JP7634178B2 - Setting machine, lighting system, search method, and program - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a setting machine, a lighting system, a search method, and a program.

Patent document 1 discloses a wireless system that performs pairing settings between a wireless adapter and a wireless device such as a lighting fixture that wirelessly communicates with the wireless adapter.

This wireless system includes a wireless adapter that pairs with at least one wireless device, and a setting device that determines pairing with one or more wireless devices for each of the multiple wireless adapters.

JP 2020-5209 A

In conventional wireless systems, after installing multiple lighting fixtures in a facility, an operator may perform mapping settings to create a lighting distribution diagram according to the placement of the multiple lighting fixtures while checking the locations of the multiple lighting fixtures, and then perform pairing settings between the multiple lighting devices and access points. However, in large facilities, multiple wireless systems consisting of multiple lighting fixtures and wireless adapters may be installed. In such cases, since pairing settings may be performed for more than a thousand devices in large facilities, it is possible that a lighting fixture may be mistakenly paired with another wireless system. If a lighting fixture is mistakenly paired, it is necessary to find the lighting fixture that is paired with the other wireless system. In this case, one method is to forcibly cancel the pairing settings of all lighting fixtures and then redo the pairing settings, but such corrections require time and effort.

The present disclosure therefore aims to provide a setting machine, lighting system, search method, and program that can easily discover lighting devices that have been erroneously paired.

In order to achieve the above object, a setting machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a setting machine capable of setting a pairing between a plurality of lighting devices and a controller capable of controlling the plurality of lighting devices, wherein each of the plurality of lighting devices can be set to be paired with one of the controllers, and the setting machine has a function of searching whether the plurality of lighting devices are set to be paired with a controller other than the controller by changing a lighting state of at least some of the plurality of lighting devices after setting to be paired , and a function of selecting a unique address to identify a lighting device that has been erroneously set to be paired with the other controller based on a search result; The setting machine executes a search function and a unique address selection function to perform a first selection to select unique addresses of n/2 lighting devices which are a part of the total number n (n is a natural number equal to or greater than 3 ) of lighting devices for which the controller and the plurality of lighting devices are paired , and if the n/2 lighting devices are two or more lighting devices, the setting machine changes the lighting states of the n/2 lighting devices selected in the first selection via the controller, so that if one or more lighting devices of the n/2 lighting devices are paired with a controller other than the controller, the setting machine further selects from the n/2 lighting devices selected in the first selection A second selection is performed to select unique addresses of 1/2 of the lighting devices, and if the n/2 lighting devices are one or more lighting devices, the setting machine changes the lighting states of the n/2 lighting devices that have been first selected via the controller, so that if the one or more lighting devices are not paired with a controller other than the controller, the setting machine performs a second selection to select unique addresses of a further part of the lighting devices from among the remaining two or more lighting devices that have not been selected in the first selection .

In order to achieve the above object, a lighting system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of lighting devices, a controller capable of controlling the plurality of lighting devices, and a setting machine capable of setting a pairing between the controller and each of the plurality of lighting devices, the setting machine having a function of selecting at least some of the plurality of lighting devices after setting the pairing , and searching for whether the plurality of lighting devices have been paired with a controller other than the controller by changing a lighting state of the selected some of the lighting devices , and a function of selecting a unique address to identify a lighting device that has been erroneously paired with the other controller based on a search result. The setting machine executes a search function and a unique address selection function to perform a first selection to select unique addresses of n/2 lighting devices which are a part of the total number n (n is a natural number equal to or greater than 3 ) of lighting devices for which the controller and the plurality of lighting devices are paired , and if the n/2 lighting devices are two or more lighting devices, the setting machine changes the lighting states of the n/2 lighting devices selected in the first selection via the controller, so that if one or more lighting devices of the n/2 lighting devices are paired with a controller other than the controller, the setting machine further selects from among the n/2 lighting devices selected in the first selection A second selection is performed to select unique addresses of 1/2 of the lighting devices, and if the n/2 lighting devices are one or more lighting devices, the setting machine changes the lighting states of the n/2 lighting devices that have been first selected via the controller, so that if the one or more lighting devices are not paired with a controller other than the controller, the setting machine performs a second selection to select unique addresses of a further part of the lighting devices from among the remaining two or more lighting devices that have not been selected in the first selection .

In order to achieve the above object, a search method according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a search method capable of pairing a plurality of lighting devices with a controller capable of controlling the plurality of lighting devices, wherein each of the plurality of lighting devices is capable of being paired with one of the controllers, and after the pairing is set, a lighting state of at least some of the plurality of lighting devices is changed to search for whether the plurality of lighting devices are paired with a controller other than the controller , and a unique address is selected based on a search result to identify a lighting device that has been erroneously paired with the other controller. a first selection for selecting unique addresses of n/2 lighting devices which are a part of the total number n (n is a natural number equal to or greater than 3 ) of lighting devices for which the controller and the plurality of lighting devices are paired , and if the n/2 lighting devices are two or more lighting devices, a lighting state of the first selected n/2 lighting devices is changed via the controller, and if one or more lighting devices of the n/2 lighting devices are paired with a controller other than the controller, from among the n/2 lighting devices selected in the first selection, A second selection is performed to select unique addresses of 1/2 of the lighting devices, and if the n/2 lighting devices are one or more lighting devices, a lighting state of the n/2 lighting devices selected in the first selection is changed via the controller, and if the one or more lighting devices are not set in the pairing setting with another controller other than the controller, a second selection is performed to select unique addresses of some of the lighting devices from the remaining two or more lighting devices that were not selected in the first selection .

In order to achieve the above object, a program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute a search method.

The lighting system etc. disclosed herein can easily detect lighting devices that have been erroneously paired.

FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of a lighting system according to an embodiment. FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating a lighting system according to an embodiment. FIG. 1C is a diagram showing a state in which a search mode of a lighting system according to an embodiment is executed. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a method for correcting pairing settings when a lighting device is erroneously paired with a lighting controller of a different hierarchical level. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating the processing of the lighting system according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the process of the setting machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display unit when the search mode is being executed. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of another image displayed on the display unit when the search mode is being executed. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a lighting system according to another modified example.

The following describes the embodiments in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection forms, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. In addition, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in an independent claim are described as optional components.

Note that each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a precise illustration. In addition, in each figure, the same reference numerals are used for substantially the same configurations, and duplicate explanations may be omitted or simplified.

The following describes the embodiment in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment)
<Configuration: Lighting system 1>
First, the configurations of the setting machine 10, the lighting system 1, the search method, and the program according to the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of a lighting system 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a lighting system 1 according to an embodiment. In FIG. 1B, the wireless controller 29 is omitted.

As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the lighting system 1 is a system that can control multiple lighting devices 30 arranged in each indoor space, such as each floor or each room, in a facility such as a building.

In the lighting system 1 of the present embodiment, one or more of the lighting devices 30 are paired with one of the lighting controllers 20 to collectively control the one or more lighting devices 30. In addition, when there are multiple lighting controllers 20, the lighting system 1 collectively controls the multiple lighting devices 30 that are paired with the multiple lighting controllers 20. In the lighting system 1, mapping is performed to link (associate) each of the multiple lighting devices 30 with the positions of the multiple lighting devices 30 that are actually installed. Here, the mapping is to link position information, which is information indicating the positions of each of the multiple lighting devices 30 that are actually installed, with the unique addresses of each of the multiple lighting devices 30 shown in the lighting arrangement diagram 13a in FIG. 5 and the like described later.

In this way, the lighting system 1 can individually or collectively control multiple sets of systems, each set being a system in which one or more lighting devices 30 and one lighting controller 20 are paired.

The control of the multiple lighting devices 30 includes, for example, changing the lighting schedule, dimming level, and color adjustment level. In this embodiment, one of the indoor spaces is illustrated as an example. Although the example shows a case where one or more lighting devices 30 are arranged in one indoor space, unless otherwise specified, the description will focus on one lighting device 30 out of the one or more lighting devices 30.

The lighting system 1 includes a wireless controller 29, a lighting controller 20, a plurality of lighting devices 30, and a setting machine 10. Note that in this embodiment, the lighting system 1 is configured to include a plurality of lighting controllers 20, but may also be configured to include a single lighting controller 20.

In the lighting system 1, pairing and mapping are performed using the setting machine 10. For this reason, the setting machine 10 is capable of communicating with the wireless controller 29 and the multiple lighting controllers 20. Furthermore, each of the multiple lighting controllers 20 is capable of communicating with one or more of the multiple lighting devices 30. Note that the setting machine 10 may be able to perform pairing settings between the lighting devices 30 and the lighting controller 20, mapping settings, and control the lighting devices 30 by directly communicating with each of the multiple lighting controllers 20. Note that in this case, the lighting system 1 does not need to be equipped with a wireless controller 29.

The lighting controller 20 and the wireless controller 29 may be configured as a single communication device. In this case, the lighting system 1 may include multiple communication devices.

[Wireless Controller 29]
The wireless controller 29 is configured to be able to communicate with each of the multiple lighting controllers 20. Specifically, the wireless controller 29 is wiredly connected to the lighting controller 20 by a two-wire signal line. That is, the wireless controller 29 is configured to be able to communicate bidirectionally with each of the multiple lighting controllers 20 by wired communication. In this embodiment, communication is performed between the wireless controller 29 and each of the multiple lighting controllers 20 by a transmission signal consisting of, for example, a bipolar time division multiplexed signal. For example, the wireless controller 29 transmits a transmission signal to each of the multiple lighting controllers 20 via the signal line. In addition, the wireless controller 29 receives a transmission signal from each of the multiple lighting controllers 20 via the signal line. The wireless controller 29 communicates with each of the multiple lighting controllers 20, and outputs control information, for example, as a transmission signal, to collectively or individually control a plurality of sets of one or more lighting devices 30 that are paired with the lighting controller 20. This allows the wireless controller 29 to control the multiple lighting devices 30 via each of the multiple lighting controllers 20, for example by changing the schedule, dimming level, and color adjustment level of the lighting devices 30.

[Setting machine 10]
The setting machine 10 is a portable terminal such as a tablet terminal or a smartphone. The setting machine 10 is configured to be able to transmit and receive signals bidirectionally by wireless communication between the plurality of lighting controllers 20, between the plurality of lighting devices 30, and between the wireless controller 29. In this embodiment, the communication method between the lighting controller 20 and the setting machine 10, and between the lighting devices 30 and the setting machine 10 is, for example, a short-distance wireless communication such as Zigbee (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication, or a communication method using a specific low-power radio.

The setting machine 10 also displays a setting image for setting up pairing between the lighting controller 20 and one or more lighting devices 30, and a lighting arrangement diagram 13a for setting up mapping.

The setting machine 10 also performs pairing settings between each of the multiple lighting controllers 20 and one or more of the multiple lighting devices 30, in response to operation input by the operator. That is, the setting machine 10 determines pairing for each of the multiple lighting controllers 20 with one or more of the multiple lighting devices 30 that can communicate with the lighting controller 20. For example, the setting machine 10 extracts one or more lighting devices 30 that can communicate with one lighting controller 20 from the multiple lighting devices 30. The setting machine 10 performs this extraction for each of the multiple lighting controllers 20. In response to operation input by the operator, the setting machine 10 determines one or more lighting devices 30 to be paired with the lighting controller 20 from all lighting devices 30 extracted as candidates for pairing settings.

After the lighting device 30 has been mapped or paired, the setting machine 10 may generate control information by receiving operational input from an operator, or obtain control information from an external device, store the control information, and control the lighting device 30 according to the stored control information.

In this embodiment, the setting machine 10 performs mapping settings and pairing settings with the lighting device 30 via the lighting controller 20. The setting machine 10 may also perform mapping settings and pairing settings with the lighting device 30 via the wireless controller 29 and the lighting controller 20.

The setting machine 10 can also perform mapping settings that link location information, which is information indicating the location of each of the one or more lighting devices 30, with the unique addresses of the one or more lighting devices 30 shown in the lighting arrangement drawing 13a. For example, when performing mapping settings, the worker can recognize the unique addresses of the lighting devices 30 and the positions of the lighting devices 30 by selecting the unique addresses of the lighting devices 30 displayed on the display unit 13 of the setting machine 10 and changing the lighting state of at least some of the one or more lighting devices 30 that correspond to the selected unique address. Then, the worker operates the setting machine 10 to perform settings that link the location information of the lighting devices 30 with the unique addresses of the lighting devices 30 whose lighting state has been changed.

In addition, in pairing setting between one or more lighting devices 30 and a lighting controller 20, the setting machine 10 searches whether one or more lighting devices 30 are paired with a lighting controller 20 other than the lighting controller 20 by changing the lighting state of at least some of the one or more lighting devices 30. In other words, the setting machine 10 searches for a lighting device 30 that has been erroneously paired by executing a search mode for searching for a lighting device 30 that has been erroneously paired. The other lighting controller 20 is an example of a different controller.

Specifically, the setting machine 10 selects at least some of the lighting devices 30 out of the total number n (n is a natural number) of lighting devices 30 that are paired from the list in which the lighting controller 20 and one or more lighting devices 30 that constitute the lighting device 30 group shown in the lighting arrangement drawing 13a are paired, that is, performs a first selection to select the unique addresses of the lighting devices 30 (however, the number is rounded up to the nearest whole number). In this embodiment, in the first selection, 1/2 of the total number n of lighting devices 30 that are paired, that is, performs a first selection to select the unique addresses of the lighting devices 30 (however, the number is rounded up to the nearest whole number). Note that the setting machine 10 may display the list by dividing the list into one or more lighting devices 30 corresponding to each lighting controller 20, or may display all of the multiple lighting devices 30 corresponding to the multiple lighting controllers 20 in the list.

As shown in FIG. 1C, when the setting machine 10 executes the search mode, it changes the lighting state of the first selected n/2 lighting devices 30 via the lighting controller 20. That is, the setting machine 10 outputs an instruction (lighting state change instruction) for changing the lighting state of the first selected n/2 lighting devices 30 via the lighting controller 20. Changing the lighting state of the lighting devices 30 means, for example, turning on or blinking the n/2 lighting devices 30 if they are off, or turning off, blinking, changing the color temperature, or changing the brightness if the n/2 lighting devices 30 are on. FIG. 1C is a diagram showing the execution of the search mode of the lighting system 1 according to the embodiment.

In addition, the setting machine 10, after changing the lighting state of the n/2 lighting devices 30 selected in the first selection via the lighting controller 20, selects a further 1/2 of the lighting devices 30 from among the n/2 lighting devices 30 selected in the first selection or the remaining (non-selected) n/2 lighting devices 30 that were not selected in the first selection, that is, performs a second selection to select the unique addresses of the lighting devices 30 (however, the number of devices is rounded up to the nearest whole number). In other words, when the setting machine 10 changes the lighting state of the n/2 lighting devices 30 selected in the first selection via the lighting controller 20, if the lighting state of one or more of the n/2 lighting devices 30 does not change (respond), it selects n/4 lighting devices 30 (second selection) which is half of the n/2 lighting devices 30 included in the first selection (however, the number of devices is rounded up to the nearest whole number). The setting machine 10 outputs a lighting state change instruction to change the lighting state of the second selected lighting device 30 via the lighting controller 20.

In this way, the setting machine 10 repeats the process of selecting lighting devices 30 by halving the number of lighting devices 30 each time the second selection is performed. Furthermore, if the lighting state of one or more of the n/2 lighting devices 30 has not changed after the setting machine 10 has selected n/4 lighting devices 30, the setting machine 10 selects n/8 lighting devices 30, which is a further halving (however, decimals are rounded up). The setting machine 10 repeats the second selection by the operator's operation input until it narrows down the lighting devices 30 whose lighting state has not changed. n is the number of times the second selection has been repeated and is a natural number equal to or greater than 1.

In addition, when the setting machine 10 outputs a lighting state change instruction to change the lighting state of the first selected n/2 lighting devices 30, if the lighting state of all of the n/2 lighting devices 30 changes, the worker can visually recognize this, and by operating the setting machine 10, a second selection is performed to select a further 1/2 of the remaining n/2 lighting devices 30 that were not selected in the first selection (however, decimals are rounded up). In other words, if the lighting state of all of the n/2 lighting devices 30 changes, this indicates that the pairing setting is correctly performed for the first selected lighting devices 30, and the setting machine 10 can then search for whether the remaining n/2 lighting devices 30 are correctly paired.

By repeating such a search, even if a lighting device 30 is erroneously paired, it is possible to reliably narrow down the lighting device 30 that has been erroneously paired from among the multiple lighting devices 30 that have been paired, thereby minimizing the search for the lighting device 30 that has been erroneously paired.

After the lighting device 30 is paired, the setting machine 10 may generate control information by receiving operational input from an operator, or obtain control information from an external device, store the control information, and control the lighting device 30 according to the stored control information.

The setting device 10 has a first communication unit 11, a first memory unit 12, a display unit 13, an operation input unit 14, and a first processing unit 15.

The first communication unit 11 is a communication interface for communicating with each of the multiple lighting controllers 20 and each of the multiple lighting devices 30. The communication method used by the first communication unit 11 is, for example, a short-range wireless communication, infrared communication, or mobile communication for a mobile phone.

The first storage unit 12 stores a program to be executed by the first processing unit 15. The program includes the above-mentioned search mode. The first storage unit 12 may also periodically store acquired control information, etc. The first storage unit 12 also stores, as information used for mapping settings and pairing settings, for example, a lighting arrangement diagram 13a, and identification information that is the unique address of each of the multiple lighting devices 30, and identification information that is the unique address of each of the multiple lighting controllers 20. The identification information of the lighting device 30 is, for example, a MAC (Media Access Control address) address that is assigned in advance to the lighting device 30. The identification information of the lighting controller 20 is, for example, a MAC address, a communication address, etc. that is assigned in advance to the lighting controller 20.

The first storage unit 12 is composed of an electrically rewritable non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory. Therefore, the first storage unit 12 includes primary storage devices such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The first storage unit 12 may also include secondary storage devices such as a flash memory, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and a SSD (Solid State Drive), and tertiary storage devices such as an optical disk and an SD card.

The display unit 13 is, for example, a display such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel. The display unit 13 displays, for example, a list of one or more lighting controllers 20 from among the multiple lighting controllers 20 that have been extracted as candidates for pairing setting between one or more of the multiple lighting devices 30 and the lighting controller 20. This allows the worker to select one or more lighting controllers 20 from among the multiple lighting controllers 20 and view multiple lighting distribution drawings 13a, etc., at the same time.

The display unit 13 displays on the screen a lighting distribution diagram 13a, which is a diagram showing the layout of each of the above-mentioned indoor spaces, and a virtual arrangement of the multiple lighting devices 30 and multiple lighting controllers 20. In other words, the display unit 13 displays the lighting distribution diagram 13a, setting images for mapping settings and pairing settings, and the like. The worker checks the lighting distribution diagram 13a displayed on the display unit 13 to check whether the mapping settings of the multiple lighting devices 30 are correct, whether the pairing settings between the multiple lighting devices 30 and the multiple lighting controllers 20 are correct, and to control the multiple lighting devices 30. When an icon shown in the lighting distribution diagram 13a is selected, the display unit 13 highlights it.

The display unit 13 can also switch between lighting arrangement diagrams 13a, etc. by switching the display of icons. For example, it can switch between lighting arrangement diagrams 13a, etc. that show one or more lighting devices 30 paired with each lighting controller 20.

The display unit 13 is, for example, a display such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel. The display unit 13 displays, for example, a list of one or more lighting controllers 20 from among the multiple lighting controllers 20 that have been extracted as candidates for pairing setting between one or more of the multiple lighting devices 30 and a lighting controller 20.

The operation input unit 14 is an input interface that accepts operation input from the worker. Specifically, when the operation input unit 14 is equipped with a touch panel display, the touch panel display functions as the display unit 13 and the operation input unit 14. Note that the operation input unit 14 is not limited to a touch panel display, and may be, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, a mechanical switch, etc.

In addition, when the search mode is being executed, if there is a lighting device 30 that has been erroneously paired, the operation input unit 14 accepts an operation input indicating an instruction to repeat the second selection, and if there is no lighting device 30 that has been erroneously paired, accepts an operation input indicating an instruction to end the second selection.

For example, when the search mode is executed, the worker can execute the first selection and the second selection by tapping an icon displayed on the display unit 13 and inputting an operation to the operation input unit 14. Also, when the search mode is executed, the worker can execute the first selection and the second selection by selecting a dialogue displayed on the display unit 13 and inputting an operation to the operation input unit 14.

When changing the pairing setting from another lighting controller 20 paired with the lighting device 30 to the original lighting controller 20 after erroneous pairing, the operation input unit 14 can correct the pairing setting from the other lighting controller 20 to the original lighting controller 20, for example by accepting operation input from an operator. This allows a lighting device 30 that has been erroneously paired with another lighting controller 20 to be paired with the original lighting controller 20.

In addition, when all lighting devices 30 and the lighting controller 20 are correctly paired, the operation input unit 14 accepts operation input from the worker and outputs instructions to generate control information, instructions to obtain control information from an external device, etc. to the first processing unit 15.

The first processing unit 15 is a control circuit that controls each part of the setting machine 10. The first processing unit 15 has a processor, etc., and performs various controls by the processor executing a program stored in the first storage unit 12. The processor is composed of an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or an SOC (System on a Chip), etc.

As a pre-processing step for attempting pairing setup, the first processing unit 15 broadcasts a request signal via the first communication unit 11, which request transmission of the unique addresses of each of the multiple lighting devices 30 and includes identification information of the setting machine 10. In response to the request signal, the first processing unit 15 acquires the unique addresses of each of the multiple lighting devices 30 via the first communication unit 11.

In addition, as a pre-processing step before attempting pairing setup, the first processing unit 15 broadcasts a request signal, which is a signal requesting transmission of the unique addresses of each of the multiple lighting controllers 20, via the first communication unit 11. In response to the request signal, the first processing unit 15 acquires the unique addresses of each of the multiple lighting controllers 20 via the first communication unit 11.

In addition, the first processing unit 15 can execute the above-mentioned search mode by the operation input unit 14 accepting operation input.

[Lighting controller 20]
The lighting controller 20, together with the wireless controller 29, is an access point that communicatively connects one or more lighting devices 30 and the setting machine 10, a wireless adapter, etc. The lighting controller 20 is provided in each of a plurality of pre-defined areas. For example, a lighting controller 20 is provided for each of a plurality of areas, such as a room, floor, etc., in a facility. Thus, the lighting controller 20 can control one or more lighting devices 30 arranged in each area. The lighting controller 20 is one example of a controller.

The lighting controller 20 is configured to be capable of bidirectionally transmitting and receiving signals via wireless communication with one or more lighting devices 30. In other words, the lighting controller 20 performs wired communication with the wireless controller 29, and wireless communication with one or more lighting devices 30 and with the setting machine 10. When the wireless controller 29 controls a lighting device 30, the lighting controller 20 receives control information transmitted by the wireless controller 29, and transmits the received control information to one or more lighting devices 30 that are paired with the lighting controller 20.

The lighting controller 20 has a second communication unit 22, a second processing unit 23, and a second memory unit 24. Although not shown, the lighting controller 20 also has a wired communication unit for communicating with the wireless controller 29. The wired communication unit is connected to the wireless controller 29 via a signal line so that it can communicate via wired communication. The wired communication unit transmits and receives transmission signals in both directions via wired communication with the wireless controller 29.

The second communication unit 22 is a communication interface for communicating with the setting machine 10 and with the multiple lighting devices 30. The second communication unit 22 transmits and receives signals bidirectionally via wireless communication between the setting machine 10 and with one or more of the multiple lighting devices 30. The communication method used by the second communication unit 22 is, for example, a communication method such as short-range wireless communication, infrared communication, or mobile communication for a mobile phone.

The second processing unit 23 is a control circuit that controls each part of the lighting controller 20, such as the second communication unit 22. The second processing unit 23 has a processor, etc., and performs various controls by the processor executing a program stored in the second storage unit 24. The processor is composed of an MPU, a CPU, a DSP, an SOC, etc.

When the second processing unit 23 receives a request signal from the setting machine 10 via the second communication unit 22 during pairing setup, it transmits the unique address of the lighting controller 20 stored in the second memory unit 24 to the setting machine 10 via the second communication unit 22 in response to the request signal.

The second storage unit 24 stores programs and the like to be executed by the second processing unit 23. The second storage unit 24 also stores the lighting distribution diagram 13a, the unique address of the lighting controller 20, and the like. The second storage unit 24 also stores setting information and the like related to the lighting device 30 that has been set as a mapping setting and a pairing setting.

The second storage unit 24 is composed of, for example, an electrically rewritable non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory. Therefore, the second storage unit 24 includes, for example, a primary storage device such as a RAM and a ROM. The second storage unit 24 may also include a secondary storage device such as an HDD or SSD, or a tertiary storage device such as an optical disk or an SD card.

[Lighting device 30]
The lighting device 30 is a base light or the like that is installed on the ceiling of an indoor space to illuminate the indoor space, and light emission is controlled by the lighting controller 20. Communication between the lighting device 30 and the lighting controller 20 is, for example, wireless communication, but may also be wired communication. The form of the lighting device 30 is not particularly limited, and may be a ceiling light, a downlight, a spotlight, or the like.

The lighting device 30 has a dimming control function and a color adjustment control function. Specifically, the lighting device 30 changes the luminance (brightness) and light color (color temperature) of the light that the lighting device 30 irradiates.

The lighting device 30 has a light-emitting module 31, a third processing unit 32, a third memory unit 33, a third communication unit 34, and a power supply unit 35.

The light-emitting module 31 has one or more light-emitting elements. In this embodiment, a plurality of light-emitting modules 31 are provided. The light-emitting element is, for example, a surface mount device (SMD) type LED element in which an LED (Light Emitting Diode) is packaged. The light-emitting module 31 emits light according to an instruction from the third processing unit 32 based on the control information. The control information is information including various parameters for controlling the lighting of the lighting device 30. The light-emitting module 31 has light-emitting elements of three colors, RGB, and emits three monochromatic lights of red light, blue light, and green light, and also emits colored light or white light obtained by dimming these three monochromatic lights.

The third processing unit 32 is a control circuit that controls each part of the lighting device 30. The third processing unit 32 has a processor, etc., and performs various controls by the processor executing a program stored in the third storage unit 33. The processor is composed of an MPU, a CPU, a DSP, an SOC, etc. In addition, the program may include control information.

The third processing unit 32 controls the light-emitting module 31. Specifically, the third processing unit 32 acquires control information and controls the light emission mode of the light emitted by the light-emitting module 31 so that the light is lit in a light emission mode according to the acquired control information. For example, the third processing unit 32 controls the light emitted by the light-emitting module 31 to be turned on and off, to change the brightness, or to change the light color. The control information may be acquired from an external device via the third communication unit 34, or may be acquired from the third memory unit 33.

When the third processing unit 32 receives a request signal from the setting machine 10 via the second communication unit 22, it transmits the unique address, such as the MAC address, of the lighting device 30 stored in the third memory unit 33 to the setting machine 10 via the third communication unit 34 in response to the request signal.

The third storage unit 33 stores a program to be executed by the third processing unit 32. The third storage unit 33 also periodically stores acquired control information and the like. The third storage unit 33 also stores unique addresses such as the MAC address of the lighting device 30 as information used for pairing settings.

The third storage unit 33 is composed of, for example, an electrically rewritable non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory. Therefore, the third storage unit 33 includes, for example, a primary storage device such as a RAM and a ROM. The third storage unit 33 may also include a secondary storage device such as an HDD or SSD, and a tertiary storage device such as an optical disk or an SD card.

The third communication unit 34 has a function of communicating with the lighting controller 20 and the setting machine 10. Specifically, the third communication unit 34 receives control information for controlling the light emission mode of the lighting device 30 from the lighting controller 20 or the setting machine 10. The control information received by the third communication unit 34 is stored in the third storage unit 33 by the third processing unit 32. The communication method used by the third communication unit 34 is, for example, a communication method such as short-range wireless communication, infrared communication, or mobile communication for a mobile phone.

The power supply unit 35 supplies power to each component of the lighting device 30. The power supply unit 35 is, for example, a power supply circuit in which multiple electronic components are mounted on a printed circuit board. The power supply unit 35 generates, for example, drive power as power for making the light-emitting module 31 emit light. Specifically, the power supply unit 35 converts commercial AC power into DC power, generates drive power for making the light-emitting module 31 emit light using this DC power, and supplies the generated drive power to the light-emitting module 31 to make the light-emitting module 31 emit light.

As shown in FIG. 2, a set of systems A and B, in which one or more lighting devices 30 and one lighting controller 20 are paired, may be installed on each of multiple floors. FIG. 2 shows a method for correcting the pairing setting when a lighting device 30 is erroneously paired with a lighting controller 20 on a different floor.

At this time, if the lighting device 30 on the 2nd floor is mistakenly paired with the lighting controller 20 on the 1st floor, the worker needs to search for the lighting device 30 that is mistakenly paired from the 2nd floor. For example, the lighting device 30 and the lighting controller 20 use a frequency of 920 MHz, but the lighting controller 20 and the setting machine 10 communicate using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc., so the setting machine 10 located on the 2nd floor may not be able to directly communicate with the lighting controller 20 on the 1st floor. Therefore, the worker is made to be able to search for the lighting device 30 using the system A on the 1st floor. Specifically, the worker uses the setting machine 10 to upload the setting information in the system A to the system B on the 2nd floor. This allows the setting machine 10 to access the lighting controller 20 of the system A on the 1st floor via the lighting controller 20 of the system B on the 2nd floor. Therefore, the setting machine 10 is able to output a lighting state change instruction to change the lighting state to the lighting device 30 on the 2nd floor via the system B on the 2nd floor and the system A on the 1st floor in order.

<Processing>
Next, the setting machine 10, the lighting system 1, the search method, and the program processing according to the present embodiment will be described.

[Operation example 1]
Here, a case where one or more of the multiple lighting devices 30 are paired with one lighting controller 20 and then the paired lighting device 30 is searched for will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating the processing of the lighting system 1 according to the embodiment.

When an operator operates the setting machine 10, the setting machine 10 executes a search mode to search for a lighting device 30 that has been erroneously paired (S11).

The setting machine 10 performs a first selection (S12) to select the unique addresses of 1/2 of the total number n of lighting devices 30 that are paired from a list in which the lighting controller 20 is paired with one or more lighting devices 30 that make up the group of lighting devices 30 shown in the lighting distribution drawing 13a.

The setting machine 10 outputs, via the lighting controller 20, a lighting state change instruction, which is an instruction to change the lighting state of the first selected n/2 lighting devices 30 (S13).

Of the n/2 lighting devices 30, the lighting device 30 that has received the lighting state change instruction changes its lighting state (S14).

In this way, the worker can visually recognize whether or not there is a lighting device 30 that has been erroneously paired by comparing the n/2 lighting devices 30 displayed on the display unit 13 with the lighting device 30 whose lighting state has changed in order to check the lighting state of the first selected lighting device 30. For example, the worker can recognize that there is a lighting device 30 that has been erroneously paired when there are an insufficient number of lighting devices 30 whose lighting state has changed, or when a lighting device 30 whose lighting state should have changed does not change.

Here, the setting machine 10 displays information on the display unit 13 indicating whether or not to continue the search mode. If the erroneously paired lighting device 30 can be identified, the worker ends the search for the erroneously paired lighting device 30. That is, the worker selects to end the search mode via the operation input unit 14 of the setting machine 10. Also, if the erroneously paired lighting device 30 cannot be identified, the worker continues the search mode. If the worker wants to continue the search for the erroneously paired lighting device 30, he or she selects to continue the search mode via the operation input unit 14 of the setting machine 10.

When the illumination state of at least some of the first selected n/2 lighting devices 30 has not changed (first loop), the operator continues to search for the erroneously paired lighting device 30. That is, the setting machine 10 continues the search mode (S15a). The setting machine 10 determines that it has acquired information indicating that the illumination state of at least some of the first selected n/2 lighting devices 30 has not changed, and performs a second selection to select the unique addresses of 1/2 lighting devices 30 from the first selected n/2 lighting devices 30 (S16a). Then, the setting machine 10 outputs an illumination state change instruction, which is an instruction to change the illumination state of the n/4 lighting devices 30 selected in step S16a (S13a). The illumination device 30 that has acquired the illumination state change instruction among the n/4 lighting devices 30 in step S16a changes its illumination state (S14a).

In this way, the first loop process is selectively repeated until the lighting device 30 that has been erroneously paired can be identified.

Also, even if the lighting state of all the n/2 lighting devices 30 selected in the first selection has changed (second loop), the operator continues to search for the lighting device 30 that has been erroneously paired. That is, the setting machine 10 continues the search mode (S15b). The setting machine 10 determines that it has acquired information indicating that the lighting state of the n/2 lighting devices 30 selected in the first selection has changed, and selects the unique addresses of n/4 lighting devices 30, which is half of the remaining n/2 lighting devices 30 that were not selected in the first selection, that is, the non-selected lighting devices 30 (second selection) (S16b). Then, the setting machine 10 outputs a lighting state change instruction, which is an instruction to change the lighting state of the n/4 lighting devices 30 selected in step S16b (S13b). The lighting devices 30 that have acquired the lighting state change instruction among the n/4 lighting devices 30 in step S16b change their lighting states (S14b).

In this way, the second loop process is selectively repeated until the lighting device 30 that has been erroneously paired can be identified.

If the unique address of the lighting device 30 that has been erroneously paired can be identified, the worker selects to end the search mode via the operation input unit 14 of the setting machine 10. As a result, the setting machine 10 ends the search mode in response to the instruction to end the search mode input to the operation input unit 14 (S17).

[Operation example 2]
Here, the operation assumed in the case where one or more lighting devices 30 out of a plurality of lighting devices 30 are paired with one lighting controller 20, and then the setting machine 10 searches for the lighting devices 30 with which it has been paired will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 6.

Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating the processing of the setting machine 10 according to the embodiment. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display unit 13 when the search mode is being executed. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of another image displayed on the display unit 13 when the search mode is being executed. The images in Figures 4 and 5 show a case where a search is performed on the lighting arrangement drawing 13a in Figure 5, and a case where a pop-up image is displayed and a search is performed on the pop-up image in Figure 6.

The operator operates the setting machine 10 to cause the setting machine 10 to execute a search mode for setting up a mapping between one or more lighting devices 30 and a lighting controller 20. Here, the setting machine 10 broadcasts a request signal, which is a signal requesting the transmission of the unique address of each of the one or more lighting devices 30, and acquires a unique address from each of the one or more lighting devices 30 as a response to the request signal. The setting machine 10 also broadcasts a request signal, which is a signal requesting the transmission of the unique address of each of the one or more lighting controllers 20, and acquires a unique address from each of the one or more lighting controllers 20 as a response to the request signal.

As shown in FIG. 4, when an operator operates the setting machine 10, the setting machine 10 executes a search mode for searching for a lighting device 30 that has been erroneously paired (S21). For example, as shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 6A, the operator selects (1) Tools displayed on the display unit 13 of the setting machine 10, and then selects (2) Search for fixtures. In other words, the first processing unit 15 of the setting machine 10 executes the search mode by inputting (1) and (2) into the operation input unit 14 of the setting machine 10.

The setting machine 10 performs a first selection to select the unique addresses of 1/2 of the total number n of lighting devices 30 that are paired from a list in which the lighting controller 20 and one or more lighting devices 30 that constitute the lighting device 30 group shown in the lighting distribution drawing 13a are paired (S22). For example, as shown in Fig. 5b and Fig. 6b, the operator selects (3) blinking of the target device displayed on the display unit 13 of the setting machine 10. In Fig. 5b, the first processing unit 15 determines the content of the change in the lighting state when the first selection is performed by the operation input to the operation input unit 14 of (3). Also, in Fig. 6b, (4) n/2 lighting devices 30 are selected by the operation input to the operation input unit 14 of (3), and the first processing unit 15 determines the content of the change in the lighting state when the first selection is performed by the operation input to the operation input unit 14 by the operation input of (3).

At this time, the display unit 13 highlights the selected state of the icon 15a showing the blinking of FIG. 5c and FIG. 6c, as shown by hatching the dotted area.

In this embodiment, the first processing unit 15 selects the unique addresses of 1/2 of the total number n of lighting devices 30 that are set for pairing in the first selection, which is the first selection. The first processing unit 15 may select randomly in the first selection. The setting machine 10 may select 1/2 of the total number n of lighting devices 30 that are set for pairing based on a preset rule or the selection of the operator. The preset rule may be, for example, arranging the lighting devices 30 in order of unique addresses and selecting the unique addresses of n/2 lighting devices 30 from the top of the unique address order, or simply dividing the lighting distribution drawing 13a in two and selecting one side or the other side to select the unique addresses of n/2 lighting devices 30. The second selection may also be performed in the same manner as the first selection.

The setting machine 10 also displays the first selected n/2 lighting devices 30 on the display unit 13 to show the operator which lighting device 30 to change the lighting state of. For example, as shown in the two-dot chain line area in Fig. 5b and Fig. 6b, the selected n/2 lighting devices 30 are in a selected state and displayed on the display unit 13 of the setting machine 10. At this time, the display unit 13 highlights the selected lighting devices 30, as shown by the hatching in the two-dot chain line area in Fig. 5b and Fig. 6b.

The operator selects the OK button displayed on the display unit 13 of the setting machine 10. In other words, by operating and inputting the OK button to the operation input unit 14, the first processing unit 15 outputs, via the first communication unit 11, an instruction to change the lighting state of the first selected n/2 lighting devices 30.

The lighting device 30 that receives the instruction among the n/2 lighting devices 30 changes its lighting state. This allows the worker to visually recognize whether or not there is a lighting device 30 that has been erroneously paired by comparing the n/2 lighting devices 30 displayed on the display unit 13 with the actual lighting device 30 whose lighting state has changed in order to check the lighting state of the first selected lighting device 30.

The first processing unit 15 determines whether or not information indicating that the lighting state of n/2 lighting devices 30 has changed has been acquired (S23).

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5c and FIG. 6c, the first processing unit 15 displays on the display unit 13 a selection image (dialog) for confirmation of whether the illumination state of the n/2 lighting devices 30 selected in the first selection has changed. When the illumination state of the n/2 lighting devices 30 selected in the first selection by the first processing unit 15 has changed, the operator operates the operation input unit 14 of the setting machine 10 to select the OK button (4) in FIG. 5c or (6) in FIG. 6c, thereby inputting information indicating that the illumination state of all n/2 lighting devices 30 selected in the first selection has changed. As a result, the first processing unit 15 determines that information indicating that the illumination state of the n/2 lighting devices 30 has changed has been acquired (YES in S23), and performs a second selection to select the unique addresses of 1/2 lighting devices 30 from the remaining n/2 lighting devices 30 that were not selected in the first selection (S24).

In other words, the first processing unit 15 selects (second selection) the unique addresses of half the remaining n/2 lighting devices 30 that were not selected in the first selection. For example, as shown in the area of the two-dot chain line in Fig. 5d and Fig. 6d, the lighting devices 30 that were selected in the second selection are in a selected state and are displayed on the display unit 13 of the setting machine 10.

Note that, before executing the process of step S24, if the answer is YES in step S23, the first processing unit 15 may check whether or not there is any lighting device 30 that has been erroneously paired by turning on all of the remaining n/2 lighting devices 30 that were not selected in the first selection.

The setting machine 10 determines whether or not information indicating that the lighting state of the lighting device 30 selected second in step S24 has changed has been acquired (S25).

Specifically, if the illumination state of at least some of the lighting devices 30 selected by the first processing unit 15 in step S24 has not changed, the operator inputs information indicating that the illumination state of at least some of the lighting devices 30 has not changed via the operation input unit 14 of the setting machine 10. As a result, the first processing unit 15 determines that the illumination state of the lighting devices 30 selected in step S24 has not changed (NO in S25), and returns to step S24 to repeat the same process. As a result, by gradually narrowing down the lighting devices 30 whose illumination state has not changed, it is possible to finally identify the lighting devices 30 whose illumination state has not changed. The operator is then able to modify the pairing settings of the identified lighting devices 30.

Furthermore, if the lighting conditions of all lighting devices 30 selected by the first processing unit 15 in the second selection have changed, the operator inputs information indicating that the lighting conditions of the second selected lighting devices 30 have changed via the operation input unit 14 of the setting machine 10. As a result, the first processing unit 15 determines that the lighting conditions of the second selected lighting devices 30 have changed (YES in S25), and proceeds to step S26. Note that if the lighting devices 30 have been identified at this point, the process may end.

If step S25 has been completed, the first processing unit 15 performs a second selection to select the unique addresses of a further 1/2 of the remaining lighting devices 30 that have not been selected (S26). In other words, the first processing unit 15 selects (second selection) the unique addresses of a further 1/2 of the lighting devices 30 that have not yet been selected and are not yet selected.

The setting machine 10 determines whether or not information indicating that the lighting state of the second selected lighting device 30 has changed in step S26 has been acquired (S27).

Specifically, if the illumination state of at least some of the illumination devices 30 selected by the first processing unit 15 in step S26 has not changed, the operator inputs information indicating that the illumination state of at least some of the illumination devices 30 has not changed via the operation input unit 14 of the setting machine 10. As a result, the first processing unit 15 determines that the illumination state of the illumination device 30 selected in step S26 has not changed (NO in S27), and returns to step S24 to repeat the same process. As a result, by gradually narrowing down the illumination devices 30 whose illumination state has not changed, it is possible to finally identify the illumination devices 30 whose illumination state has not changed. The operator is then able to modify the pairing settings of the identified illumination devices 30 whose illumination state has not changed.

In addition, if the lighting conditions of all lighting devices 30 selected by the first processing unit 15 in step S26 have changed, the operator inputs information indicating that the lighting conditions of the lighting devices 30 have changed via the operation input unit 14 of the setting machine 10. As a result, the first processing unit 15 determines that the lighting conditions of the lighting devices 30 selected in step S26 have changed (YES in S27), and proceeds to step S28.

The setting machine 10 determines whether or not it has acquired information indicating that the pairing settings of all lighting devices 30 have been confirmed (S28).

If the pairing setting check for all lighting devices 30 has not been completed, the worker continues the search mode. In this case, the worker inputs an operation to continue the search mode via the operation input unit 14 of the setting machine 10. As a result, the setting machine 10 determines that it has not acquired information indicating that the pairing setting check for all lighting devices 30 has been completed (NO in S28), that is, determines that the search mode should be continued, and proceeds to step S26.

When the lighting conditions of all the lighting devices 30 have changed, the operator inputs information indicating that the pairing settings of all the lighting devices 30 have been confirmed through the operation input unit 14 of the setting machine 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 5d and FIG. 6d, the operator selects the (5) blinking button of the target device and the (6) complete button in FIG. 5d displayed on the display unit 13 of the setting machine 10, and selects the (7) blinking button of the target device and the (8) complete button in FIG. 6d. In other words, by inputting the complete button to the operation input unit 14, the first processing unit 15 determines that information indicating that the pairing settings of all the lighting devices 30 have been confirmed has been obtained (YES in S28), and ends the search mode. This ends the flowchart in FIG. 4.

In addition, in step S23, if the lighting states of at least some of the n/2 lighting devices 30 selected by the first processing unit 15 for the first selection have not changed, the operator inputs information indicating that the lighting states of at least some of the lighting devices 30 have not changed via the operation input unit 14 of the setting machine 10. As a result, the first processing unit 15 determines that it has not acquired information indicating that the lighting states of the first selected lighting devices 30 have changed (NO in S23), that is, determines that the lighting states of at least some of the first selected lighting devices 30 have not changed, and proceeds to step S26.

If step S23 is NO, the first processing unit 15 performs a second selection to select the unique addresses of half of the first selected lighting devices 30 (S26). That is, the setting machine 10 selects the unique addresses of half of the first selected lighting devices 30 (second selection). For example, as shown in the dashed line area of Fig. 5d and Fig. 6d, the second selected lighting device 30 is selected and displayed on the display unit 13 of the setting machine 10. Then, the first processing unit 15 proceeds to step S27 and performs the same process as described above.

Note that, before executing the process of step S26, if the result of step S23 is NO, the first processing unit 15 may check whether or not there is any lighting device 30 that has been erroneously paired by turning on all of the remaining n/2 lighting devices 30 that were not selected in the first selection.

<Action and effect>
Next, the effects of the setting machine 10, the lighting system 1, the search method, and the program according to the present embodiment will be described.

As described above, the setting machine 10 according to the present embodiment is capable of pairing one or more lighting devices 30 with a controller (lighting controller 20) capable of controlling the one or more lighting devices 30. After pairing, the setting machine 10 searches whether the one or more lighting devices 30 are paired with a controller (lighting controller 20) other than the controller by changing the lighting state of at least some of the one or more lighting devices 30.

As a result, even if one or more lighting devices 30 are paired with a controller other than the controller with which they should be paired, the worker can visually recognize the change in the lighting state of the lighting device 30, and can search for the lighting device 30 that has been erroneously paired among the one or more lighting devices 30.

Therefore, with this setting machine 10, it is possible to easily find lighting devices 30 that have been erroneously paired. As a result, it is possible to prevent an increase in the amount of work required for mapping setting.

The lighting system 1 according to this embodiment includes one or more lighting devices 30, a controller capable of controlling the one or more lighting devices 30, and a setting machine 10 capable of setting up pairing between the controller and the one or more lighting devices 30. After setting up pairing, the setting machine 10 selects at least some of the one or more lighting devices 30 and changes the lighting state of the selected part of the lighting devices 30 to search for whether the one or more lighting devices 30 are paired with a controller other than the controller.

In addition, the search method according to this embodiment pairs one or more lighting devices 30 with a controller capable of controlling the one or more lighting devices 30, and then searches for whether the one or more lighting devices 30 are paired with a controller other than the controller by changing the lighting state of at least some of the one or more lighting devices 30.

This search method can also achieve the same effects as described above.

The program according to this embodiment is a program for causing a computer to execute the search method.

This program can also achieve the same effects as described above.

In addition, in the setting machine 10 according to this embodiment, the setting machine 10 performs a first selection to select a portion of the total number n (n is a natural number) of lighting devices 30 that are paired from a list in which the controller is paired with one or more lighting devices 30 that constitute the lighting device 30 group shown in the lighting distribution drawing 13a. Then, from the portion of the lighting devices 30 that are selected in the first selection, a second selection is performed which is a portion of the lighting devices 30.

According to this, the unique addresses of some of the lighting devices 30 are extracted from the total number n of one or more lighting devices 30, and the lighting state of the extracted lighting devices 30 is changed at once, so that the worker can visually recognize whether or not there is a lighting device 30 that has been erroneously paired. This makes it possible to prevent the effort required for searching for lighting devices 30 from increasing.

In addition, in the setting machine 10 according to this embodiment, in the first selection, 1/2 of the total number n of lighting devices 30 that are set for pairing are selected. Then, the setting machine 10 changes the lighting state of the first selected n/2 lighting devices 30 via the controller.

In this way, the total number n of one or more lighting devices 30 is divided into approximately half, and the lighting state of approximately half of the divided lighting devices 30 is changed at once, so that the worker can visually recognize whether or not there is a lighting device 30 that has been erroneously paired. This makes it possible to further prevent the effort required for searching for lighting devices 30 from increasing.

In addition, in the setting machine 10 according to this embodiment, the setting machine 10 changes the lighting state of the first selected n/2 lighting devices 30 via the controller, and then performs a second selection to further select 1/2 of the lighting devices 30 from the first selected n/2 lighting devices 30 or the remaining n/2 lighting devices 30 that were not selected in the first selection. Then, the setting machine 10 changes the lighting state of the second selected lighting device 30 via the controller.

This makes it possible to recognize whether or not there is a lighting device 30 that has been erroneously paired among the first selected lighting devices 30. Even if there is no lighting device 30 that has been erroneously paired among the first selected lighting devices 30, it is possible to recognize whether or not there is a lighting device 30 that has been erroneously paired by performing a second selection from among the remaining n/2 lighting devices 30 that were not selected in the first selection. Therefore, it is possible to easily narrow down whether or not there is a lighting device 30 that has been erroneously paired.

Furthermore, in the setting machine 10 according to this embodiment, each time the setting machine 10 makes a second selection, it further halves the number of lighting devices 30 and repeats the process of selecting lighting devices 30.

According to this, for example, if there is a lighting device 30 that is erroneously paired among the selected lighting devices 30, the second selection can be repeated to identify the lighting device 30 that is erroneously paired, that is, to identify the unique address of the lighting device 30.

Even if there is no lighting device 30 that has been erroneously paired among the selected lighting devices 30, the number of remaining (non-selected) lighting devices 30 that were not selected is further reduced to 1/2, and the process of selecting lighting devices 30 is repeated, thereby preventing the search for lighting devices 30 from increasing.

In addition, in the setting machine 10 according to this embodiment, one or more lighting devices 30 and a controller are provided in each of a plurality of pre-defined regions. Then, in pairing settings between the controller provided in each of the plurality of regions and one or more lighting devices 30 in each of the plurality of regions, the setting machine 10 searches whether or not the one or more lighting devices 30 are paired with a controller other than the controller.

This allows the setting machine 10 to search in parallel for whether or not a controller and one or more lighting devices 30 installed in each of the multiple areas have been paired simultaneously or individually. Therefore, the setting machine 10 can more easily find lighting devices 30 that have been erroneously paired.

The setting machine 10 according to this embodiment also includes a display unit 13 for displaying the lighting arrangement diagram 13a. When an icon 15a shown in the lighting arrangement diagram 13a is selected, the display unit 13 highlights it.

This allows the selected icon 15a to be highlighted, making it easier for the operator to understand the content displayed on the setting machine 10.

(Other Modifications)
The setting machine, lighting system, search method, and program according to the present disclosure have been described above based on the above-mentioned embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. As long as the modifications do not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure, modifications that a person skilled in the art may make to the embodiments may also be included in the scope of the present disclosure.

For example, the setting machine 10, lighting system 1, search method, and program according to the above embodiment may have the configuration shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a lighting system 1 according to another modified example. As shown in FIG. 7, the lighting controller 20a and the setting machine 10a may be configured as one lighting control device 5. In this case, the lighting system 1 may include multiple lighting control devices 5. The lighting control device 5 may include a communication unit 11a. Therefore, the communication unit 11a may be provided in the setting machine 10a or in the lighting controller 20a. The multiple lighting control devices 5 may be connected to a wireless controller so as to be able to communicate with the wireless controller. The lighting control device 5 may be an example of a controller.

The setting device, lighting system, search method, and each part included in the program according to the above-mentioned embodiments are typically realized as an LSI, which is an integrated circuit. These may be individually implemented as single chips, or may be implemented as a single chip that includes some or all of them.

In addition, the integrated circuit is not limited to LSI, but may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. It is also possible to use an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that can be programmed after LSI manufacturing, or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connections and settings of circuit cells inside the LSI.

In each of the above embodiments, each component may be configured with dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a storage medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

Furthermore, all the numbers used above are examples to specifically explain this disclosure, and the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to the numbers exemplified.

The division of functional blocks in the block diagram is one example, and multiple functional blocks may be realized as one functional block, one functional block may be divided into multiple blocks, or some functions may be transferred to other functional blocks. In addition, the functions of multiple functional blocks having similar functions may be processed in parallel or in a time-sharing manner by a single piece of hardware or software.

The order in which each step in the flowchart is performed is merely an example to specifically explain the present disclosure, and the steps may be performed in an order other than the above. Some of the steps may be performed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps.

This disclosure also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to the above-described embodiments that would come to mind by a person skilled in the art, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

1 Lighting system 5 Lighting control device (controller)
10, 10a Setting machine 13 Display unit 13a Lighting arrangement drawing 20, 20a Lighting controller (controller)
30 Lighting equipment

Claims (7)

A setting machine capable of pairing a plurality of lighting devices with a controller capable of controlling the plurality of lighting devices,
Each of the plurality of lighting devices is capable of being paired with one of the controllers;
The setting machine includes :
a function for searching whether or not the plurality of lighting devices have been paired with a controller other than the controller by changing a lighting state of at least some of the plurality of lighting devices after the pairing is set ; and
and selecting a unique address based on the search result to identify the lighting device that has been erroneously paired with the other controller;
the setting machine executes a search function and a unique address selection function to perform a first selection of selecting unique addresses of n/2 lighting devices that are the part of the total number n (n is a natural number equal to or greater than 3 ) of the lighting devices for which the pairing setting is performed between the controller and the plurality of lighting devices ;
When the n/2 lighting devices are two or more lighting devices, if one or more of the n/2 lighting devices have been paired with a controller other than the controller by changing the lighting states of the n/2 lighting devices that have been first selected via the controller, the setting machine performs a second selection to further select unique addresses of 1/2 lighting devices from among the n/2 lighting devices that have been first selected;
When the n/2 lighting devices are one or more lighting devices, the setting machine changes the lighting state of the n/2 lighting devices that have been selected in the first selection via the controller, and when the one or more lighting devices are not paired with the controller other than the controller, the setting machine performs a second selection to further select unique addresses of some of the lighting devices from among the remaining two or more lighting devices that have not been selected in the first selection.
Setting machine. The setting machine according to claim 1 , wherein the setting machine further halves the number of lighting devices having unique addresses each time the second selection is performed, and repeats the selection of lighting devices. The lighting devices and the controller are provided in each of a plurality of preset areas.
3. The setting machine according to claim 1 or 2 . The setting machine includes a display unit for displaying a lighting arrangement diagram,
The setting machine according to claim 1 , wherein the display unit highlights an icon shown on the light distribution diagram when the icon is selected. A plurality of lighting devices and a controller capable of controlling the plurality of lighting devices;
a setting machine capable of setting pairing between the controller and each of the plurality of lighting devices,
the setting machine has a function of selecting at least some of the lighting devices among the plurality of lighting devices after the pairing setting, and searching whether the plurality of lighting devices have been paired with a controller other than the controller by changing a lighting state of the selected some of the lighting devices ;
and selecting a unique address based on the search result to identify the lighting device that has been erroneously paired with the other controller;
the setting machine executes a search function and a unique address selection function to perform a first selection of selecting unique addresses of n/2 lighting devices that are the part of the total number n (n is a natural number equal to or greater than 3 ) of the lighting devices for which the pairing setting is performed between the controller and the plurality of lighting devices ;
When the n/2 lighting devices are two or more lighting devices, if one or more of the n/2 lighting devices have been paired with a controller other than the controller by changing the lighting states of the n/2 lighting devices that have been first selected via the controller, the setting machine performs a second selection to further select unique addresses of 1/2 lighting devices from among the n/2 lighting devices that have been first selected;
When the n/2 lighting devices are one or more lighting devices, the setting machine changes the lighting state of the n/2 lighting devices that have been selected in the first selection via the controller, and when the one or more lighting devices are not paired with the controller other than the controller, the setting machine performs a second selection to further select unique addresses of some of the lighting devices from among the remaining two or more lighting devices that have not been selected in the first selection.
Lighting system. A search method capable of pairing a plurality of lighting devices with a controller capable of controlling the plurality of lighting devices, the search method comprising:
Each of the plurality of lighting devices is capable of being paired with one of the controllers;
after the pairing is set, searching for whether the plurality of lighting devices have been paired with a controller other than the controller by changing a lighting state of at least some of the plurality of lighting devices ;
Selecting a unique address based on the search result to identify the lighting device that has been erroneously paired with the other controller ;
performing a first selection to select unique addresses of n/2 lighting devices that are the part of the total number n (n is a natural number equal to or greater than 3 ) of the lighting devices for which the controller and the plurality of lighting devices are set in the pairing setting by executing a search function and a function to select the unique addresses;
When the n/2 lighting devices are two or more lighting devices, by changing the lighting states of the n/2 lighting devices selected in the first selection via the controller, when one or more of the n/2 lighting devices are paired with a controller other than the controller, a second selection is performed to select unique addresses of 1/2 lighting devices from among the n/2 lighting devices selected in the first selection;
When the n/2 lighting devices are one or more lighting devices, a second selection is performed to select unique addresses of some lighting devices from among the remaining two or more lighting devices that were not selected in the first selection, by changing the lighting states of the n/2 lighting devices selected in the first selection via the controller, if the one or more lighting devices are not set in the pairing setting with the controller other than the controller.
How to explore. A program for causing a computer to execute the search method according to claim 6 .

Images