TWI587712B - Communication device, load control system and load control device - Google Patents

Description

Communication device, load control system, and load control device

The present invention relates to a communication device, a load control system using the communication device, and a load control device communicable with the communication device.

In the past, a load control device for controlling a load and a load control system including a load control device and a communication device have been proposed (for example, Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-152416). In the load control system described in Document 1, the communication device (operation terminal) generates load control information in response to an operation input accepted by the operation input accepting unit, and transmits a radio signal (wireless signal) including the load control information. To the load control device (control device). Further, the load control device that receives the load control information controls the load by driving the switching element inserted into the power supply path for giving the load (lighting load).

Further, in the load control system described in Document 1, the load control device further includes an operation input receiving unit, and when the operation input receiving unit receives the operation input, the load control device drives the switching element corresponding to the operation input. In order to control the load. Further, the load control system described in Document 1 further includes a fire sensor, and transmits a radio signal including fire sensing information from the fire sensor to the load control device when the fire sensor senses a fire. The load control device also drives the switching element when receiving the radio signal containing the fire sensing information, thereby controlling the load.

However, in the load control system configured as described above, it is not easy to monitor the state (load control state) of the device (load control device) to which the communication device is to be monitored without missing the communication device. That is, the control state of the load in the load control device may vary not only due to radio signals from the communication device, but also due to operational inputs to, for example, the operational input of the load control device or radio signals from the fire sensor. . Therefore, the state of the device to be communicated by the communication device may be changed regardless of the communication device, and as a result, it becomes difficult for the communication device to monitor the state of the device to be communicated.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a communication device that can easily monitor the state of a device to be communicated, a load control system using the communication device, and a load control device that can communicate with the communication device.

A communication device according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a communication interface that communicates with a plurality of devices using radio signals using radio waves as media; and a memory unit that memorizes identification information corresponding to the one-to-one correspondence of the plurality of devices And the monitoring unit monitors the monitoring based on the status information in the radio signal transmitted from the monitoring target, among the plurality of devices, at least one device that stores the corresponding identification information in the memory unit as a monitoring target. a state of the object; and configured to transmit, by the plurality of devices, the radio signal including the corresponding identification information, the monitoring unit receiving the radio signal transmitted by one of the plurality of devices when the communication interface receives the radio signal The identification information in the signal matches the identification information stored in the memory unit, and the monitoring information indicating the state of the monitored object is obtained based on the status information in the radio signal.

A load control system according to an aspect of the present invention includes: the communication device; and a plurality of load control devices used as the plurality of devices; and the plurality of load control devices are configured to separately control a load, and the plurality of load control devices constitute When the control state of the load changes, the radio signal including the status information indicating the changed control state is transmitted, and the communication device is configured to monitor "the majority of the load control device" And storing the corresponding identification information in the control state of at least one load control device of the memory unit as the state to be monitored.

A load control device according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a radio communication interface that communicates with the communication device; a switching element that turns on or off power supply from a power source to a load; and a control unit that controls the switching element; And used as one of the plurality of devices, and configured to transmit the radio having the status information indicating the changed control state when the control state of the switching element of the control unit changes. signal.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The following embodiments generally relate to a communication device, a load control system, and a load control device, and more particularly to a communication device that monitors the state of each device by communication, and a load using the communication device. A control system, and a load control device communicable with the communication device.

As shown in FIG. 1, the load control system of the present embodiment includes a communication device 1 and a plurality of (here, three) load control devices 201, 202, and 203 as a plurality of devices that can communicate with the communication device 1. And use. In the following, unless the majority of the load control devices 201, 202, and 203 are distinguished, the plurality of load control devices 201, 202, and 203 are each referred to as the load control device 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, the communication device 1 includes a communication interface 11, a storage unit 12, and a monitoring unit 131. The communication interface 11 communicates with a plurality of devices (load control devices 201, 202, 203) using radio signals using radio waves as media. The memory unit 12 stores identification information corresponding to a plurality of devices (load control devices 201, 202, and 203) one-to-one. The monitoring unit 131 monitors the state of the monitoring target based on the status information in the radio signal transmitted from the monitoring target. Here, among the plurality of devices (load control devices 201, 202, and 203), the above-mentioned monitoring information is stored in at least one device (load control device 2) of the storage unit 12. In the figure, the interface is labeled "I/F".

Most of the devices (load control devices 201, 202, 203) each transmit the above-described radio signal containing the corresponding identification information.

When the communication interface 11 receives the radio signal transmitted by one of the plurality of devices (load control devices 201, 202, 203), the monitoring unit 131 recognizes the identification information in the radio signal and the above-described identification stored in the storage unit 12. If the information is consistent, the monitoring information will be obtained. At this time, the monitoring unit 131 is configured to acquire monitoring information based on the status information in the radio signal received by the communication interface 11. Here, the monitoring information displays information on the state of the monitored object.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the device to be communicated by the communication device 1 is the load control device 2, so that the monitoring information of the state to be monitored is displayed, and the state of the load control device 2 is displayed (load control device 2) Information on the control state of load 5 in it.

That is, the majority of the load control devices 201, 202, and 203 are configured to control the load 5, respectively. The majority of the load control devices 201, 202, and 203 are configured to transmit the radio signal including the "state information indicating the control state after the change" when the control state of the load 5 changes. The communication device 1 is configured such that the control state in which at least one load control device 2 of the memory unit 12 is stored in the plurality of load control devices 201, 202, and 203 is the state to be monitored. The monitoring unit 131 monitors.

In summary, when the identification information in the radio signal received from the device (load control device 2) to be communicated is identical to the identification information stored in the memory unit 12, the communication device 1 according to the present embodiment is based on the state in the radio signal. Information on the monitoring information showing the status of the monitored object. In other words, when the state of the device to be communicated by the communication device 1 changes, the communication device 1 actively receives the radio signal transmitted from the device at that time, thereby enabling the state of the device to be communicated to be monitored without fail. Therefore, the communication device 1 of the present embodiment has an advantage that it is easy to monitor the state of the device to be communicated.

In the present embodiment, the case where the communication device 1 and the plurality of load control devices 201, 202, and 203 are used together for the load control system is exemplified, but the communication device 1 can also be used outside the load control system. In other words, the device to be communicated as the communication device 1 may be a device that changes in "state", and is not limited to the load control device, and may be, for example, a home appliance such as a refrigerator or a sensor device such as a fire sensor, and stored. Equipment such as equipment.

Hereinafter, the communication device 1 of the present embodiment, the load control system using the communication device 1, and the load control device 2 communicable with the communication device 1 will be described in detail. However, the configuration described below is merely an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, and the present invention can be applied to the design without departing from the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. Make various changes.

Further, in the present embodiment, a case where the load control system is used for a house (single-family building) will be described as an example. However, it is not limited to this example, and the load control system can also be used for, for example, buildings such as houses, offices, shops, factories, and the like of a house.

<Configuration of Load Control System> As shown in FIG. 1, the load control system of the present embodiment includes a communication device 1 and a plurality of (here, three) load control devices 201, 202, and 203, which are used as a plurality of devices. . The load control system further includes: an operation terminal 3; and a portable transmitter 4. Further, the communication device 1 is configured to be communicable with the communication terminal device 7 and the HEMS (Home Energy Management System) controller 8 via the router 6. Here, the router 6 is a router with a wireless local area network (LAN) access point function. The communication device 1 is used as a radio adapter device that is electrically connected to the router 6 by a wired (LAN cable) method, and can be performed between the communication terminal device 7 or the HEMS controller 8 and the load control device 2. Communication using radio signals.

The communication terminal 7 is only required to be in communication with the communication device 1 and has a function as a user interface, and is, for example, a general-purpose information terminal such as a smart phone, a tablet terminal (tablet type), or a notebook type personal computer. The communication between the router 6 and the communication terminal 7 is radio communication (the path of the radio communication is indicated by a dotted arrow in Fig. 1). The communication terminal unit 7 realizes a function of outputting a control command to the communication device 1 as will be described later by executing an application for load control.

The HEMS controller 8 has a function of communicating with various HEMS-compatible devices including the monitor device and controlling the functions of the HEMS-compatible devices. The monitor device has a function as a user interface. The HEMS-compatible equipment includes not only power-consuming equipment such as air conditioners, lighting fixtures, and drinking machines, but also equipment such as power generation devices. In the present embodiment, as an example, the HEMS controller 8 performs radio communication with the HEMS-compatible device as a medium with a radio wave such as a specific low-power radio in the 920 MHz band. However, the communication method of the HEMS controller 8 and the HEMS-compatible device can be performed in an appropriate manner regardless of radio communication or wired communication.

Here, the communication device 1, the load control device 2, and the operation terminal device 3 are operated by receiving power supply from a power source (commercially available AC power source) 9, respectively. Similarly, the router 6 and the HEMS controller 8 also operate by receiving power supply from the power source 9. In FIG. 1, the illustration of the power supply path from the power source 9 to the communication device 1, the router 6, and the HEMS controller 8 is omitted.

The load control device 2 is inserted into a power supply path for supplying power from the power source 9 to the load 5, and is configured to control the load 5 by turning on or off the power supply from the power source 9 to the load 5. In the present embodiment, the load 5 that is the control target of the load control device 2 is displayed as an example of a lighting load (lighting fixture). Therefore, the load control device 2 turns on or off the power supply from the power source 9 to the load 5, thereby enabling switching control of lighting and extinguishing of the load 5, or dimming control of the load 5. However, the load 5 to be controlled by the load control device 2 is not limited to the lighting load, and may include a load other than the lighting load such as an exhaust fan.

The appearance of the load control device 2 is similar to that of a general wall switch, and the load control device 2 is used in a state of being mounted on a wall in a house. The basic usage of the load control device 2 is the same as that of a general wall switch, and the person directly operates the load control device 2 to turn on or off the power supply from the power source 9 to the load 5. The load control device 2 is provided in one to a plurality of rooms in each house. As will be described later in detail, the load control device 2 has a touch sensor 25 (refer to FIG. 3) that detects a person's hand touching the operation surface provided on the front surface, and is configured to receive an operation input for the operation surface exposed from the wall. The load control device 2 is attached to the wall by "the operation surface is exposed from the wall and the rear portion is buried in the wall".

As described above, the load control device 2 is configured to be able to communicate with the communication device 1 using a radio signal using radio waves as a medium. In the load control system of the present embodiment, the load control device 2 can communicate with the communication device 1 not only by using a radio signal but also with the operation terminal 3 and the portable transmitter 4.

The external appearance of the operation terminal 3 is approximately the same as that of the load control device 2, and the operation terminal 3 is used in a state of being attached to a wall in a house. In the load control system of the present embodiment, the operation terminal unit 3 is provided in only one house, and is provided, for example, in the entrance. Similarly to the load control device 2, the operation terminal device 3 has a touch sensor 34 (refer to FIG. 4) for detecting an operation surface provided on the front surface by a human hand, and is configured to receive an operation surface exposed from the wall. Operation input. However, the operation terminal 3 does not directly control the configuration of the load 5, but transmits a radio signal to the load control device 2 in accordance with the operation input, and remotely controls the load control device 2, thereby indirectly controlling the load 5. In the present embodiment, the operation terminal device 3 is displayed only in the case of one house. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the operation terminal device 3 may be provided in a large number of houses.

The portable transmitter 4 transmits the radio signal to the load control device 2 in accordance with the operation input in the same manner as the operation terminal 3, and remotely controls the load control device 2, thereby indirectly controlling the load 5. However, the portable transmitter 4 is not mounted on a wall in a house, but is configured to be portable and portable with the same remote control of a general household electrical appliance.

The communication device 1 has a function of monitoring the state of the load control device 2 to be monitored (the control state of the load 5 in the load control device 2) by using a radio signal to communicate with the load control device 2 as described above. The communication device 1 is configured to be able to output monitoring information indicating the state of the monitoring target to the communication terminal device 7 or the HEMS controller 8 via the router 6. The communication terminal unit 7 is configured to display monitoring information acquired from the communication device 1. The HEMS controller 8 is configured to display the monitoring information acquired from the communication device 1 on the monitor device. Thereby, the monitoring information obtained by the communication device 1 is visualized by the communication terminal device 7 or the monitor device controlled by the HEMS controller 8.

In addition to the function of monitoring the state of the load control device 2 to be monitored, the communication device 1 of the present embodiment also has the function of remotely controlling the load control device 2 to be monitored. That is, the communication device 1 transmits a radio signal to the load control device 2 in accordance with a control command input from the communication terminal device 7 or the HEMS controller 8 via the router 6, and remotely controls the load control device 2, thereby indirectly controlling the load. 5.

That is, in the load control system of the present embodiment, not only the direct operation load control device 2 can perform the control of the load 5, but also the radio signal is transmitted to the load control by the self-communication device 1 or the operation terminal device 3 or the portable transmitter 4. The device 2 is also capable of controlling the load 5. In other words, the communication device 1, the operation terminal 3, and the portable transmitter 4 have a function as a transmitter for transmitting a radio signal for remotely controlling the load control device 2. Therefore, the state of the load control device 2 as the monitoring target of the communication device 1 (the control state of the load 5 in the load control device 2) is also due to the radio signal from the communication device 1 and also to the load control device 2 The direct operation, or the radio signal from the operating terminal 3 or the portable transmitter 4, also changes.

Further, in the present embodiment, the communication device 1 and the operation terminal device 3 are configured to receive the load control device 2 from the load control device 2 when the radio signal is transmitted to the load control device 2 and the load control device 2 is remotely controlled. Received a response from the radio signal. Therefore, the communication device 1 and the operation terminal device 3 can perform transmission (transmission and reception) of radio signals bidirectionally with the load control device 2. On the other hand, between the portable transmitter 4 and the load control device 2, the transmission of the radio signal can only be performed in a single direction from the portable transmitter 4 toward the load control device 2.

In the present embodiment, as an example, the load control device 2 performs radio communication with the communication device 1, the operation terminal 3, and the portable transmitter 4 with a radio wave of a specific low-power radio such as a band of 426 MHz. Communication. The specific low power radio referred to herein is a licenseless and registered low power radio specification.

Here, each of the communication device 1, the operation terminal device 3, and the portable transmitter 4 is registered in advance with the load control device 2 as a control target. In the communication device 1, the control object is the same as the monitoring target system.

Specifically, the load control device 2 assigns the unique identification information in advance, and the identification information of the arbitrary load control device 2 is stored in each of the communication device 1, the operation terminal device 3, and the portable transmitter 4. In each of the communication device 1, the operation terminal 3, and the portable transmitter 4, the load control device 2 that stores the identification information is registered as a control target (the monitoring device is also monitored in the communication device 1). In the present embodiment, the load control device 2 registered as the control target (monitoring target) is assigned a registration number of 1 to m (m system natural number). For example, when the number of control objects (monitoring targets) is up to 20, the identification information of the load control device 2 as the control target (monitoring target) has a registration number of 1 to 20 correspondingly.

Further, the load control device 2 registers the communication device 1, the operation terminal device 3, and the portable transmitter 4 that register the load control device 2 itself as a control target. That is, the load control device 2 corresponds one-to-one with the identification information of the communication device 1, the operation terminal device 3, and the portable transmitter 4 that register the load control device 2 itself, and the registration number.

Here, the control target (monitoring target) of the communication device 1, the control target of the operation terminal device 3, and the control target of the portable transmitter 4 are all registered separately, and may be the same or different. Further, as for the identification information, for example, a MAC (Media Access Control) address is used.

In the present embodiment, the communication device 1 registers the first load control device 201 and the third load control device 203 among the plurality of load control devices 201, 202, and 203 as control targets (monitoring targets). ). In the operation terminal 3, all of the plurality of load control devices 201, 202, and 203 (the first load control device 201, the second load control device 202, and the third load control device 203) are registered as control targets. In the portable transmitter 4, only the first load control device 201 among the plurality of load control devices 201, 202, and 203 is registered as a control target. In addition, in FIG. 1, regarding the communication device 1, the operation terminal 3, and the portable transmitter 4, the path of radio communication with the load control device 2 registered as the control target is indicated by a broken line arrow.

<Configuration of Communication Device> A specific configuration of the communication device 1 will be described below with reference to Fig. 2 .

As described above, the communication device 1 includes a communication interface 11, a storage unit 12, and a monitoring unit 131. In the present embodiment, the monitoring unit 131 is a function of the adapter control unit 13 mainly composed of a microcomputer. The communication device 1 of the present embodiment further includes a power supply circuit 14 and a wired interface 15 in addition to the communication interface 11, the storage unit 12, and the adapter control unit 13.

The communication interface 11 communicates with a plurality of devices (load control devices 201, 202, 203) that are communication targets by using radio signals using radio waves as media. The communication interface 11 is preferably configured by integrating, for example, a signal processing circuit, a transmission circuit, a reception circuit, a frequency synthesizer circuit, an antenna switching switch, and the like into an integrated circuit of one wafer. The signal processing circuit performs signal processing such as encoding of the transmission frame (baseband signal) and decoding of the received frame. The transmitting circuit tunes the transmitted frame encoded by the signal processing circuit into a carrier signal (eg, frequency shift keying <FSK> modulation). The receiving circuit is configured to demodulate a signal received from the antenna into a receiving frame. The frequency synthesizer circuit generates a carrier signal. The antenna switching relationship alternately switches the antenna to be electrically connected to the transmitting circuit and the receiving circuit.

The memory unit 12 is preferably constructed using a non-volatile semiconductor memory that can be electrically rewritten, such as a flash memory. The storage unit 12 stores the identification information of the load control device 2 registered as the control target (monitoring target) as described above. The identification information is stored in the storage unit 12 in a one-to-one correspondence with the registration numbers 1 to 20, for example. Further, the monitoring information acquired by the monitoring unit 131 is also stored in the storage unit 12 in association with the registration number. The reading and writing of the data of the storage unit 12 are performed by the adapter control unit 13.

The power supply circuit 14 is configured to receive power supply from the power source 9 and generate an operation power supply voltage for each part of the communication device 1. Further, the power supply circuit 14 may directly input an AC voltage from the power source 9, or may input an AC voltage from the power source 9 in a state of being converted into a DC voltage via an AC/DC converter.

The wired interface 15 is electrically connected to the router 6. The wired interface 15 is configured to perform communication (data transmission) conforming to the specifications of the wired LAN.

The adapter control unit 13 is electrically connected to each of the communication interface 11, the storage unit 12, the power supply circuit 14, and the wired interface 15. The adapter control unit 13 has functions of a control command unit 132, a temporary storage unit 133, a response unit 134, an output unit 135, and a timer 136 in addition to the monitoring unit 131. The adapter control unit 13 of the present embodiment is configured to execute a program stored in the memory, thereby realizing the functions of the above-described respective parts. The program can be written in advance in the memory, or can be provided via an electronic communication line or recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card.

The monitoring unit 131 monitors the state of the monitoring target based on the "status information in the radio signal transmitted from the monitoring target as described above". That is, when the communication interface 11 receives the radio signal transmitted by the load control device 2, if the identification information in the radio signal matches the identification information stored in the memory unit 12, the monitoring unit 131 is based on the radio signal. Get status information by monitoring the status information.

The control command unit 132 realizes the function of the load control device 2 that is the remote control of the control target (monitoring target). The control command unit 132 generates control information (control command) based on a control command input from the communication terminal unit 7 or the HEMS controller 8 to the wired interface 15 via the router 6, and transmits the control information from the communication interface 11 to the radio signal. Load control device 2.

The temporary storage unit 133 temporarily stores the monitoring information. Here, the temporary storage unit 133 is a cache memory in the microcomputer, and is configured to store (memorize) at least one piece of monitoring information for all the monitoring targets. The monitoring unit 131 is configured to update the monitoring information stored in the temporary storage unit 133 when the monitoring information changes. Thereby, the temporary storage unit 133 stores at least the latest monitoring information for all the monitoring targets.

The response unit 134 is configured to transmit the monitoring information stored in the temporary storage unit 133 to the host device in response to a request from the host device. The upper device referred to herein is the HEMS controller 8. In other words, when the response unit 134 receives the request from the upper device, that is, the HEMS controller 8, the response unit 134 transmits the monitoring information stored in the temporary storage unit 133 to the HEMS controller 8 from the wired interface 15 by a wired signal.

The output unit 135 is configured to output monitoring information. In the present embodiment, the output unit 135 outputs the monitoring information to the communication terminal unit 7 via the wired interface 15. Here, the output unit 135 is configured to output monitoring information after a predetermined time elapses from the acquisition time of the monitoring information of the monitoring unit 131. The predetermined time is counted (timed) by the timer 136. The predetermined time is set to, for example, 2 seconds.

Further, the output unit 135 is configured such that when the monitoring information changes before a predetermined time has elapsed since the acquisition time of the monitoring information, the count of the predetermined time is reset, and the predetermined time is obtained from the time when the monitoring information after the change is acquired. After the time, the monitoring information is output. In other words, when the monitoring unit 131 acquires different monitoring information before the predetermined time elapses from the time when the monitoring unit 131 acquires the monitoring information, the output unit 135 stops the output of the monitoring information before the change, and outputs only the changed (latest) monitoring. News. At this time, since the timer 136 resets the count of the predetermined time and recounts the predetermined time, the output unit 135 outputs the monitoring information to "after a predetermined time has elapsed from the acquisition time of the latest (newest) monitoring information".

Next, the basic operation of the communication device 1 will be described. The wired interface 15 receives the packet transmitted from the router 6, acquires a control command included in the packet, and outputs it to the adapter control unit 13. When receiving the control command, the adapter control unit 13 generates a transmission frame including control information corresponding to the control command (for example, a control command indicating the disconnection of the load 5), and outputs the transmission frame to the communication interface 11. That is, in the communication device 1, the wired interface 15 corresponds to a detecting unit that detects an occurrence of an event (reception of a packet including a control command).

The communication interface 11 encodes the transmission frame received from the adapter control unit 13, and converts the signal transmitted from the encoded transmission frame into a carrier signal, and transmits it as a radio signal from the antenna. Further, the radio signals transmitted by the communication interface 11 are received by all of the load control devices 2 as will be described later.

Furthermore, the communication device 1 constantly monitors the state of the load control device 2 registered as the monitoring target (control target). Therefore, when the state of the monitoring target changes, the communication device 1 updates the monitoring information indicating the state of the monitoring target, and always stores the latest monitoring information in the storage unit 12. The memory unit 12 is exemplified in Table 1 below, and each of the monitoring targets associates and stores the registration number, the identification information, and the monitoring information.

【Table 1】

In addition, in Table 1, the monitoring information indicates the control state of the load 5 in the load control device 2, the "on state" means lighting, the "off state" means extinguishing, and the "dimming 50" means Refers to lighting at 50% dimming rate (dimming lighting).

<Configuration of Load Control Device> A specific configuration of the load control device 2 will be described below with reference to Fig. 3 .

The load control device 2 includes a radio communication interface 21, a switching element 22, and a control unit 23. The load control device 2 of the present embodiment includes a radio communication interface 21, a switching element 22, and a control unit 23, and further includes a power supply circuit 24, a touch sensor 25, and a memory unit 26. Further, since the radio communication interface 21 and the power supply circuit 24 can be configured similarly to the communication interface 11 and the power supply circuit 14 of the communication device 1, respectively, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The radio communication interface 21 is configured to communicate with the communication device 1. The radio communication interface 21 communicates with the communication device 1 using radio signals. Further, in the present embodiment, the radio communication interface 21 is configured to communicate not only with the communication device 1 but also with the operation terminal 3 and the portable transmitter 4 by using a radio signal.

The switching element 22 is electrically connected between the power source 9 and the load 5. That is, the switching element 22 is inserted in the power supply path from the power source 9 to the load 5, and turns on or off the power supply from the power source 9 to the load 5. Here, the switching element 22 is preferably constituted by a semiconductor switching element having no mechanical (mechanical) contact, such as a bidirectional three-terminal thyristor or the like.

The control unit 23 is electrically connected to each of the radio communication interface 21, the switching element 22, the power supply circuit 24, the touch sensor 25, and the memory unit 26. The control unit 23 is mainly composed of, for example, a microcomputer, and has at least a function of controlling the switching element 22 to switch the switching element 22 on and off. In the present embodiment, the control unit 23 is configured to control the phase angle of the switching element 22 so that not only the switching control of the lighting and the extinction of the load 5 constituted by the illumination load but also the dimming of the load 5 can be performed. control. Further, the control unit 23 has a function of controlling the function of the radio communication interface 21, controlling the function of the touch sensor 25, and reading and writing data of the memory unit 26.

Here, the control unit 23 controls the switching element 22 in accordance with an operation signal from the touch sensor 25 and control information (control command) included in the radio signal received by the radio communication interface 21. The communication target that the radio communication interface 21 receives the radio signal is any one of the communication device 1, the operation terminal device 3, and the portable transmitter 4.

The touch sensor 25 detects the front side (operation surface) of the load control device 2 by the human hand as described above, thereby accepting the operation input. The touch sensor 25 measures the capacitance generated between the majority of the electrodes and the ground electrode. When the amount of capacitance changes exceeds a predetermined threshold, it is determined that the human body (finger) is close to the touch, that is, the electrodes are touch-operated. Further, the touch sensor 25 outputs an operation signal indicating that the touch operation is performed to the control unit 23.

The memory unit 26 at least memorizes the identification information. Further, the storage unit 26 is configured to store the identification information of the transmitter (the communication device 1, the operation terminal device 3, and the portable transmitter 4) registered as the control target (monitoring target) by the load control device 2.

Next, the basic operation of the load control device 2 will be described. When the touch sensor 25 is touch-operated, an operation signal is output from the touch sensor 25 to the control unit 23. When receiving the operation signal from the touch sensor 25, the control unit 23 controls the switching element 22 in accordance with the operation signal, thereby changing the control state of the load 5. For example, when an operation signal is received when the load 5 is lit, the control unit 23 turns off the switching element 22 to extinguish the load 5. Alternatively, when the operation signal is received when the load 5 is off, the control unit 23 turns on the switching element 22 to illuminate the load 5.

Further, when the radio communication interface 21 receives a radio signal containing control information (control command) from the communication device 1, the operation terminal 3, or the portable transmitter 4, the control information is output from the radio communication interface 21 to the control unit 23. When receiving the control information from the radio communication interface 21, the control unit 23 controls the switching element 22 in accordance with the control information, thereby changing the control state of the load 5.

Further, the load control device 2 is configured to transmit a radio having status information indicating the changed control state when the control state of the switching element 22 of the control unit 23 is changed (the control state of the load 5). signal. Here, when the control state of the on/off of the switching element 22 is changed according to the "radio signal from the communication device 1 or the operation terminal 3", the transmission control device 2 transmits the source of the radio signal to the communication device 1 or the operation. The terminal 3 transmits a radio signal containing status information. On the other hand, when the control state of the on/off of the switching element 22 in the load control device 2 is changed according to "direct operation to the touch sensor 25 or radio signal from the portable transmitter 4", the communication device 1 is changed. Transmit a radio signal containing status information.

In addition, the load control device 2 is not limited to controlling the configuration of the switching element 22 in response to the touch operation of the touch sensor 25 as described above, and may be responsive to, for example, a human sensor or a brightness sensor. The configuration of the switching unit 22 is controlled by the detection result of the measuring unit.

<Configuration of Operation Terminal Unit> A specific configuration of the operation terminal unit 3 will be described below with reference to Fig. 4 .

The operation terminal 3 includes a communication interface 31, a communication control unit 32, a power supply circuit 33, a touch sensor 34, and a memory unit 35. In addition, the communication interface 31, the power supply circuit 33, and the memory unit 35 can be applied to the communication interface 11, the power supply circuit 14, and the memory unit 12 of the communication device 1, respectively, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, since the touch sensor 34 can be applied to the same configuration as the touch sensor 25 of the load control device 2, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The communication control unit 32 is electrically connected to each of the communication interface 31, the power supply circuit 33, the touch sensor 34, and the memory unit 35. The communication control unit 32 is mainly composed of, for example, a microcomputer, and has a function of controlling the function of the communication interface 31, controlling the function of the touch sensor 34, and reading and writing data of the memory unit 35.

The communication control unit 32 generates control information (control command) based on the operation signal from the touch sensor 34, and transmits the control information from the communication interface 31 to the load control device 2 as a radio signal.

Next, the basic operation of the terminal device 3 will be described. When the touch sensor 34 is touch-operated, the operation signal is output from the touch sensor 34 to the communication control unit 32. When receiving the operation signal from the touch sensor 34, the communication control unit 32 generates a transmission frame containing control information corresponding to the operation signal (for example, a control command indicating the disconnection of the load 5), and outputs the transmission frame to the transmission frame. Communication interface 31. That is, in the operation terminal 3, the touch sensor 34 is equivalent to a detecting portion that detects an occurrence of an event (touch operation).

The communication interface 31 encodes the transmission frame received from the communication control unit 32, and converts the signal of the encoded transmission frame into a carrier signal, and transmits it as a radio signal from the antenna. Further, the radio signal transmitted by the communication interface 31 is received by all the load control devices 2 as will be described later.

In the present embodiment, as an example, the operation terminal device 3 controls the load control device (here, three load control devices 201, 202, and 203) 2 to be controlled as one of the disconnected states. And disconnect the transmitter. That is, when the touch sensor 34 is touch-operated, the operation terminal 3 transmits a radio signal containing control information indicating the disconnection of the switching element 22 to the plurality of load control devices 201, 202, and 203.

<Format of Radio Signal> The format of a radio signal transmitted (transmitted and received) between the communication device 1 and the load control device 2 will be described below with reference to FIG. The format explained below is applied not only to the radio signal transmitted from the communication device 1 to the load control device 2 but also to the radio signal transmitted from the load control device 2 to the communication device 1. Furthermore, the format described below is applied not only to the communication device 1, but also to a radio signal transmitted (transmitted and received) between the operation terminal 3 and the portable transmitter 4 and the load control device 2.

The 1 frame of the radio signal is preferably constituted by the synchronization unit 91, the header 92, the data unit 93, and the check code 94. The synchronizing section 91 contains a preamble for obtaining bit synchronization (encoding synchronization) and a unique word for acquiring frame synchronization.

The header 92 preferably includes data length information 921, additional information 922, transmission source information 923, transmission destination information 924, and the like. The data length information 921 is information showing the length of the data from the additional information 922 to the check code 94. The additional information 922 includes a serial number, a countdown frame number, an ACK flag, category information, and the like. The category information is information used to identify the category of the frame (radio signal). It will also correspond to the frame where the event occurred (the frame containing the control information) and the frame corresponding to the response request (the frame containing the status information). ) Information to be discriminated. The transmission source information 923 is used to specify the information of the transmission source of the frame. The transfer destination information 924 is used to specify the information of the transfer destination (target) of the frame. For the transmission source information 923 and the transmission destination information 924, for example, the identification information or the registration information described above is used. The data department contains information such as control information (control commands) or status information. The check code is a symbol (code) used for debugging of the frame, for example, a CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) symbol.

<Operation Example 1> The operation of the load control system of the present embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 6 . Here, as described above, it is assumed that the load control devices 201 and 203 are registered as the monitoring targets of the communication device 1, the load control devices 201, 202, and 203 are registered as the control targets of the operation terminal device 3, and the load control device 201 is registered as the portable transmitter. The case of 4 control objects. Further, in the communication device 1, the registration number of the load control device 201 is "1" ("No. 1" in FIG. 6), and the registration number of the load control device 203 is "2" (in FIG. 6) It is set to "No. 2").

First, an operation example of the load control system will be described using the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 6. In the example of Fig. 6, in the initial state, most of the load control devices 201, 202, and 203 are in an on state (lighted). Therefore, in the communication device 1, the monitoring information indicating the states of the load control devices 201 and 203 ("No. 1" and "No. 2") which are monitoring targets is in an ON state. In addition, in FIG. 6, the ON state is indicated as "ON", and the OFF state is marked as "OFF".

In this state, when the touch sensor 34 of the operation terminal 3 is touch-operated, the self-operating terminal 3 transmits the indication switch element 22 to all of the load control devices 201, 202, and 203 which are control targets. The radio signal (S1) that controls the information. The radio signal transmitted at this time is included in the category information of the frame corresponding to the occurrence of the event as the additional information 922. Further, the radio signal includes information (identification information) specific to the operation terminal device 3 as transmission source information 923, and contains information (registration number) specific to the load control devices 201, 202, and 203 as transmission destination information. 924.

The majority of the load control devices 201, 202, 203 that receive the radio signals containing the control information respectively open the switching elements 22. Further, the majority of the load control devices 201, 202, and 203 transmit a radio signal including status information indicating the respective changed control states (that is, the disconnected state) to the operation terminal device 3. The radio signal transmitted at this time contains the category information indicating the frame corresponding to the reply request as the additional information 922. Furthermore, the radio signal includes information (identification information) specific to any one of the load control devices 201, 202, and 203 as the transmission source information 923, and contains information (identification information) specific to the operation terminal device 3 as transmission. Destination information 924.

Here, the transmission of radio signals from the plurality of load control devices 201, 202, and 203 to the operation terminal device 3 is performed in a time slot allocated to each of the plurality of load control devices 201, 202, and 203. The time slot is set in accordance with each registration number of the plurality of load control devices 201, 202, and 203 in the operation terminal 3. Here, the time slot is allocated in the order of the load control device 201, the load control device 202, and the load control device 203.

Therefore, first, the radio signal is transmitted from the load control device 201 to the operation terminal device 3 (S2). At this time, the communication device 1 receives the radio signal transmitted from the load control device 201 to the operation terminal device 3 as a reference signal (shown by a broken line arrow in FIG. 6). Here, the load control device 201 is registered as the monitoring target by the communication device 1. Therefore, the identification information in the reference signal coincides with the identification information stored in the memory unit 12 of the communication device 1, and the communication device 1 acquires the monitoring information of the monitoring target based on the status information in the reference signal. As a result, the communication device 1 updates the monitoring information of the monitoring target (load control device 201) of the registration number "1" (No. 1) from the on state to the off state (S3).

Next, the self-load control device 202 transmits a radio signal to the operation terminal device 3 (S4). At this time, the communication device 1 receives the radio signal transmitted from the load control device 202 toward the operation terminal device 3 as a reference signal. However, the load control device 202 is not registered as the monitoring target at the communication device 1. Therefore, the communication device 1 receives the radio signal transmitted from the load control device 202 toward the operation terminal device 3 as a reference signal, but does not acquire the monitoring information based on the state information in the reference signal. That is, since the identification information in the reference signal does not coincide with the identification information stored in the memory unit 12 of the communication device 1, the communication device 1 does not acquire the monitoring information based on the status information in the reference signal.

Next, the self-load control device 203 transmits the radio signal to the operation terminal device 3 (S5). At this time, the communication device 1 receives the radio signal transmitted from the load control device 203 toward the operation terminal device 3 as a reference signal (shown by a broken line arrow in FIG. 6). Here, the load control device 203 is also registered as a monitoring target in the communication device 1. Therefore, the identification information in the reference signal and the identification information stored in the memory unit 12 of the communication device 1 cause the communication device 1 to acquire the monitoring information of the monitoring target based on the status information in the reference signal. As a result, the communication device 1 updates the monitoring information of the monitoring target (load control device 203) of the registration number "2" (No. 2) from the on state to the off state (S6).

In this manner, the communication device 1 monitors the radio signal transmitted to the other device (the operation terminal device 3) as the reference signal (S2, S5), and the monitoring unit 131 acquires the monitoring information based on the state information in the reference signal transmitted from the monitoring target.

Thereafter, when the portable transmitter 4 is operated, the self-contained transmitter 4 transmits a radio signal including control information indicating the conduction of the switching element 22 to the load control device 201 which is the control target (S7). The radio signal transmitted at this time contains the category information indicating the frame corresponding to the occurrence of the event as the additional information 922. Further, the radio signal includes information (identification information) specific to the portable transmitter 4 as the transmission source information 923, and contains information (identification number) specific to the load control device 201 as the transmission destination information.

The load control device 201 that receives the radio signal including the control information turns on the switching element 22. Furthermore, the load control device 201 transmits a radio signal including status information indicating the changed control state (that is, the on state) to the communication device 1 (S8). The radio signal transmitted at this time contains the category information indicating the frame corresponding to the reply request as the additional information 922. Further, the radio signal includes information (identification information) specific to the load control device 201 as the transmission source information 923, and contains information (identification information) specific to the communication device 1 as the transmission destination information 924.

Therefore, the radio signal from the load control device 201 is transmitted to the communication device 1 (S8). At this time, the communication device 1 receives the radio signal transmitted from the load control device 201. Here, the load control device 201 is also registered as a monitoring target in the communication device 1. Therefore, the identification information in the radio signal received by the communication device 1 is the identification information of the memory unit 12 of the communication device 1, and the communication device 1 acquires the monitoring information of the monitoring target based on the status information in the radio signal. As a result, the communication device 1 updates the monitoring information of the monitoring target (load control device 201) of the registration number "1" (No. 1) from the disconnected state to the conductive state (S9).

Thereafter, when the touch sensor 34 of the load control device 202 is subjected to a touch operation (S10), the load control device 202 turns on the switching element 22. Furthermore, the load control device 202 transmits a radio signal including status information indicating the changed control state (that is, the on state) to the communication device 1 (S11). The radio signal transmitted at this time contains the category information indicating the frame corresponding to the reply request as the additional information 922. Furthermore, the radio signal includes information (identification information) specific to the load control device 202 as the transmission source information 923, and contains information (identification information) specific to the communication device 1 as the transmission destination information 924.

Therefore, the radio signal from the load control device 202 is transmitted to the communication device 1 (S11). At this time, the communication device 1 receives the radio signal transmitted from the load control device 202. However, the load control device 202 is not registered as the monitoring target in the communication device 1. Therefore, although the communication device 1 receives the radio signal from the load control device 202, the communication device 1 does not acquire the monitoring information based on the status information in the radio signal. That is, since the identification information in the radio signal does not coincide with the identification information stored in the memory unit 12 of the communication device 1, the communication device 1 does not perform acquisition of the monitoring information based on the status information in the radio signal.

Thereafter, when the touch sensor 34 of the load control device 203 is subjected to a touch operation (S12), the load control device 203 turns on the switching element 22. Furthermore, the load control device 203 transmits a radio signal including status information indicating the changed control state (that is, the on state) to the communication device 1 (S13). The radio signal transmitted at this time contains the category information indicating the frame corresponding to the reply request as the additional information 922. Further, the radio signal includes information (identification information) specific to the load control device 203 as the transmission source information 923, and includes information (identification information) specific to the communication device 1 as the transmission destination information 924.

Therefore, the radio signal from the load control device 203 is transmitted to the communication device 1 (S13). At this time, the communication device 1 receives the radio signal transmitted from the load control device 203. Here, the load control device 203 is also registered as a monitoring target in the communication device 1. Therefore, the identification information in the radio signal received by the communication device 1 is the identification information stored in the memory unit 12 of the communication device 1, and the communication device 1 acquires the monitoring information of the monitoring target based on the status information in the radio signal. As a result, the communication device 1 updates the monitoring information of the monitoring target (load control device 203) of the registration number "2" (No. 2) from the disconnected state to the conductive state (S14).

Thereafter, when the touch sensor 34 of the load control device 201 is subjected to a touch operation (S15), the load control device 201 turns on the switching element 22. Furthermore, the load control device 201 transmits a radio signal including status information indicating the changed control state (that is, the conduction state) to the communication device 1. The radio signal transmitted at this time contains the category information indicating the frame corresponding to the reply request as the additional information 922. Further, the radio signal includes information (identification information) specific to the load control device 201 as the transmission source information 923, and contains information (identification information) specific to the communication device 1 as the transmission destination information 924.

Therefore, the radio signal from the load control device 201 is transmitted to the communication device 1 (S16). At this time, the communication device 1 receives the radio signal transmitted from the load control device 201. Here, the load control device 201 is also registered as a monitoring target in the communication device 1. Therefore, the identification information in the radio signal received by the communication device 1 matches the identification information stored in the memory unit 12 of the communication device 1, and the communication device 1 acquires the monitoring information of the monitoring target based on the status information in the radio signal. As a result, the communication device 1 updates the monitoring information of the monitoring target (load control device 201) of the registration number "1" (No. 1) from the on state to the off state (S17).

<Operation Example 2> An operation of outputting the monitoring information by the output unit 135 of the communication device 1 in the load control system according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 7 . FIG. 7 shows the relationship between the change in the state of the load control device 2, which is the monitoring target, and the output of the monitoring information from the communication device 1. In FIG. 7, the horizontal axis is the time axis, and the change of the state of the monitoring target (load control device 2) is displayed on the upper layer, and the output of the monitoring information from the communication device 1 is displayed on the lower layer. In the example of FIG. 7, it is assumed that the time delay until the monitoring unit 131 of the communication device 1 acquires the monitoring information indicating the changed state after the state change of the load control device 2 can be ignored. In other words, when the state of the load control device 2 changes, the monitoring unit 131 of the communication device 1 acquires the state of the changed load control device 2.

The communication device 1 basically outputs the monitoring information to the output unit 135 after a predetermined time elapses from the acquisition time of the monitoring information of the monitoring unit 131. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 7, when the state of the load control device 2, which is the monitoring target, changes from on to off at time t1, the communication device 1 outputs a disconnection at time t2 when the predetermined time T1 elapses from the time point. Information monitoring information. Since the communication device 1 outputs the monitoring information to the communication terminal device 7 from the output unit 135, the communication terminal device 7 becomes the monitoring information indicating the disconnection state at time t2.

In addition, it is considered that the state of the load control device 2, which is the target of monitoring, changes from the disconnection to the island pass at time t3, and the state of the load control device 2 changes from on to off at time t4 before the predetermined time T1 elapses. At this time, since the monitoring information changes before the elapse of the predetermined time T1 from the time when the monitoring information is acquired, the output unit 135 resets the count of the predetermined time T1, and the time point of the monitoring information after the self-change (time) T4) Outputs monitoring information after a predetermined time T1 has elapsed. However, in the example of Fig. 7, the state of the load control device 2 changes from off to on at time t5 before the predetermined time T1 elapses from time t4. Therefore, the output unit 135 outputs the monitoring information after the change of the conduction information (newest) when the predetermined time T1 elapses from the acquisition time point (time t5) after the change (newest) of the monitoring information. Since the communication device 1 outputs the monitoring information to the communication terminal device 7 from the output unit 135, the communication terminal device 7 displays the monitoring information of the on state at time t6.

<Effects> According to the communication device 1 of the present embodiment described above, there is an advantage that it is easy to monitor the state of the device to be communicated. In other words, the communication device 1 of the present embodiment is based on the status information in the radio signal when the identification information in the radio signal received from the device (load control device 2) to be communicated coincides with the identification information stored in the memory unit 12. Obtain monitoring information showing the status of the monitored object. Therefore, even if the state of the device to be communicated of the communication device 1 changes at the place where the communication device 1 is unrelated, the communication device 1 can monitor the state of the device of the communication object without fail by actively receiving the radio signal transmitted from the device at that time. . Further, it is advantageous in that the load control device 2 using the communication device 1 and the load control device 2 capable of communicating with the communication device 1 can easily monitor the state of the device (load control device 2) to be communicated with the communication device 1.

Further, in the communication device 1, as in the present embodiment, the communication interface 11 preferably receives a reference signal from a radio signal transmitted from each of the plurality of devices (the load control devices 201, 202, 203) toward another device (for example, the operation terminal device 3). As. At this time, the monitoring unit 131 is preferably configured to monitor information based on status information in the reference signal transmitted from the monitoring target. The other devices referred to herein are devices other than the communication device 1, and are devices that receive radio signals from each of the plurality of devices (load control devices 201, 202, 203). That is, other devices have a function of communicating with each other using at least a majority of devices (load control devices 201, 202, 203) using radio signals. According to this configuration, the communication device 1 can monitor the radio signal transmitted from the device (load control device 2) to be communicated to the other device such as the operation terminal 3 as a reference signal, and acquire the monitoring information based on the state information in the reference signal. . Therefore, even if the state of the device of the communication target of the communication device 1 changes due to the radio signal from the other device regardless of the communication device 1, the communication device 1 can also transmit the radio signal (reference signal) from the device at that time. The state of the device of the communication object is monitored without fail. However, this configuration is not essential for the communication device 1. The monitoring unit 131 can also acquire monitoring information based on status information in the radio signal transmitted to the communication device 1.

Further, in the present embodiment, the communication device 1 preferably includes a temporary storage unit 133 for temporarily storing the monitoring information, and the response unit 134 transmits the monitoring information stored in the temporary storage unit 133 to the upper device in response to the request from the upper device. . The upper device referred to herein is, for example, the HEMS controller 8. At this time, the monitoring unit 131 is preferably configured to update the monitoring information stored in the temporary storage unit 133 when the monitoring information changes. According to this configuration, the communication device 1 transmits the monitoring information to the upper device in response to the request from the upper device (HEMS controller 8), so that the monitoring information is transmitted every time the monitoring information is changed. It can suppress the frequency of communication with the host device. However, this configuration is not essential for the communication device 1, and the temporary storage unit 133 and the response unit 134 may be omitted.

Further, as in the present embodiment, the communication device 1 further includes an output unit 135 that outputs monitoring information, and the output unit 135 is configured to output monitoring information after a predetermined time elapses from the acquisition time of the monitoring information. Here, the output unit 135 outputs monitoring information to the communication terminal device 7, for example. According to this configuration, the communication device 1 spontaneously outputs the monitoring information when the predetermined time elapses from the acquisition time of the monitoring information, so that the communication terminal 7 can perform the notification notification of the monitoring information. However, this configuration is not essential for the communication device 1, and the output unit 135 may be omitted.

Further, in the present embodiment, the output unit 135 is configured to reset the count of the predetermined time when the monitoring information changes before the predetermined time elapses from the time of acquiring the monitoring information, and to acquire the monitoring information after the change. After the lapse of a predetermined time, the monitored information after the change is output. According to such a configuration, for example, when the continuous operation is performed, such as when the dimming rate is changed, since the monitoring information is not output every time the monitoring information is changed, only the last (latest) monitoring information is output, so that it is possible to reduce unnecessaryness. The advantage of monitoring the output of information.

<Modifications> In the modification of the above-described embodiment, the load control device 2 may be configured to process the time when the state of the load control device 2 that is the target of the monitoring changes, and the communication device 1 outputs the monitoring information. Buffer processing.

In other words, in the above-described embodiment, the communication device 1 performs buffer processing after the predetermined time elapses from the acquisition time of the monitoring information of the monitoring unit 131, and outputs the monitoring information to the output unit 135. However, in the present modification, The load control device 2 processes this buffering process. Specifically, in the present modification, the load control device 2 is configured to transmit after the predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the state of occurrence (the control state in which the switching element 22 of the control unit 23 is turned on or off) has elapsed. Status signal radio signal. Further, the load control device 2 is preferably configured to reset the count of the predetermined time when the second state change occurs from the time point when the first state change occurs until the lapse of the predetermined time, and is changed from the second state state. The radio signal containing the state information after the second change is transmitted after the lapse of the predetermined time from the occurrence time point.

According to the configuration of the present modification, even if the function of the output unit 135 that outputs the monitoring information after a predetermined time has elapsed since the acquisition time of the monitoring information in the communication device 1 is omitted, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

1‧‧‧Communication device
2, 201, 202, 203‧‧‧ load control device
3‧‧‧Operating terminal
4‧‧‧ Portable transmitter
5‧‧‧load
6‧‧‧ router
7‧‧‧Communication terminal
8‧‧‧HEMS controller
9‧‧‧Power supply
11‧‧‧Communication interface
12‧‧‧Memory Department
13‧‧‧Adapter Control Department
14‧‧‧Power circuit
15‧‧‧Wired interface
21‧‧‧ Radio Communication Interface
22‧‧‧Switching elements
23‧‧‧Control Department
24‧‧‧Power circuit
25‧‧‧Touch sensor
26‧‧‧Memory Department
31‧‧‧Communication interface
32‧‧‧Communication Control Department
33‧‧‧Power circuit
34‧‧‧Touch sensor
35‧‧‧Memory Department
91‧‧‧Synchronization Department
92‧‧‧ head
93‧‧‧Information Department
94‧‧‧Check code
131‧‧‧Monitor
132‧‧‧Control Command Department
133‧‧‧ Temporary Preservation Department
134‧‧‧Response department
135‧‧‧Output Department
136‧‧‧Timer
921‧‧‧Information length information
922‧‧‧Additional information
923‧‧‧Transmission source information
924‧‧‧Transfer destination information
S1~S16‧‧‧Steps
T1~t6‧‧‧ moment

The drawings show one or more embodiments in accordance with the present specification, but are not intended to be limiting. In the drawings, the same symbols refer to the same or similar elements. Fig. 1 is a schematic view showing the configuration of a load control system of an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication device of the embodiment. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a load control device of the embodiment. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an operation terminal of the embodiment. Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a format of a radio signal used in the embodiment. Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an operation example 1 of the load control system of the embodiment. Fig. 7 is a timing chart showing an operation example 2 of the load control system of the embodiment.

no.

1‧‧‧Communication device

2, 201, 202, 203‧‧‧ load control device

3‧‧‧Operating terminal

4‧‧‧ Portable transmitter

5‧‧‧load

6‧‧‧ router

7‧‧‧Communication terminal

8‧‧‧HEMS controller

9‧‧‧Power supply

Claims (6)

A communication device comprising: a communication interface that communicates with a plurality of devices using radio signals using radio waves as media; and a memory unit that memorizes identification information corresponding to the plurality of devices one-to-one; and a monitoring unit In the majority of the devices, at least one device that stores the corresponding identification information in the memory unit is monitored, and the state of the monitored object is monitored based on status information in the radio signal transmitted from the monitoring target; The plurality of devices each transmit the radio signal including the corresponding identification information, and the monitoring unit receives the radio signal transmitted by one of the plurality of devices when the communication interface receives the radio signal. The information is consistent with the identification information stored in the memory unit, and the monitoring information indicating the state of the monitored object is obtained according to the status information in the radio signal, and the communication interface is monitored from the majority of the devices and transmitted to other devices. The radio signal is used as a reference signal, and the monitoring unit transmits the data according to the monitoring target The monitoring information is obtained by referring to the status information in the signal. The communication device of claim 1, wherein the communication device further includes: a temporary storage unit that temporarily stores the monitoring information; and a response unit that adapts the monitoring information stored in the temporary storage unit to a request from the upper device. And transmitting to the upper device; and the monitoring unit updates the monitoring information stored in the temporary storage unit when the monitoring information changes. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising: an output unit that outputs the monitoring information; and the output unit outputs the monitoring information after a predetermined time has elapsed since the acquisition of the monitoring information. The communication device according to claim 3, wherein the output unit resets the count of the predetermined time when the monitoring information changes before the predetermined time elapses from the acquisition time of the monitoring information. And after the predetermined time elapses from the acquisition time of the monitoring information after the change, the monitored information after the change is output. A load control system, comprising: a communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4; and a plurality of load control devices used as the plurality of devices; and the plurality of load control devices are configured to: Controlling the load, the majority of the load control device is configured to transmit the radio signal including the status information indicating the changed control state when the control state of the load changes, and the communication device is configured to: It is monitored that "the majority of the load control devices store the corresponding identification information in the control state of at least one load control device of the storage unit" as the state to be monitored. A load control device, comprising: a radio communication interface, communicating with a communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4; and a switching element for turning on or off the power supply from the power source to the load; a control unit that controls the switching element; and the load control device is used as one of the plurality of devices, and configured to transmit a change indicating a change in a control state of the switching element when the control unit is turned on or off The radio signal of the status information of the control state is thereafter.