U.S. patent application number 15/902709 was filed with the patent office on 2018-08-23 for lighting control device, lighting control system, lighting control method, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium.
The applicant listed for this patent is PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Yuto HIDAKA.
Application Number | 20180242418 15/902709 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63045598 |
Filed Date | 2018-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180242418 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HIDAKA; Yuto |
August 23, 2018 |
LIGHTING CONTROL DEVICE, LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM, LIGHTING CONTROL
METHOD, AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM
Abstract
A lighting control device is provided that controls luminaires
in respective rooms via respective controllers. The lighting
control device includes: a storage unit that stores association
information in which names (e.g., room names) are associated with
SSIDs of the controllers; a communication unit that connects to and
transmits and receives information to and from one of the
controllers; a display unit that displays names included in the
association information in a manner to be selectable; a receiving
unit that receives an input from a user including a selection input
of a name selected from the names displayed; and a processing unit
that, when the receiving unit receives the selection input of the
name, executes a predetermined process relating to wireless
connection with one of the controllers using the SSID associated in
the association information with the name specified by the
selection input.
Inventors: |
HIDAKA; Yuto; (Osaka,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD. |
Osaka |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
63045598 |
Appl. No.: |
15/902709 |
Filed: |
February 22, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05B 47/10 20200101;
H05B 45/10 20200101; Y02B 20/30 20130101; H05B 47/19 20200101; Y02B
20/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H05B 33/08 20060101
H05B033/08; H05B 37/02 20060101 H05B037/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 23, 2017 |
JP |
2017-032684 |
Claims
1. A lighting control device that controls one or more luminaires
via one or more controllers that control the one or more luminaires
in accordance with control information, the lighting control device
comprising: a storage unit configured to store association
information in which a plurality of names are respectively
associated with a plurality of network identifiers for a plurality
of wireless networks used to transfer the control information; a
communication unit configured to connect to one of the plurality of
wireless networks and transmit and receive information to and from
a controller included in the wireless network that the
communication unit is connected to; a display unit configured to
display the plurality of names in the association information in a
manner to be selectable; a receiving unit configured to receive an
input from a user including a selection input of a name selected
from the plurality of names displayed on the display unit; and a
processing unit configured to, when the receiving unit receives the
selection input of the name, execute a predetermined process
relating to connection with one of the plurality of wireless
networks using the network identifier associated in the association
information with the name specified by the selection input.
2. The lighting control device according to claim 1, further
comprising: a setting unit configured to generate the association
information to be stored in the storage unit by obtaining the
plurality of names input by the user, wherein the setting unit is
configured to: obtain a first name that is related to a first
location and is input by the user in association with a first
network identifier for a first wireless network among the plurality
of wireless networks that includes a first controller which
controls a luminaire located in the first location, and a second
name that is related to a second location different from the first
location and is input by the user in association with a second
network identifier for a second wireless network among the
plurality of wireless networks that includes a second controller
which controls a luminaire located in the second location; and
generate the association information by associating at least the
first network identifier with the first name and the second network
identifier with the second name.
3. The lighting control device according to claim 2, wherein: the
communication unit is configured to receive, from the controller
included in the wireless network that the communication unit is
connected to, state information indicating a state of the luminaire
controlled by the controller, the display unit is further
configured to display a lighting control screen showing the state
information received by the communication unit, and when (i) the
communication unit connects to the first wireless network and
receives the state information from the first controller, (ii) the
display unit displays the lighting control screen based on the
state information from the first controller, and (iii) the
receiving unit receives the selection input of the second name by
the user, the processing unit is configured to, as the
predetermined process, cause the communication unit to switch
connection from the first wireless network to the second wireless
network using the second network identifier.
4. The lighting control device according to claim 1, further
comprising: a non-transitory recording medium for recording the
control information; and a saving unit configured to, in accordance
with a save input made by the user, record a control file including
the control information onto the non-transitory recording medium,
wherein the processing unit is configured to, as the predetermined
process, associate, with the control file recorded on the
non-transitory recording medium, the network identifier associated
in the association information with the name specified by the
selection input received by the receiving unit, the lighting
control device further comprises a loading unit configured to, in
accordance with a load input made by the user, load one control
file recorded on the non-transitory recording medium, and when one
of the plurality of network identifiers is associated with the
control file loaded by the loading unit, the communication unit is
configured to connect to one of the plurality of wireless networks
using the network identifier associated with the control file and
transmit the control information included in the control file to
the controller included in the wireless network that the
communication unit is connected to.
5. The lighting control device according to claim 4, wherein when
the communication unit is connected to one of the plurality of
wireless networks, under a certain condition, the saving unit is
configured to, upon recording the control file onto the
non-transitory recording medium, associate the control file with
the network identifier for the wireless network that the
communication unit is connected to.
6. The lighting control device according to claim 5, wherein the
certain condition is a condition that is satisfied by receipt of an
input from the user.
7. The lighting control device according to claim 4, wherein: when,
in accordance with a load input made by the user, the loading unit
causes the display unit to display one or more control files
recorded on the non-transitory recording medium in a manner to be
selectable, and receives a selection input of a control file
selected from the one or more control files by the user, the
loading unit is configured to load the one control file specified
by the selection input, and when the communication unit is
connected to one of the plurality of wireless networks, under a
certain condition, the loading unit is configured to cause the
display unit to display only one or more control files associated
with the network identifier for the wireless network that the
communication unit is connected to.
8. The lighting control device according to claim 7, wherein the
certain condition is a condition that is satisfied by receipt of an
input from the user.
9. The lighting control device according to claim 1, further
comprising: a non-transitory recording medium for recording the
control information; and a saving unit configured to, in accordance
with a save input made by the user, record a control file including
the control information onto the non-transitory recording medium,
wherein upon recording the control file onto the non-transitory
recording medium, the saving unit is configured to associate the
control file with one of the plurality of network identifiers
included in the association information, the lighting control
device further comprises a loading unit configured to, in
accordance with a load input made by the user, load one control
file recorded on the non-transitory recording medium, and when one
of the plurality of network identifiers is associated with the
control file loaded by the loading unit, the communication unit is
configured to connect to one of the plurality of wireless networks
using the network identifier associated with the control file and
transmit the control information included in the control file to
the controller included in the wireless network that the
communication unit is connected to.
10. The lighting control device according to claim 1, wherein: the
lighting control device executes a function of performing luminaire
control only after user authentication is successful, after the
receiving unit receives an input from a specified user having
predetermined authorization to set, for each of users,
authentication information used for authenticating the user, the
processing unit is configured to, as the predetermined process,
store, in the storage unit, the authentication information in
association with a network identifier associated in the association
information with a name specified by a selection input made by the
specified user and received by the receiving unit, the lighting
control device further includes an authentication unit configured
to authenticate a user by using the authentication information
stored in the storage unit, and when the user authentication is
successful in the authentication unit, the communication unit is
configured to connect to one of the plurality of wireless networks
using the network identifier associated with the authentication
information used for the user authentication.
11. The lighting control device according to claim 1, wherein: the
lighting control device executes a function of performing luminaire
control only after user authentication is successful, the storage
unit is further configured to store, for each of users,
authentication information used for authentication of the user, in
association with one of the plurality of network identifiers
included in the association information, and the lighting control
device further includes an authentication unit configured to
authenticate a user by using the authentication information stored
in the storage unit, wherein when the user authentication is
successful in the authentication unit, the communication unit is
configured to connect to one of the plurality of wireless networks
using the network identifier associated with the authentication
information used for the user authentication, and under a certain
condition, transmit the control information to the controller
included in the wireless network that the communication unit is
connected to.
12. The lighting control device according to claim 11, wherein the
certain condition is a condition that is satisfied by receipt of an
input from the user.
13. A lighting control system that controls a plurality of
luminaires, the lighting control system comprising: a first
controller that controls a luminaire located in a first location; a
second controller that controls a luminaire located in a second
location different from the first location; and a lighting control
device that transmits control information to one of the first
controller and the second controller to control the luminaire via
the one of the first controller and the second controller, wherein
the lighting control device includes: a communication unit
configured to connect to, and transmit the control information via,
one of a first wireless network including the first controller and
a second wireless network including the second controller; a
storage unit configured to store association information in which a
first network identifier for the first wireless network is
associated with a first name related to the first location and a
second network identifier for the second wireless network is
associated with a second name related to the second location; a
display unit configured to display the first name and the second
name in the association information in a manner to be selectable; a
receiving unit configured to receive an input from a user including
a selection input of a name selected from the first name and the
second name displayed on the display unit; and a processing unit
configured to, when the receiving unit receives the selection input
of the name, execute a predetermined process relating to connection
with one of the plurality of wireless networks using the network
identifier associated in the association information with the name
specified by the selection input.
14. A lighting control method executed by a lighting control device
that includes a storage unit and a microprocessor and controls a
plurality of luminaires via a plurality of controllers that control
the plurality of luminaires in accordance with control information,
the lighting control method comprising: obtaining a first name that
is related to a first location and is input by a user in
association with a first network identifier for a first wireless
network among the plurality of wireless networks that includes a
first controller which controls a luminaire located in the first
location, and a second name that is related to a second location
different from the first location and is input by the user in
association with a second network identifier for a second wireless
network among the plurality of wireless networks that includes a
second controller which controls a luminaire located in the second
location; generating association information in which the first
network identifier is associated with the first name and the second
network identifier is associated with the second name, and storing
the association information in the storage unit; displaying the
first name and the second name in the association information in a
manner to be selectable; receiving an input from the user including
a selection input of a name selected from the first name and the
second name displayed; when the selection input of the name is
received in the receiving, executing a predetermined process
relating to connection with one of the plurality of wireless
networks using the network identifier associated in the association
information with the name specified by the selection input; and
when connected to one of the plurality of wireless networks,
transmitting the control information to the controller included in
the wireless network connected to.
15. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having a
control program recorded thereon for causing the lighting control
device to execute the lighting control method according to claim
14.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of Japanese
Patent Application Number 2017-032684 filed on Feb. 23, 2017, the
entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a lighting control system
for performing control relating to lighting, a lighting control
device used in the lighting control system, and a non-transitory
computer-readable recording medium.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0003] Conventionally, a system that performs control related to,
for example, the dimming level (e.g., brightness) of a plurality of
luminaires and scheduling for a plurality of luminaires (e.g.,
timing of turning on and off the luminaires) is known. The lighting
management system disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent
Application Publication (Translation of PCT Application) No.
2012-514829 performs lighting control based on schemata, such as
lighting control parameters corresponding to an identified
user.
SUMMARY
[0004] However, in an environment including a plurality of rooms
and controllers in each room that control luminaires in the
respective rooms, in a configuration in which the user controls one
or more luminaires through wireless communication with a controller
in a selected room using a single input terminal (lighting control
device), the user is required to perform the following tasks.
First, the user is required to select, from among the
controllers--each of which functions as an access point of a
wireless local area network (LAN)--the service set identifier
(SSID) of the controller in the room in which the luminaire to be
controlled is located in order to connect to the wireless LAN to
enable communication between the input terminal and the controller.
Then, the user is required to transmit information, such as
lighting control parameters, from the input terminal to the
controller by launching, for example, a lighting control
application program on the input terminal and making inputs on, for
example, the displayed lighting control screen. When the user wants
to control luminaires across a plurality of rooms, the user is
required to remember the SSID of each controller and repeat the
above steps for each room. Moreover, when the user wants to control
one or more luminaires in any given room, if the user does not
remember the required SSID, the user must repeatedly attempt to
select the correct SSID and wait for a response to confirm whether
the selected SSID is the correct SSID. In short, the tasks required
of the user in order to perform a desired control are burdening. It
is not possible to ease such burdens placed on the user with
conventional lighting control techniques.
[0005] In view of this, the present disclosure has an object to
provide an input terminal (lighting control device) that controls
luminaires via controllers on a plurality of wireless networks and
eases burdens placed on the user associated with controlling the
luminaires. The present disclosure also has an object to provide a
lighting control system including the lighting control device, and
a control program used in the lighting control device.
[0006] In order to achieve the above-described object, a lighting
control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure
controls one or more luminaires via one or more controllers that
control the one or more luminaires in accordance with control
information, and includes: a storage unit configured to store
association information in which a plurality of names are
respectively associated with a plurality of network identifiers for
a plurality of wireless networks used to transfer the control
information; a communication unit that is configured to connect to
one of the plurality of wireless networks and transmit and receive
information to and from a controller included in the wireless
network that the communication unit is connected to; a display unit
configured to display the plurality of names in the association
information in a manner to be selectable; a receiving unit
configured to receive an input from a user including a selection
input of one name from among the choices of the plurality of names;
and a processing unit configured to, when the receiving unit
receives the selection input of one of the plurality of names,
execute a predetermined process relating to connection with one of
the plurality of wireless networks using the network identifier
associated in the association information with the name specified
by the selection input.
[0007] Moreover, a lighting control system according to one aspect
of the present disclosure controls a plurality of luminaires and
includes: a first controller that controls a luminaire located in a
first location; a second controller that controls a luminaire
located in a second location different from the first location; and
a lighting control device that transmits control information to one
of the first controller and the second controller to control the
luminaire via the one of the first controller and the second
controller. The lighting control device includes: a communication
unit configured to connect to and transmit the control information
via one of a first wireless network including the first controller
and a second wireless network including the second controller; a
storage unit configured to store association information in which a
first network identifier for the first wireless network is
associated with a first name related to the first location and a
second network identifier for the second wireless network is
associated with a second name related to the second location; a
display unit configured to display the first name and the second
name in the association information in a manner to be selectable; a
receiving unit configured to receive an input from a user including
a selection input of one name from among the choices; and a
processing unit configured to, when the receiving unit receives the
selection input of the name, execute a predetermined process
relating to connection with one of the plurality of wireless
networks using the network identifier associated in the association
information with the name specified by the selection input.
[0008] Moreover, a non-transitory computer-readable recording
medium according to one aspect of the present disclosure has a
control program recorded thereon for causing a lighting control
device to execute a lighting control method. The lighting control
device includes a storage unit and a microprocessor and controls a
plurality of luminaires via a plurality of controllers that control
the plurality of luminaires in accordance with control information.
The lighting control process includes: obtaining a first name that
is related to a first location and is input by a user in
association with a first network identifier for a first wireless
network among the plurality of wireless networks that includes a
first controller which controls a luminaire located in the first
location, and a second name that is related to a second location
different from the first location and is input by the user in
association with a second network identifier for a second wireless
network among the plurality of wireless networks that includes a
second controller which controls a luminaire located in the second
location; generating association information in which the first
network identifier is associated with the first name and the second
network identifier is associated with the second name, and storing
the association information in the storage unit; displaying the
first name and the second name in the association information in a
manner to be selectable; receiving an input from the user including
a selection input of one name from among the choices; when the
selection input of the name is received in the receiving, executing
a predetermined process relating to connection with one of the
plurality of wireless networks using the network identifier
associated in the association information with the name specified
by the selection input; and when connected to one of the plurality
of wireless networks, transmitting the control information to the
controller included in the wireless network connected to.
[0009] According to the present disclosure, burdens placed on a
user associated with operating a lighting control device that
controls luminaires via controllers on a plurality of wireless
networks can be eased.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0010] The figures depict one or more implementations in accordance
with the present teaching, by way of examples only, not by way of
limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the
same or similar elements.
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates an outline of a configuration of a
lighting control system according to Embodiment 1;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a lighting control
device according to Embodiment 1;
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates one example of association information
used by a lighting control device;
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates one example of a lighting control screen
displayed by a lighting control device;
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates one example of a screen pertaining to
saving data displayed by a lighting control device;
[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates one example of a screen pertaining to
loading data displayed by a lighting control device;
[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates one example of a screen pertaining to
network settings displayed by a lighting control device;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating one example of processes
performed by a lighting control device according to Embodiment
1;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of a lighting control
device according to Embodiment 2;
[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates one example of authentication related
information used by a lighting control device;
[0021] FIG. 11 illustrates one example of a user authentication
screen displayed by a lighting control device;
[0022] FIG. 12 illustrates one example of an authentication
information settings screen displayed by a lighting control device;
and
[0023] FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating one example of
processes performed by a lighting control device according to
Embodiment 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0024] The following describes exemplary embodiments with reference
to the drawings. Each of the embodiments described below is merely
one specific example of the present disclosure. The numerical
values, shapes, materials, elements, arrangement and connection of
the elements, steps (processes) and order of the steps, etc.,
described in the following embodiments are given merely by way of
illustration and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.
Therefore, among elements in the following embodiments, those not
recited in any one of the independent claims defining the broadest
inventive concept are described as optional elements. Also note
that the figures are schematic illustrations and are not
necessarily precise depictions.
Embodiment 1
[0025] Hereinafter, lighting control system 10 including a lighting
control device according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure will be described.
[0026] Lighting control system 10 is a system for controlling a
plurality of luminaires (e.g., scheduling relating to lighting,
adjustment of dimming level, etc.) located in a plurality of
spatial locations, examples of which include floors and rooms of a
building, such as a commercial building. This embodiment will
describe lighting control system 10 that controls luminaires
located in a plurality of rooms of a building without greatly
burdening the user.
(1-1. Configuration of Lighting Control System 10)
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates an outline of the configuration of
lighting control system 10 according to this embodiment.
[0028] As illustrated in FIG. 1, lighting control system 10
includes luminaires 30a through 30l located in a plurality of rooms
(locations), controllers 200a through 200c each of which is located
in different one of the rooms and is for controlling the luminaires
located in the corresponding room, and lighting control device 100
that is capable of communicating with each controller. Here, for
the purpose of illustration, the number of rooms is exemplified as
three (first location, second location, and third location), but
the number of rooms including the luminaires is not limited to any
given number, and lighting control system 10 may include any number
of controllers.
[0029] Each luminaire 30a through 30l is a device that includes a
light source and is capable of switching on and off, and, for
example, is capable of dimming (e.g., brightness) adjustment.
[0030] Each controller 200a through 200c includes, for example, a
control circuit and a communication circuit, and is capable of
controlling one or more luminaires. Moreover, each controller 200a
through 200c is on a different wireless network (e.g., a wireless
LAN such as a WiFi (registered trademark) LAN). Controllers 200a
through 200c store control information (e.g., various parameters
for controlling lighting) upon receiving the control information
from lighting control device 100, and control the luminaires in
accordance with the control information. The wireless network
(wireless LAN) that the controller is included in can be used to,
for example, transfer the control information. Here, controllers
200a through 200c will be described as controllers that function as
access points of the wireless LANs. Each controller 200a through
200c is identified by a service set identifier (SSID) in wireless
communication. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, controller
200a (first controller) is connected (e.g., by wire) to luminaires
30a through 30d located in the first location (room X), is capable
of controlling luminaires 30a through 30d, and manages states of
luminaires 30a through 30d. Controller 200b (second controller) is
connected to luminaires 30e through 30h located in the second
location (room Y), is capable of controlling luminaires 30e through
30h, and manages states of luminaires 30e through 30h.
[0031] Lighting control device 100 is a device that functions as an
input terminal for controlling, via the respective controllers,
luminaires controllable by the respective controllers, by
communicating with the respective controllers.
(1-2. Lighting Control Device 100 Usage Example)
[0032] Next, lighting control performed by lighting control device
100 will be described using an example of when lighting control
device 100 controls luminaires in the first location (room X) and
the second location (room Y).
[0033] The user establishes a wireless connection between lighting
control device 100 and controller 200a in order to control
luminaires 30a through 30d in the first location (room X). For
example, controller 200a transmits, to lighting control device 100,
state information indicating states of luminaires 30a through 30d
that controller 200a manages (e.g., whether the luminaires are on
or off, the dimming levels of the luminaires, etc.). Then, lighting
control device 100 displays a lighting control screen that is for
receiving an input pertaining to control and that shows the states
of luminaires 30a through 30d based on the received state
information. Lighting control device 100 transmits control
information to controller 200a in accordance with an input made by
the user. This allows controller 200a to control luminaires 30a
through 30d in accordance with the control information indicating,
for example, control regarding, for example, a dimming level, or a
control schedule.
[0034] Next, the user establishes a wireless connection between
lighting control device 100 and controller 200b in order to control
luminaires 30e through 30h in the second location (room Y). When,
for example, the range in which wireless communication with
controller 200b is possible is small, for example, the user can
take lighting control device 100 in his or her hand and move into
the second location to establish a wireless connection between
lighting control device 100 and controller 200b. For example,
lighting control device 100 displays a lighting control screen that
is for receiving an input pertaining to control and that shows the
states of luminaires 30e through 30h based on the state information
received from controller 200b, and lighting control device 100
transmits control information to controller 200b in accordance with
an input made by the user. This allows controller 200b to control
luminaires 30e through 30h in accordance with the control
information.
(1-3. Configuration of Lighting Control Device 100)
[0035] Lighting control device 100 is, for example, a computer such
as a tablet or smart phone, and includes, for example, a processor
(microprocessor), memory, communication interface (communication
circuit, etc.), and a user interface. Moreover, this computer may
include, for example, a hard disk drive. The user interface
includes, for example, a display such as a liquid crystal display
(LCD), and an input device such as a keyboard or touch panel. The
memory is, for example, ROM and/or RAM, and may include, for
example, non-volatile memory. The processor performs processes that
control, for example, the communication interface and display, by
executing a control program, such as an application program stored
in the memory. The control program for causing the processor to
execute the processes is stored in the memory. By receiving, for
example, an input made via the user interface, the computer can,
for example, obtain text, voice, or some other kind of
information.
[0036] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of lighting control
device 100. Lighting control device 100 implemented as a computer
having the above-described hardware configuration includes, as
functional components for controlling lighting, storage unit 110,
setting unit 120, display unit 130, receiving unit 140, recording
medium 150, saving unit 160, loading unit 170, communication unit
180, and processing unit 190, as illustrated FIG. 2. Hereinafter,
each of these functional components will be described.
(1-3-1. Storage Unit 110)
[0037] Storage unit 110 is implemented as a storage area of a
storage medium, such as memory or a hard disk drive, and stores
various information required to control lighting. For example,
storage unit 110 stores association information 111 in which a
plurality of network identifiers for a plurality of wireless
networks are associated with a plurality of names.
[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates one example of association information
111 that is stored in storage unit 110. Association information 111
is information in which network identifiers (e.g., SSIDs) and names
(e.g., names of rooms assigned by a user) are associated with each
other. A network identifier is information used for connecting to a
wireless network and avoiding cross talk. In the example
illustrated in FIG. 3, SSIDs used for connecting to the controllers
functioning as access points are respectively associated with names
determined by a user for identifying the rooms including luminaires
controlled by the controllers.
(1-3-2. Setting Unit 120)
[0039] Setting unit 120 is implemented as, for example, a processor
that executes the control program, and generates association
information 111 to be stored in storage unit 110 by obtaining names
input by the user via receiving unit 140.
[0040] As one specific example, the generation of association
information 111 exemplified in FIG. 3 will be described. Setting
unit 120 obtains a first name that is related to the first location
(room X) and is input by the user in association with a first
network identifier for a first wireless network among the plurality
of wireless networks that includes controller 200a (first
controller), which controls luminaires 30a through 30d in the first
location. The first network identifier is, for example, the SSID
for controller 200a, expressed as "AAAA12 . . . ". The first name
is, for example, "room X". Setting unit 120 also obtains a second
name that is related to the second location different from the
first location and is input by the user in association with a
second network identifier for a second wireless network among the
plurality of wireless networks that includes controller 200b
(second controller), which controls luminaires 30e through 30h in
the second location. The second network identifier is, for example,
the SSID for controller 200b, expressed as "BBBBB . . . ". The
second name is, for example, "room Y". Then, setting unit 120
generates association information 111 by associating at least the
first network identifier with the first name and the second network
identifier with the second name. In such a case, when obtaining the
first name (or second name), setting unit 120 may display the first
network identifier (or second network identifier) on the display of
display unit 130 and prompt the user to input a name.
[0041] After association information 111 has been generated, when
setting unit 120 obtains a new name (of a room, etc.) input by the
user via receiving unit 140, setting unit 120 may update
association information 111 based on the newly obtained name.
(1-3-3. Display Unit 130)
[0042] Display unit 130 is implemented as, for example, a display
and a processor that executes the control program and displays
various screens on the display. For example, display unit 130
displays a lighting control screen showing the state information
(information indicating states of luminaires) received from any one
of controllers 200a through 200c by communication unit 180. Display
unit 130 may, for example, display screens under control by other
units (saving unit 160, loading unit 170, processing unit 190,
etc.).
[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates one example of a lighting control screen
displayed on the display by display unit 130. Lighting control
screen 40 illustrated in FIG. 4 includes display region 44 showing,
for example, the lighting states and arrangement of luminaires, and
includes buttons 41 through 43 as a graphical user interface (GUI).
In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, display region 44 shows the
states of luminaires 30a through 30d, etc., in room X. The
information shown in display region 44 may be configured to be
changeable via user input. Button 41 is a button for performing a
function of managing data (loading data, saving data, etc.) such as
the control information for controlling the luminaire. Button 42 is
a button for performing a function of switching the wireless
network that lighting control device 100 connects to. Button 43 is
a button for performing functions related to various settings
associated with the wireless networks that lighting control device
100 connects to.
[0044] In addition to lighting control screen 40, a pop-up window
(screen 42a) that appears when the user presses button 42 is also
illustrated in FIG. 4. Screen 42a shows choices of room names
associated with the SSIDs, and includes a cancel button and change
button 42b as a GUI. As a result of the user selecting one option
among the choices via, for example, a radio button functioning as a
GUI on screen 42a and then pressing change button 42b, lighting
control device 100 can specify the wireless network to be connected
to. The switching of the wireless network is performed by, for
example, processing unit 190. The choices to be shown on screen 42a
by display unit 130 are based on association information 111 stored
in storage unit 110. In this way, when the user is required to
select a network identifier (e.g., an SSID) for a wireless network
to wirelessly connect to, display unit 130 displays the names
(e.g., the names of rooms) included in association information 111
stored in storage unit 110 as choices for selection. The choices
may be displayed upon receiving an input from the user, or may be
displayed in conjunction with the occurrence of some sort of event
(e.g., at a preset point in time). Note that lighting control
screen 40 and screen 42a illustrated in FIG. 4 are mere examples;
network identifiers may or may not be shown in the display of the
choices of names. Moreover, the choices of names (e.g., the names
of rooms) included in association information 111 may be shown in
lighting control screen 40 at all times so that wireless networks
can be switched on the spot.
(1-3-4. Receiving Unit 140)
[0045] Receiving unit 140 is implemented as, for example, an input
device and a processor that executes the control program, and
receives inputs from the user. The input device is, for example, an
overlay of a touch panel or keyboard on the display surface. For
example, a user input can be made on the input device in accordance
with, for example, elements included in the GUI displayed by
display unit 130. Note that receiving unit 140 may receive inputs
from the user via any given method. For example, receiving unit 140
may receive user inputs from, for example, touches made on a touch
panel, a pointing device, or a keyboard. Moreover, receiving unit
140 may also receive voice inputs with the use of voice recognition
technology. The user can input various types of information to
control the luminaire. For example, the user can input information
indicating the locations of each luminaire in a given room, dimming
level information that specifies a dimming level, and schedule
information indicating when to turn on or off the luminaires or
change the dimming level. For example, the user can input various
types of information corresponding to lighting control screen 40
illustrated in FIG. 4. The information for controlling the
luminaires in a given location (e.g., room) is converted into
control information of a predetermined data format, and temporarily
stored in the storage area, such as in memory. Then, in accordance
with, for example, a user input, the control information can be
transferred to a corresponding controller (any one of controllers
200a through 200c) via communication unit 180.
[0046] More specifically, when a plurality of names (e.g., names of
rooms) are shown as the choices, such as is the case in screen 42a
illustrated in FIG. 4, receiving unit 140 receives an input from
the user including a selection input of one name.
[0047] When receiving unit 140 receives an input from the user,
receiving unit 140 notifies, for example, saving unit 160, loading
unit 170, and processing unit 190 with information corresponding to
the input (for example, information pertaining to the name selected
via a selection input).
(1-3-5. Recording Medium 150)
[0048] Recording medium 150 is a medium for recording control
information related to control of luminaires, and is, for example,
non-volatile memory or a hard disk drive. Recording medium 150 may
be the same storage medium that is used in storage unit 110, or may
be a different medium. The control information in recording medium
150 can be recorded as the content of the control file via the file
system. The control file is a file of a predetermined format in
which control information for controlling the lighting is saved in
lighting control device 100. In addition to the control
information, the control file may also include various types of
information relating to lighting, such as information indicating
the arrangement of the luminaires and history information in which
control executions are recorded.
(1-3-6. Saving Unit 160)
[0049] Saving unit 160 is implemented as, for example, a processor
that executes the control program. Upon receiving notification that
a save input has been made by the user from receiving unit 140,
saving unit 160 stores a control file including control information
corresponding to the save input into recording medium 150.
[0050] When communication unit 180 is already connected to one
wireless network, saving unit 160 has a function of, under a
certain condition (for example, in accordance with a user input),
upon recording the control file onto recording medium 150,
associating the control file with the network identifier for the
wireless network that communication unit 180 is connected to.
Saving unit 160 also has a function of, upon recording the control
file onto recording medium 150, associating the control file with
any one of the network identifiers in association information 111
(see FIG. 3), in collaboration with processing unit 190.
[0051] Next, an example will be given in which lighting control
device 100 connects to the wireless network including controller
200a that controls the luminaires in room X and displays lighting
control screen 40 illustrated in FIG. 5. In such a case, the user
makes inputs pertaining to, for example, the dimming level
information and schedule information for controlling the luminaires
in room X, and if necessary, makes a save input. Upon making a save
input, saving unit 160 records (saves) control information
including the dimming level information, schedule information,
etc., into recording medium 150 as a control file. One example of a
save input involves the user pressing button 41 on lighting control
screen 40, and among data load button 45 and data save button 46
shown on data management screen 41a displayed by display unit 130
in accordance with this input, pressing data save button 46. The
user can, via screen 46a, which is for specifying a control file
and shown by display unit 130 in accordance with the
above-described input, specify a file name for the control file and
specify a network identifier (e.g., SSID) to be associated with the
control file. Then, the user completes the save input by pressing
save button 46d on screen 46a, whereby a notification of the save
input is received from receiving unit 140, and saving unit 160
saves the control information as a control file. The user can
specify a file name for the control file by inputting the file name
in input field 46b on screen 46a. By, for example, selecting a
radio button provided as a GUI on screen 46a, the user can
associate the network identifier for the wireless network that
lighting control device 100 (more specifically, communication unit
180) is connected to or some other network identifier with the
control file. When the user wants to associate some other network
identifier with the control file, the user can interact with
drop-down list 46c to display a list of SSID choices associated
with names and select the SSID that they wish to associate with the
control file.
(1-3-7. Loading Unit 170)
[0052] Loading unit 170 is implemented as, for example, a processor
that executes the control program. When loading unit 170 is
notified of reception of a load input by the user from receiving
unit 140, loading unit 170 loads one control file stored (saved) on
recording medium 150 in accordance with the load input. Loading the
control file is done by, for example, temporarily storing the
control information, which is the content of the control file, into
a storage area of, for example memory, or updating the elements
displayed (for example, the content shown in display region 44) on
lighting control screen 40 illustrated in FIG. 4 in accordance with
the control information.
[0053] Loading unit 170 has a function of displaying, on display
unit 130, at least one control file recorded in recording medium
150 as a choice for selection in accordance with the load input
made by the user, and when a selection input of one control file is
received from the user, loading the control file pertaining to that
selection input. When communication unit 180 is already connected
to a wireless network, under a certain condition (for example, in
accordance with a user input), loading unit 170 causes display unit
130 to narrow down the choices of the one or more control files
that are displayed to the one or more control file associated with,
for example, the SSID for the connected wireless network.
[0054] Next, an example will be given in which lighting control
device 100 connects to the wireless network including controller
200a that controls the luminaires in room X and displays lighting
control screen 40 illustrated in FIG. 5. One example of a load
input involves the user pressing button 41 on lighting control
screen 40, and among data load button 45 and data save button 46
shown on data management screen 41a displayed by display unit 130
in accordance with this input, pressing data load button 45. In
accordance with the above-described input, for example, screen 45a
that is for selecting a control file to be loaded and is displayed
by display unit 130 under control by, for example, loading unit
170. Screen 45a is illustrated in FIG. 6. The user can make a
selection input of a file name for the control file to be loaded on
screen 45a illustrated in FIG. 6. Screen 45a includes, as a GUI,
check box 45b, file list 45c which shows a list of the file names
of the control files recorded on recording medium 150, a cancel
button, and load button 45d. When the user checks check box 45b,
the content of file list 45c is narrowed down to only the file
names of those recorded control files associated with the SSID
representing the network identifier of the wireless network that
lighting control device 100 is currently connected to. With this,
the user can easily select the control file that he or she wants to
load. When the user presses load button 45d on screen 45a, loading
unit 170 receives a notification of a load input from receiving
unit 140 and loads the selected control file.
(1-3-8. Communication Unit 180)
[0055] Communication unit 180 is implemented as, for example, a
communication interface and a processor that executes the control
program. Communication unit 180 connects to one wireless network
from among the plurality of wireless networks and transmits and
receives information to and from a controller included in the
connected wireless network. In one specific example, communication
unit 180 uses any one of the SSIDs in association information 111
(see FIG. 3) to connect to any one of controllers 200a through
200c, and communicates with the connected controller.
[0056] For example, communication unit 180 connects to controller
200a using the SSID for controller 200a, and receives state
information indicating the states of, for example, luminaires 30a
through 30d controlled by controller 200a. Moreover, communication
unit 180 transmits control information to controller 200a under a
certain condition (for example, in accordance with a user input).
Specifically, using, for example, the SSID for controller 200a as
an access point, communication unit 180 wirelessly connects to
controller 200a by performing a predetermined sequence, such as
transmitting a probe request and receiving a probe response, and
transmitting an association request and receiving an association
response giving permission. Communication unit 180 transmits and
receives encrypted information (control information, state
information, etc.) to and from controller 200a to which
communication unit 180 is wirelessly connected.
[0057] Moreover, when a network identifier (for example, an SSID)
is associated with a control file loaded by loading unit 170,
communication unit 180 connects to a wireless network using that
network identifier. Then, communication unit 180 transmits the
control information included in that control file to the controller
included in the connected wireless network. For example, assume
that, via saving unit 160, in accordance with a user input, a
control file having the file name "file1_roomX" is recorded in
recording medium 150 in association with the SSID for controller
200a. In such a case, when the user selects the control file named
"file1_roomX" on screen 45a illustrated in FIG. 6 and presses load
button 45d, loading unit 170 loads that control file. When loading
the control file, the control information in the control file is
transmitted to controller 200a by communication unit 180 wirelessly
connecting to controller 200a using the SSID associated with the
control file in recording medium 150.
(1-3-9. Processing Unit 190)
[0058] Processing unit 190 is implemented as, for example, a
processor that executes the control program. When receiving unit
140 receives a selection input selecting one name from among the
plurality of names in association information 111, processing unit
190 executes a predetermined process related to connection with a
wireless network using the network identifier associated with the
name pertaining to the selection input (i.e., associated with the
selected name) in association information 111. The predetermined
process is a process that uses a network identifier (for example,
an SSID).
[0059] More specifically, when display unit 130 displays lighting
control screen 40 illustrated in FIG. 4 based on state information
received from any one of the controllers by communication unit 180,
and receiving unit 140 receives a selection input selecting a name
(for example, a name appended to an SSID) from the user, as the
predetermined process, processing unit 190 switches the wireless
network connection using the network identifier (SSID)
corresponding to the name pertaining to the selection input made.
In this example, communication unit 180 connects to the wireless
network (first wireless network) including controller 200a (first
controller) using the SSID (first network identifier) for
controller 200a. The first network identifier is associated with
the first name (for example, room X) of the first location in
association information 111. Then, when display unit 130 displays
lighting control screen 40 based on the state information received
from controller 200a (first controller) by communication unit 180,
screen 42a is displayed as, for example, a pop-up display, and
receiving unit 140 receives a selection input selecting the second
name (e.g., room Y), as the predetermined process, processing unit
190 causes communication unit 180 to switch the connected wireless
network from the first wireless network to the second wireless
network including controller 200b using the SSID (second network
identifier) for controller 200b.
[0060] Moreover, processing unit 190 may, as the predetermined
process, associate a control file recorded in recording medium 150
with a network identifier (e.g., an SSID) associated, in
association information 111, with a name pertaining to a selection
input received by receiving unit 140. For example, when saving unit
160 attempts to record (save) a control file in accordance with a
save input made by the user, processing unit 190 receives the file
name of the control file and a notification of a name pertaining to
a selection input made by the user from receiving unit 140. Then,
processing unit 190 specifies the network identifier (SSID) to be
associated from the name based on association information 111, and
causes saving unit 160 to record the control file and the network
identifier in association with each other onto recording medium
150. At times other than saving the control file as well,
processing unit 190 may associate the SSID with a control file
recorded on recording medium 150 in accordance with a user input.
FIG. 7 illustrates, for example, screen 43a pertaining to network
settings displayed by display unit 130 when button 43 on lighting
control screen 40 illustrated in FIG. 4 is pressed. SSIDs and names
are shown on screen 43a, which is displayed when button 43 is
pressed, based on the content of association information 111
generated by setting unit 120 and stored in storage unit 110. When
change button 43c on screen 43a is pressed, a screen for changing
names is displayed, and the user can input a name or names on the
screen. Moreover, screen 43a switches to screen 43b when the user
selects tab 43d on screen 43a On screen 43b, by interacting with
the same drop-down list 46c illustrated in FIG. 5, the user can
display a list of choices of the SSIDs associated with the names,
and can select an SSID (name) to be associated with each control
file. Processing unit 190 specifies the SSID to be associated with
a control file in accordance with the selection input, and
associates the control file with the SSID in recording medium
150.
(1-4. Operations Performed by Lighting Control System 10)
[0061] Hereinafter, operations performed by lighting control system
10 having the above-described configuration will be described with
focus on lighting control device 100.
[0062] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating one example of lighting
control processes performed by lighting control device 100
according to this embodiment. These lighting control processes
constitute an example of one specific method of lighting control
performed in lighting control system 10. The following specific
example will be described based on this flow chart.
[0063] In response to receipt of a user input by receiving unit
140, lighting control device 100 obtains names (e.g., room names)
input in association with the SSIDs of the controllers on each of
the wireless networks (step S11). For example, lighting control
device 100 obtains a first name (e.g., "room X") input by the user
in association with the SSID (first network identifier) for a first
wireless network including controller 200a (first controller) which
controls luminaires located in the first location (room X).
Lighting control device 100 also obtains a second name (e.g., "room
Y") input by the user in association with the SSID (second network
identifier) for a second wireless network including controller 200b
(second controller) which controls luminaires located in the second
location (room Y).
[0064] Next, lighting control device 100 generates and stores
association information 111 in which the respective SSIDs and names
(e.g., room names) are associated with each other (step S12). In
other words, lighting control device 100 generates association
information 111 in which the first network identifier is associated
with the first name and the second network identifier is associated
with the second name, and causes storage unit 110 to store
association information 111. Note that association information 111
may include, for example, information associating other network
identifiers (e.g., the SSID for controller 200c) with names (e.g.,
room Z). Association information 111 generated as described above
is used to display names as choices for selection in the case that
an SSID is selected. Giving the network identifiers (e.g., SSIDs)
names (e.g., room names) enables the user to switch the wireless
network that lighting control device 100 is connected to simply by
selecting a name, eliminating the need for the user to remember the
network identifiers.
[0065] Lighting control device 100 performs steps S14 through S16
when a predetermined input is made that requires the selection of
an SSID (step S13). A predetermined input is, for example,
operation of button 42 illustrated in FIG. 4 for changing the
connected network, operation of drop-down list 46c on screen 46a
illustrated in FIG. 5 for specifying a control file for the data to
be saved to, etc. When a predetermined input is received, in step
S14, lighting control device 100 displays the names associated with
the SSIDs in association information 111 as choices for selection,
and in step S15, receives a selection input made by the user
selecting one of the choices of the names. Next, in step S16,
lighting control device 100 executes a predetermined process
corresponding to the predetermined input using the SSID associated
in association information 111 with the name pertaining to the
selection input (i.e., the selected name). In other words, if the
predetermined input is operation of button 42 for changing the
connected network, in step S16, lighting control device 100
connects to a wireless network using that SSID. If the
predetermined input is operation of drop-down list 46c on screen
46a for specifying a control file, in step S16, lighting control
device 100 records that SSID onto recording medium 150 in
association with the control file.
[0066] When lighting control device 100 receives a predetermined
user input for transmitting control information (step S17),
lighting control device 100 transmits control information for
performing luminaire control to the controller on the connected
wireless network (any one of controllers controller 200a through
200c) (step S18). This makes it possible for the luminaires to be
controlled by that controller.
[0067] Moreover, when lighting control device 100 receives, from
the user, a load input for loading a control file associated with
the SSID (step S19), lighting control device 100 connects to a
controller using that SSID (step S20), and transmits control
information to the controller (step S21).
[0068] Lighting control device 100 can repeatedly execute
processes, including steps S13 through S21. With the
above-described lighting control processes, it is possible to
reduce the burden placed on the user when controlling luminaires
located in locations (e.g., rooms) via controllers on a plurality
of wireless networks. Note that the lighting control processes
illustrated in FIG. 8 are mere examples; lighting control device
100 may also perform processes other than those shown in each step
in FIG. 8.
Embodiment 2
[0069] Hereinafter, an embodiment in which part of lighting control
device 100 in lighting control system 10 exemplified in Embodiment
1 has been changed will be described.
(2-1. Variation of Lighting Control System 10 and Usage
Example)
[0070] Lighting control device 100 according to Embodiment 1 may or
may not perform user authentication. In contrast, the lighting
control device according to this embodiment performs user
authentication, and can execute a function for controlling
luminaires only after the user authentication is successful. Except
for the inclusion of lighting control device 100a, which is a
variation of lighting control device 100, the lighting control
system according to this embodiment is the same as lighting control
system 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 and as such, the same reference
signs as in FIG. 1 are used.
[0071] In this embodiment, the first location (room X), second
location (room Y), and third location (room Z) illustrated in FIG.
1 will be exemplified as locations in a single commercial building,
each of which is occupied by a different tenant (office, store,
etc.). A user who is, for example, the manager of the commercial
building (hereinafter also referred to as a specified user) and
users each of whom is, for example, an employee of a tenant, all
use the same lighting control device 100a at mutually different
times. Lighting control device 100a performs user authentication
to, for example, prevent a user who belongs to one tenant from
controlling luminaires in a location corresponding to another
tenant.
[0072] The specified user, who is, for example, the manager of the
commercial building, has predetermined authorization to setup
authentication information for authenticating users on a user by
user basis. Lighting control device 100a may authenticate the
specified user having predetermined authorization using any given
method. The specified user sets (e.g., inputs) the authentication
information (e.g., login ID and password) for each user using
lighting control device 100a, and can cause lighting control device
100a to store the authentication information. Moreover, the
authentication information is associated with network identifiers
for wireless networks that an authenticated user has access to
(e.g., SSIDs for controllers included in the wireless networks) via
an input made by the specified user on lighting control device
100a.
(2-2. Configuration of Lighting Control Device 100a)
[0073] Lighting control device 100a has the same hardware
configuration as lighting control device 100, but partially differs
from lighting control device 100 in regard to function.
[0074] FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of lighting control
device 100a. As illustrated in FIG. 9, lighting control device 100a
includes storage unit 110a, setting unit 120, display unit 130,
receiving unit 140, recording medium 150, saving unit 160, loading
unit 170, communication unit 180a, processing unit 190a, and
authentication unit 195. In lighting control device 100a, elements
that are the same as in lighting control device 100 according to
Embodiment 1 and illustrated in FIG. 2 are given the same reference
signs as in FIG. 2. Here, configurations of lighting control device
100a that are not described in particular are the same as lighting
control device 100.
(2-2-1. Storage Unit 110a)
[0075] Storage unit 110a is implemented as a storage area of a
storage medium, such as memory or a hard disk drive, and stores
various information required to control lighting, just like storage
unit 110 described in Embodiment 1. For example, storage unit 110a
stores association information 111 and authentication related
information 112.
[0076] FIG. 10 illustrates one example of authentication related
information 112 that is stored in storage unit 110a. Authentication
related information 112 is information in which authentication
information (login ID and password) for each user is associated
with network identifiers (SSIDs). Authentication related
information 112 is generated and stored when the authentication
information is setup by the specified user. In the example
illustrated in FIG. 10, for example, the login ID (user x) for a
user who is, for example, an employee of the tenant of the first
location (room X) illustrated in FIG. 1 is associated with the SSID
for controller 200a. Moreover, for example, the login ID (user Y)
for a user who is, for example, an employee of the tenant of the
second location (room Y) is associated with the SSID for controller
200b. In other words, authentication related information 112 is
information in which authentication information for each user is
associated with any one of the network identifiers (SSIDs) included
in association information 111 (see FIG. 3). Accordingly, the
specified user is a user having authorization (predetermined
authorization) to store authentication related information 112 in
lighting control device 100a.
(2-2-2. Authentication Unit 195)
[0077] Authentication unit 195 is implemented as, for example, a
processor that executes the control program. Authentication unit
195 authenticates users using authentication information in
authentication related information 112 stored in storage unit
110a.
[0078] FIG. 11 illustrates one example of a user authentication
screen displayed by display unit 130 in lighting control device
100. User authentication screen 50 illustrated in FIG. 11 includes
input fields 51 and 52 and login button 53 as GUIs. Input field 51
is a field for receiving an input of a user's login ID, and input
field 52 is a field for receiving an input of a user's password.
For example, when login button 53 is pressed, receiving unit 140
notifies authentication unit 195 of the login ID and password
entered in input fields 51 and 52.
[0079] Lighting control device 100a first displays the user
authentication screen on display unit 130, obtains, from
authentication unit 195, the login ID and password entered by the
user via receiving unit 140, and authenticates the user by
referencing the authentication information included in
authentication related information 112. Lighting control device
100a receives user inputs pertaining to lighting control only after
the authentication is successful (after the information obtained
from the user matches authentication information in authentication
related information 112).
(2-2-3. Communication Unit 180a)
[0080] Communication unit 180a is implemented as, for example, a
communication interface and a processor that executes the control
program, and connects to one wireless network from among the
plurality of wireless networks and transmits and receives
information to and from a controller included in the connected
wireless network, just like communication unit 180 described in
Embodiment 1.
[0081] When user authentication is successful in authentication
unit 195, communication unit 180a connects to a wireless network
using the network identifier (SSID) associated with the
authentication information in authentication related information
112 used for the successful user authentication. For example, when
user authentication is successful in authentication unit 195 as a
result of receiving an input of a login ID, etc., of user x from a
user who is, for example, an employee of the tenant of room X,
communication unit 180a wirelessly connects to a wireless network
using the SSID of controller 200a. With this, the user is not
required to separately specify the wireless network to which
lighting control device 100a is to connect to. In other words, the
user can cause lighting control device 100a to connect to the
wireless network of the controller that controls the lighting in
the location corresponding to that user, simply by inputting
authentication information such as a login ID. When user
authentication is successful in authentication unit 195 as a result
of receiving an input of a login ID, etc., of user x from a user
who is, for example, an employee of the tenant of room X, under a
certain condition (for example, in accordance with a user input),
communication unit 180a transmits control information to controller
200a.
(2-2-4. Processing Unit 190a)
[0082] Processing unit 190a is implemented as, for example, a
processor that executes the control program, just like processing
unit 190 according to Embodiment 1. When receiving unit 140
receives a selection input selecting one name from among the
plurality of names in association information 111, processing unit
190a executes a predetermined process related to connection with a
wireless network using the network identifier associated with the
selected name in association information 111.
[0083] Lighting control device 100a has a function of displaying,
via display unit 130, a screen (authentication information settings
screen) for setting authentication information to be used by the
specified user to authenticate each user, and an authentication
information setting function including receiving, via receiving
unit 140, an input from the specified user for setting the
authentication information. One example of an authentication
information settings screen displayed via this authentication
information setting function is illustrated in FIG. 12.
Authentication information settings screen 55 illustrated in FIG.
12 includes input fields for authentication information,
exemplified here as login IDs and passwords, and drop-down list 56.
When drop-down list 56 is selected, choices of names (e.g., room
names) included in association information 111 are displayed.
[0084] After processing unit 190a receives a selection input of a
name from the specified user via receiving unit 140, as the
predetermined process, processing unit 190a associates
authentication information with the SSID associated in association
information 111 with the name pertaining to the selection input
received via receiving unit 140, and stores this as content of
authentication related information 112 in storage unit 110a. For
example, after authentication related information 112 is already
stored in storage unit 110a, lighting control device 100a may
display the authentication information settings screen in
accordance with an input made by the specified user and update the
stored authentication related information 112 when an input is
received.
(2-3. Operations Performed by Lighting Control Device 100a)
[0085] FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating one example of lighting
control processes performed by lighting control device 100a
according to this embodiment. Hereinafter, operations performed by
lighting control device 100a will be described based on FIG. 13.
Here, an example will be given in which the specified user uses
lighting control device 100a to set the names (e.g., room names)
for the SSIDs for controllers 200a through 200c in the locations
illustrated in FIG. 1 and set authentication information (login ID
and password) for each user. For example, the specified user is a
manager of the commercial building including locations occupied by
a plurality of tenants, and the other users are employees of the
tenants.
[0086] When a specified user having predetermined authorization
makes a log-in input, lighting control device 100a performs
authentication on the specified user using a predetermined method
(step S31).
[0087] When the authentication of the specified user is successful,
in response to receipt of an input by the specified user via
receiving unit 140, lighting control device 100a obtains names
(e.g., room names) input in association with the SSIDs of the
controllers on each of the wireless networks (step S32). Next,
lighting control device 100a generates and stores association
information 111 in which the SSIDs and names (e.g., room names) are
respectively associated with each other (step S33). Steps S32 and
S33 are the same as steps S11 and S12 described in Embodiment
1.
[0088] Next, lighting control device 100a displays authentication
information settings screen 55 using display unit 130 (step S34).
The specified user, who is, for example, the manager of the
commercial building, inputs authentication information for each
user, each of whom is, for example, an employee of a tenant, on
authentication information settings screen 55. When the specified
user makes an input (selection) on drop-down list 56 (step S35),
lighting control device 100a displays choices of names (e.g., room
names) included in association information 111, as illustrated in
FIG. 12 (step S36). Next, lighting control device 100a receives a
selection input selection one of the choices of names by the
specified user via receiving unit 140 (step S37). Lighting control
device 100a then stores the authentication information input by the
specified user in association with a SSID using the SSID associated
in association information 111 with the selected name (step S38).
Although partially omitted in FIG. 13, the specified user can input
authentication information for a plurality of users and select
names from drop-down list 56. As a result, authentication related
information 112 such as the example illustrated in FIG. 10 is
stored in storage unit 110a.
[0089] The processes in step S39 and subsequent steps described
below are executed in a state in which the above settings have been
made by the specified user and association information 111 and
authentication related information 112 are stored in storage unit
110a.
[0090] When lighting control device 100a receives a log-in input
made by a user (step S39), authentication unit 195 performs user
authentication using the authentication information in
authentication related information 112 (step S40). If the user
authentication fails, lighting control device 100a returns to a
log-in input stand-by state (step S39).
[0091] When the user authentication is successful in step S40 (step
S41), lighting control device 100a connects to a wireless network
(controller) using the SSID associated in authentication related
information 112 with the authentication information used in the
successful user authentication (step S42). With this, for example,
when an input of a login ID of "user x" is received from a user who
is an employee of the tenant occupying room X in FIG. 1 and the
user authentication is successful, communication unit 180a connects
to controller 200a enters a state in which communication is
possible.
[0092] When lighting control device 100a receives a predetermined
user input for transmitting control information (step S43),
lighting control device 100a transmits control information for
controlling luminaires to the controller on the connected wireless
network (e.g., controller 200a) (step S44). This makes it possible
for, for example, luminaires 30a through 30d in room X to be
controlled by controller 200a. Although omitted in the example
illustrated in FIG. 13, note that lighting control device 100a can
receive, for example, state information from controller 200a and
display, for example, lighting control screen 40 (see FIG. 4).
Lighting control device 100a may prohibit connection to a wireless
network (i.e., changing connection to another wireless network)
using an SSID other than the SSID associated with authentication
information pertaining to the authenticated user in authentication
related information 112. Moreover, lighting control device 100a may
change connection to another wireless network under a certain
condition, for example.
[0093] Moreover, when a log-out input is received from a user,
lighting control device 100a returns to a log-in input stand-by
state (step S39).
[0094] With such lighting control processes, simply by a user
making a login-in input, lighting control device 100a can connect
to a wireless network for controlling the luminaires allowed to be
controlled by that user, thereby making it possible to reduce the
burden placed on the user. Note that the lighting control processes
illustrated in FIG. 13 are mere examples; lighting control device
100a may also perform processes other than those shown in each step
in FIG. 13.
Other Embodiments, Etc
[0095] Hereinbefore, lighting control system 10, etc., have been
described based on Embodiments 1 and 2, but these embodiments are
mere examples; it goes without saying that various changes,
additions, and omissions may be made.
[0096] In the above embodiments, lighting control system 10 is
exemplified as being implemented in a commercial building, but
lighting control system 10 may be implemented in some other kind of
building (such as a house, station building, stadium, or hall).
Moreover, the spatial locations in which the luminaires are
located, such as the first location and the second location
illustrated in FIG. 1, need not necessarily be separated by floors
or rooms; a plurality of spatial locations may exist in a single
room.
[0097] Moreover, in Embodiment 2 described above, an example is
given in which the specified user sets up authentication
information for user authentication for each user belonging to a
different tenant, but "tenant" is merely one example. For example,
the authentication information for each user may simply be
associated with the network identifier, e.g., the SSID of one
controller. Moreover, a single user may have a plurality of login
IDs, for example, and in authentication related information 112,
and each unit of authentication information for the login IDs, for
example, for a single user may be associated with a different
network identifier.
[0098] Moreover, in the above embodiments, controller 200a, for
example, is exemplified as functioning as an access point on a
wireless network (wireless LAN). However, controller 200a, for
example, merely need be a device included in a wireless network,
and need not have a wireless communication function itself. Here, a
device included in a wireless network is a device that is an access
point on a wireless network or a device connected by wire to such a
device.
[0099] Moreover, in the above embodiments, the network identifier
is exemplified as an SSID, but the network identifier may be any
information used to identify and connect to a wireless network. For
example, the network identifier may be an extended service set
identifier (ESSID) or a basic service set identifier (BSSID).
[0100] Moreover, the functional duty of each element (for example,
setting unit 120, display unit 130, receiving unit 140, saving unit
160, loading unit 170, processing unit 190, 190a, communication
unit 180, 180a, authentication unit 195, etc.) included in lighting
control device 100, 100a described in the above embodiments is not
limited to the above examples; the duties may be changed
discretionarily. Moreover, lighting control device 100, 100a may
have a function of communicating with an external server device via
a wide-area network such as the internet, and some functions of
lighting control device 100, 100a may be assigned to that external
server device.
[0101] Moreover, the order in which the processes are executed by
the above-described lighting control system 10 (e.g., the order of
the processes illustrated in FIG. 8 and FIG. 13) are not
necessarily limited to the orders described above. So long as it
does not depart from the scope of the present disclosure, the order
of in which the processes are executed may be rearranged and some
processes may be, for example, omitted. Moreover, some or all of
the processes (the processes illustrated in FIG. 8 and FIG. 13, for
example) may be implemented via hardware, and alternatively may be
implemented using software. In other words, some or all of the
functions of a component (for example, setting unit 120, display
unit 130, receiving unit 140, saving unit 160, loading unit 170,
processing unit 190, 190a, communication unit 180, 180a,
authentication unit 195, etc.) capable of implementing at least one
function of a processor (for example, an integrated circuit capable
of executing a program) included in the above-described lighting
control device 100, 100a may be implemented using, for example, an
integrated circuit without the use of software (i.e., without
executing a program). Moreover, the control program that executes
the processor or processors in lighting control device 100, 100a
may be recorded on a recording medium, and distributed or
circulated, etc. For example, by installing the distributed control
program onto a computer and executing the control program via a
processor, the computer can execute all or some of the processes
illustrated in FIG. 8 and/or FIG. 13.
[0102] Moreover, an embodiment implemented by arbitrarily combining
elements and/or functions exemplified in the above embodiments and
variations falls within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0103] Note that each general and specific aspect of the present
disclosure includes one or a combination of, for example, a device,
system, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and
computer-readable recording medium.
[0104] Hereinafter, configurations, variations, advantageous
effects, etc., of the lighting control device, lighting control
system, and control program according to one aspect of the present
disclosure will be described.
[0105] (1) lighting control device 100, 100a according to one
aspect of the present disclosure controls luminaires 30a through
30l via controllers 200a through 200c that control luminaires 30a
through 30l in accordance with control information (for example,
dimming level information, schedule information, etc.), and
includes: storage unit 110, 110a that stores association
information 111 in which a plurality of names (e.g., room names)
are respectively associated with a plurality of network identifiers
(e.g., SSIDs) for a plurality of wireless networks used to transfer
the control information; communication unit 180, 180a that connects
to one of the plurality of wireless networks and transmits and
receives information to and from a controller (any one of
controllers 200a through 200c) included in the wireless network
that the communication unit is connected to; display unit 130 that
displays the plurality of names in association information 111 in a
manner to be selectable; receiving unit 140 that receives an input
from a user including a selection input of a name selected from the
plurality of names displayed on display unit 130; and processing
unit 190, 190a that, when receiving unit 140 receives the selection
input of one of the plurality of names, executes a predetermined
process relating to connection with one of the plurality of
wireless networks using the network identifier (e.g., SSID)
associated in association information 111 with the name specified
by the selection input. This makes it possible to execute a
predetermined process related to connection with a wireless network
without the user having to remember a network identifier. In other
words, burdens placed on a user associated with operating a
lighting control device that controls luminaires via controllers on
a plurality of wireless networks can be eased.
[0106] (2) For example, lighting control device 100, 100a may
further include setting unit 120 that generates association
information 111 to be stored in storage unit 110, 110a by obtaining
the plurality of names input by the user. Setting unit 120 may
obtain a first name (e.g., "room X") that is related to a first
location (e.g., room X) and is input by the user in association
with a first network identifier (e.g., the SSID of controller 200a)
for a first wireless network among the plurality of wireless
networks that includes a first controller (e.g., controller 200a)
which controls a luminaire (e.g., luminaires 30a through 30d)
located in the first location (e.g., room X), and a second name
(e.g., "room Y") that is related to a second location (e.g., room
Y) different from the first location and is input by the user in
association with a second network identifier (e.g., the SSID of
controller 200b) for a second wireless network among the plurality
of wireless networks that includes a second controller (e.g.,
controller 200b) which controls a luminaire (e.g., luminaires 30e
through 30h) located in the second location (e.g., room Y). Setting
unit 120 may generate association information 111 by associating at
least the first network identifier with the first name and the
second network identifier with the second name. This makes it
possible for the user to predefine easily comprehensible names for
the locations. So long as the user defines an appropriate name
once, thereafter, the user can, for example, precisely select a
wireless network simply by recognizing that name.
[0107] (3) For example, communication unit 180 may receive, from
the controller (e.g., controller 200a) included in the wireless
network that communication unit 180 is connected to, state
information indicating a state of the luminaire (e.g., luminaires
30a through 30d) controlled by the controller. Display unit 130 may
further display lighting control screen 40 showing the state
information received by communication unit 180. When communication
unit 180 connects to the first wireless network and receives the
state information from the first controller (e.g., controller
200a), display unit 130 displays lighting control screen 40 based
on the state information from the first controller (e.g.,
controller 200a), and receiving unit 140 receives the selection
input of the second name (e.g., "room Y") by the user, processing
unit 190 may, as the predetermined process, cause communication
unit 180 to switch connection from the first wireless network to
the second wireless network using the second network identifier.
This makes it possible for the user to promptly switch the wireless
network that lighting control device 100 is connected to by
selecting a name in a state in which lighting control screen 40 is
being displayed. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce burdens
placed on the user associated with controlling luminaires in a
plurality of locations (e.g., room X and room Y in FIG. 1).
[0108] (4) For example, lighting control device 100 may further
include: recording medium 150 for recording the control
information; and saving unit 160 that, in accordance with a save
input made by the user (e.g., pressing of data save button 46, save
button 46d, etc.), record a control file including the control
information onto recording medium 150. Processing unit 190 may, as
the predetermined process, associate, with a control file recorded
on recording medium 150, the network identifier associated in
association information 111 with the name specified by the
selection input received by receiving unit 140. Lighting control
device 100 may further include loading unit 170 that, in accordance
with a load input made by the user (e.g., pressing of data load
button 45, load button 45d, etc.), load one control file recorded
on recording medium 150. When one of the plurality of network
identifiers is associated with the control file loaded by loading
unit 170, communication unit 180 may connect to one of the
plurality of wireless networks using the network identifier
associated with the control file and transmit the control
information included in the control file to the controller included
in the wireless network that communication unit 180 is connected
to. This makes it possible for the user to transmit information in
the control file to the corresponding controller simply by making a
required input for loading the control file, which reduces burdens
placed on the user pertaining to operations.
[0109] (5) For example, when communication unit 180 is connected to
one of the plurality of wireless networks, under a certain
condition (e.g., when a radio button indicating the SSID currently
connected to is selected from screen 46a illustrated in FIG. 5),
saving unit 160 may, upon recording the control file onto recording
medium 150, associate the control file with the network identifier
for the wireless network that communication unit 180 is connected
to. This makes it possible to reduce burdens placed on the user
pertaining to operations for associating a control file with a
network identifier.
[0110] (6) When, in accordance with a load input made by the user,
loading unit 170 causes display unit 130 to display one or more
control files recorded on recording medium 150 in a manner to be
selectable (see FIG. 6), and receives a selection input of one
control file from among the choices of the one or more control
files by the user, loading unit 170 may load the one control file
specified by the selection input. When communication unit 180 is
connected to one of the plurality of wireless networks, under a
certain condition (e.g., when check box 45b is checked), loading
unit 170 may cause display unit 130 to display only the one or more
control files associated with the network identifier for the
wireless network that communication unit 180 is connected to. This
makes it possible for the user to promptly select the desired
control file.
[0111] (7) For example, lighting control device 100 may further
include recording medium 150 for recording the control information;
and saving unit 160 that, in accordance with a save input made by
the user, records a control file including the control information
onto recording medium 150. Upon recording the control file onto
recording medium 150, saving unit 160 may associate the control
file with one of the plurality of network identifiers included in
association information 111. Lighting control device 100 may
further include loading unit 170 that, in accordance with a load
input made by the user, loads one control file recorded on
recording medium 150. When one of the plurality of network
identifiers is associated with the control file loaded by loading
unit 170, communication unit 180 may connect to one of the
plurality of wireless networks using the network identifier
associated with the control file and transmit control information
included in the control file to the controller included in the
wireless network that communication unit 180 is connected to. This
makes it possible for the user to transmit information in the
control file to the corresponding controller simply by making a
required input for loading the control file, which reduces burdens
placed on the user pertaining to operations.
[0112] (8) For example, lighting control device 100a may execute a
function of performing luminaire control only after user
authentication is successful. After receiving unit 140 receives an
input from a specified user having predetermined authorization to
set, for each of users, authentication information used for
authenticating the user (e.g., authorization to store
authentication related information 112 in storage unit 110a),
processing unit 190a may, as the predetermined process, store, in
storage unit 110a, the authentication information in association
with a network identifier associated in association information 111
with a name specified by a selection input made by the specified
user and received by receiving unit 140. Lighting control device
100a may further include authentication unit 195 that authenticates
a user by using the authentication information stored in storage
unit 110a. When the user authentication is successful in
authentication unit 195, communication unit 180a may connect to one
of the plurality of wireless networks using the network identifier
associated with the authentication information used for the user
authentication. This makes it possible for the user to control a
luminaire via lighting control device 100a without even having to
perform a specific input for connecting to a wireless network,
simply by performing an input for carrying out user
authentication.
[0113] (9) For example, lighting control device 100a may execute a
function of performing luminaire control only after user
authentication is successful. Storage unit 110a may further store,
for each of users, authentication information used for
authentication of the user, in association with one of the
plurality of network identifiers included in association
information 111. Lighting control device 100a may further include
authentication unit 195 that authenticates a user by using the
authentication information stored in storage unit 110a. When the
user authentication is successful in authentication unit 195,
communication unit 180a may connect to one of the plurality of
wireless networks using the network identifier associated with the
authentication information used for the user authentication, and
under a certain condition (e.g., in accordance with a user input),
transmit the control information to the controller included in the
wireless network that communication unit 180a is connected to. This
makes it possible for the user to control, for example, a luminaire
used by the user via lighting control device 100a, simply by
performing an input for carrying out user authentication.
[0114] (10) Lighting control system 10 according to one aspect of
the present disclosure that controls luminaires 30a through 30l
includes: a first controller (controller 200a) that controls a
luminaire (luminaires 30a through 30d) located in a first location;
a second controller (controller 200b) that controls a luminaire
(luminaires 30e through 30h) located in a second location different
from the first location; and lighting control device 100, 100a that
transmits control information to one of the first controller and
the second controller to control the luminaire via the one of the
first controller and the second controller. Lighting control device
100, 100a includes: communication unit 180, 180a that connects to,
and transmits the control information via, one of a first wireless
network including the first controller and a second wireless
network including the second controller; storage unit 110, 110a
that stores association information 111 in which a first network
identifier (e.g., the SSID for controller 200a) for the first
wireless network is associated with a first name related to the
first location and a second network identifier (e.g., the SSID for
controller 200b) for the second wireless network is associated with
a second name related to the second location; display unit 130 that
displays the first name and the second name in association
information 111 in a manner to be selectable; receiving unit 140
that receives an input from a user including a selection input of a
name selected from the first name and the second name displayed on
display unit 130; and processing unit 190, 190a that, when
receiving unit 140 receives the selection input of the name,
executes a predetermined process relating to connection with one of
the plurality of wireless networks using the network identifier
associated in the association information with the name specified
by the selection input. Whereas network identifiers such as SSIDs
are difficult to remember, so long as the user appropriately
defines the first name and the second name so as to be easily
recognizable, the user can relatively simply cause lighting control
device 100 to execute a predetermined process related to connection
with a wireless network by selecting the first name or the second
name.
[0115] (11) A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium
according to one aspect of the present disclosure has a control
program (e.g., an application program for controlling lighting)
recorded thereon for causing a lighting control device to execute a
lighting control method. The lighting control device includes a
storage unit (e.g., a storage medium such as memory) and a
microprocessor and controls a plurality of luminaires via a
plurality of controllers that control the plurality of luminaires
in accordance with control information. The lighting control
process includes: obtaining a first name (e.g., "room X") that is
related to a first location (e.g., room X) and is input by a user
in association with a first network identifier (e.g., the SSID for
controller 200a) for a first wireless network among the plurality
of wireless networks that includes a first controller (e.g.,
controller 200a) which controls a luminaire (luminaires 30a through
30d) located in the first location, and a second name (e.g., "room
Y") that is related to a second location (e.g., room Y) different
from the first location and is input by the user in association
with a second network identifier (e.g., the SSID for controller
200b) for a second wireless network among the plurality of wireless
networks that includes a second controller (e.g., controller 200b)
which controls a luminaire (e.g., luminaires 30e through 30h)
located in the second location (steps S11, S32); generating
association information 111 in which the first network identifier
is associated with the first name and the second network identifier
is associated with the second name, and storing association
information 111 in the storage unit (steps S12, S33); displaying
the first name and the second name in association information 111
in a manner to be selectable (steps S14, S36); receiving an input
from the user including a selection input of a name selected from
the first name and the second name displayed (steps S15, S37); when
the selection input of the name is received in the receiving,
executing a predetermined process relating to connection with one
of the plurality of wireless networks using the network identifier
associated in association information 111 with the name specified
by the selection input (steps S16, S38); and when connected to one
of the plurality of wireless networks, transmitting the control
information to the controller included in the wireless network
connected to (steps S18, S44). Installing this program onto a
computer and executing the program using the computer makes it
possible to reduce burdens placed on a user that wishes to control
luminaires via controllers on a plurality of wireless networks.
* * * * *