JP7407392B2 - Wireless communication device, wireless communication system, information terminal, information processing method and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a wireless communication device, a wireless communication system, an information terminal, an information processing method, and a program.

Conventionally, a system in which a wireless unit and one or more terminals communicate wirelessly has been disclosed (for example, Patent Document 1). With this system, lighting equipment connected to the terminal can be controlled wirelessly.

JP 2019-47353 Publication

When a wireless unit (referred to as a wireless communication device in the present invention) operates, there is a desire to know information regarding the wireless communication device. For example, when there is a problem with wireless communication, there is a desire to check information regarding the wireless communication of the wireless communication device in order to identify the cause. However, it is usually difficult for users to confirm information regarding such wireless communication devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a wireless communication device and the like that allow easy confirmation of information regarding the wireless communication device.

In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the wireless communication device according to the present invention includes a first wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a wireless device connected to a load device, and a notification unit, and the notification unit performs notifications regarding answers according to inquiry information input from the outside.

Moreover, in order to achieve the said objective, one aspect|mode of the radio|wireless communication system based on this invention is provided with the said radio|wireless communication apparatus and the said load apparatus.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the information terminal according to the present invention includes a first wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a wireless device connected to a load device, and a first wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a wireless device connected to a load device. a receiving section that receives input of inquiry information to the wireless communication device, and an output section that outputs the inquiry information to the wireless communication device.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the information processing method according to the present invention includes a first wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a wireless device connected to a load device, and a first wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a wireless device connected to a load device. and a receiving step of receiving input of inquiry information to a wireless communication device including a notification unit that makes a notification regarding a corresponding answer, and an output step of outputting the inquiry information to the wireless communication device.

Moreover, in order to achieve the above object, one aspect of a program according to the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the above information processing method.

According to one aspect of the present invention, information regarding a wireless communication device can be easily confirmed.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a load control system according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a wireless communication device according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of a wireless communication device according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is an external bottom view showing an example of a wireless communication device according to an embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of inquiry information concerning an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an information terminal according to an embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation of the information terminal concerning an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a display unit according to an embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are all specific examples of the present invention. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, steps, order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and do not limit the present invention.

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

(Embodiment)
Hereinafter, embodiments will be described using FIGS. 1 to 7.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a load control system 1 according to an embodiment.

The load control system 1 includes a wireless communication device 10, a load device 20, a wireless device 21, a control device 30, a relay 40, and a switch 50. Note that FIG. 1 also shows an information terminal 60 and a communication IF (InterFace) 70. The information terminal 60 and the communication IF 70 may be components of the load control system 1 or may be components outside the load control system 1.

In the load control system 1, a plurality of load devices 20 are controlled mainly by a control device 30. Note that a system including the wireless communication device 10 and the load device 20 is also referred to as a wireless communication system 2, and a system including the wireless communication device 10 and the control device 30 is also referred to as a control system 3.

The control device 30 is a device that operates as a parent device in the load control system 1 and controls the load device 20. The control device 30 is connected to the wireless communication device 10, the relay 40, the switch 50, and the like through wired signal lines.

The relay 40 is a switch that turns on and off the power supply to the plurality of load devices 20. For example, the relay 40 switches power supply to the plurality of load devices 20 on and off in accordance with instructions from the control device 30. Relay 40 is connected to load device 20 via a power line.

The switch 50 is, for example, a wall switch or the like, and when the switch 50 is operated by a user, a specific load device 20 is controlled.

For example, the switch 50 is provided with buttons corresponding to each of the plurality of load devices 20, and when each button is operated, the load device 20 corresponding to the button is controlled according to the function assigned to the button. be done. For example, if a button is assigned the function of turning the load device 20 on and off, operating a specific button switches the corresponding load device 20 on and off. As described above, in the load control system 1, the control device 30 plays a central role in controlling the plurality of load devices 20. Therefore, for example, when a specific button is operated, the switch 50 controls the operation of the button. A corresponding signal is transmitted to the control device 30, and the control device 30 transmits a signal for switching on and off of the corresponding load device 20 to the relay 40 according to the received signal, and causes the relay 40 to switch the load device 20 on and off. toggle on and off. Alternatively, the control device 30 may transmit a signal to the wireless communication device 10 for switching on and off the corresponding load device 20 according to the received signal. As will be described later, the wireless communication device 10 wirelessly communicates with the wireless device 21 connected to the load device 20, and therefore can control the load device 20 via the wireless device 21.

The load device 20 is a device controlled by the control device 30. Note that a wireless device 21 is connected to the load device 20, and the wireless communication device 10 and the wireless device 21 communicate wirelessly, so that the load device 20 may be controlled by the wireless communication device 10. Load device 20 includes, for example, a lighting device. The load device 20 is controlled by the control device 30 or the wireless communication device 10 to turn on and off the lighting, control the dimming rate, control the color temperature, and the like.

The wireless device 21 is connected to the load device 20 and communicates with the wireless communication device 10 wirelessly. The wireless device 21 may be built into the load device 20 or may be externally attached to the load device 20.

The wireless communication device 10 wirelessly communicates with the wireless device 21 and controls the load device 20 connected to the wireless device 21 in response to an instruction from the control device 30, for example. When the load device 20 is a lighting device, the wireless communication device 10 may have a function of detecting brightness. In this case, the wireless communication device 10 is installed on the ceiling or the like around the location where the load device 20 is installed, and controls the brightness of the load device 20 by detecting the illuminance of the floor surface or the like that is irradiated onto the load device 20. To detect. For example, the load device 20 is dimmed and controlled by the wireless communication device 10 so that the detected brightness becomes a predetermined setting value. Here, the configuration of the wireless communication device 10 will be explained using FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the wireless communication device 10 according to the embodiment.

The wireless communication device 10 is a computer including a processor (microprocessor), a communication circuit, a memory, and the like, and includes a first wireless communication section 11 , a notification section 12 , a wired communication section 13 , and a second wireless communication section 14 . The memory is a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or the like, and can store a program executed by a processor. The first wireless communication unit 11, the wired communication unit 13, and the second wireless communication unit 14 transmit and receive signals (information) by a processor included in the wireless communication device 10 executing a program stored in a memory. The notification unit 12 performs notification by a processor executing a program stored in a memory.

The first wireless communication unit 11 is realized by a communication circuit, an antenna, etc., and wirelessly communicates with a wireless device 21 connected to the load device 20. For communication between the first wireless communication unit 11 and the wireless device 21, for example, a specified low power wireless in the 920 MHz band is used. For example, information used for wireless communication with the wireless device 21 is set in the first wireless communication unit 11.

For example, a communication channel (frequency band) used when communicating wirelessly with the wireless device 21 is set in the first wireless communication unit 11. For example, when the load control system 1 includes a plurality of wireless communication devices 10, by setting a different communication channel for each of the plurality of wireless communication devices 10, a different load device 20 is set for each of the plurality of wireless communication devices 10. can be controlled.

Further, for example, a wireless circuit ID used when wirelessly communicating with the wireless device 21 is set in the first wireless communication unit 11. For example, when a time division multiplexing method is used when each of the plurality of wireless communication devices 10 wirelessly communicates with a different wireless device 21, the wireless circuit ID is set. A wireless time slot number is associated with the wireless circuit ID, and the first wireless communication unit 11 performs wireless communication using the time slot corresponding to the set wireless circuit ID.

Note that the first wireless communication unit 11 may wirelessly communicate with a first information terminal different from the wireless device 21, and the inquiry information may include information transmitted from the first information terminal to the first wireless communication unit 11. May contain. That is, the inquiry information input from the outside may be information input from the first information terminal.

For example, there is a desire to know information regarding the wireless communication device 10 when the wireless communication device 10 operates. Specifically, when there is a problem with wireless communication with the wireless device 21, there is a desire to check information regarding the wireless communication with the wireless device 21 in order to investigate the cause. However, it is usually difficult for the user to confirm information regarding wireless communication with the wireless device 21.

Therefore, the wireless communication device 10 includes a notification unit 12 so that the user can easily confirm information regarding wireless communication with the wireless device 21.

The notification unit 12 provides notification regarding an answer according to inquiry information input from the outside. Details of the inquiry information will be described later. Note that the means by which the notification unit 12 provides notification regarding the answer according to the inquiry information is not particularly limited. Here, for example, the notification unit 12 includes a display unit 120, and displays information on the display unit 120 to notify information regarding an answer according to the inquiry information. For example, the display unit 120 includes a light emitting unit, and the notification unit 12 displays an answer regarding the answer based on the light emitting state of the light emitting unit as a display on the display unit 120. An answer (that is, a YES answer) and a negative answer (that is, a NO answer) result in different light emission states. In other words, the notification unit 12 makes notification regarding the answer according to the inquiry information by setting the light emitting unit to different light emission states depending on whether the answer is positive or negative to the inquiry information. The light emitting section is realized by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). Note that here, the display section 120 includes a plurality of light emitting sections 12a to 12c. For example, the notification unit 12 sets a specific light emitting unit to the first light emitting state when giving a positive answer to the inquiry information, and sets the specific light emitting unit to the first light emitting state when giving a negative answer to the inquiry information. The second light emitting state is different from the first light emitting state. The details of the method of notifying the answer according to the inquiry information using the display unit 120 will be described later.

The wired communication unit 13 is realized by a communication circuit, a connector, etc., and communicates with a control device 30 for controlling the load device 20.

The second wireless communication unit 14 communicates with a second information terminal different from the wireless device 21 using a wireless communication method that is more directional than the first wireless communication unit 11 . For example, the second wireless communication unit 14 is realized by a communication circuit, an infrared light receiving element, etc., and receives an infrared signal. The inquiry information may include information transmitted from the second information terminal to the second wireless communication unit 14. That is, the inquiry information input from the outside may be information input from the second information terminal.

For example, when the wireless communication device 10 receives input of inquiry information from the outside (for example, a first information terminal or a second information terminal), the notification unit 12 provides notification regarding an answer according to the inquiry information.

Returning to the description in FIG. 1, the information terminal 60 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet, and communicates wirelessly with the wireless communication device 10. For example, the user operates the information terminal 60 to transmit inquiry information to the wireless communication device 10, and causes the wireless communication device 10 to report an answer according to the inquiry information. At this time, in order to transmit the inquiry information to the wireless communication device 10, for example, infrared communication is used. However, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet as the information terminal 60 may not have an infrared communication function. Therefore, the communication IF 70 is used.

The communication IF 70 is a device having an infrared communication function. The information terminal 60 and the wireless communication device 10 can communicate by infrared rays via the communication IF 70. The information terminal 60 and the communication IF 70 are communicably connected by, for example, BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy). Further, the information terminal 60 may have a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector, and the information terminal 60 and the communication IF 70 may be communicably connected via the USB connector.

Note that the information terminal 60 may be the first information terminal described above, or may be the second information terminal described above if it has an infrared communication function, and the information terminal 60 may be the second information terminal described above. The two information terminals may be the same terminal (information terminal 60). Similarly, the communication IF 70 may be a first information terminal or a second information terminal, and the first information terminal and the second information terminal may be the same terminal (communication IF 70). good.

The second wireless communication unit 14 of the wireless communication device 10 receives an infrared signal indicating inquiry information from the communication IF 70 or the information terminal 60 (in other words, receives the infrared signal). The notification unit 12 is triggered by input of inquiry information from the outside, and performs notification regarding an answer according to the input inquiry information.

Next, a method of notifying an answer according to inquiry information using the display unit 120 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

FIG. 3A is an external perspective view showing an example of the wireless communication device 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3B is an external bottom view showing an example of the wireless communication device 10 according to the embodiment.

As described above, the wireless communication device 10 is installed, for example, on the ceiling. Although detailed description will be omitted, the wireless communication device 10 is fitted into a hole provided in the ceiling and fixed so that the bottom portion shown in FIG. 3B is exposed to the indoor side. Therefore, the user can visually check the light emitting units 12a to 12c included in the wireless communication device 10. Note that an infrared light receiving element 14a constituting the second wireless communication unit 14 is provided on the bottom surface of the wireless communication device 10, and the infrared light receiving element 14a can receive infrared light. Further, a brightness sensor 15 is provided on the bottom surface of the wireless communication device 10, and can detect the illuminance of the floor surface.

For example, the notification regarding the answer according to the inquiry information includes notification of a positive answer to the inquiry information and notification of a negative answer. As described above, the notification section 12 sets the light emitting section to the first light emitting state when giving a positive answer to the inquiry information, and sets the light emitting section to the first light emitting state when giving a negative answer to the inquiry information. The second light emitting state is different from the light emitting state. For example, it is assumed that the light emitting unit 12a is used when notifying an answer in response to inquiry information.

For example, assume that the first light emitting state is a state where the light is on for a predetermined period of time, and the second light emitting state is a state where the light is off. When the user transmits inquiry information to the wireless communication device 10 using the information terminal 60 or the like, the wireless communication device 10 will respond positively to the inquiry if the light emitting section 12a is lit for a predetermined period of time. When the light emitting unit 12a is off, it can be recognized that the wireless communication device 10 has given a negative answer to the inquiry.

Further, for example, the first light emitting state and the second light emitting state may be lighting states of different light colors. For example, assume that the first light emitting state is a state in which the light is lit in blue for a predetermined time, and the second light emitting state is a state in which the light is lit in red for a predetermined time. When the user transmits inquiry information to the wireless communication device 10 using the information terminal 60 or the like, if the light emitting unit 12a is lit in blue for a predetermined period of time, the wireless communication device 10 responds in the affirmative to the inquiry. When the light emitting unit 12a is lit in red for a predetermined period of time, it can be recognized that the wireless communication device 10 has given a negative answer to the inquiry.

Note that the notification unit 12 may use a plurality of light emitting units to provide notification regarding the answer according to the inquiry information. For example, the plurality of light emitting parts may include a first light emitting part that lights up for a predetermined time when a positive answer is given to the inquiry information, and a first light emitting part that lights up for a predetermined time when a negative answer is given. The second light emitting section may include a second light emitting section different from the second light emitting section. For example, the light emitting section 12a is set as a first light emitting section, and the light emitting section 12b is set as a second light emitting section. When the user transmits inquiry information to the wireless communication device 10 using the information terminal 60 or the like, the wireless communication device 10 will respond positively to the inquiry if the light emitting section 12a is lit for a predetermined period of time. When the light emitting unit 12b is lit for a predetermined period of time, it can be recognized that the wireless communication device 10 has given a negative answer to the inquiry.

Furthermore, when the wireless communication device 10 receives the inquiry information, the notification unit 12 may perform notification indicating that the inquiry information has been received. For example, the notification unit 12 may notify that the inquiry information has been received by blinking a specific light emitting unit for a predetermined period of time.

Next, details of the inquiry information will be explained using FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of inquiry information according to the embodiment.

The inquiry information includes, for example, information indicating whether the first wireless communication unit 11 is in a state where it can communicate wirelessly with the wireless device 21. For example, the inquiry information is set in the first wireless communication unit 11 as information indicating whether or not the first wireless communication unit 11 is in a state where it can communicate wirelessly with the wireless device 21. It may also contain information used. The information set in the first wireless communication unit 11 and used for wireless communication with the wireless device 21 is, for example, a communication channel and a wireless circuit ID. A predetermined communication channel and a predetermined radio circuit ID are set in the wireless communication unit 11.

For example, the inquiry information may include a communication channel set in the first wireless communication unit 11 as shown in FIG. 4 as information used for wireless communication with the wireless device 21 set in the first wireless communication unit 11. May contain. For example, the user operates the information terminal 60 or the like to send inquiry information to the wireless communication device to inquire whether a predetermined communication channel used for wireless communication with the wireless device 21 is set in the first wireless communication unit 11. Send to 10. That is, it is possible to inquire whether a predetermined communication channel used for wireless communication with the wireless device 21 is correctly set in the first wireless communication unit 11.

Further, for example, the inquiry information is set in the first wireless communication unit 11 as shown in FIG. The wireless circuit ID may also be included. For example, the user operates the information terminal 60 or the like to send inquiry information to the first wireless communication unit 11 to inquire whether a predetermined wireless circuit ID used for wireless communication with the wireless device 21 is set in the first wireless communication unit 11. to the device 10. That is, it is possible to inquire whether a predetermined wireless circuit ID used for wireless communication with the wireless device 21 is correctly set in the first wireless communication unit 11.

Further, for example, the inquiry information may include information indicating whether or not the first wireless communication unit 11 is in a state where it can wirelessly communicate with the wireless device 21. The information may include information indicating whether or not 11 is set. For example, the user operates the information terminal 60 or the like to send inquiry information to the wireless communication device 10 to inquire whether information used for wireless communication with the wireless device 21 is set in the first wireless communication unit 11 in the first place. Send.

For example, the inquiry information indicates whether or not a signal regarding whether or not wireless communication with the wireless device 21 is possible is received, as information indicating whether the first wireless communication unit 11 is in a state where it can wirelessly communicate with the wireless device 21. May contain information.

For example, the inquiry information includes information indicating whether a signal instructing transmission timing in wireless communication with the wireless device 21 has been received, as information indicating whether a signal regarding the availability of wireless communication with the wireless device 21 has been received. You can stay there. The signal instructing the transmission timing corresponds to the synchronization signal shown in FIG. Since the wireless communication device 10 performs wireless communication using, for example, a time division multiplexing method, it cannot transmit a signal until it receives a synchronization signal that synchronizes the transmission timing with other wireless communication devices 10. For example, the synchronization signal is transmitted from a control device 30 that can be connected to a plurality of wireless communication devices 10. For example, the user operates the information terminal 60 or the like to transmit inquiry information to the wireless communication device 10 inquiring whether the wireless communication device 10 is receiving a synchronization signal.

For example, the inquiry information may include a signal to stop wireless communication with the wireless device 21 (communication stop The information may include information indicating whether or not a signal) has been received. For example, when the wireless communication device 10 receives a communication stop signal, wireless communication is forced to stop. For example, the user operates the information terminal 60 or the like to transmit inquiry information to the wireless communication device 10 inquiring whether the wireless communication device 10 has received a communication stop signal.

Further, for example, the inquiry information may include identification information that identifies the wireless communication device 10 from other wireless communication devices 10, as shown in FIG. The identification information is, for example, a MAC (Media Access Control) address of the wireless communication device 10. For example, the user operates the information terminal 60 or the like to inquire about the identification information of the wireless communication device 10.

In this way, the inquiry information includes information indicating an inquiry that can be answered in the affirmative or in the negative. By notifying the answer to the inquiry using a light emitting unit or the like, the user can confirm the answer to the inquiry and, for example, identify the cause of a wireless communication problem.

As an example, the cause of a problem in wireless communication is identified using the following procedure.

First, an inquiry is made as to whether a predetermined communication channel is set in the first wireless communication unit 11 or not. If a predetermined communication channel is not set in the first wireless communication unit 11, it can be seen that the cause of the problem is that the correct communication channel is not set. If a predetermined communication channel is set in the first wireless communication unit 11, it can be seen that the communication channel is not the cause of the problem because the communication channel is set correctly.

Next, an inquiry is made as to whether a predetermined wireless circuit ID is set in the first wireless communication unit 11. If the predetermined radio circuit ID is not set in the first radio communication unit 11, it can be seen that the cause of the problem is that the correct radio circuit ID is not set. If a predetermined wireless circuit ID is set in the first wireless communication unit 11, it can be seen that the wireless circuit ID is not the cause of the problem because the wireless circuit ID is set correctly.

Note that before making an inquiry as to whether or not a predetermined communication channel or a predetermined radio circuit ID is set in the first wireless communication unit 11, first, check whether the communication channel or the radio circuit ID is set in the first wireless communication unit 11 in the first place. It may also be inquired as to whether or not it has been done. If no communication channel or radio circuit ID is set in the first wireless communication unit 11, it can be seen that the cause of the problem is that the communication channel or radio circuit ID is not set in the first place. If some communication channel or radio circuit ID is set in the first wireless communication unit 11, an inquiry as to whether a predetermined communication channel is set in the first radio communication unit 11, and a predetermined radio circuit ID are sent. An inquiry is made as to whether the first wireless communication unit 11 is set.

Next, it is queried whether the wireless communication device 10 is receiving a synchronization signal. If the wireless communication device 10 does not receive the synchronization signal, it can be understood that the failure to receive the synchronization signal is the cause of the problem. If the wireless communication device 10 receives the synchronization signal, it can be determined that the synchronization signal is not the cause of the problem.

Next, it is queried whether the wireless communication device 10 has received the communication stop signal. If the wireless communication device 10 receives the communication stop signal, it can be determined that the reception of the communication stop signal is the cause of the problem. If the wireless communication device 10 does not receive the communication stop signal, it can be seen that the communication stop signal is not the cause of the problem.

In this way, for example, the cause of the problem in wireless communication can be identified by making inquiries in the order of the communication channel, the wireless circuit ID, whether or not a synchronization signal has been received, and whether or not a communication stop signal has been received.

Next, the information terminal 60 that outputs inquiry information to the wireless communication device 10 will be described using FIGS. 5 to 7.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the information terminal 60 according to the embodiment.

The information terminal 60 is a computer including a processor (microprocessor), a communication circuit, an input/output IF, a memory, etc., and includes a reception section 61, an output section 62, and a display section 63. The memory is a ROM, RAM, etc., and can store programs executed by the processor. The receiving unit 61 processes the received information by having the processor execute a program stored in the memory. The output unit 62 transmits signals (information) by a processor executing a program stored in a memory. The display unit 63 displays information by a processor executing a program stored in a memory. The reception unit 61 is realized by an input/output IF (for example, a touch panel or a keyboard) included in the information terminal 60. The output unit 62 is realized by a communication circuit, an antenna, etc. included in the information terminal 60. The display unit 63 is realized by an input/output IF (for example, a display, etc.) included in the information terminal 60. Here, the information terminal 60 will be described as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, and the reception section 61 and display section 63 will be described as touch panel displays (see FIG. 7, which will be described later).

The receiving section 61, the output section 62, and the display section 63 will be explained using FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information terminal 60 according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the display section 63 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6, first, the receiving unit 61 receives input of inquiry information for the wireless communication device 10 (step S11). For example, as shown on the left side of FIG. 7, a display prompting the user to input inquiry information (in this case, a communication channel) is displayed on the display unit 63 of the information terminal 60, and the user inputs the inquiry information into the reception unit 61 of the information terminal 60. do.

Next, the output unit 62 outputs inquiry information (step S12). For example, the inquiry information is transmitted to the wireless communication device 10 using infrared communication. For example, the inquiry information includes an inquiry code, an inquiry item, and inquiry data. The inquiry code is a code for making the wireless communication device 10 recognize that an inquiry is about to be made. The inquiry item is an item indicating what the inquiry is about. For example, the inquiry item indicates that the inquiry is about a communication channel, about a wireless circuit ID, and so on. Inquiry data is specific data regarding an inquiry. For example, in the case of a communication channel, the inquiry data is the specific number of the communication channel.

For example, if the information terminal 60 has an infrared communication function, the output unit 62 outputs the inquiry information to the wireless communication device 10 by infrared communication. Further, for example, if the information terminal 60 does not have an infrared communication function, the output unit 62 temporarily outputs the inquiry information to the communication IF 70, and the communication IF 70 transmits the inquiry information to the wireless communication device 10 by infrared communication. do.

The wireless communication device 10 receives the inquiry information, and the notification unit 12 of the wireless communication device 10 performs notification regarding the answer according to the inquiry information. For example, the notification unit 12 uses a light emitting unit to notify an affirmative or negative answer to the inquiry information. Thereby, the user can recognize whether the content of the inquiry is positive or negative for the wireless communication device 10.

Next, after the output unit 62 outputs the inquiry information, the display unit 63 displays information related to the inquiry information (step S13). The information related to the inquiry information is, for example, information for causing the user to make further inquiries in response to the notification regarding the answer by the notification unit 12. For example, as shown in the center of FIG. 7, a message is displayed on the display unit 63 of the information terminal 60 prompting the user to input an answer to the previous inquiry as information related to the inquiry information. The user operates the "YES" button if the notified answer is positive, and operates the "NO" button if the notified answer is negative. For example, when an affirmative answer is notified and the "YES" button is operated, a display prompting the user to input the next inquiry information (here, the wireless circuit ID) is displayed on the display unit 63. In this way, by repeatedly inputting inquiry information and inputting answers to inquiries, information regarding the wireless communication device 10 (for example, information for identifying communication failures) can be confirmed in detail.

As described above, the wireless communication device 10 according to the present embodiment includes the first wireless communication unit 11 that wirelessly communicates with the wireless device 21 connected to the load device 20, and the notification unit 12, and The unit 12 provides notification regarding an answer according to inquiry information input from the outside.

According to this, since the notification unit 12 makes a notification regarding the answer according to the inquiry information input from the outside, the user can receive information regarding the wireless communication device 10 by making an inquiry regarding the information regarding the wireless communication device 10. can be easily confirmed.

Further, the first wireless communication unit 11 wirelessly communicates with a first information terminal different from the wireless device 21, and the inquiry information includes information transmitted from the first information terminal to the first wireless communication unit 11. Good too.

According to this, an inquiry can be made wirelessly to the wireless communication device 10.

The wireless communication device 10 also includes a second information terminal different from the wireless device 21 and a second wireless communication unit 14 that communicates using a wireless communication method with higher directivity than the first wireless communication unit 11, and the inquiry information is , may include information transmitted from the second information terminal to the second wireless communication unit 14.

According to this, even if there is a wireless communication problem in the wireless communication device 10, a specific wireless communication device 10 can be specified using a highly directional wireless communication method (for example, an infrared communication method), and inquiry information can be sent. It is possible to make a notification regarding the answer according to the question.

Further, the notification unit 12 may include a display unit 120, and may perform notification regarding the answer by displaying on the display unit 120.

According to this, the user can easily check information regarding the wireless communication device 10 by checking the display on the display unit 120 provided in the wireless communication device 10.

Further, the display section 120 includes a light emitting section, and the notification section 12 provides notification regarding the answer based on the light emitting state of the light emitting section as a display on the display section 120. The light emission state may be different depending on the answer and the negative answer.

According to this, for example, a user makes an inquiry about the wireless communication device 10 that can be answered in the affirmative or negative, and emits different light depending on whether the answer to the inquiry is positive or negative. Information regarding the wireless communication device 10 can be easily confirmed by checking the light emitting unit in the state.

Further, the display unit 120 includes a plurality of light emitting parts, and the plurality of light emitting parts are a first light emitting part that lights up when a positive answer is given to the inquiry information, and a first light emitting part that lights up when a negative answer is given to the inquiry information. The first light emitting part and the second light emitting part may be different from each other.

According to this, the user makes, for example, an inquiry about the wireless communication device 10 that can be answered in the affirmative or in the negative, and the first light emitting section lights up when the answer to the inquiry is affirmative; By checking which of the second light emitting units turns on when the answer to the inquiry is negative, information regarding the wireless communication device 10 can be easily checked.

Further, the inquiry information may include information indicating whether the first wireless communication unit 11 is in a state where it can communicate wirelessly with the wireless device 21.

According to this, it is possible to inquire whether the first wireless communication unit 11 is in a state where it can wirelessly communicate with the wireless device 21.

Further, the inquiry information may include information set in the first wireless communication unit 11 and used for wireless communication with the wireless device 21.

According to this, it is possible to inquire whether the information used for wireless communication with the wireless device 21 is correctly set in the first wireless communication unit 11.

Further, the inquiry information may include a communication channel set in the first wireless communication unit 11.

According to this, it is possible to inquire whether the communication channel used for wireless communication with the wireless device 21 is correctly set in the first wireless communication unit 11. For example, it can be identified that the cause of a wireless communication problem is that an incorrect communication channel is set in the first wireless communication unit 11.

Further, the inquiry information may include a wireless circuit ID set in the first wireless communication unit 11.

According to this, it is possible to inquire whether the wireless circuit ID used for wireless communication with the wireless device 21 is correctly set in the first wireless communication unit 11. For example, it can be identified that the cause of a wireless communication problem is that an incorrect wireless circuit ID is set in the first wireless communication unit 11.

Further, the inquiry information may include information indicating whether information used for wireless communication with the wireless device 21 is set in the first wireless communication unit 11.

According to this, it is possible to inquire whether information used for wireless communication with the wireless device 21 is set in the first wireless communication unit 11 in the first place. For example, it can be determined that information used for wireless communication with the wireless device 21 is not set in the first wireless communication unit 11 as the cause of the wireless communication problem.

Further, the inquiry information may include information indicating whether or not a signal regarding the availability of wireless communication with the wireless device 21 has been received.

According to this, it is possible to inquire whether the wireless communication device 10 has received a signal regarding whether or not wireless communication with the wireless device 21 is possible.

Further, the inquiry information may include information indicating whether or not a signal instructing transmission timing in wireless communication with the wireless device 21 has been received.

According to this, it is possible to inquire whether the wireless communication device 10 has received a signal instructing the transmission timing in wireless communication with the wireless device 21. For example, it is possible to specify that the wireless communication device 10 is not receiving a signal instructing the transmission timing as the cause of the problem in wireless communication.

Further, the inquiry information may include information indicating whether a signal for stopping wireless communication with the wireless device 21 has been received.

According to this, it is possible to inquire whether the wireless communication device 10 has received a signal to stop wireless communication with the wireless device 21. For example, it can be specified that the wireless communication device 10 is receiving a signal to stop wireless communication as the cause of the problem in wireless communication.

Further, the inquiry information may include identification information that identifies the wireless communication device 10 from other wireless communication devices 10.

According to this, it is possible to inquire about identification information that identifies the wireless communication device 10 from other wireless communication devices 10.

Further, the load device 20 may include a lighting device.

According to this, the user can easily confirm information regarding the wireless communication device 10 that communicates with the lighting device.

Furthermore, the wireless communication system 2 according to the present embodiment includes a wireless communication device 10 and a load device 20.

According to this, it is possible to provide a wireless communication system 2 in which information regarding the wireless communication device 10 can be easily confirmed.

The information terminal 60 according to the present embodiment also includes a first wireless communication unit 11 that wirelessly communicates with the wireless device 21 connected to the load device 20, and a first wireless communication unit 11 that wirelessly communicates with the wireless device 21 connected to the load device 20. and an output unit 62 that outputs the inquiry information to the wireless communication device 10.

According to this, it is possible to provide the information terminal 60 that allows easy confirmation of information regarding the wireless communication device 10.

The information terminal 60 further includes a display section 63, and the display section 63 may display information related to the inquiry information after the output section 62 outputs the inquiry information.

According to this, the information related to the inquiry information is, for example, information for causing the user to make further inquiries in response to the notification regarding the answer by the notification unit 12, and the user can receive detailed information regarding the wireless communication device 10. You can check it out.

(Other embodiments)
Although the wireless communication device 10 and the like according to the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

For example, in the above embodiment, it has been described that the inquiry information includes information indicating whether or not the first wireless communication unit 11 is in a state where it can wirelessly communicate with the wireless device 21, but the inquiry information is not limited to this. For example, the inquiry information may be used for purposes other than identifying problems in wireless communication. For example, the inquiry information may include the operating state of the wireless communication device 10, etc. Specifically, the inquiry information may be used to inquire about the current operating state of the wireless communication device 10.

For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the wireless communication device 10 includes three light emitting units 12a to 12c, but the wireless communication device 10 may include one, two, or four or more light emitting units. may be provided.

Further, for example, in the above embodiment, an example in which the display unit 120 is a light emitting unit has been described, but the display unit 120 may be a display, and the notification unit 12 may respond to inquiries by displaying images or videos on the display. Announcements may be made regarding answers depending on the information.

Further, for example, in the above embodiment, an example in which the notification unit 12 is the display unit 120 has been described, but the notification unit 12 may be a buzzer or a speaker, and the notification unit 12 may be a buzzer or a speaker to output inquiry information by voice. You may also make a notification regarding the response you received.

Further, for example, in the embodiment described above, it has been described that the wireless communication device 10 includes the wired communication unit 13, but the wireless communication device 10 does not need to include the wired communication unit 13.

Further, for example, in the embodiment described above, it has been described that the wireless communication device 10 includes the second wireless communication unit 14, but it does not need to include the second wireless communication unit 14. For example, inquiry information may be input to the wireless communication device 10 using wireless communication other than infrared communication.

Further, for example, in the above embodiment, an example in which the load device 20 is a lighting device has been described, but the load device 20 is not limited to a lighting device.

Note that the present invention can be realized not only as the information terminal 60 but also as an information processing method including steps (processing) performed by each component that constitutes the information terminal 60.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the information processing method includes a first wireless communication unit 11 that wirelessly communicates with a wireless device 21 connected to a load device 20, and a first wireless communication unit 11 that wirelessly communicates with a wireless device 21 connected to a load device 20. a reception step (step S11) for receiving input of inquiry information to the wireless communication device 10, which includes a notification unit 12 for notifying the answer regarding the received answer; and an output step (step S12) for outputting the inquiry information to the wireless communication device 10. and, including.

For example, the steps in the information processing method may be performed by a computer (computer system). Further, the present invention can be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute the steps included in the information processing method.

Further, the present invention can be realized as a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM on which the program is recorded.

For example, when the present invention is implemented as a program (software), each step is executed by executing the program using hardware resources such as a computer's CPU, memory, and input/output circuits. . That is, each step is executed by the CPU acquiring data from a memory or an input/output circuit, etc., performing calculations, and outputting the calculation results to the memory, input/output circuit, etc.

Further, each component included in the wireless communication device 10 and the information terminal 60 of the above embodiments may be realized as a dedicated or general-purpose circuit.

Further, each component included in the wireless communication device 10 and the information terminal 60 of the above embodiments may be realized as an LSI (Large Scale Integration) that is an integrated circuit (IC).

Further, the integrated circuit is not limited to an LSI, and may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. A programmable FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or a reconfigurable processor in which connections and settings of circuit cells inside the LSI can be reconfigured may be used.

Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that replaces LSI emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology or other derivative technologies, it will naturally be possible to use that technology to integrate the integrated circuits of each component included in the wireless communication device 10 and the information terminal 60. may be performed.

In addition, there are also forms obtained by making various modifications to the embodiments that those skilled in the art can think of, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Included in this disclosure.

2 Wireless communication system 10 Wireless communication device 11 First wireless communication unit 12 Notification unit 12a, 12b, 12c Light emitting unit 14 Second wireless communication unit 20 Load device 21 Wireless device 60 Information terminal 61 Reception unit 62 Output unit 63 Display unit 120 Display Department

Claims (22)

A wireless communication device,
a first wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a wireless device connected to the load device;
Information department and
comprising a second information terminal different from the wireless device, and a second wireless communication unit that communicates using a wireless communication method with higher directivity than the first wireless communication unit,
The notification unit performs notification regarding an answer in response to inquiry information regarding the wireless communication device input from the outside,
The inquiry information includes information transmitted from the second information terminal to the second wireless communication unit. The wireless communication device. The first wireless communication unit wirelessly communicates with a first information terminal different from the wireless device,
The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the inquiry information includes information transmitted from the first information terminal to the first wireless communication unit. The notification unit includes a display unit, and provides notification regarding the answer by displaying it on the display unit.
The wireless communication device according to claim 1 or 2. The inquiry information includes information indicating whether the first wireless communication unit is in a state where it can wirelessly communicate with the wireless device.
The wireless communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A wireless communication device,
a first wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a wireless device connected to a load device including a lighting device ;
Equipped with a notification department,
The notification unit performs notification regarding an answer in response to inquiry information regarding the wireless communication device input from the outside,
The notification unit includes a display unit, and provides notification regarding the answer by displaying on the display unit. The display section includes a light emitting section,
The notification unit notifies the answer based on the light emitting state of the light emitting unit as a display on the display unit,
The light emitting unit has different light emitting states depending on a positive answer and a negative answer to the inquiry information,
The wireless communication device according to claim 5 . The display section includes a plurality of light emitting sections,
The plurality of light emitting units include a first light emitting unit that lights up when an affirmative answer is given to the inquiry information, and a first light emitting unit that lights up when a negative answer is given to the inquiry information. The wireless communication device according to claim 5 , further comprising a different second light emitting section. a first wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a wireless device connected to a load device including a lighting device ;
Equipped with a notification department,
The notification unit performs notification regarding an answer according to inquiry information input from the outside,
The inquiry information includes information indicating whether the first wireless communication unit is in a state where it can wirelessly communicate with the wireless device. The wireless communication device. The wireless communication device according to claim 8 , wherein the inquiry information includes information set in the first wireless communication unit and used for wireless communication with the wireless device. a first wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a wireless device connected to the load device;
Equipped with a notification department,
The notification unit performs notification regarding an answer according to inquiry information input from the outside,
The inquiry information includes a communication channel set in the first wireless communication unit.
Wireless communication device. a first wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a wireless device connected to the load device;
Equipped with a notification department,
The notification unit performs notification regarding an answer according to inquiry information input from the outside,
The inquiry information includes a wireless circuit ID set in the first wireless communication unit.
Wireless communication device. a first wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a wireless device connected to the load device;
Equipped with a notification department,
The notification unit performs notification regarding an answer according to inquiry information input from the outside,
The inquiry information includes information indicating whether information used for wireless communication with the wireless device is set in the first wireless communication unit.
Wireless communication device. a first wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a wireless device connected to the load device;
Equipped with a notification department,
The notification unit performs notification regarding an answer according to inquiry information input from the outside,
The inquiry information includes information indicating whether or not a signal regarding the availability of wireless communication with the wireless device is received.
Wireless communication device. a first wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a wireless device connected to the load device;
Equipped with a notification department,
The notification unit performs notification regarding an answer according to inquiry information input from the outside,
The inquiry information includes information indicating whether or not a signal instructing transmission timing in wireless communication with the wireless device is received.
Wireless communication device. a first wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a wireless device connected to the load device;
Equipped with a notification department,
The notification unit performs notification regarding an answer according to inquiry information input from the outside,
The inquiry information includes information indicating whether a signal for stopping wireless communication with the wireless device has been received.
Wireless communication device. The wireless communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the load device includes a lighting device. The wireless communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 16 , wherein the inquiry information includes identification information that identifies the wireless communication device from other wireless communication devices. A wireless communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 17 ,
A wireless communication system comprising the load device. A wireless communication device comprising: a first wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a wireless device connected to a load device including a lighting device; and a notification unit that provides notification regarding an answer in response to inquiry information input from the outside. A reception department that accepts input of inquiry information,
an output unit that outputs the inquiry information to the wireless communication device,
The inquiry information includes information indicating whether the first wireless communication unit is in a state where it can wirelessly communicate with the wireless device. The information terminal further includes a display section,
The information terminal according to claim 19 , wherein the display unit displays information related to the inquiry information after the output unit outputs the inquiry information. A wireless communication device comprising: a first wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a wireless device connected to a load device including a lighting device; and a notification unit that provides notification regarding an answer in response to inquiry information input from the outside. a reception step for accepting input of inquiry information;
an output step of outputting the inquiry information to the wireless communication device,
The information processing method, wherein the inquiry information includes information indicating whether or not the first wireless communication unit is in a state where it can wirelessly communicate with the wireless device. A program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method according to claim 21 .

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