on the material name G73 (see fig. 23). On the list G51, the names of the materials are displayed. For example, the user operates the selection button B71 or B72 to select the material of the beam 80 as an obstacle. At this time, the obstacle information acquisition unit 105 acquires information on the selected material as obstacle information for the relay. When the decision button B13 is pushed after the material of the obstacle is selected, the second judgment processing unit 107 performs judgment 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 judgment processing performed by the second judgment 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 device 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 direct communication with the controller 60 is possible. Alternatively, the color indicating that the control via the relay 70 can be performed may be different from the color indicating that the control by direct communication with the controller 60 can be performed.

The user performs a selection operation so that the second judgment processing unit 107 performs judgment 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 judgment processing performed by the second judgment processing unit 107 for the plurality of first icons I1. The display processing unit 109 enables the display unit 12 to display each 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 relay 70. As a result, the respective first icons I1 corresponding to the uncontrollable devices (i.e., the first icons I1 existing outside the controllable areas G33 and G34) are displayed in a color indicating that these uncontrollable devices are controllable via the relay 70 (see fig. 25).

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

After the storage button B11 is pushed in the state where the design screen G1 shown in fig. 25 is being displayed and the data related to the current display content is stored accordingly, in the second display region R12, information indicating that the job related to the assistance of the device installation has been completed is displayed instead of the cross-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 graph G81 and a job completion message G82 (see fig. 26) as information indicating that a job related to the assistance of device installation has been completed.

(5) Advantages and advantages

As described above, according to the installation assisting apparatus 10 (apparatus installation assisting system 1) of the present embodiment, the user installs a plurality of lighting apparatuses 50 and controllers 60 on the design screen G1, and confirms the communication state between each lighting apparatus 50 and controller 60. If there is an uncontrollable device 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 device and the repeater 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 effort of a user to change the installation place of devices such as the lighting device 50 or newly add the devices. That is, using the installation assisting apparatus 10 (apparatus installation assisting system 1) can achieve improvement in the work efficiency concerning the installation of the apparatus.

(6) Modification examples

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

(6-1) First modification example

In the above-described exemplary embodiment, the installation assisting apparatus 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 assisting apparatus 10 may display a screen including a design drawing having a sense of depth of a facility.

(6-2) Second modification example

In the above-described exemplary embodiment, the installation assisting apparatus 10 has a structure in which a design drawing of an apparatus such as the lighting apparatus 50 or the like is displayed at the start of the assistance. However, such a structure is merely an example, and should not be construed as limiting.

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

(6-3) Third modification example

In the above-described exemplary embodiment, the installation assisting apparatus 10 has the following structure: before performing an operation related to the mounting assistance of the lighting device 50 or 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 the network. However, such a structure is merely an example, and should not be construed as limiting.

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

(6-4) Fourth modification example

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

The object device to be installation-assisted by the installation-assisting device 10 may be an air conditioner.

Alternatively, the object device to be installation-assisted by the installation-assisting device 10 may be both the air-conditioning device and the lighting device 50. If the installation-assisting object device is both the air-conditioning device and the lighting device 50, the installation-assisting device 10 may assist in the installation of both the controller for the air-conditioning device and the controller for the lighting device 50. Alternatively, the installation assisting apparatus 10 may assist the installation of a controller configured to control both the air conditioning apparatus and the lighting apparatus 50.

(6-5) Fifth modification example

In the above-described exemplary embodiment, it is assumed that 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. 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 (e.g., infrared communication).

(6-6) Sixth modification example

In the above-described exemplary embodiment, the obstacle information acquisition unit 105 has a structure that acquires information about the material of the obstacle as obstacle information or obstacle information for a relay according to a selection of a 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 about the material of the obstacle, the obstacle information acquisition unit 105 may acquire information about the material of the obstacle from the design data.

(Other modifications)

The above-described exemplary embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments among 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 choices or any other factors as long as the object of the present invention can be achieved. Functions similar to the device installation assistance system 1 may also be implemented as, for example, a device installation assistance method, a computer program, or a non-transitory storage medium storing the computer program. The device installation assisting method according to an aspect is used for a device installation assisting system 1 that assists installation of a plurality of devices (e.g., a plurality of lighting devices 50). The device mounting assisting method includes a display processing step, a selecting step, an acquiring step, and a controller control judging step. The display processing steps include: so that the display unit can display an installation diagram regarding a facility as an object to which a plurality of devices are installed and the controller 60 configured to control the plurality of devices. The installation diagram additionally includes the installation locations of the plurality of devices and the installation location of the controller 60. The selecting step comprises the following steps: one of the plurality of devices is selected as a target device. The acquisition step comprises the following steps: obstacle information about 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 at least on the installation diagram and the installation diagram in the obstacle information, and whether control of the target device by the controller 60 is possible is determined based on the communication state. The selecting step, the acquiring step, and the controller control judging step are repeated until all of the plurality of devices are selected.

The program according to an aspect is a program for enabling a computer system to function as the above-described apparatus installation assisting method. More specifically, the program is for a device installation assisting system that assists 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 steps include: so that the display unit can display an installation diagram regarding a facility as an object to which a plurality of devices are installed and the controller 60 configured to control the plurality of devices. The installation diagram additionally includes the installation locations of the plurality of devices and the installation location of the controller 60. The selecting step comprises the following steps: one of the plurality of devices is selected as a target device. The acquisition step comprises the following steps: obstacle information about 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 object device and the controller 60 is determined based at least on the installation diagram and the installation diagram in the obstacle information, and it is determined whether control of the object device by the controller 60 is possible based on the communication state. The selecting step, the acquiring step, and the controller control judging step are repeated until all of the plurality of devices are selected.

The apparatus installation assistance system 1 or the execution subject of the apparatus installation assistance 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 subject 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 a 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), etc. 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 multiple 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 assisting 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.

(Summarizing)

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 judging processing unit 106). The display processing unit (109) is configured to enable the display unit (109) to display an installation diagram regarding a facility as an object to which a plurality of devices (e.g., the lighting device 50) and the controller (60) configured to control the plurality of devices are installed. The installation diagram additionally includes installation locations for a plurality of devices and installation locations for a controller (60). The obstacle information acquisition unit (105) is configured to acquire obstacle information about an obstacle (e.g., a beam 80) existing on a straight line connecting each of the plurality of devices and the controller (60). The controller control judgment unit is configured to determine a communication state between each of the plurality of devices and the controller (60) based at least on the installation diagram and the installation diagram in the obstacle information, and judge whether control of the corresponding device of the plurality of devices by the controller (60) is enabled based on the communication state.

According to this aspect, the device installation assisting system (1) determines a communication state based on an installation diagram 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 effort of the user to change the installation place of the devices or to newly add the devices. That is, with the apparatus mounting auxiliary system (1), improvement of the work efficiency concerning the mounting of the apparatus can be achieved.

In a device mounting assistance system (1) according to a second aspect that may be implemented in combination with the first aspect, the controller control determination unit is configured to determine attenuation information about each of the plurality of devices as a communication state, and determine whether control of the corresponding one of the plurality of devices with the controller (60) is enabled based on the attenuation information. The attenuation information is information on 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 mounting auxiliary system (1) can determine whether the controller (60) can control each device based on the attenuation information.

In the apparatus mounting assistance system (1) according to the third aspect, which may be implemented in combination with the second aspect, in a case where there is no obstacle on a straight line connecting the first apparatus and the controller (60) among the plurality of apparatuses, the controller control judgment unit is configured to determine a result of calculation based on the transmission power value of the controller (60) and the distance between the first apparatus and the controller (60) as 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 judgment unit is configured to calculate a first value to be determined according to: a first distance of a straight line route between the second device and the controller (60) corresponds to a transmission loss coefficient corresponding to the obstacle information. The controller control judgment unit is configured 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) that avoids the obstacle, and a cut-off loss coefficient corresponding to a cut-off distance to be obtained from the straight line route and the avoidance line route. The controller control judgment unit is configured 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 attenuation information.

According to this aspect, with respect to the first device in which no obstacle exists on the straight line, the device mounting auxiliary system (1) can determine whether the controller (60) can control the first device or not, based on 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 on the straight line, the device-installation assisting system (1) may determine whether the controller (60) can control the second device based on the result of calculation based on: a transmission power value of the controller (60); and a larger value of a first value to be determined from the first distance and the transmission loss coefficient and a second value to be determined from the second distance and the truncation loss coefficient.

The apparatus mounting 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, among the plurality of devices, determined as uncontrollable by the controller control determination unit.

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

The device mounting assistance system (1) according to the fifth aspect, which can be realized in combination with the fourth aspect, further includes a relay control judgment unit (second judgment processing unit 107) configured to judge whether or not control of the uncontrollable device via the relay (70) is possible. The obstacle information acquisition unit (105) is configured to acquire obstacle information for the relay relating to the obstacle in a case where the setting unit sets the installation position of the relay (70) and in a case where there is an obstacle on a straight line connecting the uncontrollable device and the relay (70). The relay control determination unit is configured to determine a communication state between the uncontrollable device and the relay (70) based at least on an installation map additionally including an installation position of the relay (70) and an installation map additionally including an installation position of the relay (70) in the relay 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 assisting system (1) can decide the communication state between the uncontrollable device and the relay (70) based on the installation diagram, and determine whether or not control of the uncontrollable device via the relay (70) is possible.

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

According to this aspect, the device installation assisting system (1) can determine whether control of an uncontrollable device via the repeater (70) is possible based on the attenuation information for the repeater.

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

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

In the apparatus mounting assistance 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 the area (G33, G34) controllable by the controller (60) on the mounting chart in a case where the setting unit sets the mounting 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). Thus, the user can set the repeater (70) at a position where it can communicate with the controller (60).

The device mounting assistance system (1) according to the ninth aspect, which may be implemented 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 an installation map additionally including installation positions of the plurality of devices and the installation position of the controller (60) in a prescribed storage area (for example, the storage unit 14) 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 in which each of the plurality of devices is judged to be controllable by the controller (60). Accordingly, a user can easily install the respective devices and the controller (60) using the installation diagram.

The device mounting 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 an installation map additionally including an installation position of the plurality of devices, an installation position of the controller (60), and an installation position of the repeater (70) in a prescribed storage area (for example, the storage unit 14) in a case where each of the plurality of devices is controllable by direct communication with the controller (60) or controllable via the repeater (70).

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

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

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

The device installation assisting method according to the twelfth aspect is used for a device installation assisting system (1) that assists installation of a plurality of devices (e.g., a plurality of lighting devices 50). The device installation assisting method comprises a display processing step, a selecting step, an obtaining step and a controller control judging step. The display processing steps include: so that the display unit can display an installation diagram related to a facility as an object to which a plurality of devices are installed and a controller (60) configured to control the plurality of devices. The installation diagram additionally includes installation locations for a plurality of devices and installation locations for a controller (60). The selecting step comprises the following steps: one of the plurality of devices is selected as a target device. The acquisition step comprises the following steps: obstacle information on an obstacle existing 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 diagram and the installation diagram in the obstacle information, and whether control of the target device by the controller (60) is possible is determined based on the communication state. The selecting step, the acquiring step, and the controller control judging step are repeated until all of the plurality of devices are selected.

According to the device installation assisting method, a communication state between each device and a controller (60) is decided based on an installation diagram in which a plurality of devices and the controller (60) are arranged, and it is judged 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 effort of the user to change the installation place of the devices or to newly add the devices. That is, the apparatus installation assisting method can achieve improvement in the work efficiency concerning the installation of the apparatus.

In the apparatus mounting assistance method according to the thirteenth aspect that may be implemented in combination with the twelfth aspect, the controller control judgment step includes: attenuation information on the target device is determined as a communication state, and whether or not control of the target device by the controller (60) is possible is determined based on the attenuation information. The attenuation information is information on attenuation of transmission power generated until a signal output from the controller (60) reaches the target device.

According to the device installation assisting method, it is possible to judge whether or not the controller (60) can control each device based on the attenuation information.

The apparatus mounting assistance method according to the fourteenth aspect, which may be implemented in combination with the twelfth or thirteenth aspect, further includes a setting step. The setting step comprises the following steps: an installation position of a repeater (70) for relaying communication between an uncontrollable device, which is determined to be uncontrollable by the controller control determination step, among the plurality of devices is set in the installation diagram.

According to the apparatus installation assisting method, a user can specify an installation position of the repeater (70) on the installation chart.

The device mounting assistance method according to the fifteenth aspect, which may 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 selection step includes: an uncontrollable device is selected. The obstacle information acquisition step includes: when there is an obstacle on a straight line connecting the uncontrollable device selected by the device selecting step and the relay (70), obstacle information for the relay relating to the obstacle is acquired. The relay control judging step includes: a communication state between the uncontrollable device and the relay (70) is determined based on at least an installation map additionally including an installation position of the relay (70) and an installation map additionally including an installation position of the relay (70) in the relay obstacle information, and it is determined whether control of the uncontrollable device via the relay (70) is possible or not based on the communication state. The device selection step, the obstacle information acquisition step, and the relay control judgment 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 relay (70) can be decided based on the installation diagram, and it can be accordingly determined whether or not control of the uncontrollable device via the relay (70) is possible.

The apparatus mounting assistance method according to the sixteenth aspect, which may be implemented in combination with the twelfth or thirteenth aspect, further includes a storage processing step. The storage processing step comprises the following steps: 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 diagram is stored in an installation state in which each device of a plurality of devices is judged to be controllable by a controller (60). Accordingly, a user can easily install the respective devices and the controller (60) using the installation diagram.

The apparatus mounting assistance method according to the seventeenth aspect, which may be implemented in combination with the fourteenth or fifteenth aspect, further includes a storage processing step. The storage processing step comprises the following steps: in the case where each of the plurality of devices is controllable by direct communication with the controller or controllable via the repeater (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 repeater (70) 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 in which each of a plurality of devices is judged to be controllable directly by a controller (60) or via a repeater (70). Accordingly, the user can easily install each device, the controller (60), and the repeater (70) using the installation diagram.

The apparatus mounting assistance method according to the eighteenth aspect, which may be implemented in combination with the sixteenth or seventeenth aspect, further includes completing the displaying step. The display completion step comprises the following steps: in the case where the installation diagram is stored in a prescribed storage area by a storage 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 apparatus installation assisting method, the user can start an actual job of installing the apparatus based on the stored installation diagram.

The program according to the nineteenth aspect is for an apparatus installation assisting system (1) that assists installation of a plurality of apparatuses (e.g., a plurality of lighting apparatuses 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 steps include: a display unit (12) is enabled to display an installation diagram concerning a facility as an object to 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 for a plurality of devices and installation locations for a controller (60). The selecting step comprises the following steps: one of the plurality of devices is selected as a target device. The acquisition step comprises the following steps: obstacle information about an obstacle (e.g., 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 diagram and the installation diagram in the obstacle information, and whether control of the target device by the controller (60) is possible is determined based on the communication state. The selecting step, the acquiring step, and the controller control judging step are repeated until all of the plurality of devices are selected.

According to this program, the communication state between each device and the controller (60) is decided based on an installation diagram in which a plurality of devices and the controller (60) are arranged, and it is judged 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 effort of the user to change the installation place of the devices or to newly add the devices. That is, the program can realize improvement in the work efficiency concerning the installation of the apparatus.

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

According to this program, it is possible to determine whether the controller (60) can control each device based on the attenuation information.

The program according to the twenty-first aspect, which may be implemented in combination with the nineteenth or twentieth aspect, is designed to enable the computer to further perform the setting step. The setting step comprises the following steps: an installation position of a repeater (70) for relaying communication between an uncontrollable device, which is determined to be uncontrollable by the controller control determination step, among the plurality of devices is set in the installation diagram.

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

The program according to the twenty-second aspect, which can be implemented in combination with the twenty-first aspect, is designed to enable the computer to further execute the device selecting step, the obstacle information acquiring step, and the repeater control judging step. The device selection step includes: an uncontrollable device is selected. The obstacle information acquisition step includes: when there is an obstacle on a straight line connecting the uncontrollable device selected by the device selecting step and the relay (70), obstacle information for the relay relating to the obstacle is acquired. The relay control judging step includes: a communication state between the uncontrollable device and the relay (70) is determined based on at least an installation map additionally including an installation position of the relay (70) and an installation map additionally including an installation position of the relay (70) in the relay obstacle information, and it is determined whether control of the uncontrollable device via the relay (70) is possible or not based on the communication state. The device selection step, the obstacle information acquisition step, and the relay control judgment step are repeated until all of the plurality of uncontrollable devices are selected.

According to this program, the communication state between the uncontrollable device and the relay (70) can be decided based on the installation diagram, and it can be accordingly determined whether or not control of the uncontrollable device via the relay (70) is possible.

The program according to the twenty-third aspect, which may be implemented in combination with the nineteenth or twentieth aspect, is designed to enable the computer to further perform the storing processing step. The storage processing step comprises the following steps: 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 in which each of the plurality of devices is determined to be controllable by the controller (60). Accordingly, a user can easily install the respective devices and the controller (60) using the installation diagram.

The program according to the twenty-fourth aspect, which may be implemented in combination with the twenty-first or twenty-second aspects, is designed so that the computer is able to further perform the storing processing step. The storage processing step comprises the following steps: in the case where each of the plurality of devices is controllable by direct communication with the controller (60) or controllable via the repeater (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 repeater (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 in which it is determined that each of the plurality of devices can be controlled directly by the controller (60) or via the repeater (70). Accordingly, the user can easily install each device, the controller (60), and the repeater (70) using the installation diagram.

The program according to the twenty-fifth aspect, which may be implemented in combination with the twenty-third or twenty-fourth aspects, is designed so that the computer is able to further execute the completion display step. The display completion step comprises the following steps: in the case where the installation diagram is stored in a prescribed storage area by a storage 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 apparatus 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 (defining storage area)

50. Lighting fixture (device)

60. Controller for controlling a power supply

70. Relay device

80. Beam (Barrier)

102. First arrangement setting unit

103. Second arrangement setting unit

104. Third arrangement setting unit (setting unit)

105. Obstacle information acquisition unit

106. First judging and processing unit (controller control judging unit)

107. Second judgment processing unit (repeater control judgment unit)

108. Storage processing unit

109. Display processing unit

G31 Section view (installation diagram)

G32 Plan view (installation diagram)

G33, G34 controllable region

Straight line route P1, P11, P41

P2, P21, P42 avoidance lines

L0, L30 distance

First distance of L1, L11

L2, L21 second distance

L31, L41 third distance

Fourth distance of L32, L42

Claims

1. A device installation assistance system comprising:

A display processing unit configured to enable the display unit to display an installation map related to a facility, the facility being an object on which a 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;

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

A controller control judgment unit configured to decide a communication state between each of the plurality of devices and the controller based at least on the installation diagram and the installation diagram in the obstacle information, and judge whether control of the corresponding one of the plurality of devices with the controller is enabled based on the communication state.

2. The device-mounting assistance system according to claim 1, wherein,

The controller control judgment unit is configured to determine attenuation information about attenuation of transmission power generated until a signal output from the controller reaches each of the plurality of devices as the communication state, and judge whether control of the corresponding device of the plurality of devices with the controller is enabled based on the attenuation information.

3. The device-mounting assistance system according to claim 2, wherein,

In the 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 judging unit is configured to determine, as the attenuation information, a result of calculation based on a transmission power value of the controller and a distance between the first device and the controller, and

In the 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 judgment unit is configured to:

Calculating a first value to be determined from:

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

A transmission loss coefficient corresponding to the obstacle information;

Calculating a second value to be determined from:

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

A cutoff loss coefficient corresponding to a cutoff distance to be obtained from the straight line route and the avoidance route; and

And determining 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.

4. The device mounting assistance system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a setting unit configured to set a mounting position of a repeater for relaying communication between an uncontrollable device and the controller in the mounting diagram, the uncontrollable device being a device, of the plurality of devices, determined to be uncontrollable by the controller control determination unit.

5. The device mounting assistance system according to claim 4, further comprising a relay control judgment unit configured to judge whether control of the uncontrollable device via the relay is enabled,

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

The relay control judgment unit is configured to determine a communication state between the uncontrollable device and the relay based at least on an installation map additionally including an installation position of the relay and an installation map additionally including an installation position of the relay in the relay obstacle information, and judge whether control of the uncontrollable device via the relay is possible based on the communication state.

6. The device-mounting assistance system of claim 5, wherein,

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

7. The device-mounting assistance system of claim 6, wherein,

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

In the case where there is an obstacle on a straight line connecting the uncontrollable device and the relay, the relay control judgment unit is configured to:

Calculating a third value to be determined from:

A third distance of a straight line path between the uncontrollable device and the repeater, and

A transmission loss coefficient corresponding to the relay obstacle information;

calculating a fourth value to be determined from:

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

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

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

8. The device-mounting assistance system of claim 4, wherein,

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

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

10. The device mounting assistance system according to claim 4, further comprising a storage processing unit configured to store a mounting map additionally including a mounting position of the plurality of devices, a mounting position of the controller, and a mounting position of the repeater in a prescribed storage area, in a case where each of the plurality of devices is controllable by direct communication with the controller or controllable via the repeater.

11. The device-mounting assistance system of claim 9, wherein,

The display processing unit is configured to enable the display unit to display that a job related to assistance of device 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 related 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 selecting step of selecting one of the plurality of devices as a target 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 judging step of deciding a communication state between the object device and the controller based at least on the installation diagram and the installation diagram in the obstacle information, and judging whether control of the object device with 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 mounting assistance method according to claim 12, wherein,

The controller control judging step decides attenuation information on attenuation of transmission power generated until a signal output from the controller reaches the target device as the communication state, and judges whether control of the target device by the controller is possible based on the attenuation information.

14. The device mounting assisting method according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising a setting step of setting, in the mounting map, a mounting position of a repeater for relaying communication between an uncontrollable device, which is a device, of the plurality of devices, determined to be uncontrollable by the controller control determining step.

15. The device-installation assisting method according to claim 14, further comprising:

A device selection step of selecting the uncontrollable device;

An obstacle information acquisition step of acquiring, when there is an obstacle on a straight line connecting the uncontrollable device selected in the device selection step and the relay, obstacle information for the relay related to the obstacle; and

A relay control judging step of deciding a communication state between the uncontrollable device and the relay based on at least an installation map additionally including an installation position of the relay and an installation map additionally including an installation position of the relay in the relay obstacle information, and judging whether control of the uncontrollable device via the relay is possible based on the communication state,

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

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

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

18. The apparatus mounting assistance method according to claim 16, further comprising a completion display step of enabling the display unit to display that a job relating to assistance of apparatus mounting has been completed in a case where the mounting map is stored in the prescribed storage area by the storage processing step.

19. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium recording 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 non-transitory computer-readable recording medium of claim 19, wherein,

21. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium according to claim 19 or 20, which is designed to enable the computer to further perform a setting step for setting an installation position of a repeater for relaying communication between an uncontrollable device and the controller in the installation diagram, the uncontrollable device being a device of the plurality of devices determined to be uncontrollable by the controller control determining step.

22. The non-transitory computer readable recording medium of claim 21, designed to enable the computer to further perform:

A device selection step of selecting the uncontrollable device;

23. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium according to claim 19 or 20, which is designed to enable the computer to further execute a storage processing step for storing an installation map additionally including an installation position 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 non-transitory computer-readable recording medium according to claim 21, which is designed to enable the computer to further execute a storage processing step for storing an installation map additionally including an installation position of the plurality of devices, an installation position of the controller, and an installation position of the repeater in a prescribed storage area, in a case where each of the plurality of devices can be controlled by direct communication with the controller or can be controlled via the repeater.

25. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium according to claim 23, which is 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 has been completed in a case where the installation map is stored in the prescribed storage area by the storage processing step.