JP7514219B2 - Location specific lighting control system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a system to which beacon technology is applied, and to information setting technology in the system.

In a system that applies beacon technology, the current location of a terminal device (such as a smartphone) in a real space such as an office or store can be identified using the beacon signal received by the terminal device and the reception strength of the beacon signal (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In recent years, it has been proposed to use such technology to provide services according to the current location of the terminal device (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

In the technology for identifying the current location of a terminal device, after a beacon transmitter that transmits a beacon signal is installed on a ceiling or wall in real space, it is necessary to create correspondence data that associates the installation position of the beacon transmitter in real space with the beacon identification information that identifies the beacon transmitter using a PC, a mobile terminal device, or the like. Such correspondence data is created by matching the installation position of the beacon transmitter in real space with the installation position of the beacon transmitter on a map image that corresponds to the real space, and by matching the installation position of the beacon transmitter on the image with the beacon identification information. According to this correspondence data, the installation position in real space of the beacon transmitter that transmits the beacon signal can be identified from the beacon identification information included in the beacon signal. In addition, the distance from the beacon transmitter to the terminal device can be calculated from the reception strength. Then, the current location of the terminal device in real space can be identified based on the installation position of the beacon transmitter in real space and the distance from the beacon transmitter.

JP 2013-33423 A Patent No. 5650870

Conventionally, beacon identification information was set in advance for a beacon transmitter before it was installed on a ceiling or wall in real space. For this reason, in the stage of creating the above-mentioned correspondence data, which is performed after the beacon transmitter is installed in real space, the creator had to perform the cumbersome work of checking the beacon identification information of the beacon transmitter, or remembering the installation position of the beacon transmitter in real space and the beacon identification information of that beacon transmitter, correctly specifying the installation position of the beacon transmitter on the map image, and associating the beacon identification information with that installation position.

The object of the present invention is to provide a technology that simplifies the association between the installation position of a beacon transmitter on an image corresponding to real space and beacon identification information.

The present invention is a location-specific lighting control system that uses information correspondence data, the location-specific lighting control system including: a lighting device that is set with device identification information for lighting control and transmits a wireless beacon signal including beacon identification information that is identification information different from the device identification information; a lighting control device that controls the lighting device; and an information management device that identifies a current position of a terminal device that receives the wireless beacon signal, the location-specific lighting control system using information correspondence data, the information correspondence data representing a relationship between a position of the lighting device and the device identification information and the beacon identification information, the position of the lighting device in the information correspondence data being confirmed by turning on the lighting device identified by the device identification information, the lighting control device performing lighting control on the lighting device having the device identification information associated with the position of the lighting device in the information correspondence data, and the information management device identifying the position of the terminal device based on the position of the lighting device in the information correspondence data and the beacon signal including the beacon identification information received by the terminal device.

According to the position-specific lighting control system, the setter can check the installation position of the lighting device in real space by turning on the lighting device by operating a switch, and at the same time check the installation position of the beacon transmitter in real space. This allows the setter to specify the installation position of the beacon transmitter on the image based on the confirmed installation position of the beacon transmitter in real space. Then, as the setter specifies the installation position of the beacon transmitter on the image, the information setting device associates the beacon identification information with the specified installation position. Therefore, the setter can associate the installation position of the beacon transmitter on the image with the beacon identification information through simple operations such as confirming the installation position of the beacon transmitter in real space by operating a switch, and specifying the installation position of the beacon transmitter on the image based on that confirmation.

The present invention simplifies the association between the installation position of a beacon transmitter on an image corresponding to real space and beacon identification information.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a location-specific lighting control system according to an embodiment. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing (A) a lighting device and (B) an information setting device provided in a location-specific lighting control system. 11 is a diagram showing an example of information association data in which association is recorded by an information setting process executed by an information setting device; FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an information setting process and an operation performed by a settlor. FIG. 13 shows an input screen for a UUID. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a screen on which a map image is displayed. 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating a drag operation for placing an icon on a map image. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which a confirmation image of beacon identification information is displayed. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a position specifying process executed by the information management device. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a lighting control process executed by a lighting control device. 5A shows an example of control correspondence data, (B) lighting mode data, and (C) reception time data. 1 is a conceptual diagram visually illustrating lighting devices present within a predetermined area centered on the position of a terminal device. 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the lighting control process executed by the lighting control device. 10 is a flowchart showing a part of a lighting control process according to another example. 1A is a diagram showing an example of specific time data; and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of data subject to setting change. 11 is a conceptual diagram visually illustrating device identification information (target of lighting mode setting change) associated with setting change target data. FIG. FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing a service providing system which is a modified example of the location-specific lighting control system.

We will now provide a detailed explanation of an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a location-specific lighting control system.

[1] Configuration of a location-specific lighting control system Fig. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a location-specific lighting control system according to an embodiment. The location-specific lighting control system includes a plurality of lighting devices 1 each having a function of transmitting a beacon signal Sb, a lighting control device 2 that controls the lighting devices 1 by wireless communication, and a terminal device 3 that can receive the beacon signal Sb. The location-specific lighting control system identifies a current position P1 of the terminal device 3 in real space based on the beacon signal Sb received by the terminal device 3, and provides a service (lighting control by the lighting control device 2 in this embodiment) according to the identified current position P1 to the terminal device 3 or a user who owns the terminal device 3. Specifically, the location-specific lighting control system further includes an information setting device 4 that associates various information (such as location information and identification information), and an information management device 5 that identifies the current position P1 of the terminal device 3 in real space from the beacon signal Sb received by the terminal device 3 using the information associated by the information setting device 4.

The specific configuration of the location-specific lighting control system described below is not limited to a system having multiple lighting devices 1 (see FIG. 1), but can also be applied to a system having only one lighting device 1. Furthermore, the lighting control device 2 and the information management device 5 are not limited to being configured as separate devices, but may be configured together as a single device.

<Lighting equipment>
2A is a conceptual diagram showing the lighting device 1. The lighting device 1 includes an LED light source 11A, a power supply unit 11B that supplies power to the LED light source 11A, a wireless module 12, a control unit 13 that controls the power supply unit 11B and the wireless module 12, and a storage unit 14. In this embodiment, the control unit 13 and the storage unit 14 are built in the wireless module 12. The control unit 13 controls the power supplied from the power supply unit 11B to the LED light source 11A by transmitting a control signal to the power supply unit 11B, thereby controlling the illumination (on, off, dimming, color adjustment, etc.) of the LED light source 11A. At least one of the control unit 13 and the storage unit 14 may be built outside the wireless module 12 as a device separate from the wireless module 12.

The wireless module 12 functions as a communication unit 12A that enables two-way wireless communication with the lighting control device 2 and the like by wirelessly connecting the lighting device 1 to a network (such as a WAN or LAN). Lighting control of the lighting device 1 is then performed by the lighting control device 2 via the wireless module 12 (communication unit 12A). The wireless module 12 may be detachable.

The lighting device 1 is set with device identification information Ia for identifying the lighting device 1. The device identification information Ia is set in the lighting device 1 by being stored in the storage unit 14 during the manufacturing stage of the lighting device 1 from the factory. This device identification information Ia is used to identify and individually control the lighting devices 1 while collectively managing their control (such as lighting control). On the other hand, at the stage of installing the lighting devices 1 on the ceiling or wall in the real space, the lighting devices 1 are usually installed without being distinguished by the device identification information Ia. Therefore, in order to collectively manage the lighting devices 1 while individually controlling them, after the installation of the lighting devices 1, it is necessary to replace the correspondence between the installation positions of the lighting devices 1 in the real space and the device identification information Ia of the lighting devices 1 with corresponding data that can be managed by the lighting control device 2 (see FIG. 3).

Therefore, in this embodiment, the information setting device 4 executes a process of replacing the above correspondence relationship related to the lighting device 1 with corresponding data (see steps S13 to S15 and S22 in FIG. 4). As will be described in detail later, the information setting device 4 associates the installation position of the lighting device 1 on the map image Mp (see FIG. 6) corresponding to the installation position of the lighting device 1 in real space with the device identification information Ia of the lighting device 1.

The map image Mp (see FIG. 6) is an image showing the layout of the actual space in which the lighting device 1 is installed, the position where the lighting device 1 should be installed, and the like, and is read into the information setting device 4 and stored in the storage unit 44. The map image Mp may also show passageways, entrances, shelves, and the like, and FIG. 6 shows an example of a map image Mp in which the position where the lighting device 1 should be installed is shown by a circle, and the entrances e1 to e3 and the passage r are also shown.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the wireless module 12 uses a communication method that enables wireless communication with low power consumption, such as BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy). With this communication method, the wireless module 12 can directly perform short-range wireless communication with one or more wireless modules 12 installed in its vicinity. Therefore, in a location-specific lighting control system in which multiple lighting devices 1 are installed, a mesh network can be constructed in which the wireless modules 12 are wirelessly connected to each other in a mesh pattern.

Furthermore, by using such a communication method, it is possible to give the wireless module 12 the additional function of a beacon transmitter 12B that transmits a beacon signal Sb in one direction. This function as the beacon transmitter 12B is realized by the control unit 13 controlling the wireless module 12. By making the wireless module 12 function as the beacon transmitter 12B in this way, the lighting device 1 is provided with a beacon transmitter 12B. With such a lighting device 1, in various locations (such as offices and stores) where the lighting device 1 is installed in real space, the beacon transmitter 12B is installed at the same position as the lighting device 1 is installed in real space at the same time as the lighting device 1 is installed.

The beacon signal Sb transmitted by the beacon transmitter 12B includes beacon identification information Ib for identifying the beacon transmitter 12B. This beacon identification information Ib is used to identify the source (beacon transmitter 12B) of the beacon signal Sb received by the terminal device 3 when identifying the current position P1 of the terminal device 3 in real space. On the other hand, in order to identify the beacon transmitter 12B based on the beacon signal Sb, after the beacon transmitter 12B is installed (i.e., after the lighting device 1 is installed), it is necessary to replace the correspondence between the installation position of the beacon transmitter 12B in real space and the beacon identification information Ib of the beacon transmitter 12B with corresponding data that can be managed by the information management device 5.

In this embodiment, therefore, a process of replacing the above-mentioned correspondence relationship related to the beacon transmitter 12B with correspondence data is executed by the information setting device 4 (see FIG. 4). Details will be described later, but the information setting device 4 uses the process for associating the installation position of the lighting device 1 with the device identification information Ia on the map image Mp described above and the operation performed by the setter in that process (see steps S13 to S15 and S22 in FIG. 4) to associate the installation position of the beacon transmitter 12B on the map image Mp (see FIG. 6) corresponding to the installation position of the beacon transmitter 12B in real space with the beacon identification information Ib of the beacon transmitter 12B. The information setting device 4 then records these associations in the information association data D1 (see FIG. 3).

As an example, the beacon identification information Ib is composed of a UUID (Universally Unique IDentifier), a major value m1, and a minor value m2. Here, the UUID is an ID that is uniquely assigned to a specific group (such as a company, organization, or store) to which the beacon transmitter 12B belongs. Therefore, by including the UUID in the beacon identification information Ib, the specific group to which the UUID is assigned and the beacon transmitter 12B identified by the beacon identification information Ib are associated with each other. On the other hand, the major value m1 and the minor value m2 are values that are used in combination with the UUID and can be arbitrarily set by the setter (such as an administrator). The major value m1 and the minor value m2 are determined so that the beacon identification information Ib is unique when the beacon identification information Ib is configured by combining it with the UUID. Furthermore, if the beacon identification information Ib can be uniquely configured within a specific group, the UUID may be combined with either the major value m1 or the minor value m2, or may be combined with three or more values.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the beacon identification information Ib remains unset when the lighting device 1 is shipped from the factory or when the lighting device 1 is installed in the real space. For this reason, in the information setting process (see FIG. 4) described later, the information setting device 4 generates the beacon identification information Ib in response to the operation of the setter, and uses the generated beacon identification information Ib to associate with the installation position of the beacon transmitter 12B on the map image Mp. In addition, the information setting device 4 transmits the generated beacon identification information Ib to the lighting device 1, thereby causing the lighting device 1 to store the beacon identification information Ib in the storage unit 14. As a result, the beacon identification information Ib is set in the beacon transmitter 12B, and the beacon transmitter 12B becomes able to transmit a beacon signal Sb including the beacon identification information Ib stored in the storage unit 14 at a predetermined time interval.

In addition, in the lighting device 1, the device identification information Ia may use identification information that identifies the wireless module 12. In addition, the lighting device 1 and a network (WAN, LAN, etc.) may be connected via a communication repeater (gateway, etc.) connected to the network side and the wireless module 12 by performing wireless communication between the communication repeater and the wireless module 12.

<Lighting control device>
The lighting control device 2 is a cloud server connected to a network (such as a WAN or LAN) and can communicate with other devices (such as the lighting device 1 and the information management device 5) via the network. The lighting control device 2 performs lighting control (such as control of turning on, turning off, dimming, and adjusting color) for the lighting device 1 via the network (lighting control process). In this embodiment, the lighting control device 2 performs the lighting control process using the information correspondence data D1 (see FIG. 3 ) in which the correspondence is recorded by the information setting device 4. As a specific example of the lighting control process, the lighting control device 2 performs lighting control according to the current position P1 of the terminal device 3 in the real space, thereby providing the lighting control as a service. Note that the details of a specific example of the lighting control process performed by the lighting control device 2 will be described later.

The lighting control process executed by the lighting control device 2 is performed by having a processing device (such as a CPU or a microcomputer) equipped in the lighting control device 2 execute a program. Such a program may be stored in a readable state in a storage medium (such as a flash memory) or may be stored in a storage unit (not shown) equipped in the lighting control device 2.

<Terminal Device>
The terminal device 3 is a mobile terminal device owned by a user, such as a smartphone. In the position-specific lighting control system of the present embodiment, in order to provide a service according to the current position P1 of the terminal device 3 in the real space, it is necessary to have the terminal device 3 receive the beacon signal Sb used to specify the current position P1. In addition, the terminal device 3 needs to transmit beacon information K including information on the received beacon signal Sb and terminal identification information Ic for identifying the terminal device 3 to the information management device 5. Here, the beacon information K transmitted by the terminal device 3 includes, as information on the beacon signal Sb, the beacon identification information Ib and the reception strength when the beacon signal Sb is received. In addition, in order to accurately specify the current position P1 of the terminal device 3, it is preferable that the information on the beacon signal Sb received from three or more beacon transmitters 12B located around the terminal device 3 is included in the beacon information K. Note that the information transmitted by the terminal device 3 may further include information on the user who owns the terminal device 3.

Therefore, an application program is installed in the terminal device 3 to realize the function of a transceiver that receives a beacon signal Sb and transmits beacon information K including information on the received beacon signal Sb. Note that the application program may be stored in a readable state in a storage medium (e.g., a flash memory) or a cloud server before being installed in the terminal device 3, and may be read by the terminal device 3. Furthermore, the terminal device 3 may function as a transceiver that receives only beacon signals Sb including a UUID specified by the user.

<Information setting device>
The information setting device 4 is a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone or tablet PC, and is used to associate various information (such as location information and identification information) at the installation location of the lighting device 1 after the lighting device 1 is installed in the real space. Specifically, an application program for executing the above-mentioned information setting process is installed in a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone or tablet PC. Then, the mobile terminal device functions as the information setting device 4 by executing the application program on the mobile terminal device.

FIG. 2(B) is a conceptual diagram showing the information setting device 4. The information setting device 4 includes a touch panel 41, a communication unit 42, a control unit 43, and a storage unit 44. Here, the touch panel 41 functions as a display unit in the information setting device 4 and as an input unit in the information setting device 4. Note that the information setting device 4 may be configured with a separate display unit (such as a monitor) and input unit (such as a keyboard), such as a desktop PC.

The communication unit 42 enables two-way wireless communication with other devices (such as the lighting control device 2 and the information management device 5) by wirelessly connecting the information setting device 4 to a network (such as a WAN or LAN). Furthermore, the communication unit 42 can directly communicate wirelessly with the wireless module 12 using the same communication method as that used to transmit the beacon signal Sb. In this embodiment, the information setting device 4 performs direct wireless communication with the wireless module 12 through the communication unit 42 while the information setting process is being executed.

In the information setting process, the information setting device 4 associates the installation position of the lighting device 1 on the map image Mp (see FIG. 6) that corresponds to the installation position of the lighting device 1 in real space with the device identification information Ia of the lighting device 1.

The information setting process (see FIG. 4) will be described in detail later, but the information setting device 4 further generates beacon identification information Ib of the beacon transmitter 12B at a suitable timing by using a process for associating the installation position of the lighting device 1 with the device identification information Ia on the map image Mp and an operation performed by the setter in the process (see steps S13 to S15 and S22 in FIG. 4), and associates the generated beacon identification information Ib with the installation position of the beacon transmitter 12B on the map image Mp (see FIG. 6) that corresponds to the installation position of the beacon transmitter 12B in real space. The information setting device 4 then records these associations in the information association data D1 (see FIG. 3). After completing the association, the information setting device 4 transmits the information association data D1 to the information management device 5.

Here, the information correspondence data D1 is data (such as a file) that records the correspondence between the installation positions of the lighting device 1 and the beacon transmitter 12B on the map image Mp (in this embodiment, the position of the icon J described later) and the device identification information Ia and the beacon identification information Ib, and is stored in the storage unit 44. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the information correspondence data D1.

The information setting process executed by the information setting device 4 is performed by having a control unit 43 (a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microcomputer) included in the information setting device 4 execute a program. Such a program may be stored in a readable state in a storage medium (e.g., a flash memory) or may be stored in the storage unit 44 of the information setting device 4.

<Information Management Device>
The information management device 5 is a cloud server connected to a network (such as a WAN or LAN), and can communicate with other devices (such as the lighting control device 2 and the information setting device 4) via the network. The information management device 5 adds the information correspondence data D1 (see FIG. 3) in which the correspondence is recorded by the information setting device 4 to a database and manages it. In this embodiment, the information management device 5 uses the information in the database to identify the current position P1 of the terminal device 3 in the real space from the beacon information K (information of the beacon signal Sb and the terminal identification information Ic) transmitted from the terminal device 3 (position identification process). In addition, in this position identification process, the information management device 5 transmits the identified current position P1 of the terminal device 3 to other devices (such as the lighting control device 2) via the network. Details of the position identification process performed by the information management device 5 will be described later.

The location identification process executed by the information management device 5 is performed by having a processing device (such as a CPU or a microcomputer) equipped in the information management device 5 execute a program. Such a program may be stored in a readable state in a storage medium (such as a flash memory) or may be stored in a storage unit (not shown) equipped in the information management device 5.

[2] Control in the location-specific lighting control system [2-1] Control executed after the lighting device is installed in the real space <Information setting process executed by the information setting device>
Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the information setting process executed by the information setting device 4 and the operations performed by the person setting the information. Figs. 5 to 8 are diagrams showing screens displayed on the touch panel 41 in relation to the information setting process.

When the information setting process is started by executing an application program in the information setting device 4, the control unit 43 displays a UUID input screen on the touch panel 41 (step S11 in FIG. 4; see FIG. 5). The UUID input on the input screen is used to generate the beacon identification information Ib, and this input screen is a screen that requests the setter to input a UUID that is uniquely assigned to a group in order to determine which group the beacon transmission unit 12B belongs to and for which the beacon identification information Ib is to be generated.

After step S11 is executed (after the input screen is displayed), the control unit 43 judges whether or not a UUID has been input on the input screen (step S12 in FIG. 4). Then, the control unit 43 repeatedly executes step S12 until it can judge that a UUID has been input (Yes) in step S12.

When the control unit 43 determines in step S12 that the UUID has been input by the user on the input screen (step S21 in FIG. 4) as "input (Yes)," it performs processing to associate the installation position of the lighting device 1 on the map image Mp (see FIG. 6) corresponding to the installation position of the lighting device 1 in real space with the device identification information Ia of the lighting device 1 (steps S13 to S15 in FIG. 4).

First, in step S13, the control unit 43 reads out the map image Mp stored in the storage unit 44 from the storage unit 44 and displays it on the touch panel 41 (see FIG. 6). At this time, the control unit 43 displays the map image Mp in association with coordinate data that defines a position on the map image Mp.

In step S14, the control unit 43 acquires device identification information Ia from the lighting device 1 already installed in the real space. The control unit 43 then displays an icon J associated with the acquired device identification information Ia on the touch panel 41 (see FIG. 6). At this time, the control unit 43 displays the icon J in a state in which it can be moved onto the map image Mp by a drag operation. Furthermore, the control unit 43 causes the icon J to function as a switch that turns on the lighting device 1 identified by the device identification information Ia associated with that icon J. Note that the switch may be one that turns on the lighting device 1 at least once, such as one that can turn off the lighting device 1 after turning it on. Furthermore, the switch may be displayed on the screen of the touch panel 41 as an icon separate from the icon J in a state in which it is associated with the icon J.

In this embodiment, the control unit 43 displays a list of icons J on the screen of the touch panel 41 (see FIG. 6). The control unit 43 also displays an end button on the screen of the touch panel 41 to allow the user to end the information setting process.

After the control unit 43 executes step S14 (after the screen in FIG. 6 is displayed), the user places the icon J on the map image Mp by dragging (step S22 in FIG. 4; see FIG. 7). The control unit 43 also determines whether the icon J has been placed on the map image Mp (step S15 in FIG. 4).

Specifically, the setter first presses the icon J to be placed on the map image Mp (i.e., operates a switch) to turn on the lighting device 1 identified by the device identification information Ia associated with that icon J. This allows the setter to confirm the installation position in real space of the lighting device 1 corresponding to the icon J to be placed. At the same time, the setter can also confirm the installation position of the beacon transmitter 12B provided in the turned-on lighting device 1. That is, by turning on the lighting device 1, the setter can confirm the installation position in real space of the beacon transmitter 12B that is the target of the setting of the beacon identification information Ib. After that, based on the confirmed installation positions in real space of the lighting device 1 and the beacon transmitter 12B, the setter moves and places the icon J by dragging it to the installation position on the map image Mp that corresponds to that installation position.

By arranging the icon J on such a map image Mp (in the example of FIG. 7, the position (circle) shown on the map image Mp where the lighting device 1 should be installed), the setter can specify the installation position of the lighting device 1 on the map image Mp that corresponds to the installation position of the lighting device 1 in real space. Moreover, by arranging the icon J, the setter can also specify the installation position of the beacon transmitter 12B on the map image Mp that corresponds to the installation position of the beacon transmitter 12B in real space confirmed by turning on the lighting device 1.

Also, the icon J is associated with device identification information Ia. Therefore, when the icon J is placed on the map image Mp by a drag operation (step S22 in FIG. 4), if the control unit 43 determines in step S15 that the icon J is "placed (Yes)", the installation position of the lighting device 1 on the map image Mp specified by the placement of the icon J (position coordinates based on the coordinate data) corresponds to the device identification information Ia associated with the icon J. That is, by placing the icon J on the map image Mp, the correspondence between the installation position of the lighting device 1 in the real space and the device identification information Ia of the lighting device 1 is replaced with the correspondence between the installation position of the lighting device 1 on the map image Mp (in this embodiment, the position of the icon J on the map image Mp; position coordinates based on the coordinate data) and the device identification information Ia.

In this way, the processing of steps S13 to S15 and the operation of step S22 in FIG. 4 not only makes it possible to associate the installation position of the lighting device 1 on the map image Mp with the device identification information Ia, but also makes it possible to confirm the installation position in real space of the beacon transmitter 12B for which the beacon identification information Ib is to be set by turning on the lighting device 1 at that time. Therefore, this embodiment further utilizes the advantage obtained by turning on the lighting device 1 to generate the beacon identification information Ib of the beacon transmitter 12B at a preferred timing, and associates the generated beacon identification information Ib with the installation position of the beacon transmitter 12B on the map image Mp (see FIG. 6) that corresponds to the installation position of the beacon transmitter 12B in real space. A specific description will be given below.

When the icon J is placed on the map image Mp by a drag operation (step S22 in FIG. 4), and the control unit 43 determines in step S15 that the icon J has been placed (Yes), the control unit 43 generates beacon identification information Ib at that timing (step S16 in FIG. 4). That is, the control unit 43 generates beacon identification information Ib when the installation position of the beacon transmitter 12B on the map image Mp is specified by the placement of the icon J.

More specifically, the control unit 43 determines the major value m1 and the minor value m2. At this time, the control unit 43 determines the major value m1 and the minor value m2 so that when the beacon identification information Ib is constructed by combining the major value m1 and the minor value m2 with the UUID input on the input screen, the beacon identification information Ib is unique. Then, the control unit 43 generates the beacon identification information Ib by combining the determined major value m1 and minor value m2 with the UUID input on the input screen.

After step S16 is executed (after the beacon identification information Ib is generated), the control unit 43 records the device identification information Ia associated with the icon J and the beacon identification information Ib generated in step S16 in association with the position of the icon J on the map image Mp (position coordinates based on the coordinate data) in the information correspondence data D1 (step S17 in FIG. 4; see FIG. 3). In this embodiment, the position of the icon J on the map image Mp corresponds to the installation positions of the lighting device 1 and the beacon transmitter 12B on the map image Mp specified by the position of the icon J, as described above. In addition, the control unit 43 further records the information of the map image Mp in association with the position of the icon J in the information correspondence data D1 (see FIG. 3) so that it is possible to identify which map image Mp the position (position coordinates) of the icon J corresponds to.

After step S17 is executed (after the correspondence is executed), the control unit 43 judges whether the end button is pressed or not (step S18 in FIG. 4). The control unit 43 also executes step S18 if it judges in step S15 that the button is "not placed (No)". If it judges in step S18 that the button is "not pressed (No)", the control unit 43 executes the process from step S15 again. As a result, by the setter repeatedly placing the icon J displayed on the screen of the touch panel 41 on the map image Mp, information in which the placement position of the icon J on the map image Mp (the installation position of the lighting device 1 and the beacon transmitter 12B) is associated with the device identification information Ia and the beacon identification information Ib is accumulated in the information correspondence data D1.

When the control unit 43 determines in step S18 that the setting button has been pressed (Yes), it sets the beacon identification information Ib for the beacon transmitter 12B using the information correspondence data D1 in which the previous correspondence has been recorded (step S19A in FIG. 4). The control unit 43 also transmits the information correspondence data D1 to the lighting control device 2 and the information management device 5 (step S19B in FIG. 4), and then ends the information setting process.

Specifically, in step S19A, the control unit 43 wirelessly transmits beacon identification information Ib corresponding to the device identification information Ia to the lighting device 1 identified by the device identification information Ia recorded in the information correspondence data D1. Then, when the lighting device 1 receives the beacon identification information Ib from the information setting device 4, it stores the received beacon identification information Ib in the storage unit 14. This sets the beacon identification information Ib in the beacon transmitting unit 12B. As a result, the beacon transmitting unit 12B becomes able to transmit a beacon signal Sb including the beacon identification information Ib stored in the storage unit 14 at a predetermined time interval.

According to the above-mentioned information setting process, the person setting the lighting device 1 can associate the installation position of the lighting device 1 on the map image Mp with the device identification information Ia through simple operations such as confirming the installation position of the lighting device 1 in the real space by operating a switch and placing an icon J on the map image Mp based on that confirmation. Therefore, according to the above-mentioned information setting process, the association between the installation position of the lighting device 1 on the map image Mp corresponding to the real space and the device identification information Ia is simplified.

Moreover, according to the information setting process described above, the setter can check the installation position of the lighting device 1 in the real space by turning on the lighting device 1 by operating the switch, and at the same time check the installation position of the beacon transmitter 12B in the real space. This allows the setter to specify the installation position of the beacon transmitter 12B on the map image Mp based on the confirmed installation position of the beacon transmitter 12B in the real space. In this embodiment, the installation position of the beacon transmitter 12B on the map image Mp is specified by placing the icon J on the map image Mp by a drag operation.

In addition, when the setter specifies the installation position of the beacon transmitter 12B on the map image Mp (in this embodiment, the placement of the icon J), the beacon identification information Ib is generated and associated with the installation position of the beacon transmitter 12B specified on the map image Mp. Therefore, the setter can associate the installation position of the beacon transmitter 12B on the map image Mp with the beacon identification information Ib through simple operations such as confirming the installation position of the beacon transmitter 12B in the real space by operating a switch, and specifying the installation position of the beacon transmitter 12B on the map image Mp based on that confirmation. Therefore, according to the above information setting process, the association between the installation position of the beacon transmitter 12B on the map image Mp corresponding to the real space and the beacon identification information Ib is simplified.

Furthermore, by setting the beacon identification information Ib for the beacon transmitter 12B based on the above-mentioned correspondence (step S19A in FIG. 4), a correspondence is formed between the installation position of the beacon transmitter 12B in real space and the beacon identification information Ib. Then, according to the above-mentioned information setting process, this correspondence is replaced with a correspondence between the installation position of the beacon transmitter 12B on the map image Mp and the beacon identification information Ib (information correspondence data D1). Therefore, it becomes possible to use the information correspondence data D1 as a database for identifying the current position P1 of the terminal device 3 in real space.

The information setting process may be executed only to associate the position of the beacon transmitter 12B with the beacon identification information Ib, without assuming that the position of the lighting device 1 is associated with the device identification information Ia. In other words, turning on the lighting device 1 by operating the switch may be used only to confirm the position of the beacon transmitter 12B. Also, the icon J may be used only to specify the position of the beacon transmitter 12B.

Furthermore, in the above information setting process, the installation position of the beacon transmitter 12B on the map image Mp is not limited to being specified by the arrangement of the icon J, but may be specified using other means, such as by inputting a numerical value.

The method of determining the major value m1 and the minor value m2 executed by the control unit 43 when generating the beacon identification information Ib in step S16 can include a method of determining them randomly, or a method of incrementing the major value m1 or the minor value m2 by one each time they are determined. However, the method of determining the major value m1 and the minor value m2 can be various methods that are not limited to these. Furthermore, if the map image Mp has information on the floor number or section of the floor corresponding to the image, the control unit 43 can determine the major value m1 and the minor value m2 based on that information each time an icon J is placed.

Furthermore, the control unit 43 may generate the entire beacon identification information Ib including the UUID, rather than only generating a part of the beacon identification information Ib (in this embodiment, the major value m1 and the minor value m2) and combining this with the UUID to create the beacon identification information Ib. In this case, in the information setting process described above, it becomes unnecessary to display the input screen in step S11, and to input the UUID by the person setting in step S21.

When the control unit 43 generates the beacon identification information Ib in step 16, it may pop up a confirmation image on the touch panel 41 showing the contents of the generated beacon identification information Ib (see FIG. 8). This allows the setter to recognize that the beacon identification information Ib has been generated and its contents. The confirmation image may be closed by the setter pressing a confirmation button (see FIG. 8) displayed on the image, or may be closed after a predetermined time has passed without any operation by the setter. Instead of displaying a confirmation image, the control unit 43 may notify the setter of the generation of the beacon identification information Ib by emitting a sound or the like.

The timing for generating the beacon identification information Ib is not limited to the timing when the installation position of the beacon transmitter 12B is specified on the map image Mp by the arrangement of the icon J, but may be any other preferred timing, such as a timing before the installation position is specified (for example, the timing when the setter selects the icon J to be the target of the drag operation).

Furthermore, the transmission of the beacon identification information Ib to the lighting device 1 performed by the control unit 43 in step S19A may be performed by the lighting control device 2 or the information management device 5 that received the information correspondence data D1 based on the information correspondence data D1.

[2-2] Control Executed When Providing Service <Location Identification Process Executed by Information Management Device>
After the setting of the beacon identification information Ib for the beacon transmitter 12B (step S19A in FIG. 4) is completed, when the transmission of the beacon signal Sb from the beacon transmitter 12B is started, the information management device 5 executes a location specification process to provide a service (lighting control by the lighting control device 2 in this embodiment) to the terminal device 3 or the user who owns it. In the location specification process, the information management device 5 adds the information corresponding data D1 received from the information setting device 4 to a database and manages it, and uses the information in the database to specify the current position P1 of the terminal device 3 in the real space from the beacon information K (information on the beacon signal Sb and the terminal identification information Ic) transmitted from the terminal device 3. Here, in order to accurately specify the current position P1 of the terminal device 3, it is preferable that the beacon information K includes information on the beacon signals Sb received from three or more beacon transmitters 12B located around the terminal device 3 in the real space. Below, a case where the beacon information K includes information on three or more beacon signals Sb will be described.

Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the location identification process executed by the information management device 5. Note that Figure 9 shows the flow of the process from receiving beacon information K from a terminal device 3 to identifying the current location P1 of the terminal device 3.

When the information management device 5 receives the beacon information K from the terminal device 3, the information management device 5 uses the information in the database it manages (specifically, the contents of the information correspondence data D1 added to the database (see FIG. 3)) to acquire the installation positions on the map image Mp of each of the beacon transmitters 12B identified by the beacon identification information Ib based on the three or more beacon identification information Ib in the beacon information K received from the terminal device 3 (step S31 in FIG. 9). Then, the information management device 5 acquires the distances on the map image Mp from each installation position (three or more positions) of the beacon transmitters 12B acquired in step S31 to the terminal device 3 based on the reception strength in the beacon information K corresponding to the beacon identification information Ib (step S32 in FIG. 9). At this time, the information management device 5 may acquire the distances on the map image Mp using the correspondence data in which the reception strength and the distance are associated, or may acquire the distances on the map image Mp by calculating from a relational expression between the reception strength and the distance.

Then, the information management device 5 identifies the current position P1m of the terminal device 3 in the map image Mp information corresponding to the current position P1 of the terminal device 3 in real space based on the installation position of the beacon transmitter 12B on the map image Mp acquired in steps S31 and S32 and the distance from the beacon transmitter 12B (step S33 in FIG. 9).

After step S33 is executed (after the current position P1m of the terminal device 3 is identified), the information management device 5 transmits the identified current position P1m of the terminal device 3 together with the terminal identification information Ic of the terminal device 3 to the lighting control device 2 (step S34 in FIG. 9).

<Lighting control process executed by the lighting control device>
The lighting control device 2 is a cloud server, and performs lighting control on the lighting device 1 using information correspondence data D1 in which the correspondence in the information setting device 4 is recorded. As a specific example of the lighting control process, the lighting control device 2 performs lighting control according to the current position P1 of the terminal device 3 in real space (specifically, the current position P1m of the terminal device 3 on the map image Mp specified by the information management device 5). A specific example of the lighting control process will be described below.

(1) Example of lighting control process for brightly illuminating the current position of the terminal device and its surroundings Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of lighting control process executed by the lighting control device 2. In the example of Fig. 10, the lighting control device 2 performs lighting control for brightly illuminating the current position P1 of the terminal device 3 and its surroundings by increasing the dimming rate of the lighting devices 1 installed in the vicinity of the current position P1 of the terminal device 3 in the real space.

When the lighting control device 2 starts the lighting control process by receiving the information correspondence data D1 from the information setting device 4, it first uses the received information correspondence data D1 to create control correspondence data D2 to be used for lighting control of the lighting device 1 (step S41 in FIG. 10). Here, the control correspondence data D2 is the information correspondence data D1 in which each piece of device identification information Ia of the lighting device 1 is further associated with the content of lighting control (hereinafter referred to as "lighting mode"). FIG. 11 (A) is a diagram showing an example of the control correspondence data D2.

Specifically, a first mode (mode (1)) in which the dimming rate is controlled to 10% and a second mode (mode (2)) in which the dimming rate is controlled to 100% are prepared as lighting modes. More specifically, lighting mode data D3 in which the correspondence between these lighting modes and dimming rates is recorded is stored, for example, in a storage unit (not shown) provided in the lighting control device 2. FIG. 11(B) is a diagram showing an example of lighting mode data D3.

Then, in step S41, the lighting control device 2 creates control correspondence data D2 by associating the first mode (mode(1)) with all device identification information Ia in the information correspondence data D1. After that, the lighting control device 2 stores the created control correspondence data D2, for example, in a storage unit (not shown) provided in the lighting control device 2.

After executing step S41, the lighting control device 2 executes lighting control for the lighting devices 1 based on the control correspondence data D2 and the lighting mode data D3 (step S42 in FIG. 10). Specifically, the lighting control device 2 controls the dimming rate of all lighting devices 1 to 10% according to the lighting mode illustrated in FIG. 11(B).

After executing step S42, the lighting control device 2 judges whether or not information for controlling lighting according to the current position P1 of the terminal device 3 in the real space (specifically, the current position P1m of the terminal device 3 on the map image Mp and the terminal identification information Ic of the terminal device 3) has been received from the information management device 5 (step S43 in FIG. 10). If the lighting control device 2 judges that the information has been received (Yes) in step S43, the lighting control device 2 records the received information and the reception time T1 at which the information was received in association with each other in the reception time data D4 (step S44 in FIG. 10). Here, the reception time data D4 is data (such as a file) in which the correspondence between the information received from the information management device 5 (the current position P1m and the terminal identification information Ic of the terminal device 3) and the reception time T1 is recorded, and is stored, for example, in a memory unit (not shown) of the lighting control device 2. FIG. 11 (C) is a diagram showing an example of the reception time data D4.

The current position P1m of the terminal device 3 (for example, the current position on the map image Mp of the terminal device 3 moving within a real space such as an office or store) transmitted sequentially from the information management device 5 is added to the reception time data D4 together with the reception time T1. Therefore, as time passes, the previously received information (the current position P1m of the terminal device 3 and the terminal identification information Ic) becomes outdated.

Therefore, the lighting control device 2 organizes the information in the reception time data D4 by deleting from the reception time data D4 any information recorded in the reception time data D4 (terminal identification information Ic, the current position P1m of the terminal device 3, and the reception time T1) that is greater than a predetermined time T0 since the reception time T1 (step S45 in FIG. 10).

If the lighting control device 2 determines in step S43 that the data has not been received (No), it refers to the reception time data D4 and determines whether or not there is a record of information in the reception time data D4 (step S46 in FIG. 10). Then, even if the lighting control device 2 determines in step S46 that there is a record (Yes), it also executes step S45. On the other hand, if the lighting control device 2 determines in step S46 that there is no record (No), it proceeds to step S50.

After executing step S45, the lighting control device 2 identifies the lighting device 1 to be used to brightly illuminate the periphery of the terminal device 3 using the current position P1m of the terminal device 3 recorded in the reception time data D4 (step S47 in FIG. 10). Specifically, the lighting control device 2 identifies the lighting device 1 that exists within a predetermined area Rt centered on the current position P1m, using the current position P1m of the terminal device 3 on the map image Mp and the installation position of the lighting device 1 on the map image Mp recorded in the control correspondence data D2 (see FIG. 11 (A)). Here, the predetermined area Rt is an area that is set in advance to determine the selection range on the map image Mp of the lighting device 1 that brightly illuminates the periphery of the terminal device 3.

Figure 12 is a conceptual diagram visually showing lighting devices 1 present within a predetermined area Rt centered on the current position P1m of the terminal device 3 on the map image Mp. In Figure 12, a rectangular area centered on the current position P1m of the terminal device 3 is used as the predetermined area Rt. Note that if multiple current positions P1m of the terminal device 3 are recorded in the reception time data D4, the lighting control device 2 identifies lighting devices 1 present within the predetermined area Rt centered on each of the current positions P1m of all the terminal devices 3.

Next, the lighting control device 2 changes the lighting mode setting associated with the lighting device 1 identified in step S47 in the control correspondence data D2 (step S48 in FIG. 10). Specifically, the lighting control device 2 changes the lighting mode setting in the control correspondence data D2 so that the lighting mode for the lighting device 1 identified in step S47 becomes the second mode (mode (2) = dimming rate 100%), and the lighting mode for the lighting devices 1 other than the lighting device 1 identified in step S47 becomes the first mode (mode (1) = dimming rate 10%).

After executing step S48, the lighting control device 2 executes lighting control for the lighting device 1 based on the control correspondence data D2 and the lighting mode data D3 (step S49 in FIG. 10). Specifically, in accordance with the lighting mode illustrated in FIG. 11(B), the lighting control device 2 controls the dimming rate of the lighting device 1 whose lighting mode is set to the second mode (mode(2)) to 100%, and controls the dimming rate of the lighting device 1 whose lighting mode is set to the first mode (mode(1)) to 10%.

Then, the lighting control device 2 repeatedly executes steps S43 to S49 until the lighting control process is no longer required, for example, by the user turning off a switch installed in an office or store (step S50 in FIG. 10).

According to the above lighting control process, the lighting device 1 brightly illuminates the current location of the user who owns the terminal device 3 in the real space (such as an office or store) (i.e., the current location P1 of the terminal device 3 in the real space) and its surroundings, even if the user does not adjust the lighting. Also, in step S45, old information that is a predetermined time T0 away from the reception time T1 is deleted from the reception time data D4, so that the area brightly illuminated by the lighting device 1 can be made to track the user's current location, which changes as the user moves in the real space. In this way, according to the above lighting control, the lighting is adjusted according to the current location of the user who owns the terminal device 3 in the real space, thereby improving convenience for the user.

In the above-described lighting control process, the lighting mode used for lighting control is not limited to the dimming shown in FIG. 11(B), and any one or combination of various lighting-related controls (on, off, dimming, color adjustment, time schedule control, etc.) can be used. In addition, three or more modes with different control contents may be prepared as lighting modes to be associated with the control correspondence data D2.

The shape of the predetermined area Rt used to identify the lighting device 1 in step S47 is not limited to a rectangle, but can be changed as appropriate to a shape (such as a circle) according to the installation form of the lighting device 1. The predetermined area Rt is also not limited to a shape centered on the current position P1m of the terminal device 3 on the map image Mp, but may include the current position P1m of the terminal device 3 at a position other than the center.

(2) Example of lighting control process for brightly illuminating a path from an entrance to a target position when a user enters a room Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing another example of lighting control process executed by the lighting control device 2. In the example of Fig. 13, when a user enters a room, the lighting control device 2 performs lighting control for brightly illuminating the path by increasing the dimming rate of the lighting device 1 installed on the path from the entrance Es used when the user entered the room to a destination position (e.g., the position of the user's desk, which coincides with a target position P2 to which the terminal device 3 is to be moved in the real space, which will be described later).

In this example, the lighting control device 2 executes the process up to step S43, similar to the lighting control process described above (see FIG. 10). Then, when the lighting control device 2 determines that the information is "received (Yes)" in step S43, it determines whether the user is entering the room for the first time at that point in time, or has already entered the room, by referring to the reception time data D4, whether the reception time data D4 contains a record of information identical to the terminal identification information Ic received from the information management device 5 (step S51 in FIG. 13).

Here, the reception time data D4 is data (such as a file) that records the correspondence between the received information (the current position P1m of the terminal device 3 and the terminal identification information Ic) and the reception time T1 at which the information was received, as in the example of FIG. 10 (see FIG. 11(C)). If the user has entered the room for the first time when the information is received from the information management device 5, the same information as the terminal identification information Ic contained in the received information is not recorded in the reception time data D4. On the other hand, if the user has already entered the room when the information is received from the information management device 5, the same information as the terminal identification information Ic contained in the received information is recorded in the reception time data D4. Therefore, by determining whether or not there is a record of the same information as the terminal identification information Ic received from the information management device 5 in step S51, it is possible to determine whether or not the user has entered the room for the first time at that time.

If the lighting control device 2 determines in step S51 that there is no record (No), it associates the received information with the reception time T1 at which the information was received and records the information in the reception time data D4 (step S52 in FIG. 13).

Then, the lighting control device 2 uses the current position P1m of the terminal device 3 on the received map image Mp to identify the entrance Es used by the user who owns the terminal device 3 to enter the room (step S53 in FIG. 13). As a specific example, the lighting control device 2 has information (such as position coordinates) about the positions of the available entrances e1 to e3 on the map image Mp. Then, the lighting control device 2 identifies, from among the entrances e1 to e3, the one that is closest on the map image Mp to the current position P1m of the terminal device 3 on the map image Mp as the entrance Es used by the user to enter the room.

The lighting control device 2 then associates the received terminal identification information Ic, the identified entrance Es, and the specific time T2 at which the entrance Es was identified, and records them in the specific time data D5 (step S54 in FIG. 13). Here, the specific time data D5 is data (such as a file) that records the correspondence between the terminal identification information Ic, the identified entrance Es, and the specific time T2, and is stored, for example, in a memory unit (not shown) of the lighting control device 2. FIG. 15(A) is a diagram showing an example of the specific time data D5.

The specific time T2 corresponds to the time when the user entered the room. In the example of FIG. 13, when the user enters the room, it is sufficient to brightly illuminate the path to the destination location so that the user can move to that location, so there is no need to keep the path brightly lit for a long time after the user enters the room. For this reason, it is preferable to return the lighting to its original state when a predetermined time Ts0 has elapsed since the user entered the room. Therefore, in step S54, by recording the specific time T2, which corresponds to the time when the user entered the room, in the specific time data D5, it becomes possible to return the lighting to its original state after the predetermined time Ts0 has elapsed in the process described below (see FIG. 14).

After executing step S54, the lighting control device 2 changes the lighting mode setting in the control correspondence data D2 using the terminal identification information Ic recorded in the specific time data D5 and the information on the identified entrance Es (step S55 in FIG. 13).

Specifically, the lighting control device 2 first refers to the setting change target data D6. Here, the setting change target data D6 is data (such as a file) in which the entrances e1 to e3 available for entry are associated with each terminal identification information Ic, and further, the device identification information Ia of the lighting device 1 that is the target of the lighting mode setting change is associated with each available entrance e1 to e3, and is stored, for example, in a memory unit (not shown) of the lighting control device 2. FIG. 15(B) is a diagram showing an example of the setting change target data D6. Also, FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram visually showing the device identification information Ia (target of the lighting mode setting change) associated in the setting change target data D6.

As an example, the lighting devices 1 that are targets of a lighting mode setting change are the lighting devices 1 installed on routes r1-r3 (pathways passing through passage r) on the map image Mp from the positions of entrances e1-e3 on the map image Mp to target position P2m on the map image Mp that corresponds to target position P2 (e.g., the position of the desk of the user who owns the terminal device 3) to which the terminal device 3 is to be moved in real space, as shown in FIG. 16 (see also FIG. 15(B)). Note that the device identification information Ia of the lighting devices 1 associated with each of the available entrances e1-e3 in the setting change target data D6 may be one or more.

Then, the lighting control device 2 obtains, from the referenced setting change target data D6, the device identification information Ia corresponding to the combination of the terminal identification information Ic recorded in the specific time data D5 and the identified entrance Es. As a result, the lighting control device 2 obtains the device identification information Ia of the lighting device 1 to be the target of the lighting mode setting change.

Then, the lighting control device 2 changes the lighting mode settings in the control correspondence data D2 so that the lighting mode for the acquired device identification information Ia becomes the second mode (mode (2) = dimming rate 100%), and the lighting mode for device identification information Ia other than the acquired device identification information Ia becomes the first mode (mode (1) = dimming rate 10%).

After executing step S55, the lighting control device 2 executes lighting control for the lighting device 1 based on the control correspondence data D2 and the lighting mode data D3 (step S56 in FIG. 13). Specifically, in accordance with the lighting mode exemplified in FIG. 11(B), the lighting control device 2 controls the dimming rate of the lighting device 1 whose lighting mode is set to the second mode (mode(2)) to 100%, and controls the dimming rate of the lighting device 1 whose lighting mode is set to the first mode (mode(1)) to 10%.

As a result, when a user enters the room, the lighting devices 1 installed on the path from the entrance Es used to enter the room to the target position P2 (for example, the position of the user's desk) are adjusted to be bright for each user. As a result, the path from the entrance Es to the target position P2 is brightly lit, allowing the user to recognize the position to which he or she is moving (which coincides with the target position P2) and to easily move to that position. In this way, with the above lighting control, the lighting is adjusted according to the entrance Es used to enter the room and the target position P2, improving convenience for the user.

In the example of FIG. 13, if the lighting control device 2 determines in step S43 that the data has not been received (No), it refers to the reception time data D4 and determines whether or not there is a record of information in the reception time data D4 (step S57 in FIG. 13). If the lighting control device 2 determines in step S57 that there is a record (Yes), it proceeds to step S58. On the other hand, if the lighting control device 2 determines in step S57 that there is no record (No), it proceeds to step S70.

In step S58, similar to the example of FIG. 10 (step S45), the lighting control device 2 organizes the information in the reception time data D4 by deleting from the reception time data D4 any information recorded in the reception time data D4 (terminal identification information Ic, current position P1m of the terminal device 3, and reception time T1) that is greater than a predetermined time T0 since the reception time T1. The lighting control device 2 also executes step S58 if it determines in step S51 that "there is a record (Yes)". After executing step S58, the lighting control device 2 proceeds to step S70.

The lighting control device 2 then repeatedly executes steps S43 and S51 to S58 until it is no longer necessary to continue the lighting control process, for example by the user turning off a switch installed in an office or store (step S70 in FIG. 13). In the process of repeating these processes, the lighting control device 2 also executes a process (the process shown in the flowchart in FIG. 14) to return the lighting that brightly illuminated the path to its original state after a predetermined time Ts0 has elapsed. Note that this process is executed, for example, between A and B in the flowchart in FIG. 13. Specifically, it is as follows.

First, the lighting control device 2 refers to the specific time data D5 and determines whether or not information is recorded in the specific time data D5 (step S61 in FIG. 14). If the lighting control device 2 determines in step S61 that there is a record (Yes), it determines whether or not a predetermined time Ts0 has elapsed since the specific time T2 recorded in the specific time data D5 (step S62 in FIG. 14).

If the lighting control device 2 determines in step S62 that the time has passed (Yes), it organizes the information in the specific time data D5 by deleting from the specific time data D5 information recorded in the specific time data D5 (terminal identification information Ic, identified entrance Es, and specific time T2) that is greater than the specified time Ts0 since the specific time T2 (step S63 in FIG. 14).

Then, the lighting control device 2 uses the specific time data D5 organized in step S63 to change the lighting mode setting in the control correspondence data D2 (step S64 in FIG. 14). Specifically, if other information (terminal identification information Ic and entrance Es) remains in the specific time data D5, the lighting control device 2 uses the information remaining in the specific time data D5 to change the setting in the same way as in step S55. On the other hand, if other information (terminal identification information Ic and entrance Es) does not remain in the specific time data D5, the lighting control device 2 changes the lighting mode setting so that the lighting mode for all device identification information Ia in the control correspondence data D2 becomes the first mode (mode(1)=10%).

After executing step S64, the lighting control device 2 executes lighting control for the lighting device 1 based on the control correspondence data D2 and the lighting mode data D3 (step S65 in FIG. 14). As a result, the control to brightly illuminate the path from the entrance Es to the target position P2, which was executed when the user entered the room, ends when the predetermined time Ts0 has elapsed. On the other hand, if the lighting control device 2 determines in step S61 that there is no record (No) or in step S62 that the time has not elapsed (No), it returns to step S43 without executing steps S63 to S65.

In addition, in the process of identifying the target of the lighting mode setting change in step S55 above, if the map image Mp contains location information such as an aisle r, the lighting control device 2 may identify the lighting device 1 to be the target of the setting change using the location information contained in the map image Mp, without using the setting change target data D6 in which the setting change target is set in advance.

The target position P2 to which the terminal device 3 is to be moved can be changed as appropriate to various positions that are not limited to the position of the desk. The lighting devices 1 that are the targets of the lighting mode setting change are not limited to the lighting devices 1 installed on the route r1-r3 including the passage r from the available entrances e1-e3 to the target position P2, but may be, for example, lighting devices 1 installed on a straight line from the entrances e1-e3 to the target position P2 or lighting devices 1 set on the target position P2, and can be changed as appropriate.

[3] Modification [3-1] Modification 1
In the above-described specific example 1 of the lighting control process, the lighting control device 2 may generate distribution data indicating the number density of the terminal devices 3 using the information received from the information management device 5 (the current position P1m of the terminal device 3 and the terminal identification information Ic), and perform lighting control based on the distribution data. For example, the lighting control device 2 may change the lighting mode settings in the control correspondence data D2 so that the lighting mode for the lighting devices 1 present in an area where the number density is equal to or greater than a first threshold is the second mode (mode (2) = dimming rate 100%), and the lighting mode for the lighting devices 1 present outside the area is the first mode (mode (1) = dimming rate 10%).

Furthermore, when an area occurs where the number density is equal to or greater than the second threshold (>first threshold), the lighting control device 2 may change the lighting mode for the lighting devices 1 present in the area where the number density is equal to or greater than the second threshold from the second mode to the first mode in the control correspondence data D2. At this time, the lighting control device 2 may change the lighting mode for some or all of the lighting devices 1 present in the area where the number density is smaller than the first threshold from the first mode to the second mode in the control correspondence data D2. With this type of lighting control, when users (i.e., the terminal devices 3 owned by the users) are concentrated in a brightly lit location, the lighting in that location is dimmed while the lighting in another location is brightened. This allows users concentrated in one location to be dispersed to another bright location.

[3-2] Modification 2
17 is a conceptual diagram showing a service providing system which is a modified example of the location specific lighting control system. This service providing system is a system in which a service providing device 6 is further included in the location specific lighting control system described above.

<Service providing device>
The service providing device 6 is a cloud server connected to a network (such as a WAN or LAN), and provides some kind of service (such as distribution of coupons) to the terminal device 3 via the network.

<Control process executed by the service providing device>
In this modified example, the current position P1m of the terminal device 3 on the map image Mp specified by the information management device 5 is also transmitted to the service providing device 6 together with the terminal identification information Ic of the terminal device 3. Then, the service providing device 6 provides a service corresponding to the current position P1m of the terminal device 3 to the terminal device 3 identified by the received terminal identification information Ic. For example, when the received current position P1m of the terminal device 3 corresponds to a position within a store, the service providing device 6 transmits to the terminal device 3 a coupon that can be used in the store.

In this modified example, similar to the above embodiment, at various locations (stores, etc.) where lighting devices 1 are installed, a beacon transmitter 12B is installed at the same location as the lighting device 1 is installed in real space at the same time as the lighting device 1 is installed. Also, information setting (e.g., association) can be easily performed to enable identification of the current position P1 of the terminal device 3 in real space using the beacon signal Sb. By using such a system, the construction of a system for providing services according to the current position P1 of the terminal device 3 in real space is simplified.

The above-mentioned service providing system may be constructed as a system that does not include the lighting control device 2.

The above description of the embodiments should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not by the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

For example, the present invention is not limited to the information setting device 4 and the location-specific lighting control system described above, but also includes the configuration of each device included in the location-specific lighting control system and the control processing executed by that device, each of which is considered as an invention individually.

The above-mentioned position-specific lighting control system is not limited to cases where the lighting device 1 is equipped with the LED light source 11A, but can also be applied to cases where the lighting device 1 is equipped with other light sources. In addition, in the above-mentioned position-specific lighting control system, the beacon transmitter 12B is not limited to cases where it is realized as a function of the wireless module 12, but may be provided in the lighting device 1 as a device separate from the wireless module 12 with the beacon identification information Ib not yet set.

1 Lighting device 2 Lighting control device 3 Terminal device 4 Information setting device 5 Information management device 6 Service providing device 11A LED light source 11B Power supply unit 12 Wireless module 12A Communication unit 12B Beacon transmission unit 13 Control unit 14 Memory unit 41 Touch panel 42 Communication unit 43 Control unit 44 Memory unit D1 Information corresponding data D2 Control corresponding data D3 Lighting mode data D4 Reception time data D5 Specific time data D6 Setting change target data e1, e2, e3, Es Entrance Ia Device identification information Ib Beacon identification information Ic Terminal identification information J Icon K Beacon information m1 Major value m2 Minor value Mp Map image P1, P1m Current position P2, P2m Target position r Passage r1, r2, r3 Route Rt Specific area Sb Beacon signal T0, Ts0 Specific time T1 Reception time T2 Specific time

Claims (4)

a lighting device that is set with device identification information for lighting control and transmits a wireless beacon signal including beacon identification information that is different from the device identification information ;
A lighting control device that controls the lighting device;
an information management device for identifying a current location of a terminal device receiving the wireless beacon signal;
A location specific lighting control system using information corresponding data, comprising:
the information correspondence data represents a relationship between a position of the lighting device and the device identification information and the beacon identification information , and the position of the lighting device in the information correspondence data is confirmed by turning on the lighting device identified by the device identification information,
the lighting control device performs lighting control on the lighting device having the device identification information associated with the position of the lighting device in the information correspondence data;
the information management device specifies a position of the terminal device based on the position of the lighting device in the information correspondence data and the wireless beacon signal received by the terminal device ;
Location specific lighting control system. The lighting device includes a wireless module that transmits the beacon identification information.
2. The location specific lighting control system of claim 1. The lighting control device performs lighting control on the lighting device depending on a location of the terminal device.
3. A location specific lighting control system according to claim 1 or 2. 4. The position specific lighting control system according to claim 1, wherein the information correspondence data is data in which an icon of the lighting device displayed on a screen of an information setting device corresponds to an actual position of the lighting device, thereby corresponding the device identification information and the beacon identification information associated with the icon to the actual position of the lighting device.