PH12014000132A1

PH12014000132A1 - Wall switch

Info

Publication number: PH12014000132A1
Application number: PH12014000132A
Authority: PH
Inventors: Kawai Atsushi; Kato Kazuhiro; Akahori Yasuhiro
Original assignee: Panasonic Ip Man Co Ltd
Priority date: 2013-06-05
Filing date: 2014-04-30
Publication date: 2015-12-07
Also published as: CN104244508A; JP2014235978A; JP6145930B2; TW201505488A; TWI533756B

Abstract

A wall switch includes a touch sensor, an operation detecting unit, a dimming control unit. The operation detecting unit is configured to determine whether a touch operation is a short push operation or a long push operation based on a time, during which the touch sensor detects the touch operation, and a predetermined time. In a non-lighting state, the dimming control unit turns on an illumination load at a predetermined first dimming level in response to the short push operation. In a first dimming state or a non-lighting state, the dimming control unit turns on the illumination load at a predetermined second dimming level higher than the first dimming level, in response to the long push operation. In a second dimming state or the first dimming state, the dimming control unit turns off the illumination load in response to the short push operation.

Description

WALL SWITCH : -

Technical Field =

[0001] The present invention relates generally to wall switches and, more = particularly, to a wall switch for switching a state of an illumination load. ©

Background Art -

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a fluorescent lamp lighting device including a touch switch. The fluorescent lamp lighting device is configured to switch brightness of a fluorescent lamp periodically, in _— of full lighting, dimming lighting, and non-lighting, whenever a user touches the touch switch with his/her finger (see, for example, JP 01-286298).

[0003] The above-mentioned conventional fluorescent lamp lighting device switches the brightness of the fluorescent lamp periodically, in turn of the full lighting, the dimming lighting, and the non-lighting whenever the user touches the touch switch with his/her finger. In this case, to switch a state of the fluorescent lamp from a non-lighting state to a full lighting state, the user only have to touch the touch switch once with his/her finger. On the other hand, to switch the state of the fluorescent lamp from the non-lighting state to a dimming state, the user touches the touch switch once with his/her finger, and accordingly, the fluorescent lamp lighting device switches the state of the fluorescent lamp from the non-lighting state to the full lighting state. Then, the user touches the touch switch once with his/her finger, and

P665688 English Description

, accordingly, the fluorescent lamp lighting device switches the state of the ~ fluorescent lamp from the full lighting state to the dimming state. In this ” way, when the fluorescent lamp lighting device switches the state of the ~ fluorescent lamp from the non-lighting state to the dimming state, the user Ee must perform the operation for switching the brightness of the fluorescent - lamp two times, and accordingly, user’s operation is troublesome. "

Summary of Invention -

[0004] The present invention has been made in the light of the = above'mentioned problem, and the object of the present invention is to provide a wall switch, in which it is possible to switch brightness of an illumination load to desired brightness with a simple operation.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned problem, a wall switch according to the present invention includes a touch sensor, an operation detecting unit, and a dimming control unit. The touch sensor is configured to detect a touch operation to an operation part. The operation detecting unit is configured to determine that the touch operation is a short push operation when a time during which the touch sensor detects the touch operation is shorter than a predetermined time. The operation detecting unit is configured to determine that the touch operation is a long push operation when the time during which the touch sensor detects the touch operation is equal to or longer than the predetermined time. The dimming control unit is configured to control an illumination load based on a detection result of the operation detecting unit. When the operation detecting unit detects the

P665688 English Description

: short push operation in a non-lighting state in which the illumination load is . turned off, the dimming control unit is configured to turn on the illumination - load at a predetermined first dimming level. When the operation detecting a unit detects the long push operation in a first dimming state, in which the = illumination load is turned on at the first dimming level, or the non-lighting . state, the dimming control unit is configured to turn on the illumination load ~ at a predetermined second dimming level higher than the first dimming level. -

When the operation detecting unit detects the short push operation in a - second dimming state, in which the illumination load is turned on at the ” second dimming level, or the first dimming state, the dimming control unit is configured to turn off the illumination load.

[0006] Preferably, the wall switch further includes a memory, and the dimming control unit is configured to operate as below. The memory is configured to previously store a set value of the first dimming level and a set value of the second dimming level. When the operation detecting unit detects the short push operation in the non-lighting state, the dimming control unit is configured to read out the set value of the first dimming level from the memory, and then to turn on the illumination load at the first dimming level. When the operation detecting unit detects the long push operation in the first dimming state or the non-lighting state, the dimming control unit is configured to read out the set value of the second dimming level from the memory, and then to turn on the illumination load at the second dimming level.

[0007] Preferably, the wall switch further includes a sound output unit. : P665688 English Description

. :

The sound output unit is configured to output a first sound when the operation detecting unit detects the long push operation. The sound output : unit is configured to output a second sound, which differs from the first o sound, when the operation detecting unit detects the short push operation. a

[0008] Preferably, the wall switch further includes a device body, and the = device body is provided with the operation part, and the touch sensor is © arranged at a back side of the operation part of the device body. The device i body houses the operation detecting unit and the dimming control unit. -

[0009] Preferably, the wall switch further includes a display unit. The w display unit is configured to indicate that the illumination load is turned on while the illumination load is turned on. The display unit is configured to indicate that the illumination load is turned off while the illumination load is turned off. The display unit is arranged at the back side of the operation part of the device body.

[0010] In the wall switch, preferably, the display unit includes a plurality of light emitting diodes, and the operation part of the device body is formed to have a thickness capable of transmitting, through the operation part, light emitted from the plurality of light emitting diodes.

[0011] Preferably, the wall switch further includes a display unit. The display unit is configured to indicate that the illumination load is turned on while the illumination load is turned on. The display unit is configured to indicate that the illumination load is turned off while the illumination load is turned off.

[0012] In the wall switch, preferably, the plurality of light emitting diodes

P665688 English Description

- include one first light emitting diode and a plurality of second light emitting diodes. The one first light emitting diode is arranged at a position corresponding to a center position of the operation part. The plurality of - second light emitting diodes are arranged at regular intervals on a 5 circumference, and the one first light emitting diode is positioned at a center = of the circumference. -

[0013] Preferably, the wall switch further includes a timer, and the ~ operation detecting unit is configured to operate as below. The timer is = configured to measure the time during which the touch sensor detects the ® touch operation. The operation detecting unit is configured to acquire a measurement result of the timer. The operation detecting unit is configured to determine that the touch operation is the short push operation when the time measured by the timer is shorter than the predetermined time. The operation detecting unit is configured to determine that the touch operation 1s the long push operation when the time measured by the timer is equal to or longer than the predetermined time.

[0014] In the wall switch, preferably, the second dimming level is set to 100 %.

[0015] In the present invention, a dimming level of the illumination load is directly switched according to whether or not an operator touches the operation part during a time equal to or longer than the predetermined time.

Accordingly, it is possible to easily switch brightness of the illumination load to desired brightness (a desired dimming level) with performing switch operation once. In addition, lighting/non-lighting of the illumination load is

P665688 English Description

. switched by a short push operation to the operation part by the operator during the time shorter than the predetermined time. Accordingly, it is : possible to make an operation method for the lighting/non-lighting of the S illumination load understandable. Further, the illumination load is turned = on at the second dimming level, which is higher (lighter) than the first + dimming level, by the long push operation to the operation part by the © operator during the time equal to or longer than the predetermined time. ~

Accordingly, it is possible to make an operation method for turning on the = illumination load at the second dimming level understandable. -

Brief Description of Drawings

[0016] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further details. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a wall switch according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the wall switch according to the embodiment in a construction state thereof; and

FIG. 3 is a state transition diagram for describing an operation of the wall switch according to the embodiment.

Description of Embodiments

[0017] A wall switch (a switch for being mounted at a wall) according to an

P665688 English Description

; embodiment is described, referring to FIGs. 1 to 3.

[0018] A wall switch 1 according to the embodiment is configured to control o an operation of a dimmable illumination load 100. The illumination load - 100 is an LED lighting fixture configured to change a dimming level of light & emitting diode(s) (not shown), which is a light source, depending on a voltage = level of a dimming signal S1, which is input from the wall switch 1. “

[0019] FIG. 2 is a front view of the wall switch 1 mounted at a wall 200. .

Hereinafter, unless there is a particular remark otherwise stated, up, down, ~ right, and left directions are defined as directions shown in FIG. 2, and the : description is performed.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the wall switch 1. The wall switch 1 includes a signal processing unit 11, a plurality of touch sensors 12 (FIG. 1 shows only one touch sensor), an output circuit 13, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs, a display unit) 14 (FIG. 1 shows only one light emitting diode), a buzzer (a sound output unit) 15, a first drive circuit 16, a second drive circuit 17, a power supply circuit 18, a memory 19, and a device body 20 (see FIG. 2). The device body 20 houses a circuit substrate (not shown) on which circuit elements constituting a circuit shown in FIG. 1 are mounted.

[0021] The device body 20 of the wall switch 1 shown in FIG. 2 is formed of synthetic resin into a box-shape. The device body 20 is formed so that a shape thereof seen from a front side is longitudinal and rectangular (a length in up and down directions is longer than that in right and left directions).

The device body 20 is mounted on the wall 200 with a mounting frame (not

P665688 English Description o shown) for mounting an embedded wiring device on the wall 200. The - mounting frame is provided with a decorated frame 21 mounted at a front side of the mounting frame. A front face of the device body 20 is exposed - through an opening 21a in a center of the decorated frame 21. Because the - mounting frame is well known as disclosed in, for example, JP 2009-74936 A, . illustration and description thereof are omitted. -

[0022] The touch sensors 12, which include capacitance sensors, are arranged at a back side of a front wall of the device body 20. The number of - the touch sensors 12 may be one or be multitude. The one or more touch - sensors 12 are required to cover an operation part 20a, which is disposed at approximately the whole of the front wall of the device body 20, and the one or more touch sensors 12 are arranged at the back side of the front wall of the device body 20. The device body 20 is formed of synthetic resin.

Therefore, when the operator touches the operation part 20a of the device body 20 with his/her finger to perform a touch operation, an electrostatic capacitance value of a touch sensor 12 changes, which is positioned near the back side of a position touched with his/her finger, thereby an output of the touch sensor 12 changing. The output of the touch sensor 12 is input into the signal processing unit 11. The touch sensors 12 are not limited to the electrostatic capacitance type sensors, and may be sensors with a well-known detection method such as resistive film type touch sensors.

[0023] The device body 20 is provided with a plurality (for example, seven) of light emitting diodes 14 arranged at the back side of the front wall of the device body 20. Each of the light emitting diodes 14 includes, for example, a

P665688 English Description

0 : light emitting diode emitting RGB full color light. One light emitting diode ~ (a first light emitting diode) 14 of the plurality of light emitting diodes 14 is ” arranged at a position corresponding to a center position of the operation - part 20a. The remaining six light emitting diodes (second light emitting > diodes) 14 are arranged at regular intervals on a circumference, and the first - light emitting diode 14 is positioned at a center of the circumference. The © front wall of the device body 20 is formed to have a thickness capable of o transmitting, through the front wall, light emitted from the light emitting - diodes 14. -

[0024] Here, an operation, in which an operator pushes the operation part 20a during a time shorter than a predetermined time, is referred to as a short push operation. An operation, in which the operator pushes the operation part 20a during a time equal to or longer than the predetermined time, is referred to as a long push operation. The above-mentioned predetermined time means a time having a length that can be considered that the operator purposefully continues to touch the operation part 20a.

The above-mentioned predetermined time is set to, for example, about 1 to 2 second.

[0025] The signal processing unit 11 shown in FIG. 1 includes, for example, a microcomputer, and is configured to perform a whole control of the wall switch 1. The signal processing unit 11 includes an operation detecting unit 11a, a timer 11b, a clock 1lc, and a control instruction unit 11d. The timer 11b is configured to count pulse signals generated by the clock 1lc, and to measure a time. When the touch sensor 12 detects the touch operation, the

P665688 English Description i” signal processing unit 11 is configured to operate the timer 11b. When the ~ touch sensor 12 ceases to detect the touch operation in a state in which the - timer 11b operates, the signal processing unit 11 stops the timer 11b. That - is, the timer 11b is configured to measure a time during which the touch = sensor 12 detects the touch operation. When the time measured by the - timer 11b is shorter than the predetermined time, the operation detecting 0 unit 11a detects the short push operation. That is, when the time measured " by the timer 11b is shorter than the predetermined time, the operation - detecting unit 11a is configured to determine that the touch operation is the short push operation. When the time measured by the timer 11b is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the operation detecting unit 1la detects the long push operation. That is, when the time measured by the timer 11b is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the operation detecting unit 11a is configured to determine that the touch operation is the long push operation. When the operation detecting unit 11a detects the short push operation, the signal processing unit 11 resets the timer 11b.

When the operation detecting unit 11a detects the long push operation, the signal processing unit 11 resets the timer 11b. The control instruction unit 11d is configured to output to the output circuit 13, the first drive circuit 16, and the second drive circuit 17, a control instruction for controlling a lighting state of the illumination load 100, based on the detection result of the operation detecting unit 11a. A control content, which corresponds to the touch operation, of the signal processing unit 11 is described below.

[0026] The output circuit 13 is configured to change a voltage level of a

P665688 English Description

I dimming signal S1 depending to the control instruction from the signal RB processing unit 11 (the control instruction unit 11d). The output circuit 13 - outputs the dimming signal S1 to the illumination load 100. When the > dimming signal S1 is input into the illumination load 100 from the output > circuit 13, the illumination load 100 is configured to control a dimming level - of the light emitting diode(s) (not shown), which is light resources of the © illumination load 100, depending to the voltage level of the dimming signal &

S1. The output circuit 13 and the control instruction unit 11d constitute a ~ dimming control unit configured to control the illumination load 100. ;

[0027] The first drive circuit 16 is configured to individually control lighting/mon-lighting of each of the plurality of light emitting diodes 14 depending to the control instruction from the signal processing unit 11 (the control instruction unit 11d). In addition, when turning on the plurality of light emitting diodes 14, the first drive circuit 16 individually is configured to control luminescent color of each of the plurality of light emitting diodes 14.

[0028] The second drive circuit 17 is configured to ring the buzzer 15 depending to the control instruction from the signal processing unit 11 (the control instruction unit 11d).

[0029] The memory 19 includes a nonvolatile memory that is rewritable electrically such as EEPROM. The memory 19 is configured to previously store a set value of the first dimming level, at which the illumination load 100 is turned on when the short push operation is detected, and a set value of the second dimming level, at which the illumination load 100 is turned on when the long push operation is detected. In the embodiment, for example,

P665688 English Description the first dimming level is set to 70%, and the second dimming level is set to o 100%. The first dimming level and the second dimming level may be = previously set upon factory shipment, or be capable of being modified by a . user with appropriate means such as setting volumes or switching switches. .

[0030] The power supply circuit 18 includes an AC/DC converter (AC/DC) - 18a and an LDO (Low Drop Out) regulator (LDO) 18b. The AC/DC - converter 18a is configured to convert to DC power, AC power provided from = a commerce AC power supply. The LDO regulator 18b is configured to i. reduce an output voltage of the AC/DC converter 18a to a predetermined voltage, and then provide the predetermined voltage with the signal processing unit 11. The construction of the power supply circuit 18 is not limited to that of the embodiment, and is capable of being modified arbitrarily.

[0031] Here, the operation of the wall switch 1 is described. The signal processing unit 11 preforms load control depending on the detection result of the operation detecting unit 11a. FIG. 3 shows a state transition diagram showing the operation of the signal processing unit 11.

[0032] In a state in which the illumination load 100 is turned off (a state

ST1), the signal processing unit 11 controls the first drive circuit 16 to turn on the light emitting diodes 14 in green to indicate a position of the wall switch 1 and a position of the operation part 20a.

[0033] While the illumination load 100 is turned off, when the operator performs the touch operation (the short push operation) to the operation part 20a during the time shorter than the predetermined time (an event t1), the

P665688 English Description touch sensor 12 detects the touch operation. When the touch sensor 12 © detects the touch operation, the signal processing unit 11 operates the timer - 11b. The time measured by the timer 11b is shorter than the predetermined - time, thereby the operation detecting unit 11a determining that the touch - operation is the short push operation. When the short push operation is © detected, the signal processing unit 11 reads out the set value of the first - dimming level from the memory 19. The signal processing unit 11 outputs, _ from the output circuit 13 to the illumination load 100, the dimming signal "

S1 depending on the read dimming level, and then turns on the illumination load 100 at the first dimming level (a state ST2). In the embodiment, the first dimming level is set to 70%, thereby the illumination load 100 in the state ST2 being turned on at the 70% dimming level. In addition, the signal processing unit 11 controls the second drive circuit 17 to ring a notification sound (a sound such as “pi”) from the buzzer 15, thereby notifying the operator that the short push operation has been accepted. In addition, the signal processing unit 11 controls the first drive circuit 16 to turn on the light emitting diodes 14 in red, thereby visually indicating that the illumination load 100 is turned on.

[0034] While the illumination load 100 is turned off, when the operator performs the touch operation (the long push operation) to the operation part 20a during the time equal to or longer than the predetermined time (an event t2), the touch sensor 12 detects the touch operation. The signal processing unit 11 operates the timer 11b when the touch sensor 12 starts detecting. The time measured by the timer 11b is equal to or longer than

P665688 English Description the predetermined time, thereby the operation detecting unit 1la determining that the touch operation is the long push operation. When the o long push operation is detected, the signal processing unit 11 reads out the > set value of the second dimming level from the memory 19. The signal = processing unit 11 outputs, from the output circuit 13 to the illumination = load 100, the dimming signal S1 depending on the read dimming level, - thereby turning on the illumination load 100 at the second dimming level (a . state ST3). In the embodiment, the second dimming level is set to 100%, = thereby the illumination load 100 in the state ST2 being turned on at a © full-lighting state. In addition, the signal processing unit 11 controls the second drive circuit 17 to ring a notification sound (a sound such as “pi, pi”) from the buzzer 15, thereby notifying the operator that the long push operation has been accepted. In addition, the signal processing unit 11 controls the first drive circuit 16 to turn on the light emitting diodes 14 in red, thereby visually indicating that the illumination load 100 is turned on.

[0035] In the state (the state ST2) in which the illumination load 100 is turned on at the first dimming level, when the operator performs the touch operation (the short push operation) to the operation part 20a during the time shorter than the predetermined time (an event t3), the touch sensor 12 detects the touch operation. In the state (the state ST3) in which the illumination load 100 is turned on at the second dimming level, when the operator performs the touch operation (the short push operation) to the operation part 20a during the time shorter than the predetermined time (an event t4), the touch sensor 12 detects the touch operation. When the touch

P665688 English Description sensor 12 detects the touch operation, the signal processing unit 11 operates the timer 11b. The time measured by the timer 11b is shorter than the - predetermined time, thereby the operation detecting unit 11a determining - that the touch operation is the short push operation. When the short push = operation is detected in the lighting state, the signal processing unit 11 stops . outputting the dimming signal S1 from the output circuit 13, thereby - turning off the illumination load 100 (the state ST1). In addition, the signal E processing unit 11 controls the second drive circuit 17 to ring the notification - sound (the sound such as “pi”) from the buzzer 15, thereby notifying the = operator that the short push operation is acquired. In addition, the signal processing unit 11 controls the first drive circuit 16 to turn on the light emitting diodes 14 in green, thereby indicating of the position.

[0036] In the state (the state ST2) in which the illumination load 100 is turned on at the first dimming level, when the operator performs the touch operation (the long push operation) to the operation part 20a during a time equal to or longer than the predetermined time (an event t5), the touch sensor 12 detects the touch operation. When the touch sensor 12 detects the touch operation, the signal processing unit 11 operates the timer 11b. The time measured by the timer 11b is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, thereby the operation detecting unit 11a determining that the touch operation is the long push operation. When the long push operation is detected, the signal processing unit 11 reads out the set value of the second dimming level from the memory 19 to switch the dimming level. The signal processing unit 11 outputs, from the output circuit 13 to the illumination

P665688 English Description e load 100, the dimming signal S1 depending on the read dimming level, = thereby turning on the illumination load 100 at the second dimming level (a - state ST3). In the embodiment, the second dimming level is set to 100%, . thereby the illumination load 100 in the state ST3 being turned on at the o full-lighting state. In addition, the signal processing unit 11 controls the - second drive circuit 17 to ring the notification sound (the sound such as “pi, ~ pi’) from the buzzer 15, thereby notifying the operator that the long push e operation has been accepted. ~

[0037] In the state (the state ST3) in which the illumination load 100 is - turned on at the second dimming level, when the operator performs the touch operation (the long push operation) to the operation part 20a during the time equal to or longer than the predetermined time (an event t6), the touch sensor 12 detects the touch operation. When the touch sensor 12 detects the touch operation, the signal processing unit 11 operates the timer 11b. The operation detecting unit 11a determines that the time measured by the timer 11b is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, thereby determining that the touch operation is the long push operation. When the long push operation is detected, the signal processing unit 11 reads out the set value of the first dimming level from the memory 19 to switch the dimming level. The signal processing unit 11 outputs, from the output circuit 13 to the illumination load 100, the dimming signal S1 depending on the read dimming level, thereby turning on the illumination load 100 at the first dimming level (the state ST2). In the embodiment, the first dimming level is set to 70%, and thereby the illumination load 100 in the state ST? is

P665688 English Description oo 17 turned on at the 70% dimming level. In addition, the signal processing unit ~ 11 controls the second drive circuit 17 to ring the notification sound (the od sound such as “pi, pi”) from the buzzer 15, thereby notifying the operator ~ that the long push operation has been accepted. :

[0038] To summarize the above-mentioned operation, in the non-lighting - state, the wall switch 1 turns on the illumination load 100 at the first 0 dimming level when the operator performs the short push operation to the 2 operation part 20a, and turns on the illumination load 100 at the second - dimming level when the operator performs the long push operation to the - operation part 20a. In addition, in the state in which the illumination load 100 is turned on at the first dimming level or the second dimming level, when the operator performs the short push operation to the operation part 20a, the wall switch 1 turns off the illumination load 100. In addition, in the state in which the illumination load 100 is turned on, when the operator performs the long push operation to the operation part 20a, the wall switch 1 switches the dimming level of the illumination load 100 from the first dimming level to the second dimming level, or from the second dimming level to the first dimming level.

[0039] As described above, the wall switch 1 according to the embodiment includes the touch sensor 12, the operation detecting unit 1la, and the dimming control unit (the control instruction unit 11d and the output circuit 13). The touch sensor 12 is configured to detect the touch operation to the operation part 20a. The operation detecting unit 1la is configured to determine that the touch operation is the short push operation when the

P665688 English Description

. time during which the touch sensor 12 detects the touch operation is shorter than the predetermined time. The operation detecting unit is configured to : determine that the touch operation is the long push operation when the time > during which the touch sensor 12 detects the touch operation is equal to or = longer than the predetermined time. The dimming control unit is = configured to control the illumination load 100 based on the detection result @ of the operation detecting unit 11a. When the operation detecting unit 11a ~ detects the short push operation in the non-lighting state in which the = illumination load 100 is turned off, the dimming control unit is configured to E turn on the illumination load 100 at the predetermined first dimming level.

When the operation detecting unit 11a detects the long push operation in the first state, in which the illumination load 100 is turned on at the first dimming level, or in the non-lighting state, the dimming control unit is configured to turn on the illumination load 100 at the predetermined second dimming level higher (lighter) than the first dimming level. When the operation detecting unit 11a detects the short push operation in the second dimming level, in which the illumination load 100 is turned on at the second dimming level, or the first dimming level, the dimming control unit is configured to turn off the illumination load 100.

[0040] The dimming level of the illumination load 100 is directly switched directly according to whether or not the operator touches the operation part 20a during the time equal to or longer than the predetermined time.

Accordingly, it is possible to easily switch simply the brightness of the illumination load 100 to desired brightness (a desired dimming level) with

P665688 English Description

— switching operation once. In addition, lighting/non-lighting of the illumination load 100 is switched in response to the short push operation - to the operation part 20a by the operator during the time shorter than the . predetermined time. Accordingly, it is possible to make an operation . method for the lighting/non-lighting of the illumination load 100 = understandable. Further, the illumination load 100 is turned on at the o second dimming level, which is higher (lighter) than the first dimming level, in response to the long push operation to the operation part 20a by the ~ operator during the time equal to or longer than the predetermined time. -

Therefore, it is possible to make an operation method for turning on the illumination load 100 at the second dimming level understandable.

[0041] As the embodiment, preferably, the wall switch 1 further includes the memory 19, and the dimming control unit (the control instruction unit 11d and the output circuit 13) is configured to operate as below. The memory 19 is configured to previously store the set value of the first dimming level and the set value of the second dimming level. When the operation detecting unit 11a detects the short push operation in the non-lighting state, the dimming control unit is configured to read out the set value of the first dimming level from the memory 19, and then to turn on the illumination load 100 at the first dimming level. When the operation detecting unit 11a detects the long push operation in the first dimming state or the non-lighting state, the dimming control unit is configured to read out the set value of the second dimming level from the memory 19, and then to turn on the illumination load 100 at the second dimming level.

P665688 English Description

10042] As the embodiment, preferably, the wall switch 1 further includes the a sound output unit (the buzzer 15). The sound output unit is configured to - output the first sound when the operation detecting unit 11a detects the long - push operation. The sound output unit is configured to output the second Z sound, which differs from the first sound, when the operation detecting unit - 11a detects the short push operation. -

[0043] As the embodiment, preferably, the wall switch 1 further includes the device body 20, the device body 20 is provided with the operation part 20a, - and the touch sensor 12 is arranged at the back side of the operation part - 20a of the device body 20. The device body 20 houses the operation detecting unit 11a and the dimming control unit (the control instruction unit 11d and the output circuit 13).

[0044] As the embodiment, preferably, the wall switch 1 further includes the display unit (the plurality of light emitting diodes 14). The display unit is configured to indicate that the illumination load 100 is turned on while the illumination load 100 is turned on. The display unit is configured to indicate that the illumination load 100 is turned off while the illumination load 100 is turned off. The display unit is arranged at the back side of the operation part 20a of the device body 20.

[0045] As the embodiment, preferably, the display unit includes the plurality of light emitting diodes 14, and the operation part 20a of the device body 20 is formed to have the thickness capable of transmitting, through the operation part 20a, light emitted from the plurality of light emitting diodes 14.

P665688 English Description

01

[0046] As the embodiment, preferably, the wall switch 1 further includes the ~ display unit (the plurality of light emitting diodes 14). The display unit is ” configured to indicate that the illumination load 100 is turned on while the - illumination load 100 is turned on. The display unit is configured to 5 indicate that the illumination load 100 is turned off while the illumination - load 100 is turned off. <

[0047] As the embodiment, preferably, the plurality of light emitting diodes o 14 include the one first light emitting diode 14 and the plurality of second - light emitting diodes 14. The one first light emitting diode 14 is arranged at the position corresponding to the center position of the operation part 20a.

The plurality of second light emitting diodes 14 are arranged at the regular intervals on the circumference, and the one first light emitting diode 14 is positioned at the center of the circumference.

[0048] As the embodiment, preferably, the wall switch 1 further includes the timer 11b, and the operation detecting unit 11a is configured to operate as below. The timer 11b is configured to measure the time during which the touch sensor 12 detects the touch operation. The operation detecting unit 11a is configured to acquire the measurement result of the timer 11b. The operation detecting unit 1la is configured to determine that the touch operation is the short push operation when the time measured by the timer 11b is shorter than the predetermined time. The operation detecting unit 11a is configured to determine that the touch operation is the long push operation when the time measured by the timer 11b is equal to or longer than the predetermined time.

P665688 English Description

[0049] As the embodiment, preferably, the second dimming level is set to ~

[0050] Although the present invention has been described with reference to - certain preferred embodiments, numerous modifications and variations can : be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit - and scope of this invention. - : P665688 English Description

Claims

03 Claims

1. A wall switch comprising: - a touch sensor configured to detect a touch operation to an operation - m an operation detecting unit configured to determine that the touch = operation is a short push operation when a time during which the touch z sensor detects the touch operation is shorter than a predetermined time, the operation detecting unit being configured to determine that the touch = FE operation is a long push operation when the time during which the touch w sensor detects the touch operation is equal to or longer than the predetermined time; and a dimming control unit configured to control an illumination load based on a detection result of the operation detecting unit, wherein when the operation detecting unit detects the short push operation in a non-lighting state in which the illumination load is turned off, the dimming control unit is configured to turn on the illumination load at a predetermined first dimming level, wherein when the operation detecting unit detects the long push operation in a first dimming state, in which the illumination load is turned on at the first dimming level, or the non-lighting state, the dimming control unit is configured to turn on the illumination load at a predetermined second dimming level higher than the first dimming level, wherein when the operation detecting unit detects the short push operation in a second dimming state, in which the illumination load is P665688 English Description surned on at the second dimming level, or the first dimming state, the N dimming control unit is configured to turn off the illumination load. -

2. The wall switch according to claim 1, further comprising a - memory previously storing a set value of the first dimming level and a set - value of the second dimming level, ~ wherein when the operation detecting unit detects the short push w operation in the non-lighting state, the dimming control unit is configured to ~ read out the set value of the first dimming level from the memory, and then - to turn on the illumination load at the first dimming level, wherein when the operation detecting unit detects the long push operation in the first dimming state or the non-lighting state, the dimming control unit is configured to read out the set value of the second dimming level from the memory, and then to turn on the illumination load at the second dimming level.

3. The wall switch according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a sound output unit configured to output a first sound when the operation detecting unit detects the long push operation, the sound output unit being configured to output a second sound, which differs from the first sound, when the operation detecting unit detects the short push operation.

4. The wall switch according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a device body provided with the operation part, the device body P665688 English Description

Co housing the operation detecting unit and the dimming control unit, wherein the touch sensor is arranged at a back side of the operation o part of the device body. .

5. The wall switch according to claim 4, further comprising a = display unit configured to indicate that the illumination load is turned on 0 while the illumination load is turned on, the display unit being configured to ~ indicate that the illumination load is turned off while the illumination load is o LT turned off, = wherein the display unit is arranged at the back side of the operation part of the device body.

6. The wall switch according to claim 5, wherein the display unit comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes, wherein the operation part of the device body is formed to have a thickness capable of transmitting, through the operation part, light emitted from the plurality of light emitting diodes. :

7. The wall switch according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a display unit configured to indicate that the illumination load is turned on while the illumination load is turned on, the display unit being configured to indicate that the illumination load is turned off while the illumination load is turned off. P665688 English Description

06

8. The wall switch according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of light emitting diodes comprise one first light emitting diode and a plurality ” of second light emitting diodes, . wherein the one first light emitting diode is arranged at a position = corresponding to a center position of the operation part, - wherein the plurality of second light emitting diodes are arranged at © regular intervals on a circumference, the one first light emitting diode being “ positioned at a center of the circumference. =

9. The wall switch according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a timer measuring the time during which the touch sensor detects the touch operation, wherein the operation detecting unit is configured to acquire a measurement result of the timer, the operation detecting unit being configured to determine that the touch operation is the short push operation when the time measured by the timer is shorter than the predetermined time, the operation detecting unit being configured to determine that the touch operation is the long push operation when the time measured by the timer is equal to or longer than the predetermined time.

10. The wall switch according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second dimming level is set to 100 %. P665688 English Description