JP2023167372A - Electrical equipment, electrical equipment system, and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a piece of electrical equipment capable of easily reducing communication interference when providing notification regarding the status of the electrical equipment.SOLUTION: An electrical equipment 1 includes a communication unit 11, a processing unit (lighting control unit) 13, and a communication unit (communication control unit) 12. The communication unit 11 performs wireless communication with a piece of operation equipment 2. When the communication unit 11 receives an operation signal from the operation equipment 2, the processing unit 13 executes control based on the operation signal. When predetermined conditions are met, the communication unit 12 transmits a notification signal that includes a piece of information regarding the status of the electrical equipment 1 based on the control by the processing unit 13 to an information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11. The operation equipment 2 transmits an operation signal continuously at a predetermined period during receiving operation input. The predetermined conditions includes the following; i.e., that the communication unit 11 receives a plurality of operation signals in succession, that the communication unit 11 receives the first operation signal among the plurality of operation signals, and that the last operation signal is received by the communication unit 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to remotely controllable electrical equipment, electrical equipment systems, and control methods.

Patent Document 1 discloses a lighting fixture that has a communication unit that, upon receiving a control signal from a remote controller, transmits a signal indicating that the control signal has been received to a terminal device indicated by a source address.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-133210

The present invention provides an electrical device and the like that can easily reduce communication interference when notifying the state of the electrical device.

An electrical device according to one aspect of the present invention is an electrical device operated by an operating device, and includes a communication section, a processing section, and a notification section. The communication unit performs wireless communication with the operating device. When the communication unit receives an operation signal from the operation device, the processing unit executes control based on the operation signal. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the notification unit transmits a notification signal including information regarding the state of the electrical equipment based on the control by the processing unit to the information terminal via the communication unit. The operating device continuously transmits the operating signal at a predetermined period while receiving an operating input. The predetermined condition is that the communication unit receives a plurality of operation signals in succession, and that the communication unit receives the first operation signal among the plurality of operation signals, and that the communication unit receives the first operation signal among the plurality of operation signals. The communication unit receives the operation signal.

An electrical equipment system according to one aspect of the present invention includes the electrical equipment and the operating device that performs wireless communication with the electrical equipment and controls the operation of the electrical equipment.

A control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling electrical equipment operated by an operating device. The control method performs wireless communication with the operating device. The control method executes control based on the operation signal upon receiving the operation signal from the operation device. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the control method transmits a notification signal including information regarding the state of the electrical device based on the control to the information terminal. The operating device continuously transmits the operating signal at a predetermined period while receiving an operating input. The predetermined condition is a case where a plurality of the operation signals are consecutively received, and the first operation signal among the plurality of operation signals is received and the last operation signal is received. .

The electrical equipment, etc. of the present invention has the advantage that it is easy to reduce communication interference when notifying the state of the electrical equipment.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration including an electrical device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a timing chart showing a first operation example of the electrical device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing a second operation example of the electrical device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the electrical device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of an electrical device as a comparative example. FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing a modification of the first operation example of the electrical device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of the electrical device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the electrical device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing a modification of the operation example of the electrical device according to the second embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all inclusive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, steps, order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and do not limit the present invention. Further, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, constituent elements that are not described in the independent claims will be described as arbitrary constituent elements.

Note that each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily strictly illustrated. Further, in each figure, substantially the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping explanations may be omitted or simplified.

(Embodiment 1)
[composition]
First, the configuration of the electrical device according to Embodiment 1 will be described. Electrical equipment is equipment installed in a predetermined area (for example, a room, etc.) indoors or outdoors. In the first embodiment, the electrical equipment is, for example, a lighting fixture such as a ceiling light. Note that the lighting equipment is not limited to a ceiling light, and may be a downlight, a base light, a spotlight, or the like, and its mode is not particularly limited. Further, the electric device is not limited to a lighting fixture, and may be, for example, a television receiver, an air conditioner, a washing machine, a speaker (including a smart speaker), or the like.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration including an electrical device according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the electrical device 1 is configured to perform wireless communication with an information terminal 22 and a server device 3 via a network N1 such as the Internet, for example. Further, the electrical device 1 is configured to perform short-range wireless communication with a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as "remote control") 21. The remote control 21 corresponds to the operating device 2. Further, the information terminal 22 may correspond to the operating device 2 in some cases.

In the first embodiment, an electrical device 1 and an operating device 2 constitute an electrical device system 100. Note that the operating device 2 included in the electrical equipment system 100 may include both the remote control 21 and the information terminal 22, or may include only one of them. Furthermore, although the server device 3 is not included in the components of the electrical equipment system 100 in the first embodiment, it may be included in the components of the electrical equipment system 100.

The operating device 2 is a device that performs wireless communication with the electrical device 1 and controls the operation of the electrical device 1 (that is, operates the electrical device 1). The remote control 21 is a device that performs wireless communication with the electrical device 1, for example, by infrared communication. Note that the remote control 21 may include a device that performs wireless communication with the electrical device 1 according to a short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

The information terminal 22 is a device that performs wireless communication with the electrical device 1 via the network N1 and the server device 3, for example, in accordance with a wireless communication standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The information terminal 22 is a portable terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, and can function as the operating device 2 by executing an installed application for remote controlling the electrical device 1 . In addition, when the information terminal 22 is the operating device 2, it may be a dedicated controller corresponding to the electrical device 1, for example. Furthermore, the information terminal 22 does not have the function of the operating device 2, but only has the function of receiving a notification signal Sig2 (described later, see FIG. 2, etc.) from the electrical device 1 and notifying the user. It's okay.

By inputting an operation to the operating device 2, the user can perform remote operations such as starting and ending the operation of the electrical device 1, and switching the operation mode. As already mentioned, in the first embodiment, the electrical device 1 is a lighting fixture. Therefore, by inputting an operation to the operating device 2, the user can turn on, dim, or turn off the lighting equipment, switch the lighting mode of the lighting equipment, and the like.

The server device 3 is a computer that transmits the notification signal Sig2 transmitted from the electrical device 1 to the target information terminal 22. Specifically, upon receiving the notification signal Sig2 from the electrical device 1 via the network N1, the server device 3 sends the received notification signal Sig2 to the information terminal 22 specified by the address included in the notification signal Sig2 over the network. Transmit via N1.

Furthermore, when the information terminal 22 is the operating device 2, the server device 3 also functions as a computer that provides the target electric device 1 with control data according to the operation input inputted at the information terminal 22. Specifically, upon receiving the operation signal Sig1 (see FIG. 2, etc.) from the information terminal 22 via the network N1, the server device 3 operates the control data according to the command included in the received operation signal Sig1. The signal is transmitted via the network N1 to the electrical device 1 specified by the address included in the signal Sig1.

The server device 3 may be realized, for example, by an edge server installed in a facility where the electrical device 1 is installed, or by a cloud server installed outside the facility.

The electric device 1 is a device controlled by an operating device 2. The electrical device 1 includes a communication section 11, a communication control section 12, a lighting control section 13, and a light source section 14.

The communication unit 11 performs wireless communication with the operating device 2 . In the first embodiment, the communication section 11 includes a first communication section 111 and a second communication section 112. The first communication unit 111 is a communication interface for performing infrared communication with the remote control 21, which is one of the operating devices 2. The second communication unit 112 is a communication interface for performing wireless communication with the information terminal 22 that can function as the operating device 2 and the server device 3 via the network N1.

Here, the remote control 21 can remotely control the electrical device 1 when the distance between the remote control 21 and the electrical device 1 is relatively short, such as when the remote control 21 is located inside a space where the electrical device 1 is installed. However, if the distance from the electric device 1 is relatively long, such as when the electric device 1 is located outside the space, the electric device 1 cannot be remotely controlled. On the other hand, since the information terminal 22 can communicate with the electrical device 1 via the network N1, it is possible to remotely control the electrical device 1 regardless of whether it is inside or outside the space. That is, the communication unit 11 (second communication unit 112) is configured to be able to communicate with the operating device 2 (information terminal 22) that exists outside the space where the electrical device 1 is installed.

In the first embodiment, the second communication unit 112 is composed of a microcontroller. That is, the second communication unit 112 is configured with an IC (Integrated Circuit) including a processor and a memory. The function of the second communication unit 112 is realized by the processor executing the computer program stored in the memory.

The communication control unit 12 controls communication between the operating device 2 and the electrical device 1. In the first embodiment, the communication control section 12 is composed of a microcontroller. In other words, the communication control unit 12 is composed of an IC including a processor and a memory. The function of the communication control unit 12 is realized by the processor executing the computer program stored in the memory.

When a predetermined condition is met, the communication control unit 12 transmits a notification signal Sig2 containing information regarding the state of the electrical equipment 1 based on the control by the lighting control unit (processing unit) 13 to the communication unit 11 (second communication unit 112). The information is transmitted to the information terminal 22 via the host computer. In the following description, the communication control unit 12 may also be referred to as the "notification unit 12." The information regarding the state of the electrical equipment 1 may include, for example, information indicating whether the electrical equipment 1 is in operation, information indicating the mode of operation of the electrical equipment 1, or parameters used in the operation of the electrical equipment 1 (for example, The information may include information indicating light values, etc.).

In the first embodiment, the electrical device 1 is a lighting fixture and includes a light source section 14. Therefore, the notification signal Sig2 includes information indicating the lighting state of the light source section 14 included in the lighting fixture. The information indicating the lighting state of the light source section 14 includes, for example, information indicating whether the light source section 14 is lit, information indicating whether the light source section 14 is dimmed or colored, and information indicating whether the light source section 14 is lit. The information may include information indicating the type, information indicating the light output or light color of the light source section 14, or the like.

As described above, when the electrical equipment 1 is controlled based on the operation signal Sig1 and a predetermined condition is satisfied, the communication control unit 12 notifies the information terminal 22 of information regarding the state of the electrical equipment 1 after the control. do. Therefore, the communication control unit 12 may transmit a notification signal to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11 every time the electrical equipment 1 is controlled based on the operation signal Sig1, or may send a notification signal to the information terminal 22 based on the operation signal Sig1. Even when the device 1 is controlled, the notification signal may not be transmitted to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11.

In the first embodiment, the predetermined condition is a case where the communication unit 11 receives a plurality of operation signals Sig1 in succession, and the communication unit 11 receives the first operation signal Sig1 among the plurality of operation signals Sig1. and that the communication unit 11 receives the final operation signal Sig1. Hereinafter, this predetermined condition will be specifically explained using FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 is a timing chart showing a first operation example of the electrical device 1 according to the first embodiment. “Operation input” in FIG. 2 represents the timing at which the user is performing an operation input on the operation device 2. Here, it is shown that the user is continuously inputting operations to the operating device 2, for example by continuously pressing a button provided on the operating device 2. For example, when the electrical device 1 is a lighting fixture as in the first embodiment, the user continuously inputting operations to the operating device 2 means that the light source section 14 is continuously dimmed or controlled. It is done when coloring. The above matters are the same in the examples shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, which will be described later, and the examples shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 9, which will be described later in the second embodiment.

Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the explanation will be made assuming that the operating device 2 is the remote control 21. In other words, the operating device 2 (remote controller 21) is different from the information terminal 22. Therefore, here, the user of the remote control 21 and the user of the information terminal 22 are different from each other. Note that the operating device 2 may be the information terminal 22. That is, the operating device 2 and the information terminal 22 may be the same. In either case, the user of the information terminal 22 can grasp the status of the electrical device 1 operated by the operating device 2 even if the user is away from the space where the electrical device 1 is installed, for example. . The above matters are the same in the examples shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, which will be described later, and the examples shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 9, which will be described later in the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, while the user is continuously inputting operations to the operating device 2, the operating device 2 transmits an operating signal Sig1 at a predetermined period P2. That is, while receiving the operation input, the operation device 2 continuously transmits the operation signal Sig1 at a predetermined period P2. The operation signal Sig1 is a set of signals transmitted at minute intervals. Here, a set of signals transmitted in period P1 corresponds to operation signal Sig1. The period P1 is, for example, 60 ms. Note that the period P1 is not limited to 60 ms. Further, the predetermined period P2 is, for example, 130 ms. Note that the predetermined period P2 is not limited to 130 ms.

When the communication unit 11 receives the operation signal Sig1, the communication control unit 12 starts measuring the determination time T11 from the time when the reception of the operation signal Sig1 is completed. The determination time T11 is, for example, 175 ms. Note that the determination time T11 is not limited to 175 ms, and may be longer than the predetermined cycle P2. Then, if the communication control unit 12 receives the next operation signal Sig1 before the determination time T11 has elapsed, it determines that a plurality of operation signals Sig1 have been successively received, and the reception of the operation signal Sig1 is completed. The measurement of the determination time T11 is restarted from the time. Thereafter, the communication control unit 12 repeats the above process as long as the next operation signal Sig1 is received before the determination time T11 elapses.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, while the user is performing an operation input, the operating device 2 transmits the operation signal Sig1 three times at a predetermined period P2. Therefore, the communication control unit 12 determines that a plurality of operation signals Sig1 are continuously received from the time when the third operation signal Sig1 is received until the determination time T11 has elapsed. Since the communication control unit 12 does not receive the next operation signal Sig1 before the determination time T11 has elapsed from the time when the reception of the third operation signal Sig1 is completed, the period of continuously receiving the plurality of operation signals Sig1 is limited. It is determined that the process has ended.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, when the communication unit 11 receives the first operation signal Sig1, the communication control unit 12 sends a notification signal Sig2 to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11 when the reception of the operation signal Sig1 is completed. Send. This process is performed under a predetermined condition that the communication unit 11 receives a plurality of operation signals Sig1 in succession, and that the communication unit 11 receives the first operation signal Sig1 among the plurality of operation signals Sig1. It is executed by satisfying the following.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 2, when the determination time T11 has elapsed since the completion of reception of the third operation signal Sig1, the communication control unit 12 determines that the period for continuously receiving the plurality of operation signals Sig1 has ended. do. Then, the communication control unit 12 transmits the notification signal Sig2 to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11 at a timing when a predetermined time T2 (≧determination time T11) has elapsed since the completion of reception of the third operation signal Sig1. . This process is performed under a predetermined condition that the communication unit 11 receives a plurality of operation signals Sig1 in succession, and that the communication unit 11 receives the last operation signal Sig1 among the plurality of operation signals Sig1. It is executed by satisfying the following.

For example, when the user continuously inputs an operation input to the operating device 2 to instruct the light source section 14 to dim, the communication control section 12 includes the dimming value of the light source section 14 at the time of starting dimming. The notification signal Sig2 and the notification signal Sig2 including the dimming value of the light source unit 14 at the end of dimming are transmitted to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11.

Further, in the first embodiment, the predetermined condition is that the communication unit 11 receives the operation signal Sig1 at an interval equal to or longer than the determination time T11 for determining whether or not the operation signal Sig1 is continuously received. including doing. Hereinafter, this predetermined condition will be specifically explained using FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing a second operation example of the electrical device 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, in the second operation example, unlike the first operation example, the user does not input operation inputs to the operating device 2 continuously, but at intervals. That is, in the second operation example, the user performs operation inputs, such as switching the lighting mode, at intervals. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 3, like the example shown in FIG. 2, the operating device 2 transmits the operation signal Sig1 three times, but the transmission interval is longer than the predetermined period P2.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, when the communication unit 11 receives the first operation signal Sig1, the communication control unit 12 sends a notification signal Sig2 to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11 when the reception of the operation signal Sig1 is completed. Send. Then, when the communication control unit 12 receives the second operation signal Sig1 after the determination time T11 has elapsed from the time when the reception of the first operation signal Sig1 is completed, the communication control unit 12 transmits the notification signal Sig2 at the time when the reception of the operation signal Sig1 is completed. The information is transmitted to the information terminal 22 via the section 11. This process satisfies a predetermined condition that the communication unit 11 receives the operation signal Sig1 at intervals of a determination time T11 or more for determining whether or not the operation signal Sig1 is continuously received. It is executed by

Similarly, in the example shown in FIG. 3, when the third operation signal Sig1 is received after the determination time T11 has elapsed since the completion of reception of the second operation signal Sig1, the notification signal Sig2 is sent when the reception of the operation signal Sig1 is completed. , is transmitted to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11. This process satisfies a predetermined condition that the communication unit 11 receives the operation signal Sig1 at intervals of a determination time T11 or more for determining whether or not the operation signal Sig1 is continuously received. It is executed by

When receiving the notification signal Sig2 from the electrical device 1, the information terminal 22 displays information included in the notification signal Sig2 on a display included in the information terminal 22. This allows the user of the information terminal 22 to grasp the status of the electrical device 1. Note that the information terminal 22 may output the information included in the notification signal Sig2 as audio from a speaker included in the information terminal 22.

When the communication unit 11 receives control data corresponding to the operation input inputted through the operation device 2, the illumination control unit 13 controls the light source unit 14 according to the control data. In the first embodiment, the illumination control section 13 is composed of a microcontroller. In other words, the lighting control section 13 is composed of an IC including a processor and a memory. The function of the lighting control unit 13 is realized by the processor executing the computer program stored in the memory.

The light source section 14 is realized by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element, but may be realized by other light emitting elements such as a semiconductor laser, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) element, or an inorganic EL element. The light source section 14 is controlled by the illumination control section 13 to change the lighting state.

[motion]
Hereinafter, the basic operation of the electrical device 1 according to the embodiment will be explained using FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the electrical device 1 according to the first embodiment. First, when the communication unit 11 of the electrical device 1 receives the operation signal Sig1 (S101), the notification unit 12 determines whether the operation signal Sig1 is the first operation signal Sig1 (S102). Here, the notification section 12 is the communication control section 12.

When determining that it is the first operation signal Sig1 (S102: Yes), the notification unit 12 transmits (outputs) the notification signal Sig2 to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11 (S103). If it is determined that the operation signal Sig1 is the second or later operation signal Sig1 (S102: No), the notification unit 12 determines whether or not the current operation signal Sig1 has been received within the determination time T11 from the completion of reception of the previous operation signal Sig1. Determination is made (S104).

If it is determined that the current operation signal Sig1 has been received after the elapse of the determination time T11 (S104: No), the notification unit 12 transmits (outputs) the notification signal Sig2 to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11 (S103). . At this time, the notification unit 12 determines that the plurality of operation signals Sig1 have not been continuously received, and therefore resets the number of times the operation signal Sig1 has been received. Therefore, from now on, the process when the operation signal Sig1 is transmitted from the operation device 2 returns to process S101.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the current operation signal Sig1 has been received within the determination time T11 (S104: Yes), the notification unit 12 determines that a plurality of operation signals Sig1 have been received consecutively, so the notification signal Sig2 is not transmitted (output) to the information terminal 22 (S105). After that, when the communication unit 11 receives the operation signal Sig1 (S106: Yes), the notification unit 12 returns to the process S104. On the other hand, if the communication unit 11 does not receive the operation signal Sig1 (S106: No), the notification unit 12 determines that the period for continuously receiving the plurality of operation signals Sig1 has ended, and notifies the user via the communication unit 11. The signal Sig2 is transmitted (output) to the information terminal 22 (S107). Then, the notification unit 12 resets the number of times the operation signal Sig1 is received. Therefore, from now on, the process when the operation signal Sig1 is transmitted from the operation device 2 returns to process S101.

[advantage]
Hereinafter, the advantages of the electrical device 1 according to the first embodiment will be explained with a comparison with an electrical device of a comparative example. FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of an electrical device as a comparative example. As shown in FIG. 5, in the electrical equipment of the comparative example, each time the communication unit receives the operation signal Sig1, the notification unit sends the notification to the communication unit This differs from the electrical device 1 according to the first embodiment in that the notification signal Sig2 is transmitted to the information terminal 22 via the electrical device 1.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the electrical device of the comparative example, the communication unit transmits a notification signal Sig2 to the information terminal 22 every time it receives the operation signal Sig1. Therefore, in the electrical equipment of the comparative example, when multiple operation signals Sig1 are continuously received, communication traffic increases due to increased communication between the electrical equipment and the information terminal 22, resulting in communication interference. becomes more likely to occur. As a result, in the electrical device of the comparative example, there is a problem in that the possibility that the information terminal 22 fails to receive the notification signal Sig2 due to communication interference increases, and it becomes difficult to perform the notification normally. Further, in the electrical equipment of the comparative example, since notifications to the information terminal 22 occur frequently, there is also a problem that the user of the information terminal 22 may feel bothered.

On the other hand, in the electrical device 1 according to the first embodiment, when receiving a plurality of operation signals Sig1 in succession, when the first operation signal Sig1 is received, and when the last operation signal Sig1 is received, A notification signal Sig2 is transmitted to the information terminal 22 in each case. Therefore, in the electrical equipment 1 according to the first embodiment, even when a plurality of operation signals Sig1 are continuously received, communication between the electrical equipment 1 and the information terminal 22 is thinned out. This has the advantage that it is easy to reduce communication interference when providing notification regarding the status of 1. As a result, the electrical device 1 according to the first embodiment has the advantage that the possibility that the information terminal 22 fails to receive the notification signal Sig2 due to communication interference is reduced, and notification is more likely to be performed normally. Furthermore, the electrical device 1 according to the first embodiment does not frequently send notifications to the information terminal 22, so there is an advantage that the user of the information terminal 22 feels less bothered.

By the way, in the first operation example described above, the communication control unit 12 sends the notification via the communication unit 11 at the timing when the predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the completion of reception of the last operation signal Sig1 among the plurality of operation signals Sig1. Although the signal Sig2 is transmitted to the information terminal 22, the present invention is not limited to this. Hereinafter, a modification of the first operation example will be described using FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing a modification of the first operation example of the electrical device according to the first embodiment.

As shown in (a) of FIG. 6, the communication control unit 12 determines the timing at which a predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the completion of reception of the last operation signal Sig1 among the plurality of operation signals Sig1, and a delay time T3 has further elapsed. Then, the notification signal Sig2 may be transmitted to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11. The delay time T3 is, for example, several tens of ms to several hundred ms, but is not limited thereto.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, the communication control unit 12 determines that when a predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the completion of reception of the last operation signal Sig1 among the plurality of operation signals Sig1, and when the first operation signal The notification signal Sig2 may be transmitted to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11 at a timing when a certain period of time T12 has elapsed after receiving Sig1. The fixed time T12 is, for example, 1 second. Note that the fixed time T12 is not limited to one second, and may be any time required to continuously transmit the operation signal Sig1 a predetermined number of times at a predetermined period P2.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6C, the communication control unit 12 activates the communication unit 11 at a timing when a certain period of time T12 has elapsed after receiving the first operation signal Sig1 and a delay time T3 has further elapsed. The notification signal Sig2 may be transmitted to the information terminal 22 via the information terminal 22.

(Embodiment 2)
The configuration of the electrical device 1 according to the second embodiment will be described below. The electrical equipment 1 according to the second embodiment is different from the electrical equipment 1 according to the first embodiment in that it further transmits a notification signal Sig2 to the information terminal 22 while continuously receiving a plurality of operation signals Sig1. It differs from Below, descriptions of the configuration and operation common to the electrical device 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

Specifically, in addition to the predetermined conditions in Embodiment 1, the predetermined conditions in Embodiment 2 are such that, in addition to the predetermined conditions in Embodiment 1, when the communication unit 11 is continuously receiving the operation signal Sig1, This includes the elapse of a certain period of time T12 after receiving Sig1. Hereinafter, this predetermined condition will be specifically explained using FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of the electrical device 1 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, in this operation example, the user is continuously inputting operations to the operating device 2, and the period is longer than the fixed time T12.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, similarly to Embodiment 1, when the communication unit 11 receives the first operation signal Sig1, the communication control unit 12 transmits the notification signal Sig2 to the communication unit when the reception of the operation signal Sig1 is completed. 11 to the information terminal 22. Thereafter, similarly to the first embodiment, the communication control unit 12 does not execute the process of transmitting the notification signal Sig2 until a certain period of time T12 has elapsed after receiving the first operation signal Sig1. Then, when a certain period of time T12 has elapsed since receiving the first operation signal Sig1, the communication control unit 12 transmits a notification signal Sig2 to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11. This process is executed when a predetermined condition is satisfied, that is, while the communication unit 11 is continuously receiving the operation signal Sig1, a certain period of time T12 has elapsed since receiving the first operation signal Sig1. Ru.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, similarly to Embodiment 1, the communication control unit 12, when the determination time T11 has elapsed since the completion of reception of the last operation signal Sig1 (here, the eighth operation signal Sig1) , it is determined that the period of continuously receiving the plurality of operation signals Sig1 has ended. Then, the communication control unit 12 transmits the notification signal Sig2 to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11 at a timing when a predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the completion of reception of the last operation signal Sig1.

[motion]
Hereinafter, the basic operation of the electrical device 1 according to the second embodiment will be explained using FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the electrical device 1 according to the second embodiment. The operation of the electric device 1 described below is executed in parallel with the operation of the electric device 1 according to the first embodiment.

First, the notification unit (communication control unit) 12 does not perform anything in particular when the communication unit 11 does not continuously receive the plurality of operation signals Sig1 (S201: No). On the other hand, if the communication unit 11 continuously receives a plurality of operation signals Sig1 (S201: Yes), the notification unit 12 determines whether a certain period of time T12 has elapsed since the start of time measurement (S202 ). Here, the time when the time measurement starts is the timing at which the first operation signal Sig1 is received.

If the predetermined time T12 has not elapsed since the start of time measurement (S202: No), the notification unit 12 does nothing in particular. On the other hand, if the predetermined time T12 has elapsed since the start of time measurement (S202: Yes), the notification unit 12 transmits (outputs) the notification signal Sig2 to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11 (S203). At this time, the notification unit 12 resets the timer and restarts the timer for the predetermined time T12. Therefore, during the period in which the communication unit 11 continuously sends a plurality of operation signals Sig1, the notification unit 12 transmits the notification signal Sig2 to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11 every time a certain period of time T12 elapses ( Output.

[advantage]
In the electrical device 1 according to the second embodiment, for example, when the user continuously performs operation inputs on the operation device 2 over a relatively long period, the notification signal Sig2 is transmitted midway, so that the user of the information terminal 22 can This has the advantage that it becomes easier to understand the state of the electrical device 1 in more detail. Furthermore, in the electrical device 1 according to the second embodiment, the notification signal Sig2 is transmitted while the user is continuously performing operation inputs to the operating device 2, so that the electrical device 1 can notify the information terminal 22. There is also the advantage that the user can confirm that the process is being performed normally, and that it is easy to relieve the user's concerns that something is wrong.

By the way, in the above-mentioned operation example, the communication control unit 12 transmits the notification signal Sig2 to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11 at a timing when a certain period of time T12 has elapsed after receiving the first operation signal Sig1. However, it is not limited to this. Hereinafter, a modification of the above-mentioned operation example will be described using FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing a modification of the operation example of the electrical device 1 according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 9, the communication control unit 12 controls the communication unit at a timing when a certain period of time T12 has elapsed since receiving the first operation signal Sig1 and when a determination time T11 that is currently being measured has elapsed. The notification signal Sig2 may be transmitted to the information terminal 22 via the terminal 11.

[Modified example]
Although the first and second embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments. Modifications of Embodiments 1 and 2 will be listed below. The modifications described below may be combined as appropriate.

In the second embodiment described above, when the communication control unit (notification unit) 12 executes the process of transmitting the notification signal Sig2 while continuously receiving a plurality of operation signals Sig1, the communication control unit (notification unit) It is not necessary to transmit the notification signal Sig2 at the time of reception. That is, the communication control unit 12 sets the predetermined condition that while the communication unit 11 is continuously receiving a plurality of operation signals Sig1, a certain period of time T12 has elapsed since receiving the first operation signal Sig1. The predetermined condition that the communication unit 11 receives the last operation signal Sig1 may be excluded if the above is satisfied.

In the first and second embodiments described above, the electrical device 1 may be a device other than a lighting fixture. Even in this case, the communication control unit (notification unit) 12 may transmit a notification signal including the status of the electrical device 1 to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11. For example, if the electrical device 1 is an air conditioner, the communication control unit 12 transmits a notification signal including the state of the air conditioner to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11. The status of the air conditioner is, for example, information indicating whether the air conditioner is in operation, information indicating whether the air conditioner is performing cooling operation or heating operation, or the set temperature of the air conditioner. and current temperature.

Further, the order of processing described in the first and second embodiments above is an example. The order of multiple processes may be changed, and multiple processes may be executed in parallel. Further, the processing executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit.

Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described above, each component 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 a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

Moreover, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may constitute one circuit as a whole, or may be separate circuits. Further, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

Further, general or specific aspects of the present invention may be implemented in a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or computer readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Further, the present invention may be realized by any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium. For example, the present invention may be implemented as a control method executed by a computer, or may be implemented as a program for causing a computer to execute such a control method. Further, the present invention may be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

Other embodiments may be obtained by making various modifications to each embodiment that those skilled in the art can think of, or by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention also includes such forms.

(summary)
As explained above, the electrical device 1 is an electrical device that is operated by the operating device 2, and includes a communication section 11, a processing section (lighting control section) 13, and a notification section (communication control section) 12. Be prepared. The communication unit 11 performs wireless communication with the operating device 2 . When the communication unit 11 receives the operation signal Sig1 from the operation device 2, the processing unit 13 executes control based on the operation signal Sig1. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the notification unit 12 transmits a notification signal Sig2 including information regarding the state of the electrical device 1 based on the control by the processing unit 13 to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11. The operating device 2 continuously transmits the operating signal Sig1 at a predetermined cycle while receiving an operating input. The predetermined condition is that the communication unit 11 receives a plurality of operation signals Sig1 in succession, the communication unit 11 receives the first operation signal Sig1 among the plurality of operation signals Sig1, and the last operation signal Sig1 is received by the communication unit 11. The communication unit 11 receives the operation signal Sig1.

According to such an electrical device 1, even when a plurality of operation signals Sig1 are continuously received, by thinning out communication between the electrical device 1 and the information terminal 22, information regarding the state of the electrical device 1 can be determined. This has the advantage that communication interference can be easily reduced when notification is performed.

Further, for example, the predetermined condition includes that the communication unit 11 receives the operation signal Sig1 at an interval equal to or longer than the determination time T11 for determining whether or not the operation signal Sig1 is continuously received. .

According to such an electrical device 1, the user of the information terminal 22 can grasp the state of the electrical device 1 even when operation inputs are made to the operating device 2 discontinuously. There is.

Further, for example, the predetermined condition includes that while the communication unit 11 is continuously receiving a plurality of operation signals Sig1, a certain period of time T12 has elapsed since receiving the first operation signal Sig1.

According to such an electric device 1, for example, when the user inputs operations to the operating device 2 continuously over a relatively long period of time, by transmitting the notification signal Sig2 in the middle, the user of the information terminal 22 This has the advantage that it becomes easier to understand the state of the electrical device 1 in more detail.

Further, for example, the operating device 2 (remote control 21) is different from the information terminal 22.

According to such an electrical device 1, the user of the information terminal 22 can grasp the status of the electrical device 1 even if the information terminal 22 does not have the function of remotely controlling the electrical device 1. There is.

Further, for example, the electrical device 1 is a lighting fixture. The notification signal Sig2 includes information indicating the lighting state of the light source section 14 included in the lighting fixture.

According to such an electric device 1, there is an advantage that the user of the information terminal 22 can grasp the lighting state of the lighting equipment.

Further, for example, the communication unit 11 (second communication unit 112) is configured to be able to communicate with the operating device 2 (information terminal 22) that exists outside the space where the electrical device 1 is installed.

According to such electrical equipment 1, there is an advantage that the state of electrical equipment 1 can be grasped even from outside the space where electrical equipment 1 is installed.

Further, for example, the electrical equipment system 100 includes an electrical equipment 1 and an operating device 2. The operating device 2 performs wireless communication with the electrical device 1 and controls the operation of the electrical device 1.

According to such an electrical equipment system 100, even when a plurality of operation signals Sig1 are continuously received, the state of the electrical equipment 1 can be changed by thinning out communication between the electrical equipment 1 and the information terminal 22. This has the advantage that it is easy to reduce communication interference when making notifications.

Further, for example, the control method is a method for controlling the electric device 1 operated by the operating device 2, and wireless communication is performed with the operating device 2. Furthermore, in the control method, when the communication unit 11 receives the operation signal Sig1 from the operation device 2, it executes control based on the operation signal Sig1. Furthermore, in the control method, when a predetermined condition is met, a notification signal Sig2 containing information regarding the state of the electrical device 1 based on the control is transmitted to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11. The operating device 2 continuously transmits the operating signal Sig1 at a predetermined cycle while receiving an operating input. The predetermined condition is that the communication unit 11 receives a plurality of operation signals Sig1 in succession, and that the first operation signal Sig1 among the plurality of operation signals Sig1 is received and the last operation signal Sig1 is received. It is to receive.

According to such a control method, even when a plurality of operation signals Sig1 are continuously received, by thinning out communication between the electrical equipment 1 and the information terminal 22, notifications regarding the state of the electrical equipment 1 can be sent. This has the advantage that it is easy to reduce communication interference when carrying out.

1 Electrical equipment 11 Communication section 12 Communication control section (notification section)
13 Lighting control section (processing section)
14 Light source section 2 Operation device 22 Information terminal 100 Electrical equipment system P2 Predetermined period Sig1 Operation signal Sig2 Notification signal T11 Judgment time T12 Fixed time

Claims (8)

An electrical device operated by an operating device,
a communication unit that performs wireless communication with the operating device;
a processing unit that executes control based on the operation signal when the communication unit receives the operation signal from the operation device;
a notification unit that, when a predetermined condition is met, transmits a notification signal including information regarding the state of the electrical equipment based on the control by the processing unit to the information terminal via the communication unit,
The operating device continuously transmits the operating signal at a predetermined period while receiving an operating input,
The predetermined condition is that the communication unit receives a plurality of operation signals in succession, and that the communication unit receives the first operation signal among the plurality of operation signals, and that the communication unit receives the first operation signal among the plurality of operation signals. the communication unit receiving the operation signal;
electrical equipment. The predetermined condition includes that the communication unit receives the operation signal at an interval equal to or longer than a determination time for determining whether or not the operation signal is continuously received.
The electrical device according to claim 1. The predetermined condition includes that while the communication unit is continuously receiving a plurality of the operation signals, a certain period of time has elapsed since receiving the first operation signal.
The electrical device according to claim 1 or 2. The operating device is different from the information terminal,
The electrical device according to claim 1 or 2. The electrical equipment is a lighting equipment,
The notification signal includes information indicating a lighting state of a light source unit included in the lighting fixture.
The electrical device according to claim 1 or 2. The communication unit is configured to be able to communicate with the operating device located outside the space in which the electrical device is installed.
The electrical device according to claim 1 or 2. The electric device according to claim 1 or 2,
the operating device that performs wireless communication with the electrical device and controls the operation of the electrical device;
Electrical equipment system. A method for controlling electrical equipment operated by an operating device, the method comprising:
performing wireless communication with the operating device;
Upon receiving the operation signal from the operation device, executing control based on the operation signal,
When a predetermined condition is met, transmitting a notification signal including information regarding the state of the electrical equipment based on the control to the information terminal;
The operating device continuously transmits the operating signal at a predetermined period while receiving an operating input,
The predetermined condition is a case where a plurality of the operation signals are consecutively received, and the first operation signal among the plurality of operation signals is received and the last operation signal is received. ,
Control method.

Images