JP6157273B2 - Communication system and communication method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication system and a communication method in which a communication device communicates with a plurality of electrical devices.

  A communication system in which a communication device having a communication function based on a specific protocol currently communicates only with one of the plurality of electric devices operating in conjunction with communication based on another protocol and having a communication function based on a specific protocol It has been known. According to such a communication system, for example, one electrical device can be controlled or monitored from the communication device by communication using a specific protocol. Such a communication system is disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example.

  Here, there is a demand from a communication device to control or monitor not only one electrical device having a communication function based on a specific protocol but also the other electrical device operating in conjunction with one electrical device. As a method for responding to such a request, for example, there is a method in which the other electric device has a communication function having a specific protocol by providing the other electric device with a communication adapter having a communication function according to a specific protocol. .

JP 2010-192274 A

  However, from the viewpoint of cost and installation space, it may not be easy to give the other electrical device a communication function based on a specific protocol. Therefore, there is a demand for a technology that enables a communication device having a communication function based on a specific protocol to communicate with an electrical device that does not have a communication function based on a specific protocol.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a communication system that enables a communication device having a communication function based on a specific protocol to communicate with an electrical device not having a communication function based on a specific protocol, And it aims at providing the communication method.

In order to achieve the above object, a communication system according to the present invention includes:
A communication system comprising a communication device, a communication adapter, a first electric device, and a second electric device,
The communication device
First protocol communication means for communicating with the communication adapter by a first protocol;
Processing execution means for executing processing related to information transmitted or received by the first protocol communication means,
The communication adapter is
First protocol communication means for communicating with the communication device by the first protocol;
Second protocol communication means for communicating with the first electrical device by a second protocol different from the first protocol;
The second protocol communication unit causes the information received by the first protocol communication unit included in the communication adapter to be transmitted toward the first electrical device, or the first protocol communication unit included in the communication adapter includes: Relay means for transmitting the information received by the second protocol communication means to the communication device,
The first electric device is:
Second protocol communication means for communicating with the communication adapter by the second protocol;
A third protocol communication means for communicating with the second electrical device by a third protocol different from the first protocol;
A process for operating the first electrical device based on first device control information for controlling the first electrical device received by a second protocol communication means included in the first electrical device; or Processing execution means for executing processing for causing the second protocol communication means included in one electric device to transmit first device state information indicating the device state of the first electric device to the communication adapter;
Second device control information for controlling the second electric device received by the second protocol communication device included in the first electric device is sent to the third protocol communication device toward the second electric device. The second adapter state information indicating the device state of the second electric device received by the third protocol communication unit is transmitted to the second protocol communication unit included in the first electric device, and the communication adapter Relay means for transmitting to
The second electrical device is
A third protocol communication means for communicating with the first electrical device by the third protocol;
Processing for operating the second electric device based on the second device control information received by the third protocol communication means provided in the second electric device, or third protocol communication provided in the second electric device Processing execution means for executing processing for causing the means to transmit the second device state information toward the first electric device;
It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, an electrical device having a communication function based on a specific protocol relays communication between a communication device having a communication function based on a specific protocol and an electrical device not having a communication function based on a specific protocol. . Therefore, according to this invention, the communication apparatus which has a communication function by a specific protocol can communicate with the electric equipment which does not have a communication function by a specific protocol.

1 is a configuration diagram of a communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the communication adapter which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the communication apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a lineblock diagram of the 1st electric equipment concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a lineblock diagram of the 2nd electric equipment concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the function of the communication system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows the flow of a process when a 1st electric equipment interlock | cooperates with a 2nd electric equipment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the flow of a process when a 1st electric equipment and a 2nd electric equipment operate | move independently. It is a sequence diagram which shows the flow of a process when operation | movement is instruct | indicated to the 1st electric equipment via a communication apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the apparatus state notification process which the 2nd electric equipment which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention performs. It is a flowchart which shows the apparatus state preservation | save process which the 1st electric equipment which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention performs. It is a flowchart which shows the apparatus state relay process which the communication adapter which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention performs. It is a flowchart which shows the apparatus state acquisition process which the communication apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention performs. It is a sequence diagram which shows the flow of a process when a 2nd electric equipment interlock | cooperates with a 1st electric equipment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the flow of a process when operation | movement is instruct | indicated to the 2nd electric equipment via a communication apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the apparatus state notification process which the 2nd electric equipment which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention performs. It is a flowchart which shows the apparatus state preservation | save process which the 1st electric equipment which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention performs. It is a sequence diagram which shows the flow of a process when a communication apparatus is notified of an apparatus state immediately after a 1st electric apparatus interlock | cooperates with a 2nd electric apparatus. It is a sequence diagram which shows the flow of a process when an apparatus state is notified to a communication apparatus immediately after each of 1st electric equipment and 2nd electric equipment operate | moved independently.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
First, the communication system 1000 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The communication system 1000 is basically a system for causing the communication device 200 and the first electric device 300 to communicate with each other. The communication system 1000 is typically a system for controlling the first electric device 300 from the terminal device 500 or the communication device 200. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the communication system 1000 includes a communication adapter 100, a communication device 200, a first electric device 300, a second electric device 400, a terminal device 500, and a server 600.

  Here, the communication adapter 100 and the communication device 200 are connected to each other by the first protocol via the home telecommunications network 700. The communication adapter 100 and the first electric device 300 are connected to each other by the second protocol. Further, the first electric device 300 and the second electric device 400 are connected to each other by the third protocol. In addition, the communication device 200, the terminal device 500, and the server 600 are connected to each other via an outside telecommunications network 800 by, for example, the Internet protocol.

  The first protocol is a protocol for communication between devices connected to the home telecommunications network 700. The first protocol is defined by factors such as physical conditions of the transmission path, transmission, identification of the other party, and information expression. The first protocol is a communication standard defined for home networks such as Ethernet (registered trademark). The home telecommunications network 700 is, for example, a home network for controlling devices provided in the house from a control device.

  The second protocol is basically a different protocol from the first protocol. The second protocol is, for example, various communication standards using serial communication.

  The third protocol is basically a different protocol from the first protocol. The third protocol is, for example, a standard for wired communication such as serial communication or Ethernet (registered trademark), or wireless such as infrared communication, Zigbee (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), NFC (Near field communication), or the like. It is a communication standard.

  The communication adapter 100 is an interface for connecting the first electric device 300 to a home telecommunications network 700 to which the communication device 200 is connected. The communication adapter 100 has a function of connecting to the home telecommunications network 700 using the first protocol. Therefore, the communication adapter 100 can exchange information with the communication device 200 via the home telecommunications network 700. Furthermore, the communication adapter 100 can exchange information with the first electrical device 300 using the second protocol. The communication adapter 100 may be supplied with power from the first electric device 300 that is supplied with power from a commercial power source or a battery, or may be directly supplied with power from a commercial power source or a battery. The communication adapter 100 includes, for example, a computer including a communication IC (Integrated Circuit).

  The communication device 200 has a function of connecting to the home telecommunications network 700 using the first protocol. Therefore, the communication device 200 can exchange information with the first electric device 300 via the home telecommunications network 700. Here, the communication device 200 communicates with the first electric device 300 according to a control signal, a user instruction, an automatic program, or the like supplied from the terminal device 500. The communication device 200 is typically a control device that remotely controls the first electric device 300. Therefore, the communication device 200 can control the first electric device 300 and can monitor the device state (operation state) of the first electric device 300. The communication device 200 can also control the second electric device 400 via the communication adapter 100 and the first electric device 300, and can monitor the device state of the second electric device 400.

  Further, the communication device 200 has a function of connecting to the outside telecommunications network 800 using the Internet protocol. Therefore, the communication device 200 can exchange information with the terminal device 500 and the server 600 via the outside telecommunications network 800. Remote control of the first electric device 300 using the terminal device 500 is realized by a relay function of the communication device 200. The communication device 200 may be a dedicated computer or a general-purpose computer such as a personal computer.

  The first electric device 300 is a device to be controlled or monitored, and is disposed in the user's home, for example. The first electrical device 300 cannot communicate using the first protocol, but can communicate using the second protocol or the third protocol. Accordingly, the first electrical device 300 cannot be directly connected to the home telecommunications network 700 using the first protocol. On the other hand, the first electrical device 300 can exchange information with the communication adapter 100 using the second protocol. Accordingly, the first electric device 300 is indirectly connected to the communication device 200 via the communication adapter 100. The first electric device 300 has a function of operating according to the control content instructed by the communication device 200 or the like. In addition, the first electric device 300 has a function of supplying information indicating the device state of the first electric device 300 to the communication device 200.

  In addition, the first electric device 300 can exchange information with the second electric device 400 by the third protocol. The first electric device 300 is, for example, a range hood, an air conditioner, a water heater, an electric stove, a rice cooker, a lighting device, or an electric carpet. In the present embodiment, the first electric device 300 will be described as a range hood.

  The second electric device 400 is a device to be controlled or monitored, and is disposed in the user's home, for example. The second electrical device 400 can exchange information with the first electrical device 300 using the third protocol. The second electric device 400 is, for example, a range hood, an air conditioner, a water heater, an electric stove, a rice cooker, a lighting device, or an electric carpet. In the present embodiment, the second electric device 400 will be described as an electromagnetic cooker (heating cooker).

  Note that the first electric device 300 and the second electric device 400 can be linked. For example, the first electric device 300 can operate in conjunction with the device state of the second electric device 400. For example, the second electric device 400 can operate in conjunction with the device state of the first electric device 300. For example, the first electric device 300 that is a range hood is heated from a state in which the device state of the second electric device 400 that is an electromagnetic cooker is not heated (hereinafter referred to as a “non-heated state”) (hereinafter referred to as “non-heated state”). When it is detected that the state has been switched to “heating state”), the fan is rotating from a state where the fan is not rotating (hereinafter referred to as “non-rotating state”) (hereinafter referred to as “rotating state”). Switch to Further, for example, when the second electric device 400 that is an electromagnetic cooker detects that the first electric device 300 that is a range hood is switched from a rotating state to a non-rotating state, the second electric device 400 is switched from a heating state to a non-heating state.

  The terminal device 500 remotely controls the first electric device 300 and the second electric device 400 in accordance with an instruction from the user. The terminal device 500 transmits a control signal for remotely controlling the first electric device 300 and the second electric device 400 to the communication device 200. Here, the control signal includes, for example, information indicating a transmission source terminal device (terminal device 500), information indicating a transmission destination electrical device (first electrical device 300, second electrical device 400), and control content. It is a signal for transmitting information including the information to be shown. The terminal device 500 has a function of connecting to the outside telecommunications network 800. The terminal device 500 is, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, or a tablet terminal.

  The server 600 is a device that provides the communication device 200 with various types of information used by the communication device 200. The server 600 includes a storage device that stores various types of information. The server 600 has a function of connecting to the outside telecommunications network 800.

  The home telecommunications network 700 is a telecommunications network such as a wireless local area network (LAN) built in the home. The home telecommunications network 700 connects the communication adapter 100 and the communication device 200 to each other. The home telecommunications network 700 relays communication according to the first protocol.

  The outside telecommunication network 800 is a telecommunication network such as the Internet constructed outside the house. The outside telecommunications network 800 connects the communication device 200, the terminal device 500, and the server 600 to each other. For ease of understanding, illustration of routers, gateways, and the like is omitted in FIG.

  Next, a physical configuration of the communication adapter 100 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the communication adapter 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a flash memory 14, a home telecommunications network interface 15, a first electrical A device interface 16 is provided. The components included in the communication adapter 100 are connected to each other via a bus.

  The CPU 11 controls the overall operation of the communication adapter 100. The CPU 11 operates according to a program stored in the ROM 12 and uses the RAM 13 as a work area.

  The ROM 12 stores a program and data for controlling the overall operation of the communication adapter 100.

  The RAM 13 functions as a work area for the CPU 11. That is, the CPU 11 temporarily writes programs and data in the RAM 13 and refers to these programs and data as appropriate.

  The flash memory 14 is a nonvolatile memory that stores various types of information. For example, the flash memory 14 represents information indicating the device state of the first electric device 300 (hereinafter referred to as “first device state information”) or the device state of the second electric device 400 acquired from the first electric device 300. Information (hereinafter referred to as “second device status information”) and the like are stored. The flash memory 14 can be reduced for reasons such as cost reduction. In this case, various types of information are stored in the RAM 13 or the like instead of the flash memory 14.

  The home telecommunication network interface 15 is an interface for connecting the communication adapter 100 to the home telecommunication network 700 using the first protocol. The home telecommunications network interface 15 includes a LAN interface such as a NIC (Network Interface Card).

  The first electric device interface 16 is an interface for electrically connecting the communication adapter 100 to the first electric device 300 using the second protocol.

  Next, the physical configuration of the communication apparatus 200 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the communication device 200 includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a flash memory 24, a home telecommunications network interface 25, an outside telecommunications network interface 26, and a touch screen 27. Each component included in the communication device 200 is connected to each other via a bus.

  The CPU 21 controls the overall operation of the communication device 200. The CPU 21 operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 22 and uses the RAM 23 as a work area.

  The ROM 22 stores a program and data for controlling the overall operation of the communication device 200.

  The RAM 23 functions as a work area for the CPU 21. That is, the CPU 21 temporarily writes programs and data in the RAM 23 and refers to these programs and data as appropriate.

  The flash memory 24 is a nonvolatile memory that stores various types of information. For example, the flash memory 24 stores linked operation definition information, first device state information, second device state information, and the like. Note that the communication device 200 may include a hard disk or the like instead of the flash memory 24. The flash memory 24 can be reduced for reasons such as cost reduction. In this case, various information is stored in the RAM 23 or the like instead of the flash memory 24.

  The home telecommunications network interface 25 is an interface for connecting the communication device 200 to the home telecommunications network 700 using the first protocol. The home telecommunications network interface 25 transmits / receives a message to / from the first electrical device 300 via the home telecommunications network 700, for example. The home telecommunications network interface 25 includes a LAN interface such as a NIC, for example.

  The outside telecommunications network interface 26 is an interface for connecting the communication device 200 to the outside telecommunications network 800 using the Internet protocol. The outside telecommunications network interface 26 communicates with the terminal device 500 and the server 600 according to control by the CPU 21. The outside telecommunications network interface 26 includes a LAN interface such as a NIC, for example.

  The touch screen 27 detects a touch operation performed by the user and supplies a signal indicating the detection result to the CPU 21. The touch screen 27 displays an image based on the image signal supplied from the CPU 21 or the like. As described above, the touch screen 27 functions as a user interface of the communication device 200. Therefore, the user can control the first electric device 300 and the second electric device 400 by a touch operation on the touch screen 27. Further, the user can know the state of the first electric device 300 and the second electric device 400 with reference to the image presented on the touch screen 27.

  Note that for reasons such as cost reduction, the communication device 200 may include buttons and switches that accept various input operations instead of the touch screen 27. In this case, the user can operate the first electric device 300 and the second electric device 400 by an input operation on these buttons and switches. On the other hand, the operating state of the first electric device 300 and the second electric device 400 can be output as video from a TV, personal computer, terminal device 500, etc. connected to the home telecommunications network 700 or the outside telecommunications network 800. Display using various devices.

  Next, a physical configuration of the first electric device 300 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the first electric device 300 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a flash memory 34, a communication adapter interface 35, a second electric device interface 36, a touch screen 37, a sensor 38, and a processing device 39. The components included in the first electric device 300 are connected to each other via a bus.

  The CPU 31 controls the overall operation of the first electric device 300. For example, the CPU 31 generates a control signal to be supplied to the processing device 39 in accordance with information for controlling the first electric device 300 (hereinafter referred to as “first device control information”). The first device control information is generated based on, for example, a touch operation on the touch screen 37 by the user. Alternatively, the first device control information is supplied from the communication adapter 100.

  Further, the CPU 31 generates first device state information based on information supplied from the sensor 38 or information supplied from the processing device 39 and stores the first device state information in the flash memory 34. The first device state information includes the device state at the current time of the first electric device 300, the remaining time during which the first electric device 300 maintains the current device state, the power consumption of the first electric device 300, the first electric device The communication state of 300, the temperature around the first electric device 300, the humidity, and the like may be included. The CPU 31 operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 32, and uses the RAM 33 as a work area.

  The ROM 32 stores programs and data for controlling the overall operation of the first electric device 300.

  The RAM 33 functions as a work area for the CPU 31. That is, the CPU 31 temporarily writes programs and data in the RAM 33 and refers to these programs and data as appropriate.

  The flash memory 34 is a non-volatile memory that stores various types of information. For example, the flash memory 34 stores linked operation definition information, first device state information, second device state information, and the like. The flash memory 34 can be reduced for reasons such as cost reduction. In this case, various information is stored in the RAM 33 or the like instead of the flash memory 34.

  The linked operation definition information is information that defines a linked relationship between the first electric device 300 and the second electric device 400. For example, the linked operation definition information includes information indicating the relationship between the device state of the first electric device 300 and the device state that the second electric device 400 should be, and the device state of the second electric device 400 and the first electric device 300. It contains information that shows the relationship with the equipment state that should be. For example, the interlocking operation definition information includes information that defines that the first electric device 300 that is a range hood should be rotated when the second electric device 400 that is an electromagnetic cooker is in a heated state. In addition, for example, the interlocking operation definition information is information that defines that the second electric device 400 that is an electromagnetic cooker should be in a non-heating state when the first electric device 300 that is a range hood is in a non-rotating state. Including.

  The linked operation definition information includes information indicating the relationship between the device state of the first electrical device 300 at the current time and the device state of the second electrical device 400 at the current time, and the second electrical device 400 at the current time. It does not have to be information indicating the relationship between the device state and the device state in which the first electric device 300 should be at the current time. For example, the linked operation definition information includes information indicating the relationship between the device state of the first electric device 300 in the past and the device state that the second electric device 400 should be at the current time, or the device state of the second electric device 400 in the past. And information indicating the relationship between the first electrical device 300 and the current device state at the current time.

  For example, the interlocking operation definition information indicates that the first electric device 300 that is the range hood is not rotated from the rotating state after a predetermined time has elapsed since the second electric device 400 that is the electromagnetic cooker is switched from the heated state to the non-heated state. It may be information defining switching to a state.

  The communication adapter interface 35 is an interface for electrically connecting the first electric device 300 to the communication adapter 100 using the second protocol.

  The second electrical device interface 36 is an interface for electrically connecting the first electrical device 300 to the second electrical device 400 using the third protocol.

  The touch screen 37 detects a touch operation performed by the user and supplies a signal indicating the detection result to the CPU 31. The touch screen 37 displays an image based on an image signal supplied from the CPU 31 or the like. As described above, the touch screen 37 functions as a user interface of the first electric device 300. Therefore, the user can operate the first electric device 300 by a touch operation on the touch screen 37. Further, the user can know the state of the first electric device 300 with reference to the image presented on the touch screen 37.

  Note that, for reasons such as cost reduction, the first electric device 300 may include buttons and switches that accept various input operations instead of the touch screen 37. In this case, the user can operate the first electric device 300 and the like by an input operation on these buttons and switches. On the other hand, the operating state or the like of the first electrical device 300 is a device capable of outputting video, such as a television, a personal computer, the communication device 200, or the terminal device 500, connected to the in-home telecommunication network 700 or the out-of-home telecommunication network 800. Can be displayed.

  The sensor 38 is a variety of sensors used for controlling the first electrical device 300 and the like. Information indicating the physical quantity detected by the sensor 38 is supplied to the CPU 31 via the bus. The sensor 38 is, for example, a rotational speed sensor that detects the rotational speed of the fan.

  The processing device 39 is a device that executes processing related to the function of the first electric device 300. The processing device 39 executes processing according to the control signal supplied from the CPU 31 via the bus. Information indicating the state of the processing device 39 is appropriately supplied to the CPU 31 via the bus. The processing device 39 includes, for example, a motor driver and a fan.

  Next, the physical configuration of the second electric device 400 will be described with reference to FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the second electric device 400 includes a CPU 41, a ROM 42, a RAM 43, a flash memory 44, a first electric device interface 45, a touch screen 46, a sensor 47, and a processing device 48. Each component provided in the second electric device 400 is connected to each other via a bus.

  The CPU 41 controls the overall operation of the second electric device 400. For example, the CPU 41 generates a control signal to be supplied to the processing device 48 in accordance with information for controlling the second electric device 400 (hereinafter referred to as “second device control information”). The second device control information is generated based on, for example, a touch operation on the touch screen 46 by the user. Alternatively, the second device control information is supplied from the first electric device 300.

  Further, the CPU 41 generates second device state information based on the information supplied from the sensor 47 and the information supplied from the processing device 48 and stores the second device state information in the flash memory 44. The second device state information includes the device state at the current time of the second electric device 400, the remaining time for which the second electric device 400 maintains the current device state, the power consumption of the second electric device 400, the second electric device 400 communication states, ambient temperature and humidity of the second electrical device 400, and the like may be included. The second device state information is information acquired from the second electric device 400 via the second electric device interface 36, for example. The CPU 41 operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 42, and uses the RAM 43 as a work area.

  The ROM 42 stores programs and data for controlling the overall operation of the second electric device 400.

  The RAM 43 functions as a work area for the CPU 41. That is, the CPU 41 temporarily writes programs and data in the RAM 43 and refers to these programs and data as appropriate.

  The flash memory 44 is a non-volatile memory that stores various types of information. For example, the flash memory 44 stores second device state information and the like. The flash memory 44 can be reduced for reasons such as cost reduction. In this case, various information is stored in the RAM 43 or the like instead of the flash memory 44.

  The first electric device interface 45 is an interface for electrically connecting the second electric device 400 to the first electric device 300 using the third protocol.

  The touch screen 46 detects a touch operation performed by the user and supplies a signal indicating the detection result to the CPU 41. The touch screen 46 displays an image based on the image signal supplied from the CPU 41 or the like. As described above, the touch screen 46 functions as a user interface of the second electric device 400. Therefore, the user can operate the second electric device 400 by a touch operation on the touch screen 46. Further, the user can know the state of the second electric device 400 with reference to the image presented on the touch screen 46.

  For reasons such as cost reduction, the second electric device 400 may include buttons and switches that accept various input operations instead of the touch screen 46. In this case, the user can operate the second electric device 400 and the like by an input operation on these buttons and switches. On the other hand, the operation state of the second electric device 400 is a device that is connected to the in-home telecommunication network 700 or the out-of-home telecommunication network 800 and can output video such as a television, a personal computer, the communication device 200, and the terminal device 500. Can be displayed.

  The sensor 47 is various sensors used for controlling the second electric device 400 and the like. Information indicating the physical quantity detected by the sensor 47 is supplied to the CPU 41 via the bus. The sensor 47 is, for example, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heat generating device provided in the electromagnetic cooker.

  The processing device 48 is a device that executes processing related to the function of the second electric device 400. The processing device 48 executes processing in accordance with a control signal supplied from the CPU 41 via the bus. Information indicating the state of the processing device 48 is appropriately supplied to the CPU 41 via the bus. The processing device 48 is, for example, a heat generating device that generates heat to heat a pan or the like.

  Next, basic functions of the communication system 1000 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the communication system 1000 includes a communication adapter 100, a communication device 200, a first electric device 300, and a second electric device 400.

  The communication adapter 100 includes a first protocol communication unit 101, a second protocol communication unit 102, and a relay unit 103.

  The first protocol communication unit 101 communicates with the communication device 200 using the first protocol. The first protocol communication unit 101 includes, for example, a CPU 11 and a home telecommunications network interface 15.

  The second protocol communication unit 102 communicates with the first electrical device 300 using a second protocol different from the first protocol. The second protocol communication unit 102 includes, for example, a CPU 11 and a first electric device interface 16.

  The relay unit 103 causes the second protocol communication unit 102 to transmit the information received by the first protocol communication unit 101 toward the first electrical device 300. Alternatively, the relay unit 103 causes the first protocol communication unit 101 to transmit the information received by the second protocol communication unit 102 toward the communication device 200. The relay unit 103 has a function of converting a protocol between the first protocol and the second protocol. The relay unit 103 includes, for example, a CPU 11.

  The communication device 200 includes a first protocol communication unit 201 and a process execution unit 202.

  The first protocol communication unit 201 communicates with the communication adapter 100 using the first protocol. The first protocol communication unit 201 includes, for example, a CPU 21 and a home telecommunications network interface 25.

  The process execution unit 202 executes a process related to information transmitted or received by the first protocol communication unit 201. The process execution unit 202 includes, for example, the CPU 21 and the touch screen 27.

  The first electrical device 300 includes a second protocol communication unit 301, a third protocol communication unit 302, a process execution unit 303, and a relay unit 304.

  The second protocol communication unit 301 communicates with the communication adapter 100 using the second protocol. The second protocol communication unit 301 includes, for example, a CPU 31 and a communication adapter interface 35.

  The third protocol communication unit 302 communicates with the second electrical device 400 using a third protocol different from the first protocol. The third protocol communication unit 302 includes, for example, a CPU 31 and a second electric device interface 36.

  The process execution unit 303 executes a process for operating the first electrical device 300 based on the first device control information received by the second protocol communication unit 301 for controlling the first electrical device 300. Or the process execution part 303 performs the process which makes the 2nd protocol communication part 301 transmit the 1st apparatus state information which shows the state of the 1st electric equipment 300 toward the communication adapter 100. FIG. The process execution unit 303 includes, for example, a CPU 31 and a processing device 39.

  The relay unit 304 transmits the second device control information for controlling the second electric device 400 received by the second protocol communication unit 301 to the third protocol communication unit 302 toward the second electric device 400. Let Alternatively, the relay unit 304 causes the second protocol communication unit 301 to transmit the second device state information indicating the state of the second electric device 400 received by the third protocol communication unit 302 toward the communication adapter 100. . The relay unit 304 has a function of converting a protocol between the second protocol and the third protocol. The relay unit 304 includes, for example, a CPU 31.

  The second electrical device 400 includes a third protocol communication unit 401 and a process execution unit 402.

  The third protocol communication unit 401 communicates with the first electric device 300 using the third protocol. The third protocol communication unit 401 includes, for example, a CPU 41 and a first electric device interface 45.

  The process execution unit 402 executes a process for operating the second electrical device 400 based on the second device control information received by the third protocol communication unit 401. Or the process execution part 402 performs the process which makes the 3rd protocol communication part 401 transmit 2nd apparatus state information toward the 1st electric equipment 300. FIG. The process execution unit 402 includes, for example, a CPU 41 and a processing device 48.

  Here, the process execution unit 303 included in the first electric device 300 or the process execution unit 402 included in the second electric device 400 communicates between the first electric device 300 and the second electric device 400 using the third protocol. Based on the obtained information, the first electric device 300 and the second electric device 400 are linked.

  For example, the process execution unit 402 included in the second electric device 400 executes a process of causing the third protocol communication unit 401 to transmit the second device state information to the first electric device 300. On the other hand, the process execution unit 303 included in the first electric device 300 is configured to be linked to the second electric device 400 based on the second device state information received by the third protocol communication unit 302. Execute the process that operates.

  In addition, the 1st electric equipment 300 is a range hood, for example. Moreover, the 2nd electric equipment 400 is an electromagnetic cooker, for example.

  Next, the flow of processing executed by the communication system 1000 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, information can be transmitted from the second electrical device 400 to the first electrical device 300, and information cannot be transmitted from the first electrical device 300 to the second electrical device 400. Shall.

  FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing when the first electric device 300 is linked to the second electric device 400.

  First, in ST101, the user instructs the second electric device 400 to operate. In addition, the user can instruct | indicate operation | movement to the 2nd electric equipment 400 by touch operation with respect to the touch screen 46 with which the 2nd electric equipment 400 is provided, for example. The instruction | indication of operation | movement is an instruction | indication which switches an electromagnetic cooker from a non-heating state to a heating state, for example. On the other hand, the second electric device 400 executes the instructed operation in response to receiving the operation instruction from the user. That is, the 2nd electric equipment 400 switches an electromagnetic cooker from a non-heating state to a heating state.

  Next, in ST102, second electric device 400 notifies first electric device 300 of the device state. For example, the second electric device 400 transmits second device state information indicating that it is in a heating state to the first electric device 300. On the other hand, when the first electric device 300 receives the notification of the device state from the second electric device 400, the first electric device 300 is linked to the operation of the second electric device 400. For example, the first electric device 300 switches from the non-rotating state to the rotating state in conjunction with the second electric device 400 being in the heated state. The first electric device 300 includes first device state information indicating that the first electric device 300 is in a rotating state, and second device state information indicating that the second electric device 400 is in a heating state. Store in the flash memory 34.

  Here, the communication adapter 100 periodically requests the first electrical device 300 to notify the device state in ST103. That is, the communication adapter 100 periodically inquires of the first electric device 300 about the device state of the first electric device 300 and the device state of the second electric device 400.

  On the other hand, in response to receiving a request for notification of the device status from communication adapter 100, first electrical device 300 notifies communication adapter 100 of the device status in ST104. That is, the first electric device 300 transmits the first device state information and the second device state information stored in the flash memory 34 to the communication adapter 100. On the other hand, the communication adapter 100 stores the notified device state in response to receiving the notification of the device state from the first electric device 300. That is, the communication adapter 100 stores the first device state information and the second device state information received from the first electric device 300 in the flash memory 14.

  Here, the communication apparatus 200 periodically requests the communication adapter 100 to notify the device state in ST105. That is, the communication device 200 periodically inquires of the communication adapter 100 about the device state of the first electric device 300 and the device state of the second electric device 400.

  On the other hand, in response to receiving the device status notification request from communication device 200, communication adapter 100 notifies communication device 200 of the device status in ST106. That is, the communication adapter 100 transmits the first device state information and the second device state information stored in the flash memory 14 to the communication device 200.

  On the other hand, the communication device 200 stores the notified device state in response to receiving the notification of the device state from the communication adapter 100. That is, the communication device 200 stores the first device state information and the second device state information received from the communication adapter 100 in the flash memory 24. Furthermore, the communication device 200 executes a corresponding process according to the device state of the first electric device 300 or the second electric device 400. The corresponding process executed by the communication device 200 is, for example, a process of presenting the device state of the first electric device 300 or the second electric device 400 to the user, or a control of the first electric device 300 or the second electric device 400. It is processing to do.

  FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing a processing flow when the first electric device 300 and the second electric device 400 operate independently.

  First, in ST201, the user instructs the second electric device 400 to operate. On the other hand, the second electric device 400 executes the instructed operation in response to receiving the operation instruction from the user. For example, the second electric device 400 switches from a non-heated state to a heated state.

  Next, in ST202, second electric device 400 notifies device state to first electric device 300. That is, the second electric device 400 transmits the second device state information indicating that it is in a heating state to the first electric device 300. Here, when the first electric device 300 is not linked to the second electric device 400, the first electric device 300 stores, in the flash memory 34, second device state information indicating that the second electric device 400 is in a heating state. Remember.

  In ST203, the user instructs the first electric device 300 to operate. Note that the user can instruct the first electric device 300 to perform an operation, for example, by a touch operation on the touch screen 37 included in the first electric device 300. The operation instruction is, for example, an instruction to switch the first electric device 300 (the fan included in the first electric device 300) from the non-rotating state to the rotating state. On the other hand, the first electrical device 300 executes the instructed operation in response to receiving an operation instruction from the user. That is, the first electric device 300 switches the first electric device 300 from the non-rotating state to the rotating state. The first electric device 300 stores in the flash memory 34 first device state information indicating that the first electric device 300 is in a rotating state.

  Hereinafter, the processing from ST204 to ST207 in FIG. 8 is the same as the processing from ST103 to ST106 in FIG.

  That is, communication adapter 100 periodically requests notification of device status from first electrical device 300 in ST204.

  On the other hand, in response to receiving the request for notification of the device status from communication adapter 100, first electrical device 300 notifies communication adapter 100 of the device status in ST205. Then, in response to receiving the notification of the device state from the first electric device 300, the communication adapter 100 stores the notified device state.

  Here, the communication apparatus 200 periodically requests the communication adapter 100 to notify the device status in ST206.

  On the other hand, in response to receiving the device status notification request from communication device 200, communication adapter 100 notifies communication device 200 of the device status in ST207. In response to receiving the notification of the device state from the communication adapter 100, the communication device 200 stores the notified device state. Furthermore, the communication device 200 executes a corresponding process according to the device state of the first electric device 300 or the second electric device 400.

  FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of processing when an operation is instructed to the first electric device 300 via the communication device 200.

  First, in ST301, the user instructs the second electric device 400 to operate. On the other hand, the second electric device 400 executes the instructed operation in response to receiving the operation instruction from the user. That is, the second electric device 400 switches from the non-heated state to the heated state.

  Next, in ST302, second electric device 400 notifies device state to first electric device 300. That is, the second electric device 400 transmits the second device state information indicating that it is in a heating state to the first electric device 300. Here, when the first electric device 300 is not linked to the second electric device 400, the first electric device 300 stores, in the flash memory 34, second device state information indicating that the second electric device 400 is in a heating state. Remember.

  Here, in ST303, the user instructs the first electric device 300 to operate via the communication device 200. In addition, the user can instruct | indicate operation | movement to the 1st electric equipment 300 by touch operation with respect to the touch screen 27 with which the communication apparatus 200 is provided, for example. The operation instruction is, for example, an instruction to switch the first electric device 300 from the non-rotation state to the rotation state.

  On the other hand, in response to receiving the operation instruction for first electric device 300, communication apparatus 200 transmits the operation instruction for first electric device 300 toward communication adapter 100 in ST304.

  Here, in response to accepting the operation instruction for first electric device 300, communication adapter 100 transmits the operation instruction for first electric device 300 to first electric device 300 in ST305. .

  On the other hand, in response to receiving an operation instruction from the communication adapter 100, the first electric device 300 executes the instructed operation. That is, the first electric device 300 switches from the non-rotating state to the rotating state. The first electric device 300 stores in the flash memory 34 first device state information indicating that the first electric device 300 is in a rotating state.

  Hereinafter, the processing from ST306 to ST309 in FIG. 9 is the same as the processing from ST204 to ST207 in FIG.

  In other words, communication adapter 100 periodically requests notification of device status from first electrical device 300 in ST306.

  On the other hand, in response to receiving the request for notification of the device status from communication adapter 100, first electrical device 300 notifies communication adapter 100 of the device status in ST307. Then, in response to receiving the notification of the device state from the first electric device 300, the communication adapter 100 stores the notified device state.

  Here, the communication apparatus 200 periodically requests the communication adapter 100 to notify the device state in ST308.

  On the other hand, in response to receiving the device status notification request from communication device 200, communication adapter 100 notifies communication device 200 of the device status in ST309. In response to receiving the notification of the device state from the communication adapter 100, the communication device 200 stores the notified device state. Furthermore, the communication device 200 executes a corresponding process according to the device state of the first electric device 300 or the second electric device 400.

  Next, a device state notification process executed by the second electric device 400 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that the second electric device 400 starts the device state notification process shown in FIG. 10 in response to the power being turned on.

  First, the CPU 41 determines whether or not there is an operation instruction from the user (step S101). Specifically, the CPU 41 monitors a signal supplied from the touch screen 46 and determines whether or not a touch operation instructing an operation has been accepted by the touch screen 46. The operation instruction is, for example, an instruction to switch the second electric device 400 (the heat generating device included in the second electric device 400) from the non-heating state to the heating state.

  When determining that there is an operation instruction from the user (step S101: YES), the CPU 41 executes the instructed operation (step S102). For example, the CPU 41 controls the temperature of the heat generating device so that the temperature of the heat generating device included in the processing device 48 becomes the instructed temperature. The CPU 41 can use the temperature signal supplied from the sensor 47 including the temperature sensor for controlling the temperature of the heat generating device. Further, the CPU 41 appropriately updates the second device state information stored in the flash memory 44 in accordance with the change in the device state of the second electric device 400.

  When it is determined that there is no operation instruction from the user (step S101: NO), or when the process of step S102 is completed, the CPU 41 determines whether or not there is a change in the device state of the second electric device 400. (Step S103). The device state of the second electrical device 400 is, for example, the state of the heating device (non-heating state, weak heating state, medium heating state, strong heating state), temperature of the heating device, operation mode (automatic operation, manual operation). Etc. For example, the CPU 41 stores both the second device state information indicating the past device state of the second electric device 400 and the second device state information indicating the latest device state of the second electric device 400 in the flash memory 44. It is possible to determine whether or not there is a change in the device state of the second electric device 400.

  When determining that there is a change in the device state of the second electric device 400 (step S103: YES), the CPU 41 notifies the first electric device 300 of the device state of the second electric device 400 (step S104). Specifically, the CPU 41 transmits the latest second device state information stored in the flash memory 44 to the first electric device 300 via the first electric device interface 45.

  On the other hand, if CPU41 discriminate | determines that there is no change in the apparatus state of the 2nd electric equipment 400 (step S103: NO), it will return a process to step S101.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 11, a device state storage process executed by the first electrical device 300 will be described. Note that the first electric device 300 starts the device state saving process shown in FIG. 11 in response to the power being turned on.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not there is an operation instruction from the user (step S201). Specifically, the CPU 31 monitors a signal supplied from the touch screen 37 and determines whether or not a touch operation instructing an operation has been accepted by the touch screen 37. The operation instruction is, for example, an instruction to switch the first electric device 300 (the fan included in the first electric device 300) from the non-rotating state to the rotating state.

  When determining that there is no operation instruction from the user (step S201: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether there is an operation instruction from the communication adapter 100 (step S202). Specifically, the CPU 31 monitors a signal supplied from the communication adapter interface 35 and determines whether or not a signal instructing an operation (hereinafter referred to as “operation instruction signal”) is received by the communication adapter interface 35. To do. The content of the operation instruction indicated by the operation instruction signal received from the communication adapter 100 may be basically the same as the content of the operation instruction received by the touch screen 37.

  When determining that there is no operation instruction from the communication adapter 100 (step S202: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether there is a notification of a device state from the second electric device 400 (step S203). Specifically, the CPU 31 monitors a signal supplied from the communication adapter interface 35 and determines whether or not the second device state information is received by the communication adapter interface 35.

  When determining that there is a notification of the device state from the second electric device 400 (step S203: YES), the CPU 31 stores the device state of the second electric device 400 (step S204). Specifically, the CPU 31 stores the second device state information received by the communication adapter interface 35 in the flash memory 34.

  When completing the process in step S204, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the first electric device 300 should operate in conjunction (step S205). For example, the CPU 31 can determine whether or not the first electric device 300 should perform a linked operation based on the linked operation definition information and the second device status information stored in the flash memory 34.

  For example, it is assumed that the second device state information indicates that the heat generating device included in the second electric device 400 is in a heated state. In this case, CPU31 discriminate | determines that the interlocking operation which makes the fan with which the 1st electric equipment 300 is equipped should rotate should be performed.

  The CPU 31 determines that there is an operation instruction from the user (step S201: YES), determines that there is an operation instruction from the communication adapter 100 (step S202: YES), or the first electric device 300 is linked. When it is determined that the operation should be performed (step S205: YES), the instructed operation is executed (step S206). For example, the CPU 31 controls the processing device 39 so that the fan included in the processing device 39 changes from the non-rotating state to the rotating state in accordance with the instruction from the user, the instruction from the communication adapter 100, or the definition of the linked operation. . Further, the CPU 31 appropriately updates the first device state information stored in the flash memory 34 according to the change in the device state of the first electric device 300.

  The CPU 31 determines that there is no notification of the device status from the second electric device 400 (step S203: NO), determines that the interlock operation should not be performed (step S205: NO), or completes the processing of step S206. If so, it is determined whether or not there is a status notification request from the communication adapter 100 (step S207). The CPU 31 can monitor the signal supplied from the communication adapter interface 35 and determine whether or not the status notification request transmitted from the communication adapter 100 has been received by the communication adapter interface 35.

  When determining that there is a state notification request from the communication adapter 100 (step S207: YES), the CPU 31 notifies the communication adapter 100 of the device state of the first electric device 300 and the device state of the second electric device 400 (step). S208). Specifically, the CPU 31 transmits the first device state information and the second device state information stored in the flash memory 34 to the communication adapter 100 via the communication adapter interface 35.

  When it is determined that there is no status notification request from the communication adapter 100 (step S207: NO), or when the process of step S208 is completed, the CPU 31 returns the process to step S201.

  Next, device status relay processing executed by the communication adapter 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that the communication adapter 100 starts the device status relay process shown in FIG. 12 in response to the power being turned on.

  First, the CPU 11 determines whether there is an operation instruction from the communication device 200 (step S301). For example, the CPU 11 can monitor the home telecommunications network interface 15 to determine whether or not the operation instruction signal transmitted from the communication device 200 has been received by the home telecommunications network interface 15.

  When determining that there is an operation instruction from the communication apparatus 200 (step S301: YES), the CPU 11 instructs the first electric device 300 to perform the operation (step S302). Specifically, the CPU 11 transmits an operation instruction signal to the first electric device 300 via the first electric device interface 16 to the first electric device 300.

  When the CPU 11 determines that there is no operation instruction from the communication device 200 (step S301: NO), or when the process of step S302 is completed, whether or not it is the device state notification request time for the first electric device 300. Is determined (step S303). For example, the device status notification request time can be a time that arrives at a predetermined cycle. In this case, the CPU 11 can determine whether or not the current time is the device status notification request time based on whether or not a timer interrupt that occurs at a predetermined period has occurred. Note that the shorter the predetermined period, the faster the new device state is acquired. On the other hand, as the predetermined period is longer, the processing load and the communication amount are reduced.

  When determining that it is the device state notification request time for the first electric device 300 (step S303: YES), the CPU 11 requests the first electric device 300 for notification of the device state (step S304). Specifically, the CPU 11 transmits a signal for requesting notification of the device status (hereinafter referred to as “device status notification request signal”) to the first electrical device 300 via the first electrical device interface 16.

  If the CPU 11 determines that it is not the device state notification request time for the first electric device 300 (step S303: NO), or if the processing of step S304 is completed, is the device state notified from the first electric device 300? It is determined whether or not (step S305). Specifically, the CPU 11 monitors the first electrical device interface 16, and the first device status information and the second device status information transmitted from the first electrical device 300 are received by the first electrical device interface 16. It is determined whether or not.

  When determining that there is a notification of the device state from the first electric device 300 (step S305: YES), the CPU 11 stores the state of the first electric device 300 and the device state of the second electric device 400 (step S306). Specifically, the CPU 11 stores the first device state information and the second device state information in the flash memory 14.

  If the CPU 11 determines that there is no device status notification from the first electrical device 300 (step S305: NO), or if the processing of step S306 is completed, whether there is a device status notification request from the communication device 200 or not. Is determined (step S307). Specifically, the CPU 11 monitors the home telecommunications network interface 15 and determines whether or not the device status notification request signal transmitted from the communication device 200 is received by the home telecommunications network interface 15.

  When determining that there is a device status notification request from the communication device 200 (step S307: YES), the CPU 11 notifies the communication device 200 of the device status of the first electrical device 300 and the device status of the second electrical device 400 ( Step S308). Specifically, the CPU 11 transmits the first device state information and the second device state information stored in the flash memory 14 to the communication device 200 via the home telecommunications network interface 15.

  When it is determined that there is no device status notification request from the communication device 200 (step S307: NO), the CPU 11 returns the process to step S301 when the process of step S308 is completed.

  Next, a device status acquisition process executed by the communication apparatus 200 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that the communication apparatus 200 starts the device state acquisition process shown in FIG. 13 in response to the power being turned on.

  First, the CPU 21 determines whether or not there is an operation instruction from the user (step S401). For example, the CPU 21 monitors a signal supplied from the touch screen 27 and determines whether or not a touch operation instructing an operation has been received by the touch screen 27. Alternatively, the CPU 21 monitors a signal supplied from the outside telecommunications network interface 26 and determines whether or not the operation instruction signal transmitted from the terminal device 500 is received by the outside telecommunications network interface 26. In the present embodiment, the operation instruction given by the user is an operation instruction for the first electrical device 300.

  When determining that there is an operation instruction from the user (step S401: YES), the CPU 21 instructs the communication adapter 100 to perform the operation (step S402). For example, the CPU 21 transmits an operation instruction signal to the communication adapter 100 via the home telecommunications network interface 25.

  When it is determined that there is no operation instruction from the user (step S401: NO), or when the process of step S402 is completed, the CPU 21 determines whether it is the device status notification request time for the communication adapter 100 (step S401: NO). Step S403). For example, the device status notification request time can be a time that arrives at a predetermined cycle. In this case, the CPU 21 can determine whether or not the current time is the device state notification request time based on whether or not a timer interrupt that occurs at a predetermined period has occurred. Note that the shorter the predetermined period, the faster the new device state is acquired. On the other hand, as the predetermined period is longer, the processing load and the communication amount are reduced.

  When determining that it is the device status notification request time for the communication adapter 100 (step S403: YES), the CPU 21 requests the communication adapter 100 to notify the device status (step S404). Specifically, the CPU 21 transmits a device status notification request signal to the communication adapter 100 via the home telecommunications network interface 25.

  When it is determined that it is not the device status notification request time for the communication adapter 100 (step S403: NO), or when the processing of step S404 is completed, the CPU 21 determines whether there is a notification of the device status from the communication adapter 100. (Step S405). For example, the CPU 21 monitors the home telecommunications network interface 25 and determines whether or not the device status notification signal transmitted by the communication adapter 100 is received by the premises telecommunications network interface 25.

  When determining that there is a notification of the device state from the communication adapter 100 (step S405: YES), the CPU 21 stores the state of the first electric device 300 and the state of the second electric device 400 (step S406). Specifically, the CPU 21 stores the first device state information and the second device state information included in the device state notification signal in the flash memory 24.

  When it is determined that there is no notification of the device status from the communication adapter 100 (step S405: NO), or when the processing of step S406 is completed, the CPU 21 determines whether there is processing according to the device status (step S405: NO). Step S407). The process according to the device state is, for example, a process for instructing the first electric device 300 or the second electric device 400 to perform an operation, or the state of the first electric device 300 or the state of the second electric device 400 is presented to the user. It is processing to do. In the present embodiment, the CPU 21 can determine whether there is a process corresponding to the device state based on the first device state information and the second device state information stored in the flash memory 24.

  When determining that there is a process corresponding to the device state (step S407: YES), the CPU 21 executes a process corresponding to the device state (step S408). For example, the CPU 21 sends an operation instruction signal to the first electric device 300 or the second electric device 400 so that the relationship between the state of the first electric device 300 and the state of the second electric device 400 becomes an appropriate relationship. Can be supplied. For example, the CPU 21 supplies an operation instruction signal to the first electric device 300 and the second electric device 400 so that the first electric device 300 and the second electric device 400 are appropriately interlocked.

  If the CPU 21 determines that there is no processing according to the device state (step S407: NO) or completes the processing of step S408, the CPU 21 returns the processing to step S401.

  According to the present embodiment, the communication device 200 can control or monitor the second electric device 400 via the first electric device 300 that can communicate with the communication device 200 when the communication adapter 100 is attached. it can. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the communication device 200 can control or monitor the second electric device 400 as well as control or monitor the first electric device 300 via the single communication adapter 100. .

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the device state of the second electric device 400 is changed to the first state by using communication according to the third protocol used to link the first electric device 300 and the second electric device 400. 1 Notifies the electric device 300. For this reason, it is not necessary to add a new resource for communication between the first electric device 300 and the second electric device 400.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the communication device 200 can monitor the second electric device 400 via the first electric device 300 that can communicate with the communication device 200 when the communication adapter 100 is attached. it can. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the communication device 200 can monitor not only the first electric device 300 but also the second electric device 400 via the single communication adapter 100. Further, according to the present embodiment, monitoring of the second electrical device 400 can be realized by one-way communication from the second electrical device 400 to the first electrical device 300. Therefore, monitoring of the second electric device 400 can be realized at a low cost by reducing the number of parts of the transceiver.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the communication device 200 secures a space for mounting the communication adapter 100 via the first electric device 300 that is a range hood considered to be easy to secure a space for mounting the communication adapter 100. It is possible to control or monitor the second electric device 400 that is an electromagnetic cooker considered to be difficult to perform.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the example in which the communication between the first electric device 300 and the second electric device 400 is one-way communication from the second electric device 400 to the first electric device 300 has been described. In the present invention, the communication between the first electric device 300 and the second electric device 400 may be bidirectional communication. In the present embodiment, an example in which the communication between the first electric device 300 and the second electric device 400 is bidirectional communication will be described. In the following, a description will be basically given of portions where the communication system 1000 according to the second embodiment differs from the communication system 1000 according to the first embodiment. The physical configuration of the communication system 1000 according to the second embodiment is basically the same as the physical configuration of the communication system 1000 according to the first embodiment.

  FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of processing when the second electric device 400 is linked to the first electric device 300.

  First, in ST401, the user instructs the first electric device 300 to operate. The operation instruction is, for example, an instruction to switch the first electric device 300 (the fan included in the first electric device 300) from a rotation state to a non-rotation state. On the other hand, the first electrical device 300 executes the instructed operation in response to receiving an operation instruction from the user. For example, the first electric device 300 switches from the rotating state to the non-rotating state. The first electric device 300 stores in the flash memory 34 first device state information indicating that the first electric device 300 is in a non-rotating state.

  Next, in ST402, first electric device 300 instructs second electric device 400 to perform a linked operation. That is, the first electric device 300 is configured so that the second electric device 400 that is an electromagnetic cooker is in a non-heated state in response to the first electric device 300 that is a range hood being in a non-rotating state. 2 Instructs the electric device 400.

  On the other hand, in response to receiving an operation instruction from first electric device 300, second electric device 400 executes the instructed operation. That is, the second electric device 400 switches from the heating state to the non-heating state.

  Then, in ST403, second electric device 400 notifies first electric device 300 of the device state of second electric device 400. That is, the second electric device 400 transmits second device state information indicating that the second electric device 400 is in the non-heated state to the first electric device 300. On the other hand, in response to receiving the notification of the device state from the second electric device 400, the first electric device 300 flushes the second device state information indicating that the second electric device 400 is in the non-heated state. Store in the memory 34.

  Hereinafter, the processing from ST404 to ST407 in FIG. 14 is the same as the processing from ST103 to ST106 in FIG.

  That is, communication adapter 100 periodically requests notification of device status from first electrical device 300 in ST404.

  On the other hand, in response to receiving a request for notification of the device status from communication adapter 100, first electrical device 300 notifies communication adapter 100 of the device status in ST405. Then, in response to receiving the notification of the device state from the first electric device 300, the communication adapter 100 stores the notified device state.

  Here, communication apparatus 200 periodically requests the communication adapter 100 to notify the device state in ST406.

  On the other hand, in response to receiving a device status notification request from communication device 200, communication adapter 100 notifies communication device 200 of the device status in ST407. In response to receiving the notification of the device state from the communication adapter 100, the communication device 200 stores the notified device state. Furthermore, the communication device 200 executes a corresponding process according to the device state of the first electric device 300 or the second electric device 400.

  FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of processing when an operation is instructed to the second electric device 400 via the communication device 200.

  First, in ST501, the user instructs the second electric device 400 to operate via the communication device 200. The operation instruction is, for example, an instruction to switch the second electric device 400 (the heat generating device included in the second electric device 400) from the non-heat generation state to the heat generation state.

  On the other hand, in response to receiving the operation instruction for second electric device 400, communication apparatus 200 transmits the operation instruction for second electric device 400 to communication adapter 100 in ST502.

  Here, in response to receiving the operation instruction for second electric device 400, communication adapter 100 transmits the operation instruction for second electric device 400 to first electric device 300 in ST503. .

  Then, in response to receiving the operation instruction for second electric device 400, first electric device 300 transmits the operation instruction for second electric device 400 to second electric device 400 in ST504. To do.

  On the other hand, the second electric device 400 executes the instructed operation in response to receiving the operation instruction for the second electric device 400. That is, the second electric device 400 switches from the non-heated state to the heated state.

  Next, in ST505, second electric device 400 notifies device state to first electric device 300. That is, the second electric device 400 transmits the second device state information indicating that it is in a heating state to the first electric device 300. On the other hand, when the first electric device 300 receives the notification of the device state from the second electric device 400, the first electric device 300 is linked to the operation of the second electric device 400. For example, the first electric device 300 switches from the non-rotating state to the rotating state in conjunction with the second electric device 400 being in the heated state. The first electric device 300 includes first device state information indicating that the first electric device 300 is in a rotating state, and second device state information indicating that the second electric device 400 is in a heating state. Store in the flash memory 34.

  Hereinafter, the processing from ST506 to ST509 in FIG. 15 is the same as the processing from ST103 to ST106 in FIG.

  That is, communication adapter 100 periodically requests notification of device status from first electrical device 300 in ST506.

  On the other hand, in response to receiving a request for notification of device status from communication adapter 100, first electrical device 300 notifies communication adapter 100 of the device status in ST507. Then, in response to receiving the notification of the device state from the first electric device 300, the communication adapter 100 stores the notified device state.

  Here, communication apparatus 200 periodically requests communication adapter 100 for notification of the device status in ST508.

  On the other hand, in response to receiving the device status notification request from communication device 200, communication adapter 100 notifies communication device 200 of the device status in ST509. In response to receiving the notification of the device state from the communication adapter 100, the communication device 200 stores the notified device state. Furthermore, the communication device 200 executes a corresponding process according to the device state of the first electric device 300 or the second electric device 400.

  Next, a device state notification process executed by the second electric device 400 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that the second electric device 400 starts the device state notification process shown in FIG. 16 in response to the power being turned on.

  First, the CPU 41 determines whether or not there is an operation instruction from the user (step S501). The operation instruction is, for example, an instruction to switch the second electric device 400 (the heat generating device included in the second electric device 400) from the non-heating state to the heating state.

  When determining that there is no operation instruction from the user (step S501: NO), the CPU 41 determines whether there is an operation instruction from the first electrical device 300 (step S502). Specifically, the CPU 41 monitors the first electric device interface 45 and determines whether or not the operation instruction signal transmitted from the first electric device 300 is received by the first electric device interface 45.

  When it is determined that there is an operation instruction from the user (step S501: YES), or when it is determined that there is an operation instruction from the first electric device 300 (step S502: YES), the CPU 41 performs the instructed operation. Execute (Step S503). For example, the CPU 41 controls the temperature of the heat generating device so that the temperature of the heat generating device included in the processing device 48 becomes the instructed temperature. Further, the CPU 41 appropriately updates the second device state information stored in the flash memory 44 in accordance with a change in the state of the second electric device 400.

  If the CPU 41 determines that there is no operation instruction from the first electric device 300 (step S502: NO) or completes the process of step S503, whether or not the device state of the second electric device 400 has changed. Is determined (step S504).

  When determining that there is a change in the device state of the second electric device 400 (step S504: YES), the CPU 41 notifies the first electric device 300 of the device state of the second electric device 400 (step S505). Specifically, the CPU 41 transmits the latest second device state information stored in the flash memory 44 to the first electric device 300 via the first electric device interface 45.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 41 determines that there is no change in the device state of the second electric device 400 (step S504: NO), the CPU 41 returns the process to step S501.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 17, the device state saving process executed by the first electric device 300 will be described. Note that the first electric device 300 starts the device state saving process shown in FIG. 17 in response to the power being turned on.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not there is an operation instruction from the user (step S601). The operation instruction is, for example, an instruction to switch the first electric device 300 (the fan included in the first electric device 300) from the rotation state to the non-rotation state.

  When determining that there is no operation instruction from the user (step S601: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether there is an operation instruction from the communication adapter 100 (step S602).

  When determining that there is no operation instruction from the communication adapter 100 (step S602: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether there is a notification of the device state from the second electric device 400 (step S603).

  When determining that there is a notification of the device state from the second electric device 400 (step S603: YES), the CPU 31 stores the device state of the second electric device 400 (step S604). Specifically, the CPU 31 stores the second device state information supplied to the communication adapter interface 35 in the flash memory 34.

  When completing the process in step S604, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the first electric device 300 should operate in an interlocked manner (step S605). For example, the CPU 31 can determine whether or not the first electric device 300 should perform a linked operation based on the linked operation definition information and the second device status information stored in the flash memory 34.

  The CPU 31 determines that there is an operation instruction from the user (step S601: YES), determines that there is an operation instruction from the communication adapter 100 (step S602: YES), or the first electric device 300 is linked. When it is determined that the operation should be performed (step S605: YES), the designated operation is executed (step S606). For example, the CPU 31 controls the processing device 39 so that the fan included in the processing device 39 changes from the rotating state to the non-rotating state in accordance with an instruction from the user, an instruction from the communication adapter 100, or the definition of the interlocking operation. . Further, the CPU 31 appropriately updates the first device state information stored in the flash memory 34 according to the change in the state of the first electric device 300.

  When completing the process in step S606, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the second electric device 400 should operate in conjunction (step S607). This interlocking operation is an operation to be performed by the second electrical device 400 in conjunction with the operation performed by the first electrical device 300 in step S606. For example, the CPU 31 may determine whether or not there is an interlocking operation to be executed by the second electric device 400 based on the interlocking operation definition information, the first device state information, and the like stored in the flash memory 34. it can.

  When the CPU 31 determines that there is no notification of the device state from the second electric device 400 (step S603: NO), or when it is determined that the first electric device 300 should not operate in conjunction (step S605: NO), It is determined whether or not there is an operation instruction to the second electric device 400 (step S608). Specifically, the CPU 31 monitors the communication adapter interface 35 to determine whether or not an operation instruction signal for the second electrical device 400 has been received by the communication adapter interface 35.

  When the CPU 31 determines that the second electric device 400 should operate in an interlocked manner (step S607: YES) or when it determines that there is an operation instruction to the second electric device 400 (step S608: YES), the second The operation is instructed to the electric device 400 (step S609). Specifically, the CPU 31 transmits an operation instruction signal to the second electric device 400 via the second electric device interface 36.

  When it is determined that the second electric device 400 should not operate in an interlocked manner (step S607: NO), the CPU 31 determines that there is no operation instruction to the second electric device 400 (step S608: NO), or step When the process of S609 is completed, it is determined whether or not there is a device status notification request from the communication adapter 100 (step S610).

  When determining that there is a device state notification request from the communication adapter 100 (step S610: YES), the CPU 31 notifies the communication adapter 100 of the device state of the first electric device 300 and the device state of the second electric device 400 ( Step S611).

  When it is determined that there is no device status notification request from the communication adapter 100 (step S610: NO), or when the process of step S611 is completed, the CPU 31 returns the process to step S601.

  Note that the device status relay process executed by the communication adapter 100 according to the present embodiment is basically the same as the device status relay process shown in FIG. In addition, the device state acquisition process executed by the communication apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment is basically the same as the device state acquisition process shown in FIG. However, in this embodiment, the operation instruction signal transmitted from the communication device 200 toward the communication adapter 100 includes not only the operation instruction signal for the first electric device 300 but also the operation instruction signal for the second electric device 400. .

  According to the present embodiment, the communication device 200 can control and monitor the second electric device 400 via the first electric device 300 that can communicate with the communication device 200 when the communication adapter 100 is attached. it can. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the communication device 200 can control and monitor the second electrical device 400 as well as the first electrical device 300 via the single communication adapter 100. .

(Modification)
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, when implementing this invention, a deformation | transformation and application with a various form are possible.

  In the present invention, which part of the configuration, function, and operation described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment is adopted is arbitrary. Further, in the present invention, in addition to the configuration, function, and operation described above, further configuration, function, and operation may be employed. Further, in the present invention, the sharing of functions performed by each component included in the communication system is not limited to the examples described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, each of the communication adapter 100 and the communication device 200 periodically requests device status notification by polling, and the communication device 200 receives the first device status information and the second information. An example of acquiring device status information has been described. In the present invention, the method of acquiring the first device state information and the second device state information is not limited to this example. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, another method for acquiring the first device state information and the second device state information will be described.

  FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing when the communication device 200 is notified of the device state immediately after the first electric device 300 is linked to the second electric device 400.

  First, in ST601, the user instructs the second electric device 400 to operate. The instruction | indication of operation | movement is an instruction | indication which switches the 2nd electric equipment 400 which is an electromagnetic cooker from a non-heating state to a heating state, for example. On the other hand, the second electric device 400 executes the instructed operation in response to receiving the operation instruction from the user. That is, the second electric device 400 switches from the non-heated state to the heated state.

  Next, in ST602, second electric device 400 notifies device state to first electric device 300. That is, the second electric device 400 transmits the second device state information indicating that it is in a heating state to the first electric device 300. On the other hand, when the first electric device 300 receives the notification of the device state from the second electric device 400, the first electric device 300 is linked to the operation of the second electric device 400. For example, the first electric device 300 switches from the non-rotating state to the rotating state in conjunction with the second electric device 400 being in the heated state.

  Here, the first electrical device 300 notifies the communication adapter 100 of the device status in ST603. That is, the first electric device 300 includes first device state information indicating that the first electric device 300 is in a rotating state and second device state information indicating that the second electric device 400 is in a heating state. It transmits to the communication adapter 100.

  On the other hand, in response to the notification of the device state from first electrical device 300, communication adapter 100 notifies communication device 200 of the device state in ST604. That is, the communication adapter 100 transmits the first device state information and the second device state information to the communication device 200.

  In response to the notification of the device state from communication adapter 100, communication device 200 stores the device state in ST605. That is, the communication device 200 stores the first device state information and the second device state information received from the communication adapter 100 in the flash memory 24. Furthermore, the communication device 200 executes a corresponding process according to the device state of the first electric device 300 or the second electric device 400.

  FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of processing when the device state is notified to the communication device 200 immediately after each of the first electric device 300 and the second electric device 400 operates independently.

  First, in ST701, the user instructs the second electric device 400 to operate. On the other hand, the second electric device 400 executes the instructed operation in response to receiving the operation instruction from the user.

  Next, in ST702, second electric device 400 notifies device state to first electric device 300. That is, the second electric device 400 transmits the second device state information to the first electric device 300.

  Here, in response to the notification of the device status from second electrical device 400, first electrical device 300 notifies communication adapter 100 of the device status in ST703. That is, the first electric device 300 transmits the second device state information to the communication adapter 100.

  On the other hand, in response to the notification of the device state from first electrical device 300, communication adapter 100 notifies communication device 200 of the device state in ST704. That is, the communication adapter 100 transmits the second device state information to the communication device 200.

  Further, in response to the notification of the device status from the communication adapter 100, the communication device 200 stores the device status. That is, the communication device 200 stores the second device state information received from the communication adapter 100 in the flash memory 24. Furthermore, the communication device 200 executes a corresponding process according to the device state of the second electric device 400.

  In ST705, the user instructs the first electric device 300 to operate. On the other hand, the first electrical device 300 executes the instructed operation in response to receiving an operation instruction from the user.

  Next, in ST706, first electric device 300 notifies communication adapter 100 of the device state. That is, the first electric device 300 transmits the first device state information to the communication adapter 100.

  On the other hand, in response to the notification of the device state from first electrical device 300, communication adapter 100 notifies communication device 200 of the device state in ST707. That is, the communication adapter 100 transmits the first device state information to the communication device 200.

  Further, in response to the notification of the device status from the communication adapter 100, the communication device 200 stores the device status. That is, the communication device 200 stores the first device state information received from the communication adapter 100 in the flash memory 24. Furthermore, the communication device 200 executes a corresponding process according to the device state of the first electric device 300.

  As described above, according to the communication system according to the modification, the communication device 200 can quickly grasp that the device state of the first electric device 300 or the second electric device 400 has changed.

  In addition, the timing at which the first electric device 300, the second electric device 400, the communication adapter 100, and the like transfer the first device state information and the second device state information can be adjusted as appropriate. For example, the first electric device 300 and the second electric device 400 may regularly transfer the first device state information and the second device state information using a timer interrupt. In addition, the communication device 200 may acquire the first device state information and the second device state information at a timing when some error is detected.

  In the first embodiment, the example in which the communication device 200 controls and monitors the first electric device 300 and monitors the second electric device 400 has been described. In the second embodiment, the example in which the communication device 200 controls and monitors the first electric device 300 and controls and monitors the second electric device 400 has been described. In the present invention, which device the communication apparatus 200 controls or monitors can be appropriately adjusted. That is, whether to control the first electrical device 300, whether to monitor the first electrical device 300, whether to control the second electrical device 400, whether to monitor the second electrical device 400. It can be adjusted as appropriate.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the example in which the first electric device 300 and the second electric device 400 are interlocked has been described. In the present invention, the first electric device 300 and the second electric device 400 may not be linked. Even in this case, for example, when the first electric device 300 and the second electric device 400 can communicate in advance due to various circumstances, the communication adapter 100 can be saved by using this communication. it can.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the example in which the communication adapter 100 and the first electric device 300 are separately prepared has been described. In the present invention, the communication adapter 100 may be incorporated in the first electric device 300. In this case, the communication adapter 100 can control or monitor the second electric device 400 via the first electric device 300 in which the communication adapter 100 is incorporated.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the example in which the sensor 38 included in the first electric device 300 is a sensor used for controlling the first electric device 300 has been described. In the present invention, for example, the sensor 38 included in the first electric device 300 may be a sensor that detects the device state of the second electric device 400 (for example, the temperature of the heat generating device included in the second electric device 400). . In this case, the first electric device 300 can acquire the state of the second electric device 400 without performing communication using the third protocol. Similarly, the sensor 47 included in the second electric device 400 may be a sensor that detects the device state of the first electric device 300. In this case, the second electric device 400 can acquire the state of the first electric device 300 without performing communication according to the third protocol.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, an example has been described in which a response is not returned in response to an operation instruction or a device state notification in communication between devices included in the communication system 1000. In the present invention, it goes without saying that a response may be returned in response to an operation instruction or a device status notification. In this case, for example, if the receiving apparatus cannot appropriately process, an error response may be returned, and the transmitting apparatus may execute error processing according to the error response.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the example in which the first electric device 300 manages the interlocking operation has been described. In the present invention, the entity that manages the interlocking operation is not limited to the first electric device 300. For example, in the present invention, the second electric device 400 may manage the interlocking operation.

  In this case, for example, the CPU 41 acquires the first device state information from the first electric device 300 and stores it in the flash memory 44. Then, the CPU 41 determines whether the first electrical device 300 should perform the interlock operation based on the interlock operation definition information, the first device state information, the second device state information, etc. stored in the flash memory 44, or the second It can be determined whether the electrical device 400 should operate in conjunction. Note that, when the CPU 41 determines that the first electrical device 300 should perform the interlock operation, the CPU 41 can transmit an operation instruction signal instructing the interlock operation to the first electrical device 300 via the first electrical device interface 45. .

  In the present invention, the communication device 200 may manage the linked operation. In this case, the CPU 21 acquires the first device state information and the second device state information from the communication adapter 100 and stores them in the flash memory 24. Then, the CPU 21 determines whether the first electric device 300 should perform the interlock operation based on the interlock operation definition information, the first device state information, the second device state information, etc. stored in the flash memory 24, or the second It can be determined whether the electrical device 400 should operate in conjunction. Then, the CPU 21 can transmit an operation instruction signal for instructing an interlocking operation to the first electric device 300 or the second electric device 400 via the communication adapter interface 35.

  Note that the interlocking operation definition information that is referred to when the interlocking operation is performed may be appropriately transmitted and received among the communication adapter 100, the communication device 200, the first electric device 300, and the second electric device 400.

  Moreover, you may give a priority to the interlocking | linkage operation | movement which each of the communication apparatus 200, the 1st electric equipment 300, and the 2nd electric equipment 400 performs. In this case, for example, when the interlocking operation conflicts or contradicts, the priority interlocking operation may be determined according to the assigned priority. Such priorities may be appropriately switched depending on, for example, the device, the time zone, the installation location of the device, and the like.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the example in which the first electric device 300 is a range hood and the second electric device 400 is an electromagnetic cooker has been described. In the present invention, the first electric device 300 and the second electric device 400 may be any device. For example, the first electric device 300 and the second electric device 400 may be an electric bed and a lighting device, an electric sofa and a television, a front door and a lighting device, a blind and a lighting device, an air conditioner and a circulator, and the like. .

  It can be expected that the number of operations of the device by the operator can be reduced by this device linkage (cooperation), and forgetting to operate can be prevented. In addition, such device linkage can be obvious linkage set by a device shipper or the like, and arbitrary linkage set by a user. The obvious linkage is, for example, a linkage in which the range hood is operated in accordance with the operation of the electromagnetic cooker or the circulator is operated in accordance with the operation of the air conditioner. Arbitrary interlocking is interlocking, for example, when the alarm clock sounds an alarm and the electric pot is turned on.

  In 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment, the situation which applies the present invention demonstrated the example which is a situation where there is no installation space of the communication adapter 100. FIG. Of course, the circumstances of applying the present invention are not limited to this example. For example, the circumstances to which the present invention is applied may be circumstances such as cost reduction and poor reception of radio waves.

  By applying an operation program that defines the operation of the communication adapter 100, the communication device 200, the first electric device 300, and the second electric device 400 according to the present invention to an existing personal computer or information terminal device, the personal computer or the like can be used. It is also possible to function as the communication adapter 100, the communication device 200, the first electric device 300, and the second electric device 400 according to the present invention.

  Further, the distribution method of such a program is arbitrary. For example, the program can be read by a computer such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read-Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), an MO (Magneto Optical Disk), or a memory card. It may be distributed by storing in a recording medium, or distributed via a communication network such as the Internet.

  Various embodiments and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, the above-described embodiment is for explaining the present invention, and does not limit the scope of the present invention. That is, the scope of the present invention is shown not by the embodiments but by the claims. Various modifications within the scope of the claims and within the scope of the equivalent invention are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

  The present invention is applicable to a communication system in which a communication device communicates with a plurality of electrical devices.

11, 21, 31, 41 CPU, 12, 22, 32, 42 ROM, 13, 23, 33, 43 RAM, 14, 24, 34, 44 Flash memory, 15, 25 Home telecommunications network interface, 16, 45 1 Electrical equipment interface, 26 Outside electrical communication network interface, 27, 37, 46 Touch screen, 35 Communication adapter interface, 36 Second electrical equipment interface, 38, 47 Sensor, 39, 48 Processing device, 100 Communication adapter, 101, 201 first protocol communication unit, 102, 301 second protocol communication unit, 103, 304 relay unit, 200 communication device, 202, 303, 402 processing execution unit, 300 first electrical equipment, 302, 401 third protocol communication unit, 400 Second electrical device, 500 end Device 600 server, 700 home telecommunication network, 800 out-of-home telecommunication network, 1000 communication system

Claims (7)

A communication system comprising a communication device, a communication adapter, a first electric device, and a second electric device,
The communication device
First protocol communication means for communicating with the communication adapter by a first protocol;
Processing execution means for executing processing related to information transmitted or received by the first protocol communication means,
The communication adapter is
First protocol communication means for communicating with the communication device by the first protocol;
Second protocol communication means for communicating with the first electrical device by a second protocol different from the first protocol;
The second protocol communication unit causes the information received by the first protocol communication unit included in the communication adapter to be transmitted toward the first electrical device, or the first protocol communication unit included in the communication adapter includes: Relay means for transmitting the information received by the second protocol communication means to the communication device,
The first electric device is:
Second protocol communication means for communicating with the communication adapter by the second protocol;
A third protocol communication means for communicating with the second electrical device by a third protocol different from the first protocol;
A process for operating the first electrical device based on first device control information for controlling the first electrical device received by a second protocol communication means included in the first electrical device; or Processing execution means for executing processing for causing the second protocol communication means included in one electric device to transmit first device state information indicating the device state of the first electric device to the communication adapter;
Second device control information for controlling the second electric device received by the second protocol communication device included in the first electric device is sent to the third protocol communication device toward the second electric device. The second adapter state information indicating the device state of the second electric device received by the third protocol communication unit is transmitted to the second protocol communication unit included in the first electric device, and the communication adapter Relay means for transmitting to
The second electrical device is
A third protocol communication means for communicating with the first electrical device by the third protocol;
Processing for operating the second electric device based on the second device control information received by the third protocol communication means provided in the second electric device, or third protocol communication provided in the second electric device Processing execution means for executing processing for causing the means to transmit the second device state information toward the first electric device;
A communication system characterized by the above. The process execution means included in the first electric device or the process execution means included in the second electric device is transmitted to the information transmitted between the first electric device and the second electric device by the third protocol. Based on the first electrical device and the second electrical device,
The communication system according to claim 1. The process execution means included in the second electric device executes a process of causing the third protocol communication means included in the second electric device to transmit the second device state information to the first electric device,
The process execution means included in the first electrical device is linked to the second electrical device based on the second device status information received by the third protocol communication unit included in the first electrical device. Executing a process of operating the first electrical device;
The communication system according to claim 2. The first electric device is a range hood,
The second electric device is an electromagnetic cooker.
The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A communication method executed by a communication system including a communication device, a communication adapter, a first electric device, and a second electric device,
A process execution step in which the communication apparatus executes a process related to information transmitted or received by communication with the communication adapter according to a first protocol;
The communication adapter receives information received from the communication device by communication using the first protocol by communication using the second protocol with the first electric device, which is different from the first protocol. A relay step of transmitting information received from the first electrical device by communication according to the second protocol to the communication device, or transmitting toward the communication device according to the first protocol;
A process in which the first electric device operates based on first device control information for controlling the first electric device received from the communication adapter by communication according to the second protocol, or the second protocol A process execution step of executing a process of transmitting the first device state information indicating the device state of the first electric device to the communication adapter by communication according to
The second electric device received from the communication adapter by communication according to the second protocol by communication with the second electric device different from the first protocol by the first electric device. The second device control information for controlling the second device is transmitted to the second electric device, or received from the second electric device by the communication by the third protocol by the communication by the second protocol, A relay step of transmitting second device state information indicating a device state of the second electric device to the communication adapter;
The second electrical device operates based on the second device control information received from the first electrical device by the communication according to the third protocol, or the second electrical device by the communication according to the third protocol. A process execution step of executing a process of transmitting device state information to the first electric device;
A communication method characterized by the above. In the process execution step executed by the first electric device or the process execution step executed by the second electric device, the first electric device or the second electric device uses the third protocol to execute the first electric device. And linking the first electric device and the second electric device based on information transmitted between the first electric device and the second electric device,
The communication method according to claim 5. In the process execution step executed by the second electric device, the second electric device executes a process of transmitting the second device state information toward the first electric device by communication according to the third protocol. ,
In the process execution step executed by the first electrical device, the first electrical device is linked to the second electrical device based on the second device status information received by communication according to the third protocol, Execute the process that works,
The communication method according to claim 6.

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