WO2023140056A1

WO2023140056A1 - Device system, information terminal, and control method

Info

Publication number: WO2023140056A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/047832
Authority: WO
Inventors: 和磨西保; 勇太冨尾; 嵐士郎入江; 裕太村田
Original assignee: パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社
Priority date: 2022-01-18
Filing date: 2022-12-26
Publication date: 2023-07-27
Also published as: JP2023104468A

Abstract

A device system according to the present invention comprises: a first device and a second device that are capable of joining a mesh network (M); and an information terminal (30) that performs wireless communication with the first device. When the first device has joined the mesh network (M) and the second device has not joined the mesh network (M), the information terminal (30) uses wireless communication to output, to the first device, proxy request information for causing the first device to perform a setting process for causing the second device to join the mesh network. The first device performs the setting process indicated by the proxy request information which has been acquired from the information terminal (30).

Description

Equipment system, information terminal and control method

The present invention relates to equipment systems, information terminals, and control methods.

A technology has been proposed for associating the identification information of devices such as lighting fixtures with layout information. Patent Literature 1 discloses a device system (lighting system) that performs such association for a plurality of devices using an information terminal (operation device) such as a tablet PC or a smartphone.

In such a device system, the light source of the target device may blink during the process of association processing. Especially when the device system is used in a vast space, the user carrying the information terminal needs to walk around the vast space in order to visually confirm the blinking device.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-36400

By the way, in the above device system, after one device is associated, there are cases where the processing for joining the one device to the mesh network is performed by control from the information terminal via wireless communication. However, when the user moves in a vast space to associate devices other than the one device while the processing is being performed, the distance between the one device and the information terminal increases, and wireless communication may be interrupted. At this time, the one device cannot participate in the mesh network. In other words, in such a device system, it is difficult to allow devices to participate in the mesh network.

The present invention provides a device system that allows devices to easily participate in a mesh network.

A device system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first device and a second device each capable of participating in a mesh network, and an information terminal that wirelessly communicates with the first device. When the first device has already participated in the mesh network and the second device has not yet participated in the mesh network, the information terminal uses the wireless communication to output, to the first device, proxy request information for causing the first device to perform a setting process for allowing the second device to participate in the mesh network. 1 device performs the setting process indicated by the proxy request information acquired from the information terminal.

An information terminal according to an aspect of the present invention includes a communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a first device that can participate in a mesh network, and a control unit that, when the first device has already joined the mesh network and the second device has not yet participated in the mesh network, causes the communication unit to output proxy request information for causing the first device to perform a setting process for making the second device participate in the mesh network, to the first device using the wireless communication.

A control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a control method performed by a device system, wherein the device system includes a first device and a second device each capable of participating in a mesh network, and an information terminal that wirelessly communicates with the first device, and the control method includes, when the first device has already participated in the mesh network and the second device has not yet participated in the mesh network, the proxy request information for causing the first device to perform a setting process for allowing the second device to participate in the mesh network. A step of the terminal outputting to the first device using the wireless communication, and a step of the first device performing the setting process indicated by the proxy request information acquired from the information terminal.

The device system of the present invention can easily allow devices to participate in the mesh network.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a lighting system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the functional configuration of the lighting system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram of Operation Example 1 of the lighting system. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an initial setting screen according to the embodiment; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of icons in a map image according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a list according to the embodiment; FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram of Operation Example 2 of the lighting system. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a map image indicating the degree of importance according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the installation positions of a plurality of second lighting fixtures and the installation positions of the first lighting fixtures in a map image showing another example of importance according to the embodiment. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a mesh network of second lighting fixtures installed at each of the installation positions shown in FIG. 9. FIG. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram of Operation Example 3 of the lighting system.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. Numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of components, steps, order of steps, and the like shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Further, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, constituent elements not described in independent claims will be described as optional constituent elements.

It should be noted that each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily strictly illustrated. Moreover, in each figure, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected with respect to substantially the same structure, and the overlapping description may be abbreviate|omitted or simplified.

(Embodiment)
[composition]
First, the configuration of the lighting system 100 according to the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a lighting system 100 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of lighting system 100 according to the present embodiment. Lighting system 100 is an example of an equipment system. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the lighting system 100 includes multiple first lighting fixtures 10 , multiple second lighting fixtures 20 , and an information terminal 30 .

In the lighting system 100 according to the present embodiment, each of the plurality of first lighting fixtures 10 is a device that has a wireless communication function and can participate in the mesh network M. When each of the plurality of first lighting fixtures 10 has already participated in the mesh network M, the plurality of first lighting fixtures 10 constitute the mesh network M. In the mesh network M, when information is transmitted from one first lighting fixture 10 to another first lighting fixture 10, the information is transmitted in a bucket brigade manner.

In addition, in the lighting system 100, the information terminal 30 causes the first lighting fixture 10 to perform setting processing for allowing the second lighting fixture 20, which has not yet participated in the mesh network M, to participate in the mesh network M as a proxy. More specifically, the information terminal 30 outputs to the first lighting fixture 10 proxy request information for causing the first lighting fixture 10 to perform the setting process, and the first lighting fixture 10 performs the setting process indicated by the output proxy request information. This allows the second lighting fixture 20 to participate in the mesh network M. FIG.

In this way, when a plurality of first lighting fixtures 10 and a plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 have already participated in the same mesh network M, information is transmitted as follows. For example, one first lighting fixture 10 broadcasts information including address information (destination information) of another first lighting fixture 10 . Then, each of the plurality of other first lighting fixtures 10 and the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 belonging to the same mesh network M as the one first lighting fixture 10 that has acquired this information further broadcasts the acquired information. That is, each of the plurality of other first lighting fixtures 10 and the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 relays information. Such relaying of information is repeated within the same mesh network M. FIG. As a result, the information output by one first lighting fixture 10 reaches all the first lighting fixtures 10 and all the second lighting fixtures 20 belonging to the same mesh network M as the one first lighting fixture 10.

First, the plurality of first lighting fixtures 10 will be described.

The first lighting fixture 10 is an example of a first device. The first lighting fixture 10 is, for example, a base light that is installed on the ceiling C of the indoor space to illuminate the indoor space. Each of the plurality of first lighting fixtures 10 has a wireless communication function and can participate in the mesh network M. The mode of the first lighting fixture 10 is not particularly limited, and may be a ceiling light, a downlight, a spotlight, or the like. The first lighting fixture 10 specifically includes a lighting communication unit 11 , a light source 12 , and a lighting control unit 13 .

The lighting communication unit 11 is a wireless communication circuit for the first lighting fixture 10 to perform wireless communication (more specifically, radio wave communication) with the other first lighting fixtures 10, the second lighting fixtures 20, and the information terminal 30. When a first lighting fixture 10 already participating in the mesh network M communicates with another first lighting fixture 10 already participating in the mesh network M or a second lighting fixture 20 already participating in the mesh network M, the lighting communication unit 11 performs communication through the mesh network M. When the second lighting fixture 20 does not participate in the mesh network M, the lighting communication unit 11 communicates with the second lighting fixture 20 not via the mesh network M. Communication not via the mesh network M is, for example, communication in which information including address information (destination information) of the second lighting fixture 20 is output by unicast. Note that the lighting communication unit 11 periodically outputs a beacon signal (also called an advertisement signal or the like) as an output signal, and performs wireless communication with the information terminal 30 that has acquired the beacon signal. Specifically, the lighting communication unit 11 performs wireless communication according to a communication standard such as BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

In the present embodiment, the lighting communication unit 11 acquires proxy request information output from the information terminal 30 and performs setting processing indicated by the acquired proxy request information.

The light source 12 irradiates the indoor space with white light so that the first lighting fixture 10 illuminates the indoor space. The light source 12 is realized by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element, but may be realized by other light emitting elements such as a semiconductor laser, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence), or an inorganic EL.

The lighting control unit 13 performs information processing related to setting processing. Further, the lighting control unit 13 controls the light source 12 according to an instruction from the user U output from a lighting controller (not shown) and acquired by the lighting communication unit 11, for example. The lighting control unit 13 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The functions of the lighting control unit 13 are realized by executing a computer program (software) stored in a storage unit (not shown) by hardware such as a microcomputer or a processor that constitutes the lighting control unit 13 .

Next, the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 will be described.

The second lighting fixture 20 is an example of a second device. The second lighting fixture 20 is, like the first lighting fixture 10, a base light or the like installed on the ceiling C of the indoor space to illuminate the indoor space. Each of the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 can participate in the mesh network M. In the present embodiment, the second lighting fixture 20 can participate in the mesh network M by performing the setting process. The mode of the second lighting fixture 20 is not particularly limited, and may be a ceiling light, a downlight, a spotlight, or the like. The second lighting fixture 20 specifically includes a lighting communication unit 21 , a light source 22 , and a lighting control unit 23 .

The lighting communication unit 21 is a wireless communication circuit for the second lighting fixture 20 to perform wireless communication (more specifically, radio wave communication) with other second lighting fixtures 20, the first lighting fixture 10, and the information terminal 30.

The lighting communication unit 21 periodically outputs a beacon signal and performs wireless communication with the information terminal 30 that has acquired the beacon signal. Note that the beacon signal output from the lighting communication unit 21 is also acquired by the lighting communication unit 11 of the first lighting fixture 10 .

When the lighting communication unit 21 of the second lighting fixture 20 that has already joined the mesh network M communicates with the second lighting fixture 20 that has already joined the mesh network M, communication is performed through the mesh network M.

Similarly, when the lighting communication unit 21 of the second lighting fixture 20 that has already joined the mesh network M communicates with the first lighting fixture 10 that has already joined the mesh network M, communication is performed through the mesh network M. Also, the lighting communication unit 21 of the second lighting fixture 20 not participating in the mesh network M communicates with the lighting communication unit 11 not through the mesh network M as described above. Specifically, the lighting communication unit 21 performs wireless communication according to a communication standard such as BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

When the setting process is performed on the second lighting fixture 20, the lighting communication unit 21 acquires the unique lighting information. This unique lighting information is stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the second lighting fixture 20 . The specific lighting information is information that is given separately to each of the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 and that is specific to the second lighting fixture 20 . For example, the unique lighting information indicates a predetermined scene and the dimming control value and the toning control value in the predetermined scene in association with each other.

The light source 22 irradiates the indoor space with white light so that the second lighting fixture 20 illuminates the indoor space. The light source 22 is realized by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element, but may be realized by other light emitting elements such as a semiconductor laser, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence), or an inorganic EL.

The lighting control unit 23 performs information processing related to setting processing. In addition, the illumination control unit 23 controls the light source 22 according to the unique illumination information and the like. The lighting control unit 23 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The functions of the lighting control unit 23 are realized by executing a computer program (software) stored in a storage unit (not shown) by hardware such as a microcomputer or a processor that constitutes the lighting control unit 13 .

It should be noted that in the present embodiment, as described above, the first device and the second device are the first lighting fixture 10 and the second lighting fixture 20, respectively. Therefore, the information transmitted through the mesh network M is, for example, information designating a predetermined scene. For example, the lighting control unit 23 of the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 refers to the predetermined scene designated by the information and the unique lighting information stored in the storage unit to perform lighting control, extinguishing control, or dimming control. Further, for example, the information transmitted through the mesh network M is control information for controlling lighting, extinguishing, or dimming of the plurality of first lighting fixtures 10 and the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 .

Also, the first device and the second device may be environment sensors, cameras, or the like. In this case, the information transmitted through the mesh network may be, for example, measured values (sensing information) of an environmental sensor or moving image information captured by a camera.

Next, the configuration of the information terminal 30 will be described. The information terminal 30 is an information terminal that performs information processing such as having the first lighting fixture 10 perform setting processing for allowing the second lighting fixture 20 to participate in the mesh network M on behalf of the first lighting fixture 10 . The information terminal 30 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smart phone, a tablet terminal, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). Also, the information terminal 30 may be a dedicated remote controller used in the lighting system 100 . The information terminal 30 is used by the user U who performs the above information processing. The user U here is, for example, an installer who has installed the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 on the ceiling, but may be a user U other than the installer. The information terminal 30 specifically includes an operation reception unit 31 , a display unit 32 , a terminal communication unit 33 , a control unit 34 and a storage unit 35 .

The operation accepting unit 31 is an example of an accepting unit, and accepts user U's operation. The operation reception unit 31 is specifically realized by a touch panel or the like.

The display unit 32 displays images necessary for the setting process. The display unit 32 is implemented by, for example, a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel.

The terminal communication unit 33 is an example of a communication unit, and is a wireless communication circuit for performing wireless communication (more specifically, radio wave communication) with each of the plurality of first lighting fixtures 10 that the information terminal 30 can participate in the mesh network M. In addition, the terminal communication unit 33 performs wireless communication (more specifically, radio wave communication) with each of the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 with which the information terminal 30 can participate in the mesh network M. Specifically, the terminal communication unit 33 performs wireless communication according to a communication standard such as BLE or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The terminal communication unit 33 uses wireless communication to output to the first lighting fixture 10 proxy request information for causing the first lighting fixture 10 to perform setting processing for allowing the second lighting fixture 20 to participate in the mesh network M.

The control unit 34 performs the information processing according to the user's U operation received by the operation receiving unit 31 . Specifically, the control unit 34 causes the terminal communication unit 33 to output proxy request information for causing the first lighting fixture 10 to perform setting processing for allowing the second lighting fixture 20 that has not yet participated in the mesh network M to participate in the mesh network M, to the first lighting fixture 10. The control unit 34 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may be implemented by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The functions of the control unit 34 are realized by executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 35 by hardware such as a microcomputer or a processor that constitutes the control unit 34 .

The storage unit 35 is a storage device that stores information necessary for information processing related to setting processing such as computer programs executed by the control unit 34 . The storage unit 35 is implemented by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

In the present embodiment, the setting process for allowing the second lighting fixture 20 that has not yet participated in the mesh network M to participate in the mesh network M is performed by the first lighting fixture 10 that has already participated in the mesh network M, but is not limited to this. The information terminal 30 itself may perform the setting process.

[Operation example 1]
Next, operation example 1 of the lighting system 100 will be described.

Here, the operation example includes an initial setting operation that associates the installation position of the second lighting fixture 20 with the identification information of the second lighting fixture 20, and a setting processing operation that performs setting processing for allowing each of the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 to participate in the mesh network M. Note that the setting processing operation is also called provisioning.

It should be noted that, prior to implementation of this operation example, the initial setting operation for associating the installation position of the first lighting fixture 10 and the identification information of the first lighting fixture 10, and the setting processing operation for performing the setting processing for allowing each of the plurality of first lighting fixtures 10 to participate in the mesh network M have already been performed. That is, when this operation example is performed, the installation positions and identification information of the first lighting fixtures 10 are associated with each other, and the plurality of first lighting fixtures 10 have already participated in the mesh network M. The initial setting operation and the setting processing operation for the first lighting fixture 10 are preferably performed using a known method. In other words, in this operation example, the plurality of first lighting fixtures 10 have already joined the mesh network M and the second lighting fixtures 20 have not yet joined the mesh network M. FIG.

The initial setting operation and setting processing operation for the second lighting fixture 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram of operation example 1 of the lighting system 100. FIG. The operation example of FIG. 3 is performed, for example, after the plurality of first lighting fixtures 10 and the second lighting fixtures 20 are installed on the ceiling C by the installer. The installer is an example of the user U.

First, the initial setting operation for the second lighting fixture 20 will be described.

The operation reception unit 31 of the information terminal 30 receives a first start operation instructing the start of the initial setting operation (S10). The operation reception unit 31 receives, for example, a first start operation from the installer.

The control unit 34 displays the initial setting screen including the map image 32m on the display unit 32 based on the first start operation accepted by the operation accepting unit 31 (S12). FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an initial setting screen according to this embodiment. The map image 32m is a top view of an area where the plurality of first lighting fixtures 10 and the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 are installed. In the example of FIG. 4, installation positions P1 to P12 of the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 are indicated by circles. In other words, the map image 32m is an image indicating the installation positions of the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 . FIG. 4 also shows installation positions P101 to P104 of the plurality of first lighting fixtures 10 for which the initial setting operation and the setting processing operation have been performed. The map image 32m is stored in the storage unit 35 in advance. Note that the plurality of icons 32a on the initial setting screen shown in FIG. 4 are not actually displayed at step S12, but are displayed at step S18, which will be described later.

As described above, at the time of step S12, it is known how the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 are installed, but it is unknown which second lighting fixture 20 is located where. That is, at the time of step S12, the installation position of the second lighting fixture 20 and the identification information of the second lighting fixture 20 are not associated.

Here, each of the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 periodically outputs a beacon signal before participating in the mesh network M. The beacon signal emitted by each of the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 includes identification information (MAC (Media Access Control) address, etc.) of the second lighting fixture 20 .

In this situation, the operation accepting unit 31 accepts a scan start operation from the installer (S14). The scan start operation is, for example, a tap operation on the scan start icon 32b on the initial setting screen of FIG.

Triggered by the reception of the scan start operation, the terminal communication unit 33 acquires a beacon signal from each of the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 (S16). The acquired MAC address is stored in the storage unit 35 .

When multiple MAC addresses are acquired by the terminal communication unit 33, the control unit 34 displays multiple icons 32a corresponding to the multiple MAC addresses one-to-one on the initial setting screen on the display unit 32 (S18). A plurality of icons 32a are icons to be operated by the installer in order for the installer to select a plurality of MAC addresses. FIG. 4 shows an example of an initial setting screen displaying a plurality of icons 32a of the second lighting device 20, and the plurality of icons 32a are displayed in a horizontal row.

Next, the operation accepting unit 31 accepts a selection operation of a plurality of icons 32a from the installer (S20). The selection operation is, for example, a tap operation on any one of the plurality of icons 32a. The control unit 34 causes the terminal communication unit 33 to output a flashing command based on the selection operation accepted by the operation accepting unit 31 (S22). The flashing command is output, for example, when a tap operation on the flashing icon 32c is accepted after the selection operation.

The blinking command specifies the identification information of the second lighting device 20 corresponding to the selected icon 32a. The flashing command is a signal for selectively flashing the target second lighting fixture 20 that is the second lighting fixture 20 having the identification information among the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 . When the target second lighting fixture 20 among the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 acquires the flashing command, the light source 22 flashes (S24). As an example, there is only one target second lighting fixture 20 , and the light sources 22 of the plurality of other second lighting fixtures 20 do not blink.

The installer operating the information terminal 30 visually confirms the actual installation position of the blinking target second lighting fixture 20 (S26), and designates the installation position (for example, any of the installation positions P1 to P12) on the map image 32m of the blinking target second lighting fixture 20. The operation reception unit 31 receives from the installer an operation for specifying the installation position of the second lighting device 20 in the map image 32m (S28). Then, the control unit 34 associates the identification information indicated by the icon 32a selected in step S20 with the installation position specified in step S28 and stores them in the storage unit 35 (S30). Further, the control unit 34 cancels the display of the icon 32a for which the association has been completed (S32). That is, the number of icons 32a displayed in step S18 is decreased by one.

The above steps S10 to S32 correspond to the initial setting operation.

Next, the setting processing operation will be explained.

Here, the setting processing operation is performed for the second lighting fixture 20 (target second lighting fixture 20) for which the association has been completed in step S30 of the initial setting operation.

First, the operation reception unit 31 of the information terminal 30 receives from the installer a second start operation instructing the start of the setting processing operation (S34).

The second start operation is, for example, a tap operation on a setting process operation start icon (not shown) on the initial setting screen of FIG. Further, the operation receiving unit 31 of the information terminal 30 receives from the installer a selection operation for selecting the first lighting fixture 10 for which the setting process is to be performed for the target second lighting fixture 20 . The selection operation is, for example, a tap operation to any one of the installation positions P101 to P104 of the plurality of first lighting fixtures 10 .

In step S34, the map image 32m shows the installation positions of the first lighting fixtures 10 that wirelessly communicate with the second lighting fixtures 20 to participate in the mesh network M. As an example, when the target second lighting fixture 20 is installed at the installation position P1, the installation positions P101 and P102, which are the installation positions of the first lighting fixture 10 that wirelessly communicates with the target second lighting fixture 20, are marked with star symbols.

The first lighting fixture 10 that wirelessly communicates with the target second lighting fixture 20 is the first lighting fixture 10 positioned within a predetermined distance from the target second lighting fixture 20 . Further, the first lighting fixture 10 that wirelessly communicates with the target second lighting fixture 20 may be the first lighting fixture 10 in which the received signal strength of the beacon signal output from the target second lighting fixture 20 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

The selection operation accepted in step S34 is an operation of selecting the first lighting fixture 10 for which the setting process is to be performed, from among the one or more first lighting fixtures 10 wirelessly communicating with the target second lighting fixture 20 . Note that the selected first lighting fixture 10 may be referred to as the first lighting fixture 10 that is a substitute device.

The control unit 34 performs unicast communication with the first lighting fixture 10, which is the proxy device selected by the accepted selection operation, and causes the terminal communication section 33 to output proxy request information to the first lighting fixture 10 (S36). That is, the first lighting fixture 10 has already joined the mesh network M and the target second lighting fixture 20 has not yet joined the mesh network M. In this case, the information terminal 30 outputs proxy request information. The proxy request information is information for causing the first lighting fixture 10, which is a proxy device, to perform setting processing for allowing the target second lighting fixture 20 to participate in the mesh network M. FIG.

More specifically, the proxy request information includes information indicating the mesh network M.

The information indicating the mesh network M is information for the target second lighting fixture 20 to participate in the mesh network M. The information indicating the mesh network M includes the network ID of the mesh network M to which the first lighting fixture 10 already belongs, and the address information (unicast address) of the second lighting fixture 20 to be used for communication within the mesh network M. The information indicating the mesh network M may include, if necessary, a security passcode used for communication within the mesh network M, information about the information terminal 30 (information about the device that manages the mesh network M), and the like.

Also at this time, the terminal communication unit 33 outputs the specific lighting information specific to the target second lighting fixture 20 to the first lighting fixture 10, which is the proxy device. The specific lighting information is information that is given separately to each of the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 and that is specific to the second lighting fixture 20 .

The lighting communication unit 11 of the first lighting fixture 10 that is the proxy device acquires the proxy request information and the specific lighting information of the target second lighting fixture 20 .

The lighting communication unit 11 of the first lighting fixture 10, which is the proxy device, performs unicast communication with the target second lighting fixture 20, and outputs information indicating the mesh network M indicated by the acquired proxy request information and specific lighting information of the target second lighting fixture 20 (S38).

The target second lighting fixture 20 acquires and stores the output information indicating the mesh network M and the specific lighting information (S40). More specifically, the acquired information indicating the mesh network M and the unique lighting information are stored in the storage unit (not shown) of the second lighting fixture 20 to be processed.

A second lighting fixture 20 whose storage unit stores information indicating the mesh network M can participate in the mesh network M. When step S40 is performed, the setting process for allowing the target second lighting fixture 20 to participate in the mesh network M is completed.

In this way, the setting process can be said to be the process of outputting information indicating the mesh network M to the second lighting fixture 20 . As a result, information indicating the mesh network M is stored in the second lighting fixture 20, and the second lighting fixture 20 can participate in the mesh network M more reliably.

In steps S38 and S40, the display unit 32 preferably displays that the first lighting fixture 10, which is the proxy device, is performing the setting process and the target second lighting fixture 20 is performing the setting process, and/or displays the progress of the setting process.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of icons in the map image 32m according to the present embodiment. In steps S38 and S40, as shown in FIG. 5, a character 32d such as "setting process in progress" indicating that the setting process is being performed for the first lighting fixture 10 and the setting process is being performed for the target second lighting fixture 20 may be displayed. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, a progress bar 32e indicating the progress of the setting process, a progress rate, and the like may be displayed.

Further, when the setting process is completed, the lighting communication section 21 of the target second lighting fixture 20 outputs setting completion information indicating that the setting process is completed to the lighting communication section 11 of the first lighting fixture 10, which is the proxy device (S42).

Next, the lighting communication unit 11 of the first lighting fixture 10, which is the proxy device, outputs the output setting completion information to the information terminal 30 (S44). The terminal communication unit 33 of the information terminal 30 acquires the setting completion information output from the first lighting fixture 10 that has performed the setting process (that is, the first lighting fixture 10 that is the proxy device).

When the terminal communication unit 33 acquires the setting completion information, the control unit 34 changes and displays the icon indicating the target second lighting device 20 in the map image 32m displayed by the display unit 32 (S46). As an example, the icon indicating the target second lighting device 20 is attached with a star symbol, but the present invention is not limited to this.

The above steps S34 to S46 correspond to the setting processing operation.

Note that the processing from step S20 to step S46 is repeated until all the second lighting fixtures 20 participate in the mesh network M. The second lighting fixture 20 that has joined the mesh network M stops the periodic output of the beacon signal that was being performed before joining.

As described above, in the present embodiment, one of the plurality of first lighting fixtures 10 performs the setting processing operation as a proxy for the information terminal 30, and causes the target second lighting fixture 20 to participate in the mesh network M. As a result, even if the distance between the information terminal 30 and the target second lighting fixture 20 increases due to the movement of the installer while the first lighting fixture 10, which is a proxy device, is performing the setting processing operation, the target second lighting fixture 20 can participate in the mesh network M. More specifically, after the process of step S36, in order to associate the second lighting fixture 20 other than the target second lighting fixture 20, even if the installer moves, the target second lighting fixture 20 can participate in the mesh network M.

In other words, the lighting system 100 according to the present embodiment allows the second lighting fixtures 20 to easily participate in the mesh network M.

Furthermore, after the process of step S36, the movement of the installer is less likely to be restricted, that is, the installer can walk around freely, so all the second lighting fixtures 20 can participate in the mesh network M more quickly.

It should be noted that in step S32, the map image 32m showing the first lighting fixture 10, which is the proxy device, was displayed on the display unit 32, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the display unit 32 may display a list 32L in which the first lighting fixtures 10 wirelessly communicating with the second lighting fixtures 20 targeted for the second lighting fixtures 20 are extracted.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the list 32L according to this embodiment.

When the list 32L is displayed, in step S34, the selection operation is an operation of selecting the first lighting fixture 10 for which the setting process is to be performed, from among the one or more first lighting fixtures 10 extracted from the list 32L.

Furthermore, when the first lighting fixture 10, which is the proxy device, is performing the setting process (that is, steps S38 and S40), the lighting state of the light source 12 may change, for example, the light source 12 may blink. Further, when the first lighting fixture 10, which is the proxy device, is performing the setting process on the target second lighting fixture 20 (that is, steps S38 and S40), the lighting state of the light source 12 may change, for example, the light source 22 may blink. This makes it easier for the installer to recognize the first lighting fixture 10 for which the setting process is being performed and the second lighting fixture 20 for which the setting process is being performed.

It should be noted that in step S32, the first lighting fixture 10, which is the proxy device, was determined based on the operation of the installer, but is not limited to this.

As described above, the lighting communication unit 11 of the first lighting fixture 10 periodically outputs a beacon signal as an output signal, and wirelessly communicates with the information terminal 30 that has acquired the beacon signal. The information terminal 30 may determine the first lighting device 10 as the proxy device based on the intensity of the acquired beacon signal.

Specifically, the information terminal 30 may cause the first lighting fixture 10 that outputs the output signal (beacon signal) with the highest received signal strength for the information terminal 30 to perform setting processing for allowing the target second lighting fixture 20 to participate in the mesh network M. That is, in this case, the first lighting device 10 that outputs the beacon signal with the highest received signal strength becomes the proxy device.

The first lighting fixture 10 that outputs the output signal with the highest received signal strength is the device that can communicate with the information terminal 30 most easily (communication is less likely to be interrupted). In this case, since the proxy request information is output to the first lighting fixture 10 with which communication with the information terminal 30 is easiest, communication failure due to interruption of communication is less likely to occur.

Furthermore, the first lighting fixture 10 that outputs the output signal with the highest received signal strength is expected to be a lighting fixture that is close to the information terminal 30, and is expected to have a communication range equivalent to that of the information terminal 30. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the first lighting fixture 10 can communicate with the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 (that is, the plurality of scanned second lighting fixtures 20) corresponding to the beacon signal acquired in step S16. Therefore, communication between the first lighting fixture 10 and the target second lighting fixture 20 is less likely to be interrupted, and communication failure is less likely to occur. In other words, when the first lighting fixture 10 that outputs the output signal with the highest received signal strength is selected as the proxy device, the first lighting fixture 10 having difficulty communicating with the target second lighting fixture 20 is less likely to be selected as the proxy device.

As described above, in the lighting system 100 according to the present embodiment, communication failure between the information terminal 30 and the first lighting fixture 10, which is the proxy device, is less likely to occur, and communication failure between the first lighting fixture 10, which is the proxy device, and the target second lighting fixture 20 is less likely to occur. In other words, the lighting system 100 according to the present embodiment allows the second lighting fixture 20 to participate in the mesh network M easily and reliably.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, after the initial setting operation, the setting processing operation for performing the setting processing is performed. That is, the information terminal 30 outputs the proxy request information after performing the process of associating the installation position of the second lighting fixture 20 with the identification information for identifying the second lighting fixture 20 .

As a result, setting processing can be performed for the second lighting fixture 20 associated with the installation position and identification information, so that the second lighting fixture 20 can participate in the mesh network M more easily.

[Operation example 2]
Further, an operation example 2, which is an operation example different from the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 3, will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram of operation example 2 of the lighting system 100. FIG. The operation example of FIG. 7 is performed, for example, after the plurality of first lighting fixtures 10 and the second lighting fixtures 20 are installed on the ceiling C by the installer.

In operation example 1, the initial setting operation and the setting processing operation were continuously performed for one target second lighting fixture 20 . However, in Operation Example 2, steps S18 to S32 are performed for all the second lighting fixtures 20 after step S16 is processed. That is, in Operation Example 2, after the initial setting operation is performed for all the second lighting fixtures 20 , the setting processing operation is performed for each of the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 in order.

Steps S18 to S32 are repeatedly performed, and when the initial setting operation is performed for all the second lighting fixtures 20, the setting processing operation is performed.

First, the operation reception unit 31 of the information terminal 30 receives from the user U a second start operation instructing the start of the setting processing operation (S34). The second start operation is, for example, a tap operation on the setting process operation start icon (not shown) on the initial setting screen of FIG. 4, as in the first operation example. Note that, at this point, unlike the operation example 1, the operation accepting unit 31 of the information terminal 30 does not accept a selection operation for selecting the first lighting fixture 10 for which setting processing is to be performed from the installer.

In Operation Example 1, the second lighting fixture 20 for which the setting processing operation is performed is determined by the selection operation by the installer in step S20, that is, the installer selects the target second lighting fixture 20, but Operation Example 2 is not limited to this.

In Operation Example 2, when the process of step S34 is performed, information indicating the degree of importance of each of the one or more second lighting fixtures 20 is displayed in the map image 32m displayed by the display unit 32. The setting process is preferentially performed on the second lighting fixture 20 having a high degree of importance. That is, the control unit 34 of the information terminal 30 determines the second lighting fixture 20 having the highest importance as the second lighting fixture 20 (target second lighting fixture 20) to be subjected to the setting process (S35).

Here, the degree of importance will be explained using FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the map image 32m indicating the degree of importance according to the present embodiment. A map image 32m shown in FIG. 8 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 32 in step S35. In FIG. 8, the installation positions (for example, installation positions P21, P31 to P37, and P41) of the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 in the map image 32m are indicated by circles, and each circle has a number indicating the degree of importance 32f. Here, the smaller the number indicating the degree of importance 32f, the higher the degree of importance. The installation positions P111 to P114 of the plurality of first lighting fixtures 10 on the map image 32m are indicated by icons similar to those on the map image 32m in FIG.

Furthermore, the second lighting fixture 20 with a high importance level 32f will be described with reference to FIG.

In the map image 32m shown in FIG. 8, some of the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 are densely installed, and the other of the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 is installed between the above-mentioned part and the first lighting fixture 10. In this case, the second lighting fixture 20 having a high degree of importance is the other section.

Here, the part is the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 installed within the broken-line elliptical area A shown in FIG. Further, the other part is the second lighting fixture 20 installed at the installation position P21.

After all the second lighting fixtures 20 participate in the mesh network M, for example, the information communicated via the mesh network M output by the first lighting fixtures 10 reaches one part via the other part. That is, the other part is the second lighting fixture 20 positioned on the communication path connecting the first lighting fixture 10 and the other part.

Therefore, in Operation Example 2, the second lighting fixture 20 having a high degree of importance is used as the other section, and the setting process is performed preferentially for the second lighting fixture 20 having a high degree of importance, so that communication via the mesh network M is less likely to be interrupted, and the stability of communication is improved.

In FIG. 8, the second lighting fixture 20 is also installed at the installation position P41, but since this lighting fixture is not installed between the above part and the first lighting fixture 10, it is less important than the other parts (that is, the second lighting fixture 20 installed at the installation position P21).

When the second lighting fixture 20 with the highest degree of importance is determined as the target second lighting fixture 20, the operation reception unit 31 of the information terminal 30 further receives a selection operation from the installer to select the first lighting fixture 10 for which setting processing is to be performed for the target second lighting fixture 20. The selection operation is, for example, a tap operation to any one of the installation positions P101 to P104 of the plurality of first lighting fixtures 10 .

Further, the selection operation is an operation of selecting the first lighting fixture 10 for which the setting process is to be performed, among the one or more first lighting fixtures 10 wirelessly communicating with the target second lighting fixture 20, as in the operation example 1.

Subsequently, the processing of steps S36 to S46 is performed. As a result, first, the second lighting fixture 20 having the highest importance (target second lighting fixture 20) participates in the mesh network M, and the information terminal 30 acquires the setting completion information. In this way, the setting process is preferentially performed on the second lighting fixture 20 having a high degree of importance.

Furthermore, the processes of steps S34 to S46 are repeated for all the second lighting fixtures 20 in descending order of importance, and all the second lighting fixtures 20 participate in the mesh network M.

It should be noted that the second lighting fixture 20 having a high degree of importance is not limited to the above. In the following, an example of importance different from the above will be described.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the installation positions P51 to P55, P61 to P65, and P71 to P75 of the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 and the installation position P121 of the first lighting fixture 10 in the map image 32m showing another example of importance according to the present embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 are classified into three clusters C1, C2 and C3. For example, the second lighting fixtures 20 installed at the installation positions P51 to P55 among the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 are classified into the cluster C1. Further, for example, the second lighting fixtures 20 installed at the installation positions P61 to P65 among the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 are classified into the cluster C2. Further, for example, the second lighting fixtures 20 installed at the installation positions P71 to P75 among the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 are classified into the cluster C3.

Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 9, a configuration example of mesh networks M, M1, M2, and M3 desired by a client, who is an example of user U, will be described using FIG. FIG. 10 shows an example of mesh networks M, M1, M2 and M3 of the second lighting fixtures 20 installed at the installation positions P51-P55, P61-P65 and P71-P75 shown in FIG. In FIG. 10, the mesh network M is indicated by a dashed line, and the mesh networks M1, M2 and M3 are indicated by a one-dot chain line, a two-dot chain line and a dotted line, respectively.

Here, one cluster is provided with one gateway device, and the gateway device of the cluster C1 is the second lighting fixture 20 installed at the installation position P51. Also, the gateway device of the cluster C2 is the second lighting fixture 20 installed at the installation position P61. Also, the gateway device of the cluster C3 is the second lighting fixture 20 installed at the installation position P71.

A gateway device communicates through the mesh network M with a gateway device that is classified into a cluster other than the cluster to which it is classified. For example, the second lighting fixture 20 installed at the installation position P51, which is the gateway device in the cluster C1, communicates with the second lighting fixtures 20 installed at the installation positions P61 and P71, which are gateway devices, through the mesh network M.

Each of the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 communicates with other second lighting fixtures 20 classified into the same cluster as the cluster into which the second lighting fixture 20 is classified through the mesh network of the same cluster. For example, the second lighting fixture 20 installed at the installation position P55 classified into the cluster C1 communicates with the second lighting fixtures 20 installed at the installation positions P51 to P54 classified into the cluster C1 through the mesh network M1.

In other words, the gateway device is a device that has a function of relaying communication with each of the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 that are classified into other clusters than the cluster into which the gateway device is classified.

In other words, the example shown in FIG. 10 is a two-layer network composed of the first-layer mesh network M and the second-layer mesh networks M1, M2, and M3. In the examples shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, in step S35 of FIG. 7, processing is performed assuming that the second lighting fixture 20 with high importance is the gateway device. The second lighting fixture 20, which is a gateway device, is the second lighting fixture 20 located on the communication path, as with the other parts described above. Therefore, the setting process is preferentially performed on the gateway device, which is the second lighting fixture 20 having a high degree of importance, so that the communication via the mesh network M is less likely to be interrupted and the stability of the communication is improved.

Furthermore, the processes of steps S34 to S46 are repeated for all the second lighting fixtures 20 in descending order of importance, and all the second lighting fixtures 20 participate in the mesh network M. Here, the processes of steps S34 to S46 shown in FIG. 7 are repeated so as to obtain the mesh networks M, M1, M2 and M3 shown in FIG.

[Operation Example 3]
Further, an operation example 3 of the lighting system 100, which is different from the operation examples 1 and 2, will be described.

In operation examples 1 and 2, in step S16, the terminal communication unit 33 of the information terminal 30 acquires a beacon signal from each of the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20, but the present invention is not limited to this. In Operation Example 3, the lighting communication unit 11 of the first lighting fixture 10 acquires a beacon signal from each of the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 .

FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram of operation example 3 of the lighting system 100. FIG. The operation example of FIG. 3 is performed, for example, after the plurality of first lighting fixtures 10 and the second lighting fixtures 20 are installed on the ceiling C by the installer.

In the operation example 3 shown in FIG. 11 as well, the processes of steps S10 to S14 are performed in the same manner as in the operation example 1 shown in FIG.

Next, when the scanning start operation is accepted in step S14, the lighting communication unit 11 of the first lighting fixture 10 acquires a beacon signal from each of the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 (S16a).

Furthermore, the first lighting fixture 10 outputs the identification information (such as the MAC address) of the second lighting fixture 20 included in the acquired beacon signal to the information terminal 30 as scan result information (S17). Thereby, the terminal communication unit 33 acquires the scan result information, which is the identification information of each of the plurality of second lighting fixtures 20 . The acquired MAC address is stored in the storage unit 35 . Then, steps S18 to S34 are performed in the same manner as in the operation example 1 shown in FIG.

In step S34, the operation receiving unit 31 of the information terminal 30 receives from the installer a selection operation for selecting the first lighting fixture 10 for which setting processing is to be performed for the second lighting fixture 20 of interest.

Here, the first lighting fixture 10 that has acquired the beacon signal output from the target second lighting fixture 20 in step S16a is selected as the first lighting fixture 10 (the first lighting fixture 10 that is the proxy device) for which the setting process is performed. The selection operation is, for example, a tap operation on an icon corresponding to the first lighting fixture 10 that has acquired the beacon signal among the installation positions P101 to P104 of the plurality of first lighting fixtures 10 .

Subsequently, the processes of steps S36 to S46 are performed in the same manner as in operation example 1 shown in FIG. This allows the target second lighting fixture 20 to participate in the mesh network M. FIG.

Thus, in Operation Example 3, the first lighting fixture 10 acquires the identification information for identifying the second lighting fixture 20 output by the second lighting fixture 20 and outputs the acquired identification information to the information terminal 30. Then, the first lighting fixture 10 that has acquired the identification information output from the second lighting fixture 20 that is the target of the setting process is selected as the first lighting fixture 10 for which the setting process is to be performed.

In such a case, the first lighting fixture 10 that can acquire the identification information that identifies the second lighting fixture 20 , that is, that can sufficiently communicate with the second lighting fixture 20 performs the setting process for the second lighting fixture 20 . As a result, a problem such as disconnection of communication between the first lighting fixture 10 and the second lighting fixture 20 is unlikely to occur during the setting process, so failure of the second lighting fixture 20 to participate in the mesh network M is suppressed.

[Effects, etc.]
As described above, the equipment system (lighting system 100) includes the first equipment (first lighting fixture 10) that can participate in the mesh network M, the second equipment (second lighting fixture 20) that can participate in the mesh network M, and the information terminal 30. Here, the equipment system includes a plurality of first equipments (first lighting fixtures 10) and a plurality of second equipments (second lighting fixtures 20). The information terminal 30 performs wireless communication with the first device. When the first device has already joined the mesh network M and the second device has not yet joined the mesh network M, the information terminal 30 performs the following processing. In this case, the information terminal 30 uses wireless communication to output, to the first device, proxy request information for causing the first device to perform setting processing for allowing the second device to participate in the mesh network M. FIG. The first device performs the setting process indicated by the proxy request information acquired from the information terminal 30 .

In the present embodiment, one first lighting fixture 10 out of the plurality of first lighting fixtures 10 performs the setting processing operation as a proxy for the information terminal 30, and allows the target second lighting fixture 20 to participate in the mesh network M. As a result, even if the distance between the information terminal 30 and the target second lighting fixture 20 increases due to the movement of the installer while the first lighting fixture 10, which is a proxy device, is performing the setting processing operation, the target second lighting fixture 20 can participate in the mesh network M. More specifically, after the process of step S36, in order to associate the second lighting fixture 20 other than the target second lighting fixture 20, even if the installer moves, the target second lighting fixture 20 can participate in the mesh network M.

Also, for example, the first device (first lighting fixture 10) has a light source 12 whose lighting state changes when the setting process is being performed.

This makes it easier for the installer to recognize the first lighting fixture 10 that is performing the setting process.

Also, for example, the second device (second lighting fixture 20) has a light source 22 whose lighting state changes when the setting process is performed by the first device (first lighting fixture 10).

This makes it easier for the installer to recognize the second lighting fixture 20 for which the setting process is being performed.

Also, for example, the lighting system 100 includes one or more first devices (first lighting fixtures 10), each of which wirelessly communicates with a second device (second lighting fixture 20) to be joined in the mesh network M, and each of which outputs an output signal to the information terminal 30. The information terminal 30 causes the first device that outputs the output signal with the highest received signal strength for the information terminal 30 to perform setting processing for allowing the target second device to participate in the mesh network M.

The first lighting fixture 10 that outputs the output signal with the highest received signal strength is the device that can communicate with the information terminal 30 most easily (communication is less likely to be interrupted).

As a result, the proxy request information is output to the first lighting fixture 10 with which communication with the information terminal 30 is easiest, so communication failure due to communication interruption is less likely to occur.

Also, for example, the first device (first lighting fixture 10) acquires the identification information for identifying the second device output by the second device (second lighting fixture 20), and outputs the acquired identification information to the information terminal 30.

Also, for example, each of the first device (first lighting fixture 10) and the second device (second lighting fixture 20) is a lighting fixture.

Thereby, the lighting system 100 according to the present embodiment can easily allow the second device, which is the second lighting fixture 20, to participate in the mesh network M.

Also, for example, the setting process is a process of outputting information indicating the mesh network M to the second device (second lighting device 20).

As a result, information indicating the mesh network M is stored in the second lighting fixture 20, and the second lighting fixture 20 can participate in the mesh network M more reliably.

Also, for example, the information terminal 30 outputs the proxy request information after performing a process of associating the installation position of the second device (the second lighting device 20) with the identification information for identifying the second device.

Also, as described above, the information terminal 30 includes a communication unit (terminal communication unit 33) and a control unit 34. The communication unit wirelessly communicates with a first device (first lighting fixture 10) that can participate in the mesh network M. When the first device has already joined the mesh network M and the second device (the second lighting fixture 20) has not yet joined the mesh network M, the control unit 34 performs the following processing. In this case, the control unit 34 causes the communication unit to output proxy request information for causing the first device to perform setting processing for allowing the second device that has not yet participated in the mesh network M to participate in the mesh network M, to the first device using wireless communication.

That is, the information terminal 30 according to the present embodiment can easily allow the second lighting fixture 20 to participate in the mesh network M.

Also, for example, the information terminal 30 further includes a display unit 32 . The display unit 32 displays a map image 32m or a list 32L. The map image 32m shows the installation positions of the second device (the second lighting fixture 20) to participate in the mesh network M and the first device (the first lighting fixture 10) that wirelessly communicates with the second device. A first device that wirelessly communicates with the target second device is extracted from the list 32L.

This makes it easier for the installer, who is an example of the user U, to recognize the first lighting fixture 10 wirelessly communicating with the target second lighting fixture 20 .

Also, for example, the information terminal 30 includes a reception unit (operation reception unit 31). The accepting unit accepts an operation of selecting the first device to perform the setting process from among the one or more first devices (first lighting fixtures 10) shown in the map image 32m or the one or more first devices extracted from the list 32L. The control unit 34 causes the communication unit to output proxy request information to the first device selected by the accepted operation.

As a result, the installer himself who is an example of the user U can select the first lighting fixture 10 for which the setting process is to be performed.

Also, for example, the target second device (second lighting fixture 20) is a lighting fixture. When the selected first device (first lighting device 10) performs the setting process, the control unit 34 causes the selected first device to output specific lighting information specific to the target second device.

As a result, the second lighting fixture 20, which is the second device, refers to the unique lighting information and performs lighting control, extinguishing control, or dimming control.

Also, for example, the display unit 32 displays that the first device (first lighting fixture 10) is performing the setting process and the target second device (second lighting fixture 20) is performing the setting process, and/or the progress of the setting process.

This makes it easier for the installer, who is an example of the user U, to recognize that the setting process is being performed and/or the progress of the setting process.

Also, for example, when the setting process is completed, the information terminal 30 acquires setting completion information indicating that the setting process has been completed, which is output from the first device (first lighting fixture 10) that has performed the setting process. When the setting completion information is acquired, the display unit 32 changes and displays the icon indicating the target second device (second lighting device 20) in the map image 32m.

This makes it easier for the installer, who is an example of the user U, to recognize that the setting process has been completed.

Also, for example, the map image 32m shows information indicating the degree of importance of each of the one or more second devices (second lighting fixtures 20). The setting process is preferentially performed on the second device having a high degree of importance.

The second lighting fixture 20 with high importance is, for example, the second lighting fixture 20 located on the communication path. Since the setting process is preferentially performed on the second lighting fixture 20 having a high degree of importance, the communication via the mesh network M is less likely to be interrupted, and the stability of the communication is improved.

Also, for example, the second device (the second lighting fixture 20) with a high degree of importance is the gateway device.

The second lighting fixture 20, which is the gateway device, is the second lighting fixture 20 located on the communication path, like the other parts shown in FIG. 8 and the like. Therefore, the setting process is preferentially performed on the second lighting device 20 (gateway device) having a high degree of importance, so that the communication via the mesh network M is less likely to be interrupted and the stability of the communication is improved.

Also, for example, in the map image 32m, when some of the one or more second devices (second lighting fixtures 20) are densely installed, and some of the one or more second devices are installed between the first devices (first lighting fixtures 10), the second devices with high importance are the other parts.

The other part is the second lighting fixture 20 located on the communication path connecting the first lighting fixture 10 and the other part. Therefore, the second lighting fixture 20 having a high degree of importance is used as the other part, and the setting process is performed preferentially for the second lighting fixture 20 having a high degree of importance, so that the communication via the mesh network M is less likely to be interrupted and the stability of the communication is improved.

Also, the control method is a control method performed by the equipment system. The equipment system includes a first equipment (first lighting fixture 10) that can participate in the mesh network M, a second equipment (second lighting fixture 20) that can participate in the mesh network M, and an information terminal 30 that wirelessly communicates with the first equipment. In the control method, when the first device has already joined the mesh network M and the second device (the second lighting fixture 20) has not yet joined the mesh network M, the following processing is performed. In this case, the control method includes a step in which the information terminal 30 uses wireless communication to output to the first device proxy request information for causing the first device to perform a setting process for allowing the second device to participate in the mesh network M. The control method also includes a step of performing the setting process indicated by the proxy request information acquired from the information terminal 30 by the first device.

That is, the control method according to the present embodiment allows the second lighting device 20 to easily participate in the mesh network M.

(Other embodiments)
Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

For example, in the above embodiment, the MAC address was exemplified as the identification information, but the identification information is not limited to the MAC address as long as it can uniquely identify the lighting fixture.

Also, the communication method between devices described in the above embodiment is an example. A communication method between devices is not particularly limited. Wireless communication performed between devices is, for example, wireless communication using a communication standard such as specified low-power radio, ZigBee (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Note that wireless communication is specifically radio wave communication, infrared communication, or the like.

When the first lighting fixture 10, which is the proxy device, is performing the setting process (that is, steps S38 and S40), blinking of the light source 12 or the light source 22 is mentioned as an example of a change in the lighting state of the light source 12 or the light source 22, but is not limited to this. “The lighting state of the light source 12 changes” may mean that the light source 12 alternately emits strong light and weak light, that the light source 12 continues to emit weak light after emitting strong light, that the light source 12 is completely turned off, and the like. Similarly, "the lighting state of the light source 22 changes" may mean that the light source 22 alternately emits strong light and weak light, that the light source 22 continues to emit weak light after emitting strong light, that the light source 22 is completely turned off, or the like.

A case where the first device and the second device are not the first lighting fixture 10 and the second lighting fixture 20, respectively, but an environment sensor, a camera, or the like will be described. Even in this case, the first device has a light source whose lighting state changes when the setting process is performed, and the second device has a light source whose lighting state changes when the setting process is performed by the first device. The light source of each of the first device and the second device does not need to be a lamp for illuminating the indoor space, and may be a small light source (such as an indicator lamp) that allows the installer to check the change in the lighting state of the light source during the setting process.

Further, in the above embodiment, the processing executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. In addition, the order of multiple processes may be changed, and multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

In addition, in the above embodiments, components such as the control unit may be implemented by executing software programs suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by reading and executing a software program recorded in a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor.

Also, components such as the control unit may be realized by hardware. For example, a component such as a controller may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form one circuit as a whole, or may be separate circuits. These circuits may be general-purpose circuits or dedicated circuits.

Also, general or specific aspects of the present invention may be implemented in a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Also, any combination of systems, devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs and recording media may be implemented. For example, the present invention may be implemented as a program for causing an information terminal to execute the setting method, or may be implemented as a non-temporary recording medium in which such a program is recorded. Such programs include an application program for operating a general-purpose information terminal as the information terminal of the above embodiment.

In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art can think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the constituent elements and functions of each embodiment within the scope of the present invention.

12, 22 Light source 30 Information terminal 32 Display unit 32L List 32m Map image M, M1, M2, M3 Mesh network P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, P8, P9, P10, P11, P12, P21, P31, P32, P33, P34, P35, P36, P37, P41, P51 P52 P53 P54 P55 P61 P62 P63 P64 P65 P71 P72 P73 P74 P75 P101 P102 P103 P104 P111 P112 P113 P114 P121 Installation position

Claims

a first device and a second device each capable of participating in a mesh network;
An information terminal that performs wireless communication with the first device,
When the first device has already joined the mesh network and the second device has not yet joined the mesh network, the information terminal uses the wireless communication to output, to the first device, proxy request information for causing the first device to perform a setting process for allowing the second device to participate in the mesh network;
A device system in which the first device performs the setting process indicated by the proxy request information acquired from the information terminal.
The equipment system according to claim 1, wherein the first equipment has a light source whose lighting state changes when the setting process is performed.
The device system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second device has a light source whose lighting state changes when the setting process is performed by the first device.
one or more first devices each wirelessly communicating with the second devices to be joined in the mesh network and each outputting an output signal to the information terminal;
The information terminal causes the first device that outputs the output signal with the highest received signal strength for the information terminal to perform the setting process for allowing the target second device to participate in the mesh network. The equipment system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
5. The device system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first device acquires identification information identifying the second device output by the second device, and outputs the acquired identification information to the information terminal.
The equipment system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each of said first equipment and said second equipment is a lighting fixture.
The device system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the setting process is a process of outputting information indicating the mesh network to the second device.
The information terminal outputs the proxy request information after performing a process of associating the installation position of the second device with the identification information that identifies the second device. The equipment system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
a communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a first device that can participate in the mesh network;
a control unit that causes the communication unit to output proxy request information for causing the first device to perform a setting process for allowing the second device to participate in the mesh network to the first device using the wireless communication when the first device has already participated in the mesh network and the second device has not yet participated in the mesh network.
10. The information terminal according to claim 9, further comprising a display unit that displays a map image showing the installation positions of the second device to be made to participate in the mesh network and the installation positions of the first device that wirelessly communicates with the target second device, or a list in which the first device that wirelessly communicates with the target second device is extracted.
a receiving unit that receives an operation of selecting a first device for performing the setting process from among the one or more first devices shown in the map image or the one or more first devices extracted from the list;
The information terminal according to claim 10, wherein the control unit causes the communication unit to output the proxy request information to the first device selected by the accepted operation.
the second device of the target is a lighting fixture;
12. The information terminal according to claim 11, wherein when the selected first device performs the setting process, the control unit causes the selected first device to output specific lighting information specific to the target second device.
The information terminal according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the display unit displays that the first device is performing the setting process and that the setting process is being performed on the target second device, and/or the progress of the setting process.
When the setting process is completed,
the information terminal acquires setting completion information indicating completion of the setting process output from the first device that performed the setting process;
The information terminal according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein when the setting completion information is acquired, the display unit changes and displays an icon indicating the target second device in the map image.
the map image shows information indicating the degree of importance of each of the one or more second devices,
15. The information terminal according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the setting process is preferentially performed on the second device having the higher importance.
The information terminal according to claim 15, wherein the second device having the high importance is a gateway device.
In the map image,
Some of the one or more second devices are densely installed,
When the other part of the one or more second devices is installed between the part and the first device,
The information terminal according to claim 15, wherein the second device having the high degree of importance is the other unit.
A control method performed by an equipment system, comprising:
The equipment system includes:
a first device and a second device each capable of participating in a mesh network;
an information terminal that wirelessly communicates with the first device,
The control method is
when the first device has already joined the mesh network and the second device has not yet joined the mesh network, the information terminal outputs proxy request information for causing the first device to perform a setting process for allowing the second device to participate in the mesh network to the first device using the wireless communication;
a step of performing the setting process indicated by the proxy request information acquired from the information terminal by the first device.