Notification system, notification method, program, breaker, and distribution board

Abstract

To reduce the possibility that a transmission destination cannot be notified of information.SOLUTION: A notification system 1 comprises an acquisition unit 101, a communication unit 11, and a switching unit 102. The acquisition unit 101 acquires notification information to be provided to outside for notification. The communication unit 11 performs transmission of the notification information in a first radio communication scheme or performs transmission of the notification information in a second radio communication scheme different from the first radio communication scheme. The switching unit 102 switches the radio communication scheme of the communication unit 11 to either of the first radio communication scheme and the second radio communication scheme. The switching unit 102 switches the radio communication scheme from the first radio communication scheme to the second radio communication scheme when communication in the first radio communication scheme is impossible.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a notification system, a notification method, a program, a breaker, and a distribution board, and more particularly to a notification system, a notification method, a program, a breaker, and a distribution board that perform wireless communication.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, a system for notifying abnormal information when an abnormality occurs in a distribution board has been known (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] The abnormality communication system of Patent Document 1 includes a detection means for detecting an abnormality occurring in a distribution board, and a communication means for communicating the detected abnormality information to the outside. The communication means communicates the abnormality information to a mobile terminal by short-range wireless communication.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the abnormality communication system (notification system) of Patent Document 1, there may be a situation where abnormality information cannot be transmitted to a mobile terminal according to the communication environment such as the presence or absence of an obstacle in the communication between the abnormality communication system and the mobile terminal. That is, there is a possibility that the abnormality information cannot be notified to the transmission destination.

[0006] In view of the above problems, the present disclosure aims to provide a notification system, a notification method, a program, a breaker, and a distribution board that can reduce the possibility that information cannot be notified to a transmission destination.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A notification system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit, a communication unit, and a switching unit. The acquisition unit acquires notification information to be notified to the outside. The communication unit transmits the notification information by a first wireless communication method or transmits the notification information by a second wireless communication method different from the first wireless communication method. The switching unit switches the wireless communication method of the communication unit to either the first wireless communication method or the second wireless communication method. When communication by the first wireless communication method is impossible, the switching unit switches the wireless communication method from the first wireless communication method to the second wireless communication method.

[0008] A notification method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is used in a notification system including a communication unit. The communication unit transmits notification information by a first wireless communication method or transmits the notification information by a second wireless communication method different from the first wireless communication method. The notification method includes an acquisition step and a switching step. In the acquisition step, the notification information to be transmitted to the outside is acquired. In the switching step, the wireless communication method of the communication unit is switched to either the first wireless communication method or the second wireless communication method. When communication by the first wireless communication method is impossible, in the switching step, the wireless communication method is switched from the first wireless communication method to the second wireless communication method.

[0009] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer system to execute the notification method.

[0010] A breaker according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the notification system and a contact part. The contact part conducts or interrupts an electric circuit for supplying electric power supplied from the outside to an electrically connected load.

[0011] A distribution board according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the breaker and a housing that houses the breaker.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the possibility that information cannot be notified to the transmission destination.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] The embodiments and modifications described below are merely examples of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and modifications. Even outside the following embodiments and modifications, various changes can be made according to the design and the like as long as the technical idea according to the present disclosure is not deviated from.

[0015] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, the distribution board 5, the breaker (main breaker 3), and the notification system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0016] (1) Overview As shown in FIG. 1, the distribution board 5 according to the present embodiment includes a main breaker 3 (breaker) and a plurality (three in the illustrated example) of branch breakers 4. The main breaker 3 is supplied with power from the outside (for example, the power system PS1). The plurality of branch breakers 4 are supplied with power from the main breaker 3 and supply power to the electrically connected load LD1. Further, the main breaker 3 includes a notification system 1.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the notification system 1 includes an acquisition unit 101, a communication unit 11, and a switching unit 102. The acquisition unit 101 acquires notification information to be notified to the outside. The communication unit 11 transmits the notification information by a first wireless communication method or transmits the notification information by a second wireless communication method different from the first wireless communication method. The switching unit 102 switches the wireless communication method of the communication unit 11 to either the first wireless communication method or the second wireless communication method. When communication by the first wireless communication method is impossible, the switching unit 102 switches the wireless communication method from the first wireless communication method to the second wireless communication method.

[0018] According to this configuration, when communication by the first wireless communication method is impossible, the switching unit 102 switches the wireless communication method from the first wireless communication method to the second wireless communication method, so that the possibility of being unable to notify the transmission destination of the information can be reduced.

[0019] (2) Configuration The distribution board 5 is installed in customer facilities such as detached houses, apartment houses, factories, stores, offices, office buildings, commercial buildings, stadiums, hospitals, and schools. Then, the distribution board 5 distributes commercial power (alternating current power) supplied from a commercial power system PS1 to a plurality of loads LD1 in the customer facility.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the distribution board 5 includes a main breaker 3 (breaker) and a plurality (three in the illustrated example) of branch breakers 4. As shown in FIG. 3, the distribution board 5 includes a rectangular box-shaped housing 50. The housing 50 houses the main breaker 3 and the plurality of branch breakers 4. A rectangular opening 50a is formed in the front surface of the housing 50, and a cover (not shown) is attached to the opening 50a so as to be openable and closable. The cover is movable between a closed position closing the opening 50a and an open position exposing the opening 50a forward. The housing 50 is attached to, for example, a wall or a pillar of a building.

[0021] Inside the housing 50, the main breaker 3 and a plurality of branch breakers 4 are accommodated. The main breaker 3 and the plurality of branch breakers 4 are attached to the bottom plate of the housing 50 (the plate member facing the opening 50a) directly or via attachment members or the like. Note that FIG. 3 shows an example of the arrangement of the main breaker 3 and the plurality of branch breakers 4 inside the housing 50. Note that the arrangement can be changed as appropriate.

[0022] The power system PS1 is connected to the main breaker 3 via the main circuit L1. The commercial power supplied from the power system PS1 is supplied from the main circuit L1 to the load LD1 outside the housing 50 via the main breaker 3 and the branch breakers 4.

[0023] The primary terminal of the main breaker 3 is connected to the main circuit L1. The secondary terminal of the main breaker 3 is connected to the main circuit L1 inside the housing 50. The main circuit L1 is composed of a bus bar, an electric wire, etc.

[0024] The main circuit L1 connected to the secondary terminal of the main breaker 3 branches into a plurality of branch circuits L2 inside the housing 50. A plurality of branch breakers 4 are respectively connected to the plurality of branch circuits L2. The branch breaker 4 conducts and shuts off the branch circuit L2 to which the branch breaker 4 is connected. Specifically, the primary terminal of the branch breaker 4 is connected to the branch circuit L2 branched from the main circuit L1. The secondary terminal of the branch breaker 4 is connected to the branch circuit L2 drawn out outside the housing 50. The load LD1 of the customer facility is connected to the branch circuit L2 drawn out outside the housing 50. The branch circuit L2 is composed of a bus bar, an electric wire, etc.

[0025] The load LD1 includes electrical equipment directly connected to the branch circuit L2 and electrical equipment indirectly connected to the branch circuit L2 via an outlet connected to the branch circuit L2. The electrical equipment includes, for example, heating appliances, cooking appliances, lighting appliances, and air conditioning equipment.

[0026] As described above, commercial power is supplied to a plurality of loads LD1 via the main circuit L1, the main breaker 3, the branch circuit L2, the branch breaker 4, and the branch circuit L2, respectively.

[0027] (2.1) Main breaker Power is supplied to the main breaker 3 from the outside (here, the power system PS1). The main breaker 3 includes a contact portion 3a electrically connected between the primary terminal and the secondary terminal of the main breaker 3.

[0028] In the present embodiment, the contact portion 3a of the main breaker 3 is a mechanical contact having a fixed contact and a movable contact. The contact portion 3a conducts or interrupts an electric circuit for supplying power supplied from the outside to an electrically connected load. The main breaker 3 has a handle 3b on the front surface for turning the contact portion 3a on or off. When the handle 3b is turned on, the contact portion 3a is turned on, and the main breaker 3 conducts the main circuit L1. When the handle 3b is turned off, the contact portion 3a is turned off, and the main breaker 3 interrupts the main circuit L1.

[0029] Furthermore, the main breaker 3 further includes a detection unit 30 for detecting an abnormality related to power supply or an abnormality related to the installation environment. The detection unit 30 includes a leakage detection unit for detecting leakage, an overcurrent detection unit for detecting overcurrent, an earthquake detection unit for detecting an earthquake, and a system power failure detection unit for detecting a system power failure.

[0030] The leakage detection unit uses the current flowing from the power system PS1 to the load LD1 and the current flowing from the load LD1 to the power system PS1 to detect the presence or absence of leakage in the branch circuit L2 and the load LD1. The leakage detection unit transmits the detection result to the notification system.

[0031] The overcurrent detection unit detects an overcurrent such as a short-circuit current or an overload current based on the current flowing from the power system PS1 to the load LD1. The overcurrent detection unit transmits the detection result to the notification system.

[0032] The earthquake detection unit detects earthquakes. Specifically, the earthquake detection unit includes a seismic sensor that senses seismic motion. When the seismic motion sensed by the seismic sensor is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value, the earthquake detection unit detects that an earthquake has occurred. The earthquake detection unit transmits the detection result to the notification system.

[0033] The system power outage detection unit detects a power outage (system power outage) due to the interruption of power supply from the power system PS1. For example, when the power supplied from the power system PS1 becomes equal to or less than a second predetermined value, the system power outage detection unit detects that a system power outage has occurred. The system power outage detection unit transmits the detection result to the notification system.

[0034] When the leakage detection unit detects a leakage, the main breaker 3 forcibly opens the contact portion 3a to cut off the main circuit L1. When the overcurrent detection unit detects an overcurrent, the main breaker 3 forcibly opens the contact portion 3a to cut off the main circuit L1. When the earthquake detection unit detects an earthquake (occurrence of an earthquake), the main breaker 3 forcibly opens the contact portion 3a to cut off the main circuit L1. When the power outage detection unit detects a system power outage, the main breaker 3 forcibly opens the contact portion 3a to cut off the main circuit L1. When the contact portion 3a is forcibly opened, the power supply to a plurality of branch breakers 4 via the main breaker 3 is stopped.

[0035] The main breaker 3 is provided with a notification system 1. The configuration of the notification system 1 will be described later.

[0036] (2.2) Branch Breaker A plurality of branch breakers 4 are supplied with power from the main breaker 3 and supply power to the electrically connected load LD1. As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of branch breakers 4 include a switch SW1 and an operation unit 41.

[0037] The switch SW1 switches the electrical connection and disconnection between the main breaker 3 and the load LD1.

[0038] The operation unit 41 is a button or the like for manually switching the switch SW1 on or off, and is provided on the front surface of the branch breaker 4 (see FIG. 3). In the present embodiment, the operation unit 41 is a push-type button switch that performs a momentary operation, but the operation unit 41 may have other structures.

[0039] (2.3) Notification System As shown in FIG. 2, the notification system 1 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, a control unit 13, a display unit 14, a speaker 15, and a power supply unit 16.

[0040] The notification system 1 has, for example, a computer system having a processor and a memory. Then, by the processor executing a program stored in the memory, the computer system functions as the control unit 13. The program executed by the processor is recorded in advance in the memory of the computer system here, but may be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card, or may be provided through a telecommunication line such as the Internet.

[0041] The communication unit 11 performs wireless communication using a first wireless communication method or performs wireless communication using a second wireless communication method different from the first wireless communication method. That is, the communication unit 11 performs wireless communication using either the first wireless communication method or the second wireless communication method. More specifically, the communication unit 11 transmits notification information using the first wireless communication method or transmits notification information using a second wireless communication method different from the first wireless communication method.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, the communication unit 11 includes a first communication unit 11a and a second communication unit 11b. The first communication unit 11a performs wireless communication using a first wireless communication method. The second communication unit 11b performs wireless communication using a second wireless communication method. Here, the first wireless communication method is a long-distance wireless communication method. The long-distance wireless communication method is, for example, a wireless communication method using LPWA (Low Power Wide Area). The second wireless communication method is a short-distance wireless communication method. The short-distance wireless communication method is, for example, a wireless communication method using BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

[0043] The first communication unit 11a is configured to be communicable with the server 7 via the repeater 6 and a network NT1 such as the Internet. The first communication unit 11a transmits notification information to the server 7 via the repeater 6 and a network NT1 such as the Internet using the first wireless communication method.

[0044] The second communication unit 11b is configured to be communicable with the information terminal 8 with which wireless communication has been established. The second communication unit 11b transmits notification information to the information terminal 8 using the second wireless communication method. The information terminal 8 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

[0045] The storage unit 12 is composed of a device selected from ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), or EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), etc.

[0046] The storage unit 12 stores notification information as information regarding a power outage. The storage unit 12 stores first notification information as notification information corresponding to a power outage due to detected leakage of electricity. The storage unit 12 stores second notification information as notification information corresponding to a power outage due to detected overcurrent. The storage unit 12 stores third notification information as notification information corresponding to a power outage due to detected earthquake. The storage unit 12 stores fourth notification information as notification information corresponding to a power outage due to detected system power outage.

[0047] Each piece of notification information includes restoration information for restoring power outages. The first notification information includes restoration information indicating that, as a restoration operation, an operation to wipe the moisture off the circuit that is the cause of the leakage and an operation to remove the leaking load LD1 will be performed. The second notification information includes restoration information indicating that a plurality of loads LD1 that are the cause of the overcurrent should not be used simultaneously. The third notification information includes restoration information indicating that, as a restoration operation, an operation to unplug the damaged load LD1 and the plug of the load LD1 which is a fallen electric heating appliance, and an operation to tidy up the area around the load LD1 which is an electric heating appliance will be performed. The fourth notification information includes restoration information indicating that an operation to tidy up the area around the load LD1 which is an electric heating appliance will be performed.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 13 includes an acquisition unit 101, a switching unit 102, a notification unit 103, a display processing unit 104, and a transmission processing unit 105.

[0049] The acquisition unit 101 acquires notification information to be notified to the outside. The acquisition unit 101 acquires the notification information corresponding to the detection result of the detection unit 30 from the storage unit 12. Specifically, when the acquisition unit 101 acquires from the detection unit 30 the detection result indicating that the leakage detection unit has detected a leakage, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the first notification information from the storage unit 12. When the acquisition unit 101 acquires from the detection unit 30 the detection result indicating that the overcurrent detection unit has detected an overcurrent, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the second notification information from the storage unit 12. When the acquisition unit 101 acquires from the detection unit 30 the detection result indicating that the earthquake detection unit has detected an earthquake, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the third notification information from the storage unit 12. When the acquisition unit 101 acquires from the detection unit 30 the detection result indicating that the system power outage detection unit has detected a system power outage, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the fourth notification information from the storage unit 12.

[0050] The switching unit 102 switches the wireless communication method of the communication unit 11 to either the first wireless communication method or the second wireless communication method. When communication using the first wireless communication method is not possible, the switching unit 102 switches the wireless communication method from the first wireless communication method to the second wireless communication method. Specifically, when communication using the first wireless communication method is not possible, the switching unit 102 switches from communication using the first communication unit 11a to communication using the second communication unit 11b.

[0051] The switching unit 102 determines whether response information for the information has been received from the device within a first predetermined time after transmitting the information to the device for which the communication unit 11 is the communication destination using the first wireless communication method. Specifically, the switching unit 102 determines whether response information for the notification information has been received from the server 7 within a first predetermined time after transmitting the notification information to the server 7 for which the communication unit 11 is the communication destination using the first wireless communication method. If it is determined that the response information has not been received, the switching unit 102 switches the wireless communication method from the first wireless communication method to the second wireless communication method. If it is determined that response information for the confirmation information has been received from the server 7 within a first predetermined time after transmitting the notification information using the first wireless communication method, the switching unit 102 does not perform the switching process. That is, the switching unit 102 keeps the wireless communication method as the first wireless communication method.

[0052] After switching the wireless communication method from the first wireless communication method to the second wireless communication method, the switching unit 102 performs a process (connection process) for establishing a communication connection with the information terminal 8. Specifically, the switching unit 102 receives a communication establishment request for requesting establishment of a communication connection from the information terminal 8 via the second communication unit 11b. When the switching unit 102 receives the communication establishment request, it performs an authentication process for the information terminal 8 and establishes a communication connection if the authentication is successful.

[0053] When the communication unit 11 is performing wireless communication using the second wireless communication method, the switching unit 102 switches the wireless communication method from the second wireless communication method to the first wireless communication method, for example, by a user operation. Note that after the switching unit 102 switches the wireless communication method from the first wireless communication method to the second wireless communication method, if it does not receive a communication establishment request from the information terminal 8 within a preset setup time, the switching unit 102 may switch the wireless communication method from the second wireless communication method to the first wireless communication method.

[0054] When the acquisition unit 101 acquires the notification information, the notification unit 103 issues an alarm. When the acquisition unit 101 acquires the notification information, the notification unit 103 causes a warning sound to be output to the speaker 15. After the notification unit 103 issues an alarm, if a predetermined condition is satisfied, the notification of the alarm is stopped. Here, the predetermined condition is that a second predetermined time (predetermined time) has elapsed. That is, when the second predetermined time has elapsed after the notification unit 103 has issued a warning sound, the notification unit 103 stops the notification of the alarm.

[0055] The display processing unit 104 causes the display unit 14 to perform a display corresponding to the wireless communication method. That is, the display processing unit 104 causes the display unit 14 to perform a display for identifying the wireless communication method currently applied in the wireless communication. The display processing unit 104 causes the display unit 14 to perform a display in a display mode corresponding to the wireless communication method applied during communication.

[0056] For example, when the display unit 14 includes an LED (Light Emitting Diode), the display processing unit 104 controls the display unit 14 so that the LED emits light in a display color corresponding to the wireless communication method. When the communication unit 11 performs communication using the first communication method, the display processing unit 104 controls the display unit 14 so that the LED emits blue light. Also, when the communication unit 11 performs communication using the second communication method, the display processing unit 104 controls the display unit 14 so that the LED emits red light.

[0057] Also, for example, when the display unit 14 includes a first display unit and a second display unit, the display processing unit 104 controls the display unit 14 to perform display by emitting light of the LED on either the first display unit or the second display unit according to the wireless communication method. When the communication unit 11 performs communication by the first communication method, the display processing unit 104 controls the display unit 14 so that the LED emits light on the first display unit. Also, when the communication unit 11 performs communication by the second communication method, the display processing unit 104 controls the display unit 14 so that the LED emits light on the second display unit.

[0058] The transmission processing unit 105 transmits the notification information acquired by the acquisition unit 101 to the outside via the communication unit 11. When transmitting the notification information by the first communication method, the transmission processing unit 105 transmits the notification information to the server 7 via the first communication unit 11a of the communication unit 11. When transmitting the notification information by the second communication method, the transmission processing unit 105 transmits the notification information to the information terminal 8 with which the second communication unit 11b of the communication unit 11 has established a communication connection via the second communication unit 11b.

[0059] The display unit 14 performs display according to the wireless communication method. That is, the display unit 14 performs display for identifying the wireless communication method currently applied in the wireless communication. Based on the control of the display processing unit 104, the display unit 14 performs display in a display mode according to the wireless communication method applied during communication.

[0060] The speaker 15 outputs an alarm sound based on the control of the notification unit 103.

[0061] The power supply unit 16 is, for example, a battery and supplies power to the entire notification system 1.

[0062] (2.4) Repeater The repeater 6 is a base station used in LPWA. The repeater 6 has, for example, a computer system having a processor and a memory. Then, by the processor executing a program stored in the memory, the computer system realizes the functions of the repeater 6. The program executed by the processor is here pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, but it may be provided recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card, or may be provided via a telecommunication line such as the Internet.

[0063] The repeater 6 is configured to be communicable with the notification system 1 and the server 7. When the repeater 6 receives notification information transmitted from the notification system 1, it transmits the notification information to the server 7 via the network NT1. When the repeater 6 receives response information transmitted from the server 7 via the network NT1, it transmits the response information to the notification system 1.

[0064] (2.5) Server The server 7 has, for example, a computer system having a processor and a memory. Then, by the processor executing a program stored in the memory, the computer system realizes the functions of the server 7. The program executed by the processor is here pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, but it may be provided recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card, or may be provided via a telecommunication line such as the Internet.

[0065] When the server 7 receives notification information from the notification system 1, it transmits the received notification information to the information terminal 8 via the network NT1. Also, when the server 7 receives notification information from the notification system 1, it transmits response information to the notification system 1 via the network NT1 and the repeater 6.

[0066] (2.6) Information Terminal The information terminal 8 is a terminal possessed by a resident (user) of the facility where the distribution board 5 is provided, and is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

[0067] The information terminal 8 has, for example, a computer system having a processor and a memory. Then, by the processor executing a program stored in the memory, the computer system realizes the functions of the information terminal 8. The program executed by the processor is recorded in advance in the memory of the computer system here, but it may be recorded and provided on a recording medium such as a memory card, or may be provided through a telecommunication line such as the Internet.

[0068] The information terminal 8 is configured to be communicable with the server 7 via the network NT1. Further, the information terminal 8 is configured to be communicable with the notification system 1 by a second wireless communication method.

[0069] When the information terminal 8 receives the notification information transmitted from the server 7, it notifies the user of the received notification information. For example, the information terminal 8 displays the recovery information included in the notification information received from the server 7 on the display unit of the information terminal 8. Here, the display unit of the information terminal 8 has, for example, a thin display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Organic Electro Luminescence Display: OELD).

[0070] Also, when the information terminal 8 communicates with the notification system 1 by a second wireless communication method, it transmits a communication establishment request to the notification system 1 by a user operation. After the information terminal 8 transmits the communication establishment request and the communication connection is established, it receives the notification information from the notification system 1. For example, the information terminal 8 displays the recovery information included in the notification information received from the notification system 1 on the display unit of the information terminal 8.

[0071] The information terminal 8 receives the notification information from the server 7 by a first wireless communication method, or receives the notification information from the notification system 1 by a second wireless communication method. The information terminal 8 displays the received notification information on the display unit. That is, it can be said that the transmission processing unit 105 of the notification system 1 causes the information to be displayed on the display unit of the information terminal 8 by transmitting the notification information via the communication unit 11.

[0072] (3) Operation Here, the operation of the notification system 1 will be described.

[0073] (3.1) Transmission Process First, the operation of the process of transmitting notification information performed by the notification system 1 (transmission process) will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0074] The acquisition unit 101 acquires the notification information to be transmitted externally (step S1). When the acquisition unit 101 acquires from the detection unit 30 the detection result indicating that the leakage detection unit has detected a leakage, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the first notification information from the storage unit 12. When the acquisition unit 101 acquires from the detection unit 30 the detection result indicating that the overcurrent detection unit has detected an overcurrent, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the second notification information from the storage unit 12. When the acquisition unit 101 acquires from the detection unit 30 the detection result indicating that the earthquake detection unit has detected an earthquake, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the third notification information from the storage unit 12. When the acquisition unit 101 acquires from the detection unit 30 the detection result indicating that the power grid outage detection unit has detected a power grid outage, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the fourth notification information from the storage unit 12.

[0075] The transmission processing unit 105 performs the first transmission process (step S2). The transmission processing unit 105 transmits the notification information acquired by the acquisition unit 101 to the server 7 by the first wireless communication method. That is, the transmission processing unit 105 transmits the notification information to the server 7 via the first communication unit 11a of the communication unit 11.

[0076] The switching unit 102 determines whether the transmission of the notification information by the first wireless communication method has been successful (step S3). The switching unit 102 determines whether it has received response information from the server 7 for the notification information within the first predetermined time after transmitting the notification information to the server 7, which is the communication destination, by the first wireless communication method.

[0077] When the switching unit 102 determines that the transmission has been successful (\"Yes\" in step S3), that is, when it determines that it has received response information from the server 7 within the first predetermined time after transmitting the notification information by the first wireless communication method, the process ends.

[0078] When the switching unit 102 determines that the transmission has not been successful ( "No" in step S3), that is, when it determines that the response information has not been received from the server 7 within the first predetermined time after transmitting the notification information by the first wireless communication method, the switching unit 102 performs a switching process (step S4). The switching unit 102 switches the wireless communication method of the communication unit 11 from the first wireless communication method to the second wireless communication method.

[0079] The switching unit 102 performs a connection process (step S5). When the switching unit 102 receives a communication establishment request from the information terminal 8 via the second communication unit 11b, the switching unit 102 performs an authentication process for the information terminal 8. The switching unit 102 establishes a communication connection when the authentication is successful.

[0080] When the communication connection with the information terminal 8 by the second wireless communication method is established, the transmission processing unit 105 performs a second transmission process (step S6). The transmission processing unit 105 transmits the notification information to the information terminal 8 for which the communication connection is established via the second communication unit 11b of the communication unit 11.

[0081] (3.2) Alarm notification process First, the operation of the alarm notification process performed by the notification system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0082] The notification unit 103 determines whether the acquisition unit 101 has acquired the notification information (step S11).

[0083] When the notification unit 103 determines that the acquisition unit 101 has not acquired the notification information ( "No" in step S11), the process returns to step S11.

[0084] When it is determined that the acquisition unit 101 has acquired the notification information ( "Yes" in step S11), the notification unit 103 performs a notification process (step S12). Specifically, the notification unit 103 causes a warning sound to be output to the speaker 15.

[0085] The notification unit 103 determines whether the second predetermined time has elapsed after the warning sound is notified (step S13).

[0086] When the notification unit 103 determines that the second predetermined time has not elapsed since the warning sound was notified ( "No" in step S13), the process returns to step S12.

[0087] When it is determined that the second predetermined time has elapsed since the warning sound was notified ( "Yes" in step S13), the notification unit 103 performs a stop process (step S14). The notification unit 103 stops the notification of the warning. That is, the notification unit 103 does not output the warning sound to the speaker 15.

[0088] (4) Advantages As described above, the notification system 1 of the present embodiment includes an acquisition unit 101, a communication unit 11, and a switching unit 102. The acquisition unit 101 acquires notification information to be transmitted to the outside. The communication unit 11 transmits the notification information by a first wireless communication method or transmits the notification information by a second wireless communication method different from the first wireless communication method. The switching unit 102 switches the wireless communication method of the communication unit 11 to either the first wireless communication method or the second wireless communication method. When communication by the first wireless communication method is impossible, the switching unit 102 switches the wireless communication method from the first wireless communication method to the second wireless communication method.

[0089] According to this configuration, when communication by the first wireless communication method is impossible, the switching unit 102 switches the wireless communication method from the first wireless communication method to the second wireless communication method, so the possibility of not being able to notify the transmission destination of the information can be reduced.

[0090] (5) Modification examples Modification examples will be listed below. Note that the modification examples described below can be applied in appropriate combination with the above embodiment.

[0091] (5.1) Modification example 1 In the above embodiment, when the notification information cannot be transmitted to the server 7 by the first wireless communication method, the wireless communication method is configured to be switched from the first wireless communication method to the second wireless communication method. However, the configuration is not limited to this.

[0092] The information transmitted in the communication that serves as a trigger for switching the wireless communication method may be information different from the notification information.

[0093] The information transmitted in the communication that serves as a trigger for switching the wireless communication method may be confirmation information that is periodically transmitted to the device (server 7) for connection confirmation.

[0094] In the notification system 1 of Modification 1, the control unit 13 may transmit confirmation information for connection confirmation with the server 7 to the server 7 in the first wireless communication method periodically (for example, once a day).

[0095] At this time, the switching unit 102 of Modification 1 determines whether or not response information for the confirmation information has been received from the server 7 within a predetermined time after the communication unit 11 transmits the confirmation information to the server 7 which is the communication destination in the first wireless communication method. When it is determined that the response information for the confirmation information has not been received from the server 7 within the predetermined time after transmitting the confirmation information in the first wireless communication method, the switching unit 102 of Modification 1 performs a switching process and switches the wireless communication method from the first wireless communication method to the second wireless communication method. When it is determined that the response information for the confirmation information has been received from the server 7 within the predetermined time after transmitting the confirmation information in the first wireless communication method, the switching unit 102 of Modification 1 does not perform the switching process. That is, the switching unit 102 of Modification 1 keeps the wireless communication method as the first wireless communication method.

[0096] (5.2) Modification 2 In the above embodiment, the notification information is configured to be information regarding a power outage, but the configuration is not limited to this.

[0097] The notification information is information regarding a failure of a device (e.g., the main breaker 3) provided with the notification system 1, and may be information including work information on response work regarding the failure. In this case, the storage unit 12 stores a plurality of pieces of information including the work information as notification information. The plurality of pieces of notification information are associated with each type of failure. The work information included in the notification information includes the content of the response work corresponding to the corresponding type of failure. When a failure occurs, the acquisition unit 101 acquires, from the storage unit 12, the notification information corresponding to the occurred failure.

[0098] Further, the notification information is information regarding the aging deterioration of a device (e.g., the main breaker 3) provided with the notification system 1, and includes work information on response work regarding the aging deterioration. In this case, the storage unit 12 stores a plurality of pieces of information including the work information on response work regarding the aging deterioration as notification information. The plurality of pieces of notification information are associated with each number of years of service. The work information included in the notification information includes the content of the response work corresponding to the corresponding number of years of service. When a predetermined number of years (number of years of service) has elapsed since the start of use of a device (e.g., the main breaker 3) provided with the notification system 1, the acquisition unit 101 acquires, from the storage unit 12, the notification information corresponding to the elapsed number of years.

[0099] (5.3) Modification Example 3 In the above embodiment, the predetermined condition for the notification unit 103 to stop the alarm notification is configured such that a second predetermined time has elapsed since the alarm was notified, but the configuration is not limited to this.

[0100] The predetermined condition for the notification unit 103 to stop the alarm notification may be that a communication connection in the second wireless communication method is established. In this case, after the notification unit 103 notifies the alarm, when the second communication unit 11b of the notification system 1 establishes a communication connection with the information terminal 8 in the second wireless communication method, the notification unit 103 stops the alarm notification.

[0101] The predetermined condition for the notification unit 103 to stop the alarm notification may be to receive a specific user operation. In this case, after the alarm is notified, when the notification system 1 receives a specific operation (specific user operation) from the user, the notification unit 103 stops the alarm notification.

[0102] The predetermined condition for the notification unit 103 to stop the alarm notification may be to receive a stop instruction for instructing the stop of the alarm notification from the information terminal 8. In this case, after the alarm is notified, when the notification unit 103 receives the stop instruction from the information terminal 8 by the second wireless communication method, the notification unit 103 stops the alarm notification.

[0103] (5.4) Modification Example 4 In the above embodiment, the notification system 1 is configured to be provided in the main breaker 3 (breaker), but it is not limited to this configuration.

[0104] The notification system 1 may be separate from the main breaker 3. When the notification system 1 is the main breaker 3, the notification system 1 may be housed in the distribution board 5 or may not be housed. When the notification system 1 is housed in the distribution board 5, the notification system 1 may be provided in the branch breaker 4 or may be separate from the branch breaker 4.

[0105] (5.5) Modification Example 5 In the above embodiment, the notification information is configured to include recovery information, but it is not limited to this configuration.

[0106] The notification information may be configured not to include restoration information. In this case, the notification information includes information about the cause of the power outage (cause information). For example, the first notification information as the notification information includes cause information indicating that a power outage has occurred due to a detected leakage current. The second notification information as the notification information includes cause information indicating that a power outage has occurred due to a detected overcurrent. The third notification information as the notification information includes cause information indicating that a power outage has occurred due to a detected earthquake. The fourth notification information as the notification information includes cause information indicating that a power outage has occurred due to a detected system power outage. The devices (server 7, information terminal 8) at the transmission destination of the notification information store a plurality of restoration information respectively corresponding to the plurality of cause information.

[0107] When the server 7, which is the device at the transmission destination in the first wireless communication method, receives notification information from the notification system 1, it acquires the restoration information corresponding to the cause information included in the received notification information from the storage unit and transmits it to the information terminal 8. The information terminal 8 displays the restoration information received from the server 7 on the display unit of the information terminal 8.

[0108] When the information terminal 8, which is the device at the transmission destination in the second wireless communication method, receives notification information from the notification system 1, it acquires the restoration information corresponding to the cause information included in the received notification information from the storage unit and displays the acquired restoration information on the display unit of the information terminal 8.

[0109] (5.6) Modification Example 6 In Modification Example 2, when the notification information is information regarding a failure of the device in which the notification system 1 is provided, the configuration includes work information on the corresponding work for the failure, but it is not limited to this configuration. The notification information may be configured not to include work information on the corresponding work for the failure. In this case, the notification information includes the type corresponding to the device failure among the plurality of failure types (cause information). The devices (server 7, information terminal 8) at the transmission destination of the notification information store a plurality of corresponding works respectively corresponding to the plurality of cause information (failure types).

[0110] When the server 7, which is the destination device in the first wireless communication method, receives notification information from the notification system 1, it acquires operation information corresponding to the cause information (failure type) included in the received notification information from the storage unit and transmits it to the information terminal 8. The information terminal 8 displays the operation information received from the server 7 on the display unit of the information terminal 8.

[0111] When the information terminal 8, which is the destination device in the second wireless communication method, receives notification information from the notification system 1, it acquires operation information corresponding to the cause information (failure type) included in the received notification information from the storage unit and displays the acquired recovery information on the display unit of the information terminal 8.

[0112] (5.7) Variation 7 In Variation 2, when the notification information is information regarding the aging deterioration of the equipment provided with the notification system 1, the configuration includes operation information on the corresponding work regarding the aging deterioration, but it is not limited to this configuration. The notification information may have a configuration that does not include operation information on the corresponding work regarding the aging deterioration. In this case, the notification information includes the number of years of aging (cause information) of the equipment provided with the notification system 1. The destination devices (server 7, information terminal 8) of the notification information store a plurality of corresponding operations respectively corresponding to a plurality of cause information (number of years of aging).

[0113] When the server 7, which is the destination device in the first wireless communication method, receives notification information from the notification system 1, it acquires operation information corresponding to the cause information (number of years of aging) included in the received notification information from the storage unit and transmits it to the information terminal 8. The information terminal 8 displays the operation information received from the server 7 on the display unit of the information terminal 8.

[0114] When the information terminal 8, which is the destination device in the second wireless communication method, receives notification information from the notification system 1, it acquires operation information corresponding to the cause information (number of years of aging) included in the received notification information from the storage unit and displays the acquired recovery information on the display unit of the information terminal 8.

[0115] (5.8) Variation 8 In the above embodiment, the first wireless communication method is configured as a long-distance wireless communication method, and the second wireless communication method is configured as a short-distance wireless communication method. However, the configuration is not limited to this.

[0116] The first wireless communication method may be a short-distance wireless communication method, and the second wireless communication method may be a long-distance wireless communication method.

[0117] In this case, the transmission processing unit 105 first transmits the notification information by the short-distance wireless communication method. When the switching unit 102 does not receive the response information from the transmission destination device after the transmission processing unit 105 transmits the notification information to the destination device (for example, the information terminal 8), the wireless communication method is switched from the first wireless communication method (here, the short-distance wireless communication method) to the second wireless communication method (here, the long-distance wireless communication method). After the switching of the wireless communication method, the transmission processing unit 105 transmits the notification information to the server 7 by the long-distance wireless communication method.

[0118] (5.9) Modification Example 9 In the above embodiment, the notification unit 103 is configured to output an alarm sound from the speaker 15. However, the configuration is not limited to this.

[0119] The notification unit 103 may notify an alarm by outputting light using a light source such as an LED. Alternatively, when the notification unit 103 has a display such as a liquid crystal display, the notification unit 103 may notify an alarm by outputting a message or the like.

[0120] (5.10) Modification Example 10 In the above embodiment, the notification system 1 is configured not to include the detection unit 30 as a component of the notification system 1. However, the configuration is not limited to this.

[0121] The notification system 1 may include the detection unit 30 as a component of the notification system 1. That is, the notification system 1 may be configured to include the detection unit 30.

[0122] (Other Modification Examples) The above-described embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above-described embodiment can be variously modified according to the design or the like as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Also, functions similar to those of the notification system 1 may be embodied by a notification method, a computer program, a non-transitory recording medium storing the program, or the like. The notification method of the notification system 1 according to one aspect is executed by one or more processors (computer systems). The notification method is used in the notification system 1 including the communication unit 11. The communication unit 11 transmits notification information by a first wireless communication method or transmits notification information by a second wireless communication method different from the first wireless communication method. The notification method includes an acquisition step and a switching step. The acquisition step acquires notification information to be transmitted to the outside. The switching step switches the wireless communication method of the communication unit 11 to either the first wireless communication method or the second wireless communication method. In the switching step, when communication by the first wireless communication method is impossible, the wireless communication method is switched from the first wireless communication method to the second wireless communication method. A program according to one aspect is a program for causing a computer system to function as the above-described notification system 1 or the notification method of the notification system 1.

[0123] The execution entity of the notification system 1 or the notification method of the notification system 1 in the present disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system has a processor and a memory as hardware. By the processor executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system, the function as the execution entity of the notification system 1 or the notification method of the notification system 1 in the present disclosure is realized. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, or may be provided through a telecommunication line. Further, the program may be recorded and provided on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, an optical disk, or a hard disk drive that is readable 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). Here, integrated circuits such as the IC or LSI mentioned here have 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). Further, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) that is programmed after the manufacture of the LSI, or a logic device capable of reconfiguring the bonding relationship inside the LSI or reconfiguring the circuit section inside the LSI can also be adopted as the processor. The plurality of electronic circuits may be integrated on one chip, or may be provided distributed on a plurality of chips. The plurality of chips may be integrated in one device, or may be provided distributed in a plurality of devices.

[0124] Also, it is not an essential configuration of the notification system 1 that a plurality of functions in the notification system 1 are integrated in one housing, and the components of the notification system 1 may be provided distributed in a plurality of housings. Further, at least some functions of the notification system 1 may be realized by a cloud (cloud computing) or the like.

[0125] (Summary) As described above, the notification system (1) of the first aspect includes an acquisition unit (101), a communication unit (11), and a switching unit (102). The acquisition unit (101) acquires notification information to be notified to the outside. The communication unit (11) transmits the notification information by a first wireless communication method or transmits the notification information by a second wireless communication method different from the first wireless communication method. The switching unit (102) switches the wireless communication method of the communication unit (11) to either the first wireless communication method or the second wireless communication method. When communication by the first wireless communication method is impossible, the switching unit (102) switches the wireless communication method from the first wireless communication method to the second wireless communication method.

[0126] According to this aspect, the possibility of being unable to notify the transmission destination of information can be reduced.

[0127] The notification system (1) of the second aspect further includes a notification unit (103) in the first aspect. The notification unit (103) gives an alarm when the acquisition unit (101) acquires the notification information.

[0128] According to this aspect, when the acquisition unit (101) acquires the notification information, it can be notified by giving an alarm to the outside that the notification information has been acquired.

[0129] In the notification system (1) of the third aspect, in the second aspect, the notification unit (103) stops giving the alarm when a predetermined condition is satisfied after giving the alarm.

[0130] According to this aspect, the notification by the alarm can be stopped by satisfying a predetermined condition after giving the alarm.

[0131] In the notification system (1) of the fourth aspect, in any of the first to third aspects, the switching unit (102) determines whether response information to the information has been received from the device within a predetermined time after the communication unit (11) transmits the information to the device that is the communication destination by the first wireless communication method. When the switching unit (102) determines that the response information has not been received, the switching unit (102) switches the wireless communication method from the first wireless communication method to the second wireless communication method.

[0132] According to this aspect, when it is determined that response information has not been received, or when it is determined that there is no communication connection with the destination device, the wireless communication method is switched from the first wireless communication method to the second wireless communication method. Thereby, the possibility of being unable to notify the transmission destination of the information can be reduced.

[0133] In the notification system (1) of the fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, the information is notification information.

[0134] According to this aspect, the wireless communication method is switched from the first wireless communication method to the second wireless communication method according to whether the acquired notification information can be transmitted. Thereby, the possibility of being unable to notify the transmission destination of the information can be reduced.

[0135] In the notification system (1) of the sixth aspect, in the fourth aspect, the information is confirmation information that is periodically transmitted to the device and used to perform connection confirmation.

[0136] According to this aspect, the wireless communication method is switched from the first wireless communication method to the second wireless communication method according to whether the confirmation information can be transmitted. Thereby, the possibility of being unable to notify the transmission destination of the information can be reduced.

[0137] In the notification system (1) of the seventh aspect, in any of the first to sixth aspects, the first wireless communication method is a long-distance wireless communication method, and the second wireless communication method is a short-distance wireless communication method.

[0138] According to this aspect, the wireless communication method can be switched from the long-distance wireless communication method to the short-distance wireless communication method.

[0139] In the notification system (1) of the eighth aspect, in any of the first to seventh aspects, the notification information is information related to a power outage and includes recovery information for restoring the power outage.

[0140] According to this aspect, restoration information for restoring power outages can be notified.

[0141] In the notification system (1) of the ninth aspect, in any of the first to seventh aspects, the notification information is information regarding a failure of a device in which the notification system (1) is provided, and includes work information on response work regarding the failure.

[0142] According to this aspect, work information on response work regarding a failure can be notified.

[0143] In the notification system (1) of the tenth aspect, in any of the first to seventh aspects, the notification information is work information regarding the aging deterioration of a device in which the notification system (1) is provided, and includes work information on response work regarding the aging deterioration.

[0144] According to this aspect, response work regarding aging deterioration can be notified.

[0145] The notification method of the eleventh aspect is used in the notification system (1) including the communication unit (11). The communication unit (11) transmits notification information by the first wireless communication method or transmits notification information by a second wireless communication method different from the first wireless communication method. The notification method includes an acquisition step and a switching step. In the acquisition step, notification information to be transmitted to the outside is acquired. In the switching step, the wireless communication method of the communication unit (11) is switched to either the first wireless communication method or the second wireless communication method. In the switching step, when communication by the first wireless communication method is impossible, the wireless communication method is switched from the first wireless communication method to the second wireless communication method.

[0146] According to this aspect, the possibility of being unable to notify the transmission destination of information can be reduced.

[0147] The program of the twelfth aspect is a program for causing a computer system to execute the notification method of the eleventh aspect.

[0148] According to this aspect, the possibility of being unable to notify the destination of information can be reduced.

[0149] The breaker (main breaker 3) of the 13th aspect includes the notification system (1) of any one of the 1st to 10th aspects and a contact part (3a). The contact part (3a) conducts or interrupts an electric circuit for supplying power supplied from the outside to an electrically connected load.

[0150] According to this aspect, the possibility of being unable to notify the destination of information can be reduced.

[0151] The distribution board (5) of the 14th aspect includes the breaker of the 13th aspect and a housing that houses the breaker.

[0152] According to this aspect, the possibility of being unable to notify the destination of information can be reduced.

Explanation of Signs

[0153] 1 Notification system 3 Main breaker 4 Branch breaker 5 Distribution board 11 Communication part 11a First communication part 11b Second communication part 101 Acquisition part 102 Switching part 103 Notification part

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires notification information to be notified externally; A communication unit that transmits the notification information by a first wireless communication method or transmits the notification information by a second wireless communication method different from the first wireless communication method; A switching unit that switches the wireless communication method of the communication unit to either the first wireless communication method or the second wireless communication method, wherein the switching unit switches the wireless communication method from the first wireless communication method to the second wireless communication method when communication by the first wireless communication method is impossible. A notification system.

2. The notification system according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that issues an alarm when the acquisition unit acquires the notification information. The notification system according to claim 1.

3. The notification system according to claim 2, wherein the notification unit stops the alarm notification when a predetermined condition is satisfied after the alarm is notified. The notification system according to claim 2.

4. The switching unit determines whether response information for the information is received from the device within a predetermined time after the communication unit transmits the information to the device that is the communication destination by the first wireless communication method, and switches the wireless communication method from the first wireless communication method to the second wireless communication method when it is determined that the response information has not been received. The notification system according to claim 1.

5. The information is the notification information. The notification system according to claim 4.

6. The information is confirmation information that is periodically transmitted to the device to perform connection confirmation. The notification system according to claim 4.

7. The first wireless communication method is a long-distance wireless communication method, and the second wireless communication method is a short-distance wireless communication method. The notification system according to claim 1.

8. The notification information is information regarding a power outage and includes recovery information for restoring the power outage. The notification system according to claim 1.

9. The notification information is information regarding a failure of equipment in which the notification system is provided and includes work information for work to address the failure. The notification system according to claim 1.

10. The notification information is work information regarding aging deterioration of equipment in which the notification system is provided and includes work information for work to address the aging deterioration. The notification system according to claim 1.

11. A notification method used in a notification system including a communication unit that transmits notification information by a first wireless communication method or transmits the notification information by a second wireless communication method different from the first wireless communication method, An acquisition step of acquiring the notification information to be transmitted externally; A switching step of switching the wireless communication method of the communication unit to either the first wireless communication method or the second wireless communication method, and In the switching step, when communication by the first wireless communication method is impossible, the wireless communication method is switched from the first wireless communication method to the second wireless communication method. Notification method.

12. A program for causing a computer system to execute the notification method according to Claim 11.

13. A notification system according to any one of Claims 1 to 10; and A contact portion that conducts or interrupts an electric circuit for supplying electric power supplied from the outside to a load to which it is electrically connected. Circuit breaker.

14. A circuit breaker according to Claim 13; and A housing that houses the circuit breaker. Distribution board.

Images