JP7223996B2 - Time switch, information processing device, and information processing system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a time switch that turns a load on and off according to a time schedule set by a user, an information processing device, and an information processing system.

A time switch is a device that turns a load on and off according to a time schedule set by a user. As such a time switch, Patent Literature 1 discloses a time switch that can select which operation pattern to control a load by operation pattern selection means provided in the time switch.

JP-A-09-269387

By the way, it is desirable for the time switch to be able to easily find the cause when an operational abnormality (for example, failure or malfunction) occurs after construction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention provides a time switch capable of easily finding the cause of an abnormal operation.

A time switch according to an aspect of the present invention includes a switch section that opens and closes electrical connection between a load and a power supply, and a storage section that stores history information regarding the operation of the switch section.

An information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires history information about an operation of a switch unit that opens and closes an electrical connection between a load and a power supply in a time switch that acquires history information; and a model control unit having a learning model for outputting, as an input, information about the failure cause of the failure of the time switch or the life of the switch unit.

An information processing system according to an aspect of the present invention includes the above time switch and the above information processing device.

According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize a time switch or the like that can easily pursue the cause of an abnormal operation.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a time switch according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the time switch according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a flow chart of basic operation of the time switch according to the first embodiment. 4A is a diagram showing a first example of history information according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 4B is a diagram showing a second example of history information according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 4C is a diagram showing a third example of history information according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 4D is a diagram showing a fourth example of history information according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 4E is a diagram showing a fifth example of history information according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 4F is a diagram showing a sixth example of history information according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of operations for outputting history information of the time switch according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an information processing system according to Embodiment 2. As shown in FIG.

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

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

In addition, in this specification, numerical values and numerical ranges are not expressions that express only strict meanings, but are expressions that include a substantially equivalent range, for example, a difference of about several percent.

(Embodiment 1)
[1-1. composition]
First, the configuration of the time switch according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a time switch 10 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the time switch 10 according to this embodiment.

The time switch 10 turns on and off electrical connection of a load (not shown) and a power supply (not shown) connected to the terminal unit 11 according to a time schedule set through the setting reception unit 13 (hereinafter simply referred to as It is also described as "turning on (turning off) the load"). Note that turning on and off is also described as opening and closing.

The time switch 10 includes a terminal portion 11, a switch portion 12, a setting reception portion 13, a display portion 14, a storage portion 15, a control portion 16, a timer portion 17, an extension terminal portion 18, and a sensor portion 19. , and a connection terminal portion 20 .

A load and a power source are connected to the terminal portion 11 . The loads are, for example, street lights, lighting, signboards, and the like. The terminal portion 11 has a structure for fixing the load and the power supply with screws, for example. The circuit configuration of the terminal portion 11 is not particularly limited. The circuit configuration of the terminal section 11 may be a voltage output configuration in which the voltage of the power supply is applied between the terminals to which the load is connected, or a non-voltage output configuration in which the voltage of the power supply is not applied between the terminals to which the load is connected. It may be an output configuration. A plurality of loads may be attached to the terminal portion 11 in some cases.

The switch unit 12 is an opening/closing unit that turns on and off the electrical connection of the load and power source connected to the terminal unit. The switch unit 12 is implemented by, for example, a relay element and a drive circuit for the relay element, but may be implemented by a power transistor and a drive circuit for the power transistor. The contact configuration of the switch section 12 is not particularly limited. The switch unit 12 may have a c-contact configuration (that is, single-pole, double-throw) or an a-contact configuration (that is, single-pole, single-throw). When a plurality of loads are attached to the terminal portion 11, the time switch 10 may include a plurality of switch portions 12 corresponding to the plurality of loads.

The setting reception unit 13 is a user interface that receives various settings related to the time switch 10 . Specifically, the setting reception unit 13 receives the setting of the ON time when the switch unit 12 is turned ON and the setting of the OFF time when the switch unit 12 is turned OFF (an example of setting regarding the operation of the switch unit 12). The setting reception unit 13 is implemented by, for example, hardware keys (hardware buttons) and slide switches, but may be implemented by a touch panel or the like. In the present embodiment, the setting reception unit 13 is realized by including a plurality of hardware buttons (hereinafter also referred to as buttons). Also, the setting reception unit 13 may receive various settings based on information based on voice.

The display unit 14 is a display panel that displays information for the user to confirm setting details and history information regarding the operation of the switch unit 12 . For example, when the setting reception unit 13 receives an operation for displaying history information, the display unit 14 displays the history information. The display unit 14 is realized by, for example, a liquid crystal panel, but may be realized by other display panels such as an organic EL panel. Moreover, the display unit 14 may include a backlight. Details of the history information will be described later.

The storage unit 15 is a storage device that stores various settings received by the setting reception unit 13 as setting information. The storage unit 15 also stores history information regarding the operation of the switch unit 12 . The storage unit 15 is implemented by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

The control unit 16 is a control device that controls on and off of the switch unit 12 (that is, on and off of the electrical connection of the load and the power supply). Specifically, the control section 16 transmits a control signal to the switch section 12 based on the setting information stored in the storage section 15 . Moreover, the control unit 16 according to the present embodiment further stores history information regarding the operation of the switch unit 12 in the storage unit 15 .

Also, the control unit 16 may count the count value at a predetermined clock cycle. For example, the control unit 16 counts the count value at a predetermined clock cycle from the time of shipment. For example, when the setting reception unit 13 receives a predetermined operation, the control unit 16 starts counting the count value. The predetermined operation is, for example, a special operation for starting counting of the count value.

The special operation here is an operation performed via the setting reception unit 13, and is an operation that is not performed in a normal operation (for example, an operation for performing various settings related to the time switch 10). Therefore, the special operation is, for example, an operation that is not described in the instruction manual for the time switch 10 or the like. In other words, a special operation is an operation that is not known to the user. The special operation may be an operation performed by an operator of the manufacturer of the time switch 10 during the manufacturing stage or shipping stage. A special operation is, for example, an operation of using two or more buttons among a plurality of buttons of the setting reception unit 13 . Special operations include, for example, operating the two or more buttons simultaneously or operating the two or more buttons in a predetermined order. Also, the special operation includes long-pressing one or more of the two or more buttons.

Note that the time of shipment is, for example, the day of shipment, but is not limited to this, and may be the day when a worker performs a special operation at the manufacturing stage or the shipping stage, or a predetermined date from the day when the special operation is performed. It may be the day after the period has passed. In other words, the time of shipment may be a day before or after the date of actual shipment.

The control unit 16 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer or processor. Note that the storage unit 15 may be incorporated in the control unit 16 . The storage unit 15 may be, for example, a non-volatile memory built into a microcomputer.

The clock unit 17 is a timer device that measures the current date and time. The timer 17 is realized by, for example, a real-time clock.

The extension terminal unit 18 is an example of an acquisition unit, and is a different terminal unit from the terminal unit 11 for acquiring an interrupt signal, a synchronization signal, or the like.

The extension terminal unit 18 includes, for example, an interrupt terminal. When the control unit 16 acquires an interrupt signal from the outside of the time switch 10 via the interrupt terminal, the control unit 16 forcibly turns on the switch unit 12 . In other words, the switch unit 12 is forcibly turned on based on the obtained interrupt signal. Note that the switch unit 12 may be forcibly turned off based on the acquired interrupt signal.

Further, the extension terminal section 18 includes, for example, a synchronization terminal. When the control unit 16 acquires a synchronization signal from the outside of the time switch 10 through the synchronization terminal, the control unit 16 turns on or off the switch unit 12 based on the synchronization signal. As a result, the time switch 10 synchronizes with other time switches that have acquired the synchronization signal based on the acquired synchronization signal. In other words, the ON times or OFF times of a plurality of time switches including the time switch 10 are aligned.

The sensor unit 19 is a sensor that performs at least one of electrical measurement of the time switch 10 and measurement of the environment in which the time switch 10 is used (for example, the environment around the time switch 10). The sensor section 19 may be a sensor (for example, a current sensor or a voltage sensor) that measures the current or voltage between the power supply and the load when the switch section 12 is turned on (closed). The sensor measures, for example, contact current or contact voltage. Thereby, the control unit 16 can determine whether or not the contact is used for a load exceeding the contact rated value such as switching capacity. Information such as the switching capacity may be stored in the storage unit 15 .

Further, the sensor unit 19 may be, for example, a temperature/humidity sensor that measures the temperature and humidity around the time switch 10 or an illuminance sensor that measures the illuminance around the time switch 10 . The sensor unit 19 may be a sensor that measures the strength of radio waves between external devices (for example, measures noise from a noise source), or may be a sensor that measures pressure, magnetism, sound, vibration, impact, and the like. The time switch 10 may be a sensor that measures a parameter that may cause malfunction (eg, failure or malfunction). The sensor unit 19 may be configured including one or more of the sensors described above. Note that the time switch 10 may not include the sensor section 19 .

Note that the timing at which the sensor unit 19 performs measurement is not particularly limited. The sensor unit 19 may perform measurements sequentially, may perform measurements periodically, or otherwise. When measuring the current flowing between the power supply and the load, the sensor unit 19 may measure the current sequentially, or may measure the current at the timing of turning on and off (opening and closing) of the switch unit 12 . In addition, when measuring the usage environment such as temperature and humidity, the sensor unit 19 may perform the measurement periodically, or may perform the measurement at the timing when the setting information is changed.

The connection terminal portion 20 is a terminal portion to which an external device is connected. The connection terminal section 20 is composed of terminals conforming to the standards of the connection terminals of the external device to be connected. The connection terminal is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal. The connection terminals are not limited to USB terminals, and may be terminals of LIGHTNING (registered trademark) or various connectors. The connection terminal is inserted into and removed from the connection terminal portion 20 (see FIG. 1) of the time switch 10 . That is, the external device is detachable from the connection terminal portion 20 of the time switch 10 .

The external device may be a device (storage device) for outputting the history information in the storage unit 15 to an external device. Further, the external device may be various sensors. For example, if the time switch 10 does not include the sensor unit 19, it may be a sensor that measures the environment in which the time switch 10 is used. Also, the external device may be a communication module for the time switch 10 to communicate with an external device. The time switch 10 may receive various settings related to the time switch 10 via the communication module, for example.

[1-2. motion]
Next, basic operations of the time switch 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 4F. FIG. 3 is a flow chart of the basic operation of the time switch 10. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, first, the setting reception unit 13 receives initial settings (S11). The initial settings include settings of the current time, settings of the area where the time switch 10 is used, and the like.

Next, the setting reception unit 13 receives the setting of the ON time at which the switch unit 12 is turned on (S12). When the setting reception unit 13 receives the setting of the ON time, the setting information of the ON time is stored in the storage unit 15 .

Options for setting the ON time include three settings: sunset setting, sunrise setting, and fixed time setting. The sunset setting is a setting for turning on the switch section 12 at the sunset time. The sunrise setting is a setting for turning on the switch unit 12 at sunrise time. The scheduled setting is a setting for turning on the switch unit 12 at a user-designated time.

Next, the setting reception unit 13 receives the setting of the off time at which the switch unit 12 is turned off (S13). When the setting reception unit 13 receives the setting of the OFF time, the setting information of the OFF time is stored in the storage unit 15 .

Options for setting the off time include three settings: sunset setting, sunrise setting, and fixed time setting. The sunset setting is a setting for turning off the switch section 12 at the sunset time. The sunrise setting is a setting to turn off the switch unit 12 at sunrise time. The fixed time setting is a setting for turning off the switch unit 12 at a user-specified time.

If the user can adjust the sunset time and sunrise time within a predetermined range, the sunset setting or sunrise setting may be selected as the ON time setting and the OFF time setting. The predetermined range is, for example, ±30 minutes, but may be ±5 hours. Hereinafter, such adjustments are also described as offset settings. Note that the offset setting is received by the setting reception unit 13 .

By using such an offset setting, the user can turn on the switch unit 12 for a certain period of time around the sunset time by setting both the ON time setting and the OFF time setting to the sunset setting. can do. Moreover, the user can turn on the switch unit 12 for a certain period of time around the sunrise time by setting both the ON time setting and the OFF time setting to the sunrise setting.

For example, if the offset setting as described above cannot be performed, it may not be possible to set the OFF time to the sunset setting when the ON time is set to the sunset setting. Similarly, it may not be possible to set the off time to the sunrise setting when the on time setting is the sunrise setting.

Next, the control unit 16 controls on/off of the switch unit 12 based on the setting information stored in the storage unit 15 (S14). Specifically, the control unit 16 turns on the switch unit 12 when the current time measured by the clock unit 17 reaches the ON time set in step S12. Further, the control unit 16 turns off the switch unit 12 when the current time measured by the clock unit 17 reaches the OFF time set in step S13.

Next, the control unit 16 stores history information regarding the operation of the switch unit 12 in the storage unit 15 (S15). For example, when the switch unit 12 is turned on, the control unit 16 stores information indicating that the switch unit 12 is turned on or information (for example, current value) measured by turning on the switch unit 12 as history information in the storage unit 15. do. For example, when the control unit 16 performs control to turn off the switch unit 12, the control unit 16 stores information indicating that the switch unit has been turned off in the storage unit 15 as history information.

Here, history information stored in the storage unit 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4F. The history information stored in the storage unit 15 may include at least one of the history information shown in FIGS. 4A to 4F.

FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a first example of history information according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4A, the history information may include the number of times the switch unit 12 has been opened and closed. The control unit 16 may calculate the number of times the switch unit 12 is opened and closed, and store the calculated number of times of opening and closing in the storage unit 15 . The control unit 16 calculates the number of opening/closing times based on the number of times the switch unit 12 is turned on (the number of times it is opened), the number of times the switch unit 12 is turned off (the number of times it is closed), or both.

The open/close count is, for example, the cumulative number of times the switch unit 12 is opened/closed after the time switch 10 is started to be used. The number of times of opening and closing includes the first number of times of opening and closing the switch section 12 by the control section 16 based on the setting information, and the second number of times of opening and closing the switch section 12 manually by the user. For example, the control unit 16 may distinguish between the first number of times of opening and closing and the number of times of second opening and closing and store them in the storage unit 15 . Thereby, the operator can obtain the number of times of the first opening/closing and the second number of opening/closing.

From the number of openings and closings, the operator can know at what number of openings and closings the abnormal operation occurred. For example, the operator can use the number of times of opening and closing when an abnormal operation occurs as a judgment material for judging whether the time switch 10 was used correctly (for example, whether it was used within the rated range). .

FIG. 4B is a diagram showing a second example of history information according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4B, the history information may include information about the times when the switch unit 12 was opened and closed. The control unit 16 may acquire the time when the switch unit 12 is opened and closed, for example, from the clock unit 17 and store the acquired time in the storage unit 15 . FIG. 4B shows an example in which the ON time is 10:00 and the OFF time is 18:00. On January 3, 2019, it can be seen that the switch unit 12 was turned off manually or was turned off irregularly due to malfunction due to noise or the like. The information about the time only needs to include information indicating the hour and minute, and does not have to include information about the year, month, and day.

FIG. 4C is a diagram showing a third example of history information according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4C, the history information may include information about the current that flows when the switch section 12 is closed. FIG. 4C shows an example in which the information about the current is the number of times a current exceeding a predetermined level has flowed. For example, the control unit 16 acquires from the sensor unit 19 the measured value of the current (e.g., rush current) that flows when the switch unit 12 is closed, and updates the number of times when the acquired current value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. . Specifically, the control unit 16 re-stores the number obtained by adding 1 to the number of times in the storage unit 15 as the history information. A predetermined current or more is set based on the load capacity of the time switch 10, for example.

Information about the current is not limited to the number of times a current equal to or greater than a predetermined value has flowed. The information about the current may be, for example, a statistic value of the current value that flows when the switch section 12 is closed (for example, the current value of rush current). The statistic may be maximum, minimum, mean, median, mode, and the like. Also, the information about the current may be information indicating the change over time of the current value. By including the information indicating the change over time of the current value, it is possible to determine whether or not an extremely large current has flowed while the switch section 12 is closed.

FIG. 4D is a diagram showing a fourth example of history information according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4D, the history information may include setting history (current and past setting information). The control unit 16 stores the setting information acquired via the setting reception unit 13 in the storage unit 15 . When the control unit 16 acquires new setting information via the setting reception unit 13, the control unit 16 stores the newly acquired setting information in the storage unit 15 without deleting the old setting information. In the example of FIG. 4D, setting history 1 is the current setting, and setting histories 2 and 3 are settings that were set in the past. Further, the control unit 16 may store in the storage unit 15 the time at which the setting history was acquired or the time at which control was started based on the setting history in association with each setting history. Note that the history information does not have to be information that shows the history of setting changes, as shown in FIG. 4D, and may include only setting history 1 (current settings), for example.

FIG. 4E is a diagram showing a fifth example of history information according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4E, the history information may include information indicating usage environment. FIG. 4E shows an example in which the information indicating the usage environment is information indicating the history of temperature and humidity. By including the information indicating the temperature and humidity history in the history information, it is possible to determine whether the time switch 10 was used in an appropriate operating environment (for example, the temperature or humidity within the rated range). Information indicating the usage environment may include at least one of temperature and humidity. FIG. 4E shows, as an example, the result of measuring the temperature and humidity at predetermined time intervals (for example, every 4 hours).

FIG. 4F is a diagram showing a sixth example of history information according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4F, the history information may include information indicating reset history. FIG. 4F shows an example in which the information indicating the reset history is information indicating the time when the reset operation was performed. The control unit 16 may acquire the time at which the reset operation is accepted via the setting accepting unit 13 from, for example, the clock unit 17 and store the acquired time in the storage unit 15 . Note that the reset history may be the number of times the reset operation is accepted.

Note that the reset operation is an operation for initializing setting information. A reset operation is performed, for example, when the time switch 10 malfunctions due to external noise, or when all settings included in the setting information are deleted. By including the information indicating the reset history in the history information, it is possible to determine whether or not the time switch 10 is affected by noise.

The life of the time switch 10 (the life of the switch section 12) is greatly affected by the number of times of opening and closing and the information on the current. Therefore, it is desired that at least one of information on the number of times of switching and current can be acquired when investigating the cause of the operation abnormality. Therefore, the history information preferably includes at least one of information on the number of switching times and current. The life here means the number of times the switch unit 12 can be opened and closed normally or the usage time.

Note that the setting history shown in FIG. 4D should not be deleted when the reset operation is performed. When receiving the reset operation, the control unit 16 preferably does not delete the setting history shown in FIG. 4D. As a result, for example, after performing a reset operation due to malfunction of the time switch 10, by reading the history information shown in FIG. 4D, it is possible to save the trouble of inputting the setting information again. For example, after performing a reset operation, the user can start the operation of the times switch 10 simply by reading the setting history shown in FIG. 4D and selecting the setting history to be used from the read setting history.

Note that the times shown in FIGS. 4B, 4E, and 4F may be indicated by count values counted by the control unit 16. FIG. As a result, even if the time switch 10 does not include the timer 17, the opening/closing time can be obtained from the count value. A count value is an example of information about time, for example.

Note that the control unit 16 determines that the time switch 10 has started to be used when it detects that the time switch 10 has been continuously supplied with power for a predetermined period of time or more (for example, 24 hours or more) since the time switch 10 was shipped. , the process of storing the above history information may be started. Referring to FIG. 4A as an example, when the control unit 16 determines that the time switch 10 has started to be used, the control unit 16 calculates the number of times the switch unit 12 is opened and closed, and stores the calculated number of times the switch unit 12 is opened and closed as history information in the storage unit 15. good.

Next, the operation of outputting the history information of the time switch 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flow chart of the operation of outputting the history information of the time switch 10 according to this embodiment. The operation shown in FIG. 5 is performed when, for example, an operational abnormality (for example, failure or malfunction) occurs in the time switch 10 and analysis is performed to find the cause of the operational abnormality.

As shown in FIG. 5 , first, the control unit 16 determines whether or not the setting reception unit 13 has received an operation for outputting (for example, displaying) history information regarding the operation of the switch unit 12 . For example, the control unit 16 determines whether or not the setting reception unit 13 has received a special operation for outputting history information regarding the operation of the switch unit 12 (S21). The special operation here is an operation performed via the setting reception unit 13, and is an operation that is not performed in a normal operation (for example, an operation for performing various settings related to the time switch 10). Therefore, the special operation is, for example, an operation that is not described in the instruction manual for the time switch 10 or the like. In other words, a special operation is an operation that is not known to the user. A special operation is an operation performed by an operator of the manufacturer of the time switch 10 or an operator who maintains the time switch 10 or the like.

A special operation is, for example, an operation of using two or more buttons among a plurality of buttons of the setting reception unit 13 . Special operations include, for example, operating the two or more buttons simultaneously or operating the two or more buttons in a predetermined order. Also, the special operation includes long-pressing one or more of the two or more buttons.

When the control unit 16 determines that a special operation has been received via the setting reception unit 13 (Yes in S21), it outputs history information (S22). In the present embodiment, control unit 16 displays history information on display unit 14 . Further, the control unit 16 may output the history information by voice, or may output the history information to the storage device when the connection terminal unit 20 is connected to the storage device. Further, when a communication module is connected to the connection terminal section 20, the control section 16 may transmit the history information via the communication module.

Further, when the control unit 16 determines that the special operation has not been received through the setting receiving unit 13 (No in S21), the operation of outputting the history information is terminated.

[1-3. effects, etc.]
As described above, the time switch 10 according to the present embodiment includes the switch section 12 that opens and closes the electrical connection between the load and the power supply, and the storage section 15 that stores history information regarding the operation of the switch section 12 .

As a result, the time switch 10 stores history information regarding the operation of the switch section 12 . When an operational abnormality (for example, failure or malfunction) occurs in the time switch 10, the operator who performs the analysis can use the history information to analyze the operational abnormality. Since the conventional time switch does not store history information, the history information cannot be used for analysis when an operation abnormality occurs. Therefore, according to the time switch 10, it is possible to easily find the cause of the malfunction.

The history information also includes the number of times the switch unit 12 has been opened and closed.

Thereby, the operator can confirm the number of times of opening and closing of the switch section 12 which is useful for analyzing malfunction of the switch section 12 . In other words, the operator can know at what number of openings and closings an abnormal operation (for example, failure) occurred. Therefore, according to the time switch 10, it is possible to more easily find the cause of the malfunction.

The history information also includes the times when the switch unit 12 was opened and closed.

As a result, the operator can determine whether or not the opening/closing operation is being performed at an irregular time not set in the setting information, for example, by checking the time when the switch unit 12 is opened/closed. . The operator can also calculate the number of openings and closings from a list of opening and closing times. Therefore, according to the time switch 10, it is possible to easily find the cause of the malfunction.

The history information also includes information about the current that flows when the switch section 12 is closed.

Thereby, the operator can check the information about the current useful for analyzing the malfunction of the switch section 12 . Therefore, according to the time switch 10, it is possible to more easily find the cause of the malfunction.

The time switch 10 further includes a display section 14 and a setting reception section 13 that receives settings regarding the operation of the switch section 12 . Then, when the setting reception unit 13 receives a special operation for displaying the history information, the display unit 14 displays the history information.

As a result, it is possible to prevent history information from being displayed unnecessarily due to an erroneous operation or the like. In other words, when an operational abnormality occurs in the time switch 10, the operator who analyzes the abnormality can check the history information as necessary for analysis.

Also, the setting reception unit 13 has a plurality of buttons. The special operation includes operating at least two buttons among the plurality of buttons.

As a result, inadvertent display of start-of-use information due to an operation error or the like can be suppressed compared to the case where the special operation is to operate one button.

The time switch 10 further includes a connection terminal section 20 to which a device for outputting history information is detachably connected.

As a result, the history information can be easily retrieved from the time switch 10, thereby improving the convenience of analysis.

The number of times of opening and closing includes at least one of the number of times the switch section 12 is opened and the number of times the switch section 12 is closed.

As a result, the number of openings and closings of the switch section 12 can be obtained from at least one of the number of times the switch section 12 is opened (the number of times it is turned off) and the number of times the switch section 12 is closed (the number of times it is turned on).

(Embodiment 2)
[2-1. composition]
A configuration of an information processing system according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing system 100 according to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6 , the information processing system 100 includes one or more time switches 10 and an information processing device 30 . Although the number of time switches 10 provided in the information processing system 100 is not particularly limited, FIG. 6 shows an example of two. Note that the configuration of the time switch 10 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted. In the following description, an example in which the time switch 10 has a communication device (for example, the communication device is connected to the connection terminal section 20) and wirelessly communicates with the information processing device 30 will be described. It is not limited to this.

The information processing device 30 has an acquisition unit 31 , a reception unit 32 , a display unit 33 , a storage unit 34 and a control unit 35 .

Acquisition unit 31 acquires history information from time switch 10 . The acquisition unit 31 is realized by a communication module when acquiring history information by wireless communication. Further, when acquiring history information from a storage device such as a USB, the acquisition unit 31 is realized by a terminal conforming to the standard of the connection terminal of the storage device. Note that the communication method between the information processing device 30 and the time switch 10 is not particularly limited.

The reception unit 32 is a user interface that is an element that receives various inputs such as commands. Specifically, the accepting unit 32 accepts an operation for acquiring the cause of the malfunction of the time switch 10 (for example, the cause of failure) or the life of the switch unit 12 . The reception unit 32 is realized by a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, and the like. The reception unit 32 may also receive information based on voice. Specifically, the receiving unit 32 includes a microphone and may receive voice as an input.

The display unit 33 is a display panel that displays various information. The display unit 33 displays, for example, the cause of the malfunction of the time switch 10 or the life of the switch unit 12 . The display unit 33 is implemented by, for example, a liquid crystal panel, but may be implemented by other display panels such as an organic EL panel. Moreover, the display unit 33 may include a backlight.

The storage unit 34 is a storage device in which history information acquired from the time switch 10 is stored. The storage unit 34 is implemented by, for example, a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 34 may also store information about the cause of the malfunction of the time switch 10 or the life of the switch unit 12 .

The control unit 35 is a control device that controls various components of the information processing device 30 . The control unit 35 also functions as a model control unit that performs control for outputting the cause of the malfunction of the time switch 10 or the life of the switch unit 12 based on the history information. The control unit 35 outputs information about the cause of the malfunction of the time switch 10 or the life of the switch unit 12 based on the input history information, for example. The control unit 35 is an information processing unit that controls processing for the estimation model, and is configured by, for example, an electric circuit. The estimation model is a neural network type mathematical model (reasoner) having a plurality of layers, and is a mathematical model for estimating the cause or life span.

Basically, the estimation model has multiple processing layers consisting of an input layer, an intermediate layer and an output layer. Data to be processed for estimation processing is input to the input layer as input data (input information). Then, from the output layer, the processing result data of the estimation processing is output as output data (output information). A processing layer different from the input layer and the output layer and between the input layer and the output layer is called an intermediate layer. The estimation model may have multiple hidden layers.

For example, an estimation model learned using learning data is installed inside the control unit 35 . For example, an estimation model learned by a device other than the information processing device 30 may be implemented inside the control unit 35 .

Specifically, the learning data includes input data and output data that is correct for the input data. Then, in the learning of the estimation model, the input data included in the learning data is input to the input layer of the estimation model. Then, the estimation model is learned by updating the estimation model so that the output data from the output layer of the estimation model becomes equal to the output data included in the learning data. Input data is, for example, history information, and output data included in learning data is, for example, cause or life span. The cause is, for example, deterioration of the switch unit 12, overcurrent, etc., and the lifetime is the number of times the switch unit 12 can be opened and closed normally at the present time. Note that the life here is, for example, the number of times the switch unit 12 can be opened and closed normally after the time when the history information is acquired as a reference.

Also, the control unit 35 inputs the history information to the input layer of the estimation model. Then, the control unit 35 performs processing up to the first intermediate layer of the estimation model. The first hidden layer may be predetermined or may be selected from multiple layers of the estimation model.

Then, the control unit 35 inputs intermediate input data generated from the first intermediate output data or the like from the first intermediate layer of the estimation model to the layer subsequent to the first intermediate layer. The layer following the first intermediate layer is specifically the layer following the first intermediate layer. Then, the control unit 35 performs processing up to the output layer of the estimation model.

Then, the control unit 35 causes the display unit 33 to display the output data (estimation result) from the output layer of the estimation model. Thereby, the control unit 35 can notify the operator of the cause or life.

Note that the estimation model may be implemented in another device. The control unit 35 controls the input/output of the estimation model, and the substantial processing of the estimation model may be performed by another device.

The control unit 35 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer or processor. Note that the storage unit 34 may be built in the control unit 35 .

As described above, the information processing system 100 may be realized as a failure cause estimation system that estimates the failure cause of the time switch 10 based on the history information stored in the time switch 10, or the time switch 10 may be implemented as a lifespan estimation system for estimating the lifespan of Further, as described above, the information processing device 30 may be realized as a failure cause estimation device for estimating the failure cause of the time switch 10 based on the history information acquired from the time switch 10. It may be implemented as a lifespan estimating device that estimates 10 lives.

[2-2. effects, etc.]
As described above, the information processing apparatus 30 according to the present embodiment acquires history information regarding the operation of the switch unit 12 in the time switch 10 that includes the switch unit 12 that opens and closes the electrical connection between the load and the power supply. An acquisition unit 31, and a control unit 35 (an example of a model control unit) having an estimation model (an example of a learning model) that receives history information as an input and outputs information on the cause of failure of the time switch 10 or the life of the switch unit 12. and

Accordingly, the operator can acquire information about the cause of failure of the time switch 10 or the life of the switch section 12 based on the history information acquired from the time switch 10 . By knowing the presumed cause of failure, the operator can easily pursue the cause of the failure of the time switch 10 . Further, when obtaining the life of the switch unit 12 , the operator can use the life as a guideline for maintenance work of the time switch 10 .

Further, as described above, the information processing system 100 according to the present embodiment includes the time switch 10 and the information processing device 30 described above.

Accordingly, it is possible to realize the information processing system 100 that can acquire information about the cause of the failure of the time switch 10 or the life of the switch unit 12 based on the history information of the time switch 10 .

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

For example, in the above embodiments, a process executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit.

Also, the order of processing described in the flowcharts of the above embodiments is an example. The order of multiple processes may be changed, and multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

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

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

Also, the division of functional blocks in the block diagram is an example, and a plurality of functional blocks can be realized as one functional block, one functional block can be divided into a plurality of functional blocks, and some functions can be moved to other functional blocks. may Moreover, single hardware or software may process the functions of a plurality of functional blocks having similar functions in parallel or in a time-sharing manner.

Also, general or specific aspects of the present invention may be implemented in a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Also, general or specific aspects of the present invention may be implemented in any combination of systems, devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs and recording media.

In addition, forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art can think of, or realized by arbitrarily combining the constituent elements and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Also included in the present invention.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 time switch 12 switch unit 13 setting reception unit 14 display unit 15 storage unit 20 connection terminal unit 30 information processing device 31 acquisition unit 35 control unit (model control unit)
100 information processing system

Claims (9)

a switch unit that opens and closes the electrical connection of the load and the power supply;
a storage unit that stores history information about the operation of the switch unit ;
The history information includes at least one of the number of times a current equal to or greater than a predetermined value flows when the switch section is closed, and the value of the current that flows when the switch section is closed.
time switch. The time switch according to claim 1, wherein the history information includes the number of openings and closings of the switch section. The time switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the history information includes times when the switch section opens and closes. Furthermore, a display unit and a setting reception unit that receives settings related to the operation of the switch unit,
The time switch according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the display unit displays the history information when the setting reception unit receives a special operation for displaying the history information. The setting reception unit has a plurality of buttons,
The time switch according to claim 4 , wherein the special operation includes operating at least two or more of the plurality of buttons. The time switch according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a connection terminal section to which a device for outputting the history information to the outside is detachably connected. The time switch according to claim 2, wherein the number of opening/closing times includes at least one of the number of times the switch section is opened and the number of times the switch section is closed. an acquisition unit that acquires history information regarding the operation of a switch unit that opens and closes electrical connections between a load and a power supply in a time switch that acquires history information;
a model control unit having a learning model that receives the history information as input and outputs information about the cause of failure of the time switch or the life of the switch unit ;
The history information includes at least one of the number of times a current equal to or greater than a predetermined value flows when the switch section is closed, and the value of the current that flows when the switch section is closed.
Information processing equipment. a time switch according to any one of claims 1 to 7 ;
An information processing system comprising the information processing device according to claim 8 .

Images