Communication device, communication system, and communication device processing method

Abstract

To provide a communication device that can improve usability, a communication system including the same, and a processing method for the communication device.SOLUTION: A communication device 1 includes a communication unit, an operation reception unit 16, a notification unit 14, and a processing execution unit 17. The operation reception unit 16 receives an operation of an operation unit 13 by a user. The notification unit 14 performs a notification according to elapsed time from a start of a continuous operation while the operation reception unit 16 is receiving the continuous operation of the operation unit 13. The processing execution unit 17 sets a second period including a plurality of first periods that are continuous in a predetermined order, starting from the start point of the continuous operation. The processing execution unit 17 assigns different processes to each of the first periods. The notification unit 14 notifies which first period of the plurality of first periods the time elapsed from the start time is included in. The processing executing unit 17 executes, when the operation reception unit 16 receives an end of the continuous operation, a process allocated to the first period that includes an end point of the continuous operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication device, a communication system, and a processing method for the communication device. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a communication device, a communication system, and a processing method for the communication device that communicates with an external system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a command input method in a GUI (Graphical User Interface) environment. In the command input method described in Patent Document 1, a button to which a series of multiple processes to be executed in stages is assigned is displayed on a screen. Multiple input time ranges are set for the input time for continuously operating this button, and a stage to be executed is assigned corresponding to each of the multiple input time ranges. Specifically, a calculation process, a process for updating the calculation result, and a process for printing the calculation result are assigned to one button, and if the input time of this button is less than 1 second, for example, the command execution unit executes only the first stage process, that is, the calculation process. Also, if the input time of the button is, for example, 1 second or more and less than 2 seconds, the command execution unit executes the processes up to the second stage, that is, the calculation process and the update process. If the input time of the button is, for example, 2 seconds or more and less than 3 seconds, the command execution unit executes all the processes up to the final stage, that is, the calculation process, the update process, and the print process. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-177849 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the command input method described in Patent Document 1, multiple processes executed by one button are set as a series of multiple processes executed step by step. And, although it is possible to execute one or multiple processes from the beginning of the series of multiple processes depending on the input time of one button, it is not possible to execute one process arbitrarily selected from the multiple processes, which is inconvenient to use.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a communication device, a communication system, and a processing method for a communication device that can improve usability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A communication device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a communication unit, an operation reception unit, a notification unit, and a process execution unit. The communication unit communicates with an external system. The operation reception unit accepts an operation of an operation unit by a user. The notification unit performs a notification according to an elapsed time from a start point of the continuous operation while the operation reception unit accepts a continuous operation of continuously operating the operation unit. The process execution unit sets a second period including a plurality of first periods that are consecutive in a predetermined order, starting from the start point of the continuous operation, and assigns different processes to each of the plurality of first periods. The notification unit notifies which of the plurality of first periods includes a point at which the elapsed time from the start point is included. When the operation reception unit accepts the end of the continuous operation, the process execution unit executes a process assigned to a first period including an end point at which the continuous operation is ended, among the plurality of first periods.

[0007] A communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first communication device and a second communication device, each of which is a communication device, a first device connected to the first communication device, and a second device connected to the second communication device, and the communication unit of the first communication device and the communication unit of the second communication device communicate with each other.

[0008] A processing method of a communication device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a processing method of a communication device that communicates with an external system, and includes a notification step, a setting step, an allocation step, and a processing execution step. In the notification step, while a continuous operation is performed by continuously operating an operation unit of the communication device, a notification is made according to an elapsed time from a start point of the continuous operation. In the setting step, a second period including a plurality of first periods that are consecutive in a predetermined order is set with the start point of the continuous operation as a starting point. In the allocation step, different processing is assigned to each of the plurality of first periods. In the notification step, a notification is made as to which of the plurality of first periods the point at which the elapsed time from the start point is included. In the processing execution step, when the continuous operation ends, a processing assigned to a first period including an end point at which the continuous operation ends is executed among the plurality of first periods. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a communication device, a communication system, and a processing method for a communication device that can improve usability. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a system configuration of a communication system including the communication device according to the above embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a process executed when the operation unit is operated continuously in a communication device set in a terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification by a notification unit included in the communication device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification by a notification unit included in the communication device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification by a notification unit included in the communication device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification by a notification unit included in the communication device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a process executed when the operation unit is operated continuously in a communication device set as a master. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, a communication device according to an embodiment and a communication system including the same will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, each figure described in the following embodiment is a schematic diagram, and the dimensional ratio of the size of each component does not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratio. In addition, the configuration described in the following embodiment is merely an example of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiment, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0012] (Embodiment) (1) Overview The communication device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a communication unit (first communication unit 11), an operation receiving unit 16, a notification unit 14, and a process execution unit 17, as shown in FIG.

[0013] The communication unit (first communication unit 11) communicates with an external system.

[0014] The operation reception unit 16 receives operations of the operation unit 13 by the user.

[0015] While the operation reception unit 16 is receiving a continuous operation for continuously operating the operation unit 13, the notification unit 14 performs a notification according to the elapsed time from the start of the continuous operation.

[0016] The process execution unit 17 sets a second period T2 including a plurality of first periods T11-T13 that are successive in a predetermined order, starting from the start point of the consecutive operations. The process execution unit 17 assigns different processes to each of the plurality of first periods T11-T13.

[0017] The notification unit 14 notifies in which of the plurality of first periods T11 to T13 the time point at which the elapsed time from the start time point falls.

[0018] When the operation receiving unit 16 receives the end of the consecutive operations, the process executing unit 17 executes a process allocated to the first period T11-T13 including the end point of the consecutive operations, out of the plurality of first periods T11-T13.

[0019] The communication device 1 of the present embodiment performs power line carrier communication with an external system, for example, using the power line PL1 as a transmission path. A plurality of communication devices 1 are connected to the power line PL1. Each of the plurality of communication devices 1 can switch between operating as a master (parent device) or as a terminal (child device). One of the plurality of communication devices 1 connected to the power line PL1 operates as a master (parent device), and the remaining communication devices 1 operate as terminals (child devices). Then, power line carrier communication is performed in a multi-hop manner between the communication device 1 operating as the master and the communication device 1 operating as the terminal. Here, if the communication device 1 operates as the master, the communication device 1 of the terminal that is the communication partner becomes the external system. Also, if the communication device 1 operates as the terminal, the communication device 1 of the master that is the communication partner becomes the external system. Note that the communication unit 11 is not limited to one that performs power line carrier communication using the power line PL1 as a transmission path, and may be one that performs communication using an existing or dedicated communication line as a transmission path. In the following, a case will be described as an example in which the communication unit 11 performs power line communication using the power line PL1 as a transmission path.

[0020] Here, the continuous operation of continuously operating the operation unit 13 refers to an operation of continuously operating the operation unit 13 without interruption. When the operation of the operation unit 13 is an operation of pressing the operation unit 13, the continuous operation is an operation of pressing and holding the operation unit 13. Furthermore, in this embodiment, each of the multiple processes assigned to the multiple first periods T11 to T13 is a process executed to cause the communication device 1 to perform a specific operation. The multiple processes assigned to the multiple first periods T11 to T13 may include, for example, a communication speed display process of measuring and roughly displaying the communication speed of the power line carrier communication in the communication device 1 operating as a terminal, a restart process of restarting the communication device 1, an initialization process of initializing various settings of the communication device 1 and restarting it, and the like. In the following embodiment, three first periods T11 to T13 are provided in the second period T2, and a communication speed display process, a restart process, and an initialization process are assigned to the three first periods T11 to T13, respectively; however, the number of first periods may be two, or four or more, and the processes assigned to the multiple first periods may be changed as appropriate.

[0021] In this embodiment, the notification unit 14 notifies which of the first periods T11 to T13 the time when the elapsed time from the start of the continuous operation is included in, so that the user can know the process to be executed when the continuous operation is ended based on the notification of the notification unit 14. Then, when the user ends the continuous operation of the operation unit 13, the process to be executed by the process execution unit 17 is determined depending on which of the first periods T11 to T13 the end time of the continuous operation is included in. Here, since different processes are assigned to the first periods T11 to T13, the user can select a process to be executed from the multiple processes assigned to the multiple first periods T11 to T13 based on the notification of the notification unit 14. Therefore, in the communication device 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to select and execute any one process from the multiple processes assigned to one operation unit 13, which has the advantage of improving usability.

[0022] (2) Details Hereinafter, a communication device 1 according to the present embodiment and a communication system 100 including the same will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0023] (2.1) Overall Structure The communication device 1 according to the present embodiment is connected to a power line PL1 installed in a facility F1, for example, as shown in FIG. 2. In the example of FIG. 2, one communication device 1 is installed in each of two rooms R1 and R2 of the facility F1. The facility F1 here is, for example, a building that receives power supply from a power supply company or the like. In the following, it is assumed that the facility F1 is a detached house, but the facility F1 is not limited to a detached house and may be, for example, each dwelling unit of an apartment building, an office, a store, or a factory. In the following embodiment, the communication device 1 installed in the room R1 may be referred to as the communication device 1A, and the communication device 1 installed in the room R2 may be referred to as the communication device 1B.

[0024] Furthermore, a communication system 100 is configured by a plurality of communication devices 100. The communication system 100 includes a first communication device 1A and a second communication device 1B, each of which is a communication device 1, a first device 3A connected to the first communication device 1A, and a second device 3B connected to the second communication device 1B. A communication unit (first communication unit 11) of the first communication device 1A communicates with a communication unit (first communication unit 11) of the second communication device 1B. Since the communication system 100 includes the first communication device 1A and the second communication device 1B, each of which is a communication device 1, usability can be improved.

[0025] A power cable 31 is drawn from the main body 20 of the first communication device 1A and the second communication device 1B, and an attachment plug 32 is connected to the end of the power cable 31. The first communication device 1A and the second communication device 1B are connected to the power line PL1 by connecting the attachment plug 32 to a power outlet 50 installed on the wall of the room R1, R2, respectively, and are supplied with power from an AC power source such as a commercial AC power source. Power line carrier communication is performed between the first communication device 1A and the second communication device 1B using the power line PL1 as a transmission line. Note that the first communication device 1A is connected to the power line PL1 via the power outlet 50, and the second communication device 1B is connected to the power line PL1 via the power outlet 50, but the power outlet 50 connected between the first communication device 1A and the second communication device 1B is omitted from FIG. 1.

[0026] Of the first communication device 1A and the second communication device 1B, one communication device (e.g., the first communication device 1A) is set as a master, and the other communication device (e.g., the second communication device 1B) is set as a terminal. The first communication device 1A and the second communication device 1B have the same configuration. The first communication device 1A and the second communication device 1B each have a changeover switch (not shown) that switches between operating as a master or a terminal, and functions as a master or a terminal depending on the setting of the changeover switch.

[0027] Also installed in room R1 are a broadband router 5 connected to a communication network NT1 such as the Internet, and a wireless access point 6A that performs wireless communication in a communication method conforming to the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard. The first communication device 1A and the wireless access point 6A are connected to the broadband router 5 via LAN cables 71 and 72, respectively. For example, if a tablet-type computer terminal 7A capable of wireless communication in a communication method conforming to the Wi-Fi standard is present in room R1, this computer terminal 7A can be connected to the communication network NT1 via the wireless access point 6A and the broadband router 5, and can perform data communication with a server 8, etc., via the communication network NT1.

[0028] In addition, a wireless access point 6B that performs wireless communication in a communication method conforming to the Wi-Fi standard is installed in the room R2, and the wireless access point 6B is connected to the second communication device 1B via a LAN cable 73. Since the first communication device 1A and the second communication device 1B can perform power line carrier communication via the power line PL1, data communication is possible between the broadband router 5 and the wireless access point 6B via the first communication device 1A and the second communication device 1B. Therefore, if a tablet-type computer terminal 7B that can perform wireless communication in a communication method conforming to the Wi-Fi standard is present in the room R2, this computer terminal 7B can be connected to the communication network NT1 via the wireless access point 6B, the second communication device 1B, the first communication device 1A, and the broadband router 5, and can perform data communication with the server 8, etc. via the communication network NT1.

[0029] In the example of FIG. 2, the broadband router 5 connected to the first communication device 1A is the first device 3A, and the wireless access point 6B connected to the second communication device 1B is the second device 3B.

[0030] Generally, in a facility F1 consisting of a detached house, due to the influence of a wall separating the rooms R1 and R2, radio waves from a wireless access point 6A installed in the room R1 may not reach the room R2 easily. Therefore, in the communication system 100 of this embodiment, wireless access points 6A and 6B are arranged in the rooms R1 and R2, respectively, and the broadband router 5 installed in the room R1 is connected to the first communication device 1A, and the wireless access point 6B installed in the room R2 is connected to the second communication device 1B. This allows the wireless access point 6B installed in the room R2 to be connected to the broadband router 5 installed in the room R1 via the second communication device 1B and the first communication device 1A connected to the existing power line PL1. Therefore, there is no need to lay a new LAN cable connecting the broadband router 5 and the wireless access point 6B, and the work of constructing the communication system 100 can be simplified. Here, the first communication device 1A and the second communication device 1B are provided between the first device 3A and the second device 3B, and function as adapters that mediate (relay) the exchange of information between the first device 3A and the second device 3B.

[0031] (2.2) Configuration of communication device Next, the configuration of the communication device 1 used as the first communication device 1A and the second communication device 1B will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Since the first communication device 1A and the second communication device 1B have the same configuration, the configuration of the communication device 1 will be described using the first communication device 1A as an example.

[0032] The first communication device 1A includes a main body 20 installed in the facility F1. The main body 20 is connected to one of a plurality of power outlets 50 (see FIG. 2) provided in the facility F1. The operating power of the main body 20 is supplied from the power outlet 50. As described above, the first communication device 1A includes the first communication unit 11 which is a communication unit. The first communication device 1A further includes a control unit 10, a second communication unit 12, an operation unit 13, and a memory unit 15.

[0033] The first communication unit 11 is a communication module that performs power line carrier communication with the second communication device 1B via the power line PL1. The first communication unit 11 is connected to one of a plurality of power outlets 50 (see FIG. 2) provided in the facility F1, and performs power line carrier communication with the second communication device 1B using the power line PL1 as a transmission path. The communication method adopted by the first communication unit 11 is, for example, a Wavelet-OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) method that complies with the IEEE1901-2010 standard, but the communication method can be changed as appropriate.

[0034] The second communication unit 12 is connected to the first device 3A (for example, a broadband router 5) via a LAN cable 71. The second communication unit 12 performs wired communication with the first device 3A, for example, in a communication method conforming to the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard.

[0035] The control unit 10 controls the first communication unit 11, the second communication unit 12, and the notification unit 14. The control unit 10 is mainly composed of, for example, a microcomputer having a processor and a memory. The processor of the microcomputer executes a program stored in the memory, so that the microcomputer functions as the control unit 10. The control unit 10 has, for example, the functions of the operation reception unit 16 and the process execution unit 17 described above. Note that the operation reception unit 16 and the process execution unit 17 merely indicate functions realized by the control unit 10 executing a program, and do not necessarily indicate actual configurations.

[0036] The operation unit 13 is, for example, a push button switch arranged on the surface of the main body 20. When the user presses the push button switch, a contact of the push button switch is switched from OFF to ON. More specifically, the operation unit 13 is a momentary push button switch whose contact is ON only while the push button switch is being pressed (i.e., while a continuous operation is being performed) and whose contact is OFF when the push button switch is stopped (i.e., the continuous operation is stopped).

[0037] The storage unit 15 includes memories such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read-Only Memory), and an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). The storage unit 15 stores, for example, a program executed by the control unit 10. The storage unit 15 also stores the time lengths of the multiple first periods T11-T13, the contents of multiple processes assigned to the multiple first periods T11-T13, and the like.

[0038] The notification unit 14 includes, for example, a plurality of light-emitting units arranged on the front surface of the main body 20. The notification unit 14 performs various displays according to the light-emitting states (lighting states) of the plurality of light-emitting units. That is, since the notification unit 14 performs notification by light, the user can visually grasp the notification contents of the notification unit 14. The light-emitting states here include, for example, the on / off, blinking pattern (blinking cycle), and light-emitting color of each of the plurality of light-emitting units. In this embodiment, the notification unit 14 has three light-emitting units (a first light-emitting unit 21, a second light-emitting unit 22, and a third light-emitting unit 23) arranged in the vertical direction on the front surface of the main body 20 (see Figs. 2 and 4). The first light-emitting unit 21, the second light-emitting unit 22, and the third light-emitting unit 23 are light-emitting units that use, for example, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) as light sources. The first light-emitting unit 21, the second light-emitting unit 22, and the third light-emitting unit 23 may have the same light-emitting color or may have different light-emitting colors.

[0039] In this embodiment, notification unit 14 provides different notifications depending on whether the first state is a state in which the operation unit 13 is not being operated continuously or a state in which the operation unit 13 is being operated continuously. On the front surface of main body 20, for example, to the left of first light-emitting unit 21, second light-emitting unit 22, and third light-emitting unit 23, characters indicating the display contents of first light-emitting unit 21, second light-emitting unit 22, and third light-emitting unit 23 in the first state are displayed by a method such as printing.

[0040] The first light-emitting unit 21 is lit, for example, in green when the communication device 1 is set as the master in the first state, and is turned off when the communication device 1 is set as the terminal. For example, the characters "MASTER" are displayed on the left side of the first light-emitting unit 21. The second light-emitting unit 22 is lit, for example, in green when the first device 3A is connected to the second communication unit 12 or when the second communication unit 12 is communicating with the first device 3A in the first state, and is turned off when the first device 3A is not connected to the second communication unit 12. For example, the characters "LAN" are displayed on the left side of the second light-emitting unit 22. The third light-emitting unit 23 is lit, for example, in green when the communication device 1 is set as the terminal in the first state, and is turned off when the communication device 1 is set as the master. For example, the characters "PLC" are displayed on the left side of the third light-emitting unit 23.

[0041] In the second state in which the operation unit 13 is being operated continuously, the first light-emitting unit 21, the second light-emitting unit 22, and the third light-emitting unit 23 provide a notification according to the time elapsed since the start of the continuous operation. The notification operations of the first light-emitting unit 21, the second light-emitting unit 22, and the third light-emitting unit 23 in the second state will be described in detail in "(2.3.2) Operation of the communication device in the second state".

[0042] (2.3) Description of communication device operation In the following, the operation of the communication device 1 will be described by taking the second communication device 1B set as a terminal as an example.

[0043] (2.3.1) Operation of the communication device in the first state It is assumed that a power line PL1 is connected to a first communication unit 11 of a second communication device 1B, and a broadband router 5, which is a second device 3B, is connected to a second communication unit 12 of the second communication device 1B.

[0044] When the second communication device 1B is set to a terminal by the changeover switch, the control unit 10 turns off the first light-emitting unit 21 and turns on the third light-emitting unit 23 in the first state. This allows the notification unit 14 to notify that the second communication device 1B is set to a terminal. In addition, when the second communication unit 12 is communicating with the second device 3B, the control unit 10 turns on the second light-emitting unit 22 to notify that communication is being performed between the second communication unit 12 and the second device 3B.

[0045] In the first state, the second communication device 1B operates as an adapter that relays signals between the first communication device 1A and the second device 3B. That is, when the first communication unit 11 of the second communication device 1B receives transmission data addressed to the second device 3B from the first communication device 1A, the second communication unit 12 wirelessly transmits the transmission data to the second device 3B. Also, when the second communication unit 12 of the second communication device 1B receives transmission data addressed to the first communication device 1A from the second device 3B, the first communication unit 11 transmits the transmission data to the first communication device 1A.

[0046] Thus, in the first state, the second communication device 1B operates as an adapter that relays signals between the first communication device 1A and the second device 3B.

[0047] When the second communication device 1B is set as the master by the changeover switch, the control unit 10, in the first state, turns on the first light-emitting unit 21 and turns off the third light-emitting unit 23. This enables the notification unit 14 to notify that the second communication device 1B is set as the master.

[0048] (2.3.2) Operation of the communication device in the second state Next, the operation of the communication device 1 in the second state will be described.

[0049] When the user performs a continuous operation of continuously pressing the operation unit 13 , the operation acceptance unit 16 accepts the continuous operation of the operation unit 13 .

[0050] When the operation reception unit 16 receives a successive operation, the process execution unit 17 sets a second period T2 including three first periods T11 to T13 that are consecutive in a predetermined order, starting from the start point of the successive operation (see FIG. 3). More specifically, while the operation reception unit 16 receives the successive operation, the second period T2 is repeated periodically. Here, the periodic repeating of the second period T2 means that, while the operation reception unit 16 receives the successive operation, when the nth period (n is an integer equal to or greater than 1) of the second period T2 ends, the (n+1)th period of the second period T2 starts in succession. Note that the second period T2 may include a plurality of first periods T11 to T13 that are consecutive in a predetermined order, and the first first period T11 may start from the start point of the second period T2, or the first first period T11 may start after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start point of the second period T2.

[0051] Then, the process execution unit 17 assigns different processes A1 to A3 to the three first periods T11 to T13, respectively. The process contents of the processes A1 to A3 assigned to the three first periods T11 to T13 are stored in advance in the storage unit 15, but the process contents of the processes A1 to A3 may be set by a user operating an operation unit provided in the communication device 1, or may be set using an external computer terminal capable of communicating with the communication device 1. In this embodiment, for example, the process A1 assigned to the first first period T11 is a communication speed display process, the process A2 assigned to the second first period T12 is a restart process, and the process A3 assigned to the third first period T13 is an initialization process. The details of the communication speed display process, the restart process, and the initialization process will be described later.

[0052] Furthermore, in the second period T2 of the first cycle, the process execution unit 17 sets an operation invalid period T0 between the start point and the first period T11 of the multiple first periods T11-T13. When the consecutive operations end in the operation invalid period T0, the process execution unit 17 invalidates the consecutive operations and continues the operation in the first state without executing the processes A1-A3 assigned to the multiple first periods T11-T13.

[0053] Here, the start and end points of the multiple first periods T11-T13 are determined so that the multiple first periods T11-T13 are switched every time a predetermined update time (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed from the start point of the continuous operation (0th second in FIG. 3). Furthermore, when n is an integer equal to or greater than 1, the process execution unit 17 sets the period next to the last first period T13 in the second period T2 of the nth cycle as the first first period T11 in the second period T2 of the (n+1)th cycle.

[0054] For example, in the second period T2 of the first cycle, an operation invalid period T0 is provided from the start of continuous operation until a predetermined invalid time (e.g., 1 second) has elapsed, so that the first first period T11 is set to 4 seconds from 1st second to 5th second, the second first period T12 is set to 5 seconds from 5th second to 10th second, and the third first period T13 is set to 5 seconds from 10th second to 15th second.

[0055] Moreover, the process execution unit 17 does not set the operation invalid period T0 in the second period T2 after the second cycle. Therefore, when the last first period T13 in the second period T2 of the nth cycle ends, the process moves to the first first period T11 in the second period T2 of the (n+1)th cycle, so compared to the case where the operation invalid period T0 is sandwiched, the start point of the first first period T11 in the second period T2 of the (n+1)th cycle is earlier, and there is an advantage that the operability is improved. For example, since the operation invalid period T0 is not provided in the second period T2 of the second cycle or later, in the second period T2 of the second cycle, the first first period T11 is set for 5 seconds from the 15th second to the 20th second, the second first period T12 is set for 5 seconds from the 20th second to the 25th second, and the third first period T13 is set for 5 seconds from the 25th second to the 30th second.

[0056] When a second period T2 that repeats periodically is set with the start point of the continuous operation as a starting point, the processing unit 10 causes the notification unit 14 to give a notification according to the elapsed time based on the elapsed time from the start point of the continuous operation while the continuous operation is being performed. In this embodiment, the notification unit 14 has three light-emitting units (a first light-emitting unit 21, a second light-emitting unit 22, and a third light-emitting unit 23), and notifies which of the three first periods T11 to T13 the first period at the current time point (the time point when the elapsed time has elapsed from the start point) corresponds to, based on the light-emitting states of the first to third light-emitting units 21 to 23.

[0057] In the operation invalid period T0, the notification unit 14 controls the light-emitting states of the first to third light-emitting units 21 to 23 in the notification mode in the first state. In the first first period T11, the notification unit 14 turns off the first light-emitting unit 21 and the second light-emitting unit 22 and turns on the third light-emitting unit 23, as shown in FIG. 5. In the second first period T12, the notification unit 14 turns off the first light-emitting unit 21 and turns on the second light-emitting unit 22 and the third light-emitting unit 23, as shown in FIG. 6. In the third first period T13, the notification unit 14 turns on all of the first light-emitting unit 21, the second light-emitting unit 22, and the third light-emitting unit 23, as shown in FIG. 7. In FIGS. 5 to 7, the light-emitting units that are turned on among the first to third light-emitting units 21 to 23 are indicated by dots.

[0058] In this way, the notification unit 14 notifies in different notification modes in the multiple first periods T11 to T13. Therefore, the user can easily know which of the multiple first periods T11 to T13 the current first period belongs to, based on the notification mode of the notification unit 14. Note that the notification unit 14 changes the light-emitting states of the first to third light-emitting units 21 to 23 so that the number of light-emitting units that light up increases as the elapsed time of the continuous operation becomes longer in each of the multiple second periods T2, so that the user can easily know which of the multiple first periods T11 to T13 the current first period belongs to.

[0059] The user determines which of the multiple first periods T11-T13 the current first period belongs to based on the notification mode of the notification unit 14, and stops the successive operations of the operation unit 13 when the first period corresponding to the desired process is reached. When the successive operations of the operation unit 13 end, the process execution unit 17 executes the process assigned to the first period T11-T13 including the end point of the successive operations, out of the multiple first periods T11-T13.

[0060] For example, when the time elapsed from the start of the continuous operation is included in the first period T11, the process execution unit 17 executes the communication speed display process (process A1). The process execution unit 17 causes the first communication unit 11 to measure the communication speed of the power line carrier communication performed between the first communication unit 11 and the first communication device 1A. During the measurement of the communication speed, the process execution unit 17 turns on the first light-emitting unit 21, the second light-emitting unit 22, and the third light-emitting unit 23 one by one in order to display that the communication speed is being measured. When the measurement of the communication speed is completed, the process execution unit 17 evaluates the measurement result of the communication speed in four stages, and when the measurement result of the communication speed is included in the slowest stage, the process execution unit 17 turns off all of the first light-emitting unit 21, the second light-emitting unit 22, and the third light-emitting unit 23, and controls so that the number of light-emitting units that are turned on is increased by one as the stage increases. The process execution unit 17 causes the first to third light-emitting units 21 to 23 to display the communication speed measurement results for a predetermined display time (e.g., a few seconds), and then controls the light-emitting state of the first to third light-emitting units 21 to 23 to the notification mode in the first state.

[0061] Furthermore, when the time point after the start of the successive operations is included in the second first period T12, the process execution unit 17 executes a restart process for restarting the second communication device 1B.

[0062] In addition, if the time elapsed since the start of the successive operations is included in the third (last) first period T13, the process execution unit 17 initializes various settings of the second communication device 1B and then executes an initialization process to restart the second communication device 1B.

[0063] In this way, when the continuous operation of the operation unit 13 ends, the process to be executed by the process execution unit 17 is determined depending on which of the first periods T11-T13 the end point of the continuous operation falls within. Here, since different processes are assigned to the first periods T11-T13, the user can select a process to be executed from the multiple processes assigned to the first periods T11-T13 based on the notification from the notification unit 14, and can select and execute any one of the multiple processes.

[0064] Furthermore, since the second period T2 is repeated multiple times while the continuous operation continues, if, for example, you wish to execute process A3 but the first period T13 has passed, the next second period T2 will start if you continue the continuous operation, and by ending the continuous operation in the first period T13 of the next second period T2, you can execute process A3 assigned to the first period T13.

[0065] In this embodiment, in the second period T2 of the first cycle, among the multiple first periods T11 to T13, the time length of the first first period T11 is different from the time length of the second and subsequent first periods T12 to T13. Since the second period T2 of the first cycle has an operation invalid period T0, if the time lengths of the multiple first periods T11 to T13 are the same, the start point of the second first period T12 will be delayed compared to the case where there is no operation invalid period T0. In contrast, in this embodiment, in the second period T2 of the first cycle, the time length of the first first period T11 is set to be different from the time lengths of the second and subsequent first periods T12 to T13, and for example, by making the time length of the first first period T11 shorter than the time lengths of the second and subsequent first periods T12 to T13, the start of the second and subsequent first periods T12 and T13 can be advanced.

[0066] In this embodiment, the time length of the first first period T11 in the second period T2 of the second cycle or later is longer than the time length of the first first period T11 in the second period T2 of the first cycle. Since the time length of the first first period T11 in the second period T2 of the second cycle or later is longer than the time length of the first first period T11 in the second period T2 of the first cycle, it becomes easier to select a process corresponding to the first first period T11 in the second period T2 of the second cycle or later.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the time lengths of the multiple first periods T11-T13 are equal to each other in the second period T2 from the second cycle onwards, which has the advantage that the timing at which the multiple first periods T11-T13 switch is easier to understand in the second period T2 from the second cycle onwards.

[0068] If the successive operations end before the operation invalid period T0 ends, the process execution unit 17 invalidates the acceptance of the successive operations. When the acceptance of the successive operations is invalidated, the process execution unit 17 does not perform the processes A1 to A3 that are executed when the operation unit 13 is operated successively. Therefore, when the operation unit 13 is erroneously operated for a period shorter than the operation invalid period T0, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the process assigned to the operation unit 13 is executed.

[0069] The operation of the first communication device 1A on the master side is the same as that of the second communication device 1B on the terminal side. However, since the first communication device 1A on the master side does not perform communication speed display processing, a dummy period TD1 in which no processing is assigned is provided instead of the first period T11, as shown in FIG. 8.

[0070] (3) Variations The above embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design and the like as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. In addition, the same function as the communication device 1 may be embodied in a processing method of the communication device 1, a computer program, or a non-transitory recording medium on which a program is recorded, or the like. The processing method of the communication device 1 according to one aspect is a processing method of the communication device 1 that communicates with an external system. The processing method includes a notification step, a setting step, an allocation step, and a processing execution step. In the notification step, while a continuous operation in which the operation unit 13 is continuously operated is performed, a notification is performed according to the elapsed time from the start of the continuous operation. In the setting step, a second period T2 including a plurality of first periods T11 to T13 that are consecutive in a predetermined order is set with the start of the continuous operation as a starting point. In the allocation step, different processes are assigned to the plurality of first periods T11 to T13. In the notification step, a notification is made as to which of the plurality of first periods T11 to T13 the point in time when the elapsed time from the start point is included. In the process execution step, when the continuous operation ends, a process assigned to the first period T11-T13 including the end point of the continuous operation among the plurality of first periods T11-T13 is executed. A (computer) program according to one aspect is a program for causing a computer system to execute a processing method for a communication device.

[0071] Modifications of the above embodiment are listed below. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

[0072] The communication device 1 in the present disclosure includes a computer system as, for example, the control unit 10. The computer system is mainly composed of a processor and a memory as hardware. The processor executes a program recorded in the memory of the computer system to realize the function of the communication device 1 in the present disclosure or the processing method of the communication device 1. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, provided through an electric communication line, or provided by recording it in a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, an optical disk, or a hard disk drive that can be read by the computer system. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuits such as IC or LSI referred to here are called by different names depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSI, VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Furthermore, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) that is programmed after the manufacture of the LSI, or a logic device that can reconfigure the connection relationship inside the LSI or reconfigure the circuit partition inside the LSI, can also be adopted as a processor. The electronic circuits may be integrated in one chip or distributed among multiple chips. The chips may be integrated in one device or distributed among multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Thus, the microcontroller is also composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit or a large-scale integrated circuit.

[0073] Furthermore, it is not essential for the communication device 1 that multiple functions are concentrated in one housing, and the components of the communication device 1 may be distributed across multiple housings. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the communication device 1, for example, the functions of the process execution unit 17, may be realized by the cloud (cloud computing) or the like.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the communication unit (first communication unit 11) communicates with the external system using the power line PL1 as a transmission line, but the communication unit may communicate with the external system using a communication line as a transmission line. That is, the communication unit (first communication unit 11) may communicate with the external system using a communication line as a transmission line. Here, the communication line used by the communication unit (first communication unit 11) as a transmission line may be, for example, an existing telephone line, a coaxial cable, a dimming signal line for a lighting fixture, a communication line for an intercom system, or the like, and the communication can be performed using the existing communication line. When the communication unit (first communication unit 11) communicates using the existing communication line, the communication unit (first communication unit 11) may communicate using a frequency band different from the frequency used for communication on the existing communication line. The communication line used by the communication unit (first communication unit 11) as a transmission line may be a dedicated communication line. Furthermore, the communication unit (first communication unit 11) is not limited to one that performs wired communication via an electric wire (power line PL1 or communication line), but may also perform wireless communication via a wireless transmission path, for example, using the Wavelet-OFDM method.

[0075] In addition, in the above embodiment, the external system with which the communication device 1 communicates is another communication device 1, but the external system with which the communication device 1 communicates may be a communication device different from the communication device 1, or may be an electrical device with communication capabilities.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the first periods T11 to T13 are switched every time a predetermined update time (for example, 5 seconds) elapses, starting from the start of the continuous operation. Therefore, in the second period T2 of the first cycle, the time length of the first first period T11 is longer than the other first periods T12 and T13 by the time length of the operation invalid period T0, but in the second period T2 of each cycle, the time lengths of the first periods T11 to T13 may be the same. In this case, the first periods T11 to T13 are switched every time a predetermined update time elapses from the time when the operation invalid period T0 has elapsed from the start of the continuous operation.

[0077] (summary) The above-described embodiments and the like disclose the following aspects.

[0078] A communication device (1) of a first aspect includes a communication unit (11), an operation reception unit (16), a notification unit (14), and a process execution unit (17). The communication unit (11) communicates with an external system. The operation reception unit (16) receives an operation of the operation unit (13) by a user. The notification unit (14) provides a notification according to the elapsed time from the start of the successive operations while the operation reception unit (16) receives a successive operation of continuously operating the operation unit (13). The process execution unit (17) sets a second period (T2) including a plurality of first periods (T11 to T13) that are consecutive in a predetermined order, starting from the start of the successive operations, and assigns different processes to each of the first periods (T11 to T13). The notification unit (14) notifies which of the multiple first periods (T11 to T13) the time point after the start time point falls within. When the operation reception unit (16) receives the end of the consecutive operations, the process execution unit (17) executes a process assigned to the first period (T11 to T13) including the end time point at which the consecutive operations ended, among the multiple first periods (T11 to T13).

[0079] According to this aspect, the notification unit (14) notifies which of the multiple first periods (T11 to T13) the time point after the start of the consecutive operations falls within, so that the user can know the process to be executed when the consecutive operations end based on the notification from the notification unit (14). Then, when the user ends the consecutive operations of the operation unit (13), the process to be executed by the process execution unit (17) is determined based on which of the multiple first periods (T11 to T13) the end point of the consecutive operations falls within. Here, since different processes are assigned to the multiple first periods (T11 to T13), the user can select a process to be executed from the multiple processes assigned to the multiple first periods (T11 to T13) based on the notification from the notification unit (14). Therefore, according to this aspect, it is possible to select and execute any one of the multiple processes assigned to one operation unit (13), which has the advantage of improving usability.

[0080] In the communication device (1) of the second aspect, the second period (T2) is repeated periodically while the operation reception unit (16) receives successive operations in the first aspect.

[0081] According to this aspect, when the first period (T11 to T13) corresponding to the desired processing has elapsed, the continuous operation of the operation unit (13) is continued, and in the next second period (T2), the continuous operation is ended in the first period (T11 to T13) corresponding to the desired processing, thereby allowing the desired processing to be executed.

[0082] In the communication device (1) of the third aspect, in the second aspect, the process execution unit (17) sets an operation invalid period (T0) between the start point of the second period (T2) of the first cycle and the first first period (T11) of the plurality of first periods (T11 to T13). If the successive operations end before the operation invalid period (T0) ends, the process execution unit (17) invalidates the acceptance of the successive operations.

[0083] According to this aspect, when the operation unit (13) is erroneously operated for a period of time shorter than the invalid operation period (T0), the possibility that a process will be executed can be reduced.

[0084] In the communication device (1) of the fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the processing execution unit (17) sets the period next to the last first period (T13) in the second period (T2) of the nth cycle, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, to the first first period (T11) in the second period (T2) of the (n+1)th cycle.

[0085] According to this aspect, when the last first period (T13) in the second period (T2) of the nth cycle ends, a transition to the first first period (T11) in the second period (T2) of the (n+1)th cycle occurs. This has the advantage that the start time of the first first period (T11) in the second period (T2) of the (n+1)th cycle is earlier than when an invalid operation period (T0) is inserted, thereby improving operability.

[0086] In the communication device (1) of the fifth aspect, in the third or fourth aspect, in the second period (T2) of the first cycle, among the multiple first periods (T11 to T13), the time length of the first first period (T11) is different from the time lengths of the second and subsequent first periods (T12 to T13).

[0087] According to this embodiment, the time length of the first period (T11) following the operation invalid period (T0) can be set to a desired time length.

[0088] In the communication device (1) of the sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, in the second period (T2) of the first cycle, the time length of the first first period (T11) is shorter than the time lengths of the second and subsequent first periods (T12 to T13).

[0089] According to this aspect, by making the duration of the first first period (T11) following the operation invalid period (T0) shorter than the duration of the second and subsequent first periods (T12 to T13), the start of the second and subsequent first periods (T12 to T13) can be brought forward.

[0090] In the seventh aspect of the communication device (1), in the sixth aspect, the duration of the first first period (T11) in the second period (T2) of the second cycle or later is longer than the duration of the first first period (T11) in the second period (T2) of the first cycle.

[0091] According to this aspect, since the duration of the first first period (T11) in the second period (T2) of the second cycle or later is longer than the duration of the first first period (T11) in the second period (T2) of the first cycle, there is an advantage that it becomes easier to select the processing corresponding to the first first period (T11) in the second period (T2) of the second cycle or later.

[0092] In the communication device (1) of the eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect, the time lengths of the plurality of first periods (T11 to T13) are equal to each other in the second period (T2) after the second cycle.

[0093] According to this embodiment, there is an advantage that in the second period (T2) from the second cycle onwards, the timing at which the multiple first periods (T11 to T13) switch becomes easy to see.

[0094] In the communication device (1) of the ninth aspect, in any of the first to eighth aspects, the notification section (14) performs notification in different notification modes in a plurality of first periods (T11 to T13).

[0095] This aspect has the advantage that it becomes easier to understand in which of the multiple first periods (T11 to T13) the time point after the start time falls, based on the notification aspect of the notification unit (14).

[0096] In the communication device (1) of the tenth aspect, in the ninth aspect, the notification section (14) notifies by light.

[0097] According to this aspect, it is possible to visually grasp in which of the multiple first periods (T11 to T13) the point in time that has elapsed since the start time falls.

[0098] In the communication device (1) of the eleventh aspect, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, the communication unit (11) performs power line carrier communication with an external system using the power line (PL1) as a transmission path.

[0099] According to this embodiment, for example, the communication unit (11) can perform power line carrier communication with an external system by utilizing the power line (PL1) through which the communication device (1) receives power.

[0100] In the communication device (1) of the twelfth aspect, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, the communication unit (11) communicates with an external system using a communication line as a transmission path.

[0101] According to this aspect, the communication unit (11) can communicate with an external system by using an existing or dedicated communication line.

[0102] A communication system (100) of a thirteenth aspect includes a first communication device (1A) and a second communication device (1B), a first device (3A) connected to the first communication device (1A), and a second device (3B) connected to the second communication device (1B). The first communication device (1A) and the second communication device (1B) are each a communication device (1) of any one of the first to twelfth aspects. A communication unit (11) of the first communication device (1A) and a communication unit (11) of the second communication device (1B) communicate with each other.

[0103] This embodiment has the advantage of improving usability.

[0104] A processing method for a communication device (1) according to a fourteenth aspect is a processing method for a communication device (1) that communicates with an external system. The processing method includes a notification step, a setting step, an allocation step, and a processing execution step. In the notification step, while a continuous operation in which the operation unit (13) is continuously operated is performed, a notification is made according to the elapsed time from the start of the continuous operation. In the setting step, a second period (T2) including a plurality of first periods (T11 to T13) that are consecutive in a predetermined order is set with the start of the continuous operation as a starting point. In the allocation step, different processing is assigned to each of the plurality of first periods (T11 to T13). In the notification step, a notification is made as to which of the plurality of first periods (T11 to T13) the point in time that the elapsed time from the start point belongs to. In the processing execution step, when the continuous operation ends, a processing assigned to the first period (T11 to T13) including the end point at which the continuous operation ends is executed among the plurality of first periods (T11 to T13).

[0105] According to this aspect, the user is notified of which of the first periods (T11 to T13) the time when the continuous operation is started falls within, so that the user can know the process to be executed when the continuous operation is ended based on the notification content. Then, when the user ends the continuous operation of the operation unit (13), the process to be executed is determined depending on which of the first periods (T11 to T13) the end point of the continuous operation falls within. Here, since different processes are assigned to the first periods (T11 to T13), the user can select a process to be executed from the multiple processes assigned to the multiple first periods (T11 to T13) based on the notification content. Therefore, according to this aspect, it is possible to select and execute any one of the multiple processes assigned to one operation unit (13), which has the advantage of improving usability.

[0106] Without being limited to the above aspects, various configurations (including modified examples) of the communication device (1) according to the embodiment can be embodied as a processing method of the communication device (1), a (computer) program, or a non-transitory recording medium having a program recorded thereon, etc.

[0107] The configurations according to the second to twelfth aspects are not essential for the communication device (1) and may be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1. Communications equipment 1A First communication device 1B 2nd communication device 3A 1st device 3B 2nd device 11 First Communication Department (Communication Department) 13 Control section 14 Notification Department 16 Operation reception section 17 Processing Execution Unit 100 Communication Systems PL1 power line T0 Inactive period T11~T13 1st Period T2 2nd Period

Claims

1. A communication unit that communicates with an external system; an operation receiving unit that receives an operation of the operation unit by a user; a notification unit that, while the operation reception unit is receiving a continuous operation of continuously operating the operation unit, issues a notification according to an elapsed time from a start point of the continuous operation; A processing execution unit, the process execution unit sets a second period including a plurality of first periods that are successive in a predetermined order, starting from the start point of the successive operations, and assigns different processes to each of the plurality of first periods; the notification unit notifies which of the first periods a point at which the elapsed time from the start time point is included; When the operation reception unit receives the end of the consecutive operations, the process execution unit executes a process assigned to a first period including an end point of the consecutive operations, among the plurality of first periods. Communications equipment.

2. the second period is repeated periodically while the operation reception unit is receiving the continuous operation. The communication device according to claim 1 .

3. The processing execution unit is In the second period of a first cycle, an operation invalid period is set between the start time point and a first first period of the plurality of first periods; If the consecutive operations are completed before the operation invalidation period ends, acceptance of the consecutive operations is invalidated. The communication device according to claim 2 .

4. The processing execution unit is When n is an integer of 1 or more, the period next to the last first period in the second period in the nth cycle is set to the first first period in the second period in the (n+1)th cycle. The communication device according to claim 3.

5. In the second period of a first cycle, a time length of a first first period among the plurality of first periods is different from a time length of a second or subsequent first period. The communication device according to claim 3.

6. In the second period of a first cycle, a time length of the first first period is shorter than a time length of the second or subsequent first periods. The communication device according to claim 5.

7. a time length of the first first period in the second period of a second or subsequent cycle is longer than a time length of the first first period in the second period of a first cycle; The communication device according to claim 6.

8. In the second period from the second cycle onwards, the time lengths of the first periods are equal to each other. The communication device according to claim 7.

9. The notification unit performs notifications in different notification modes during the plurality of first periods, respectively. The communication device according to claim 1 .

10. The notification unit performs the notification by light.

10. The communication device of claim 9.

11. The communication unit performs power line carrier communication with the external system using a power line as a transmission path. The communication device according to claim 1 .

12. The communication unit communicates with the external system using a communication line as a transmission path. The communication device according to claim 1 .

13. A first communication device and a second communication device, each of which is a communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 12; A first device connected to the first communication device; a second device connected to the second communication device, The communication unit of the first communication device and the communication unit of the second communication device communicate with each other. Communication systems.

14. A processing method for a communication device that communicates with an external system, comprising: a notification step of performing a notification according to an elapsed time from a start point of a continuous operation of continuously operating an operation unit of the communication device while the continuous operation is being performed; a setting step of setting a second period including a plurality of first periods that are successive in a predetermined order, the second period being set to the start point of the successive operations; an allocating step of allocating different processes to each of the first periods; A process execution step, In the notification step, a notification is made as to which of the first periods a point at which the elapsed time from the start time point is included, In the process execution step, when the continuous operation is ended, a process assigned to a first period including an end point of the continuous operation among the plurality of first periods is executed. A method for processing a communication device.

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