Wiring device, wiring system, program

Abstract

To provide a technology for improving user convenience.SOLUTION: An operation unit 170 accepts an operation related to load control. A first communication unit 180a transmits a notification when the operation on the operation unit 170 satisfies a predetermined condition. A display 160 displays the transmission of the notification before or after the first communication unit 180a transmits the notification. The first communication unit 180a receives a calendar in which a time period during which the operation may be performed is registered in advance. The predetermined condition is that the operation unit 170 does not accept the operation during the time period acquired from the calendar and during which the operation may be performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to wiring technology, a wiring device, a wiring system, and a program for notifying information related to an operation that receives an operation.

Background Art

[0002] An electronic information display device attached to the front surface of a wiring device embedded in a building material includes an electronic information display unit formed on an operation surface of an operation handle. The electronic information display device incorporates a contact connected between a power source and a load device such as a lighting fixture. When the on / off state of the contact incorporated in the electronic information display device is switched in response to a pressing operation of the operation handle, the on / off state between the load device and the power source, that is, the on / off state of the load device is switched (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The wiring device receives a pressing operation of the operation handle in order to switch the on / off state of the load device. It is required to improve the convenience of the user who uses such a wiring device.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of such a situation, and an object thereof is to provide a technology for improving user convenience.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, a wiring device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes an operation unit that receives an operation related to load control, a communication unit that transmits a notification when an operation on the operation unit satisfies a predetermined condition, and a display unit that displays the transmission of the notification before or after the communication unit transmits the notification. The communication unit receives a calendar in which time zones during which an operation can be performed are registered in advance, and the predetermined condition is that the operation unit does not receive an operation during the time zone obtained from the calendar and within the time zone during which an operation can be performed.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure is also a wiring device. This wiring device includes an operation unit that receives an operation related to load control, a communication unit that transmits a notification when an operation on the operation unit satisfies a predetermined condition, and a display unit that displays the transmission of the notification before or after the communication unit transmits the notification. The communication unit receives a calendar in which time zones during which an operation can be performed are registered in advance, and the predetermined condition is that the operation unit has received an operation during the time zone obtained from the calendar and within the time zone during which an operation can be performed.

[0008] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a wiring system. This wiring system includes a wiring device and a router that connects the wiring device to a network. The wiring device includes an operation unit that receives an operation related to load control, a communication unit that transmits a notification to a terminal device via the router when an operation on the operation unit satisfies a predetermined condition, and a display unit that displays the transmission of the notification before or after the communication unit transmits the notification. The communication unit receives a calendar in which time zones during which an operation can be performed are registered in advance, and the predetermined condition is that the operation unit does not receive an operation during the time zone obtained from the calendar and within the time zone during which an operation can be performed.

[0009] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is also a wiring system. This wiring system includes a wiring device and a router that connects the wiring device to a network. The wiring device includes an operation unit that receives an operation related to load control, a communication unit that transmits a notification to a terminal device via the router when an operation on the operation unit satisfies a predetermined condition, and a display unit that displays the transmission of the notification before or after the communication unit transmits the notification. The communication unit receives a calendar in which time zones during which an operation can be performed are registered in advance, and the predetermined condition is a time zone obtained from the calendar and during which an operation can be performed, and the operation unit has received an operation during that time zone.

[0010] Note that any combination of the above components, as well as those obtained by converting the expressions of the present disclosure among a method, an apparatus, a system, a computer program, or a recording medium recording the computer program, are also effective as aspects of the present disclosure.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to the present disclosure, user convenience can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

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Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] (Example 1) Before specifically describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, an overview of the embodiments will be described. Embodiment 1 relates to a wiring system including a two-wire wiring device for controlling a load. An example of the load is a lighting fixture, and by a user operating an operation unit of the wiring device, the lighting fixture can be switched between on and off. In order to improve user convenience, it is preferable that a device such as an air conditioner can also be controlled by the user operating the wiring device. In order to simplify the installation and wiring of such a wiring device, the wiring device should operate only with the power supplied by two signal lines and control the device by transmitting a wireless signal. Short-range wireless communication is used as the wireless communication that can operate with low power consumption. On the other hand, some users may want to control a device installed in a room different from the room where the wiring device is installed by operating the wiring device. At that time, the signal transmitted from the wiring device by short-range wireless communication may not reach another room.

[0014] In order to control devices installed in various rooms from another room while performing wireless communication with low power consumption, the wiring system according to this embodiment has the following configuration. A wiring device is installed in each room, and the wiring device transmits a signal by short-range wireless communication in order to control a device arranged in the same room. On the other hand, the wiring device is also compatible with another wireless communication system having a longer transmission distance than short-range wireless communication, for example, small-power wireless, and transmits a signal by small-power wireless in order to control another device arranged in another room. This signal is received by another wiring device installed in another room, and when the other wiring device receives the signal by small-power wireless, it transmits the signal by short-range wireless communication. That is, short-range wireless communication is used if the wiring device and the device are arranged in the same room, but relay of small-power wireless and short-range wireless communication is used if the wiring device and the device are arranged in different rooms.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a wiring system 1000. The wiring system 1000 includes an AC power supply 10, a first lighting fixture 20a and a second lighting fixture 20b collectively referred to as lighting fixtures 20, a conversion device 30, an air conditioner 40, an electric shutter 42, an electric lock 44, a terminal device 50, a first wiring fixture 100a and a second wiring fixture 100b collectively referred to as wiring fixtures 100. The wiring system 1000 is installed in a facility including a first room 900a and a second room 900b collectively referred to as rooms 900. The number of rooms 900 included in the facility is not limited to "2". The facility is a building equipped with lighting fixtures 20 as loads, a building in which users of the lighting fixtures 20 live, or a building temporarily used by users. A room 900 is a space partitioned by walls, doors, etc. inside the facility. Each room 900 does not have to be a completely independent space, and a part of an adjacent room 900 may be connected.

[0016] The AC power supply 10 is, for example, a commercial power supply of single-phase 100 [V], 50 or 60 [Hz]. The facility receives power supply from an electric utility such as an electric power company as the AC power supply 10, but may receive power supply from a self-generated power supply facility such as a solar power generation facility. In the first room 900a, the first lighting fixture 20a and the first wiring fixture 100a are installed, and the first lighting fixture 20a is connected to the first wiring fixture 100a. In the second room 900b, the second lighting fixture 20b and the second wiring fixture 100b are installed, and the second lighting fixture 20b is connected to the second wiring fixture 100b.

[0017] The wiring device 100 is fixed to the installation surface with its rear part embedded in an embedding hole provided in the installation surface such as the wall of each room 900. The wiring device 100 is not limited to an embedded type structure, and may have an exposed type structure directly attached to the installation surface, or may have a structure that is not fixed at a fixed position and is used at an arbitrary location. The two-wire type wiring device 100 is used in a state of being electrically connected in series with the lighting fixture 20 to the AC power supply 10. The user operates the wiring device 100 to turn on, turn off, and dim the lighting fixture 20 which is a load. Therefore, it can be said that the wiring device 100 is an operating device. The wiring device 100 has a load control function of turning on (fully turning on or dimly turning on) or turning off the lighting fixture 20 by controlling the current flowing through the lighting fixture 20 according to the operation received from the user. The lighting fixture 20 lights up when energized. The lighting fixture 20 includes, for example, a light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and a lighting circuit for lighting up the light source.

[0018] In the first room 900a, as equipment, an air conditioner 40 and an electric shutter 42 are installed, and in the second room 900b, as equipment, an electric lock 44 is installed. The first wiring device 100a includes a wireless communication interface compliant with a communication standard of short-range wireless communication such as BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy), and can communicate with the conversion device 30 and the electric shutter 42 by short-range wireless communication. The conversion device 30 can execute short-range wireless communication and can also execute infrared communication, and converts a signal of short-range wireless communication and a signal of infrared communication. Specifically described, the conversion device 30 converts the signal received from the wiring device 100 by short-range wireless communication into a signal of infrared communication, and transmits the signal of infrared communication to the air conditioner 40. Therefore, the first wiring device 100a communicates with the air conditioner 40 by short-range wireless communication and infrared communication via the conversion device 30. The conversion device 30 is, for example, attached to the ceiling or the wall, or placed on a desk or the like.

[0019] The user operates the first wiring device 100a to change the operating state of the air conditioner 40 or the electric shutter 42. The change in the operating state of the air conditioner 40 includes turning the air conditioner 40 on, off, changing the operation mode, changing the temperature, and changing the air volume. The change in the operating state of the electric shutter 42 includes opening and closing the electric shutter 42. The first wiring device 100a transmits a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the air conditioner 40 by short-range wireless communication. The air conditioner 40 receives the signal from the first wiring device 100a via the conversion device 30 by infrared communication. The air conditioner 40 operates according to an operation related to the control of the air conditioner 40. Also, the first wiring device 100a transmits a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the electric shutter 42 by short-range wireless communication. The electric shutter 42 receives the signal from the first wiring device 100a by short-range wireless communication. The electric shutter 42 operates according to an operation related to the control of the electric shutter 42.

[0020] The second wiring device 100b can communicate with the electric lock 44 by short-range wireless communication. The user operates the second wiring device 100b to change the operating state of the electric lock 44. The change in the operating state of the electric lock 44 includes locking and unlocking the electric lock 44. The second wiring device 100b transmits a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the electric lock 44 by short-range wireless communication. The electric lock 44 receives the signal from the second wiring device 100b by short-range wireless communication. The electric lock 44 operates according to an operation related to the control of the electric lock 44.

[0021] Thus, the first wiring device 100a can control the first lighting fixture 20a and devices installed in the first room 900a, and the second wiring device 100b can control the second lighting fixture 20b and devices installed in the second room 900b. To improve user convenience, it is preferable that a user in the first room 900a can control the second lighting fixture 20b or the electric lock 44 in the second room 900b by operating the first wiring device 100a. Also, it is preferable that a user in the second room 900b can operate the first lighting fixture 20a, the air conditioner 40, or the electric shutter 42 in the first room 900a by operating the second wiring device 100b. However, the first wiring device 100a cannot control the current flowing through the second lighting fixture 20b, and the second wiring device 100b cannot control the current flowing through the first lighting fixture 20a. Also, in short-range wireless communication, signal transmission across the room 900 becomes unstable.

[0022] In addition to short-range wireless communication, the wiring device 100 according to this embodiment can also perform low-power wireless communication. Generally, the transmission distance of low-power wireless communication is longer than that of short-range wireless communication. A user in the first room 900a operates the first wiring device 100a to change the operating state of the second lighting fixture 20b or the electric lock 44. The first wiring device 100a transmits a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the second lighting fixture 20b or the electric lock 44 to the second wiring device 100b by low-power wireless communication. The second wiring device 100b receives the signal from the first wiring device 100a by low-power wireless communication.

[0023] When the second wiring device 100b receives a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the second lighting fixture 20b, it controls the second lighting fixture 20b by controlling the current. On the other hand, when the second wiring device 100b receives a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the electric lock 44, it transmits the signal indicating an operation related to the control of the electric lock 44 by short-range wireless communication. The electric lock 44 receives the signal from the second wiring device 100b by short-range wireless communication. The electric lock 44 operates according to the operation related to the control of the electric lock 44.

[0024] A user in the second room 900b operates the second wiring device 100b to change the operating state of the first lighting fixture 20a, the air conditioner 40, or the electric shutter 42. The second wiring device 100b transmits a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the first lighting fixture 20a, the air conditioner 40, or the electric shutter 42 to the first wiring device 100a by low-power wireless communication. The first wiring device 100a receives the signal from the second wiring device 100b by low-power wireless communication.

[0025] When the first wiring device 100a receives a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the first lighting fixture 20a, it controls the first lighting fixture 20a by controlling the current. On the other hand, when the first wiring device 100a receives a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the air conditioner 40 or the electric shutter 42, it transmits the signal indicating the operation related to the control of the air conditioner 40 or the electric shutter 42 by short-range wireless communication. The air conditioner 40 or the electric shutter 42 operates according to the operation related to the control of the air conditioner 40 or the electric shutter 42 as before.

[0026] The terminal device 50 in the first room 900a is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal device, or a personal computer, and can perform short-range wireless communication such as BLE. The application executed in the terminal device 50 receives an operation from the user to change the operating state of the lighting fixture 20 or the device. The terminal device 50 transmits a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the lighting fixture 20 or the device to the first wiring device 100a by short-range wireless communication. The first wiring device 100a receives the signal from the terminal device 50 by short-range wireless communication.

[0027] When the first wiring device 100a receives a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the first lighting fixture 20a, it controls the first lighting fixture 20a by controlling the current. When the first wiring device 100a receives a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the air conditioner 40 or the electric shutter 42, it transmits the signal indicating the operation related to the control of the air conditioner 40 or the electric shutter 42 by short-range wireless communication. The subsequent processing is the same as before.

[0028] When the first wiring device 100a receives a signal indicating an operation related to the second lighting fixture 20b or the electric lock 44, it transmits the signal indicating the operation related to the second lighting fixture 20b or the electric lock 44 to the second wiring device 100b by low-power wireless. When the second wiring device 100b receives the signal from the first wiring device 100a by low-power wireless, it executes the same processing as before.

[0029] Figure 2 shows the configuration of the wiring device 100. The wiring device 100 includes connection terminals 110, connection terminals 112, a load control circuit 120, a phase detection unit 130, a power supply unit 150, a display 160, an operation unit 170, a first communication unit 180a and a second communication unit 180b collectively referred to as a communication unit 180, a light source 190, a control unit 400, a storage unit 410, a diode D1, and a diode D2. The load control circuit 120 includes a bidirectional switch 200 and a switch driving unit 210. The bidirectional switch 200 includes switch elements Q1 and Q2. The switch driving unit 210 includes a first driving unit 220 and a second driving unit 222. The phase detection unit 130 includes a first detection unit 300 and a second detection unit 310. The power supply unit 150 includes a power supply circuit 500, a DC-DC conversion circuit 520, a charging circuit 530, a storage element 540, and a discharge circuit 550. The power supply circuit 500 includes a first power supply unit 510, a second power supply unit 512, and a capacitor C1.

[0030] Hereinafter, it will be described in the order of (1) basic operation, (2) control of devices in the same room, (3) control of lighting fixtures 20 and devices in another room, (4) control from another room, and (5) additional operation. (1) Basic operation A pair of connection terminals 110 and 112 are electrically connected between the AC power supply 10 and the lighting fixture 20. A series circuit of the AC power supply 10 and the lighting fixture 20 is electrically connected to the pair of connection terminals 110 and 112 via a pair of electric wires W1 and W2.

[0031] The load control circuit 120 is electrically connected between the pair of connection terminals 110 and 112 to control the current flowing through the lighting fixture 20. The bidirectional switch 200 in the load control circuit 120 switches between blocking and passing the bidirectional current between the connection terminals 110 and 112. The bidirectional switch 200 includes, for example, two elements, a switch element Q1 and a switch element Q2, which are electrically connected in series between the connection terminals 110 and 112. For example, each of the switch element Q1 and the switch element Q2 is a semiconductor switch element including an enhancement-type n-channel MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor).

[0032] The switch driving unit 210 is connected to the bidirectional switch 200. The first driving unit 220 of the switch driving unit 210 switches the on / off state of the switch element Q1 according to the first control signal Sb1 input from the control unit 400. The second driving unit 222 switches the on / off state of the switch element Q2 according to the second control signal Sb2 input from the control unit 400. By the combination of the on / off states of the switch element Q1 and the switch element Q2, the on state (conducting state) in which current flows bidirectionally between the connection terminals 110 and 112 and the off state (blocking state) in which no current flows are switched. The lighting fixture 20 lights up in the conducting state and goes off in the blocking state. Even when the load control circuit 120 makes the connection between the pair of connection terminals 110 and 112 in the conducting state, it is necessary to ensure a period during which the power supply circuit 500 obtains power from the AC power supply 10. Therefore, the load control circuit 120 intermittently makes the connection between the pair of connection terminals 110 and 112 in the conducting state, for example.

[0033] The phase detection unit 130 detects the phase of the AC voltage Vac of the AC power supply 10 applied between the connection terminal 110 and the connection terminal 112. The "phase" includes the zero-crossing point of the AC voltage Vac and the polarity (positive polarity, negative polarity) of the AC voltage Vac. When the phase detection unit 130 detects the zero-crossing point of the AC voltage Vac, it outputs a detection signal to the control unit 400. The first detection unit 300 of the phase detection unit 130 is electrically connected to the connection terminal 110, and the second detection unit 310 is electrically connected to the connection terminal 112. The first detection unit 300 detects the zero-crossing point when the AC voltage Vac transitions from the negative half-cycle to the positive half-cycle. The second detection unit 310 detects the zero-crossing point when the AC voltage Vac transitions from the positive half-cycle to the negative half-cycle.

[0034] Specifically, when the first detection unit 300 detects that the voltage with the connection terminal 110 as the positive electrode has shifted from a state below the specified value to a state above the specified value, it determines it as the zero-crossing point and outputs the first detection signal Zc1 to the control unit 400. When the second detection unit 310 detects that the voltage with the connection terminal 112 as the positive electrode has shifted from a state below the specified value to a state above the specified value, it determines it as the zero-crossing point and outputs the second detection signal Zc2 to the control unit 400. The specified value is a value (absolute value) set near 0 [V]. For example, the specified value of the first detection unit 300 is about + several [V], and the specified value of the second detection unit 310 is about - several [V].

[0035] The control unit 400 controls the bidirectional switch 200 based on the detection signal from the phase detection unit 130 and the detection signal from the operation unit 170 described later. The control unit 400 controls each of the switch elements Q1 and Q2 separately. Specifically, the control unit 400 controls the switch element Q1 according to the first control signal Sb1 and controls the switch element Q2 according to the second control signal Sb2. Also, the control unit 400 switches the charging unit that passes the charging current to the capacitor C1 described later to either the first power supply unit 510 or the second power supply unit 512. The control unit 400 selects the first power supply unit 510 in the off mode for turning off the lighting fixture 20 and selects the second power supply unit 512 in the lighting mode for dimming or fully lighting the lighting fixture 20 as the charging unit that passes the charging current to the capacitor C1.

[0036] The control unit 400 mainly consists of, for example, a microcomputer. The microcomputer realizes the functions as the control unit 400 by executing a program recorded in the memory of the microcomputer with a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The program may be recorded in advance in the memory of the microcomputer, or may be provided by being recorded in a recording medium such as a memory card, or provided through a telecommunication line.

[0037] The power supply circuit 500 obtains electric power from the AC power supply 10 via the pair of connection terminals 110 and 112 during the period when the pair of connection terminals 110 and 112 are non-conductive in the intermittent conduction state. The power supply circuit 500 generates electric power for operating the load control circuit 120 with the electric power supplied from the AC power supply 10 via the connection terminals 110 and 112.

[0038] The power supply circuit 500 is electrically connected to the connection terminal 110 via the diode D1 and electrically connected to the connection terminal 112 via the diode D2. Also, the ground of the power supply circuit 500 is electrically connected to the connection point of the parasitic diodes provided in each of the two switching elements Q1 and Q2. Thereby, the AC voltage Vac applied between the connection terminals 110 and 112 is full-wave rectified by the diode bridge composed of the diode D1, the diode D2, and the parasitic diodes provided in each of the switching elements Q1 and Q2, and supplied to the power supply circuit 500. Therefore, when the bidirectional switch 200 is in the off state, a full-wave rectified AC voltage Vac (pulsating DC voltage output from the diode bridge) is applied to the power supply circuit 500.

[0039] The capacitor C1 of the power supply circuit 500 is charged by the first power supply unit 510 or the second power supply unit 512. The DC-DC conversion circuit 520 converts the voltage across the capacitor C1 into a DC voltage of a predetermined voltage value (for example, 3V). The output voltage of the DC-DC conversion circuit 520 is supplied to the control unit 400 and the charging circuit 530. Also, the power supply circuit 500 supplies a voltage obtained by stepping down or stepping up the output voltage of the DC-DC conversion circuit 520 to about 9V, for example, to the switch driving unit 210. The power supply circuit 500 generates operating power for operating the load control circuit 120 (control unit 400, switch driving unit 210, and bidirectional switch 200) with the power obtained from the AC power supply 10.

[0040] The first power supply unit 510 is a circuit that allows current to flow from the connection terminals 110 and 112 to the capacitor C1 in the off mode for turning off the lighting fixture 20, and is a constant voltage circuit such as a series regulator circuit, for example. The second power supply unit 512 is a circuit that allows current to flow from the connection terminals 110 and 112 to the capacitor C1 in the on mode for turning on (dimming on or full on) the lighting fixture 20. In the on mode, since the bidirectional switch 200 conducts during the conduction period corresponding to the dimming level of the lighting fixture 20, the second power supply unit 512 charges the capacitor C1 during the off period (non-conducting period) from the zero-crossing point of the AC voltage Vac until the bidirectional switch 200 switches to the on state. Therefore, compared to the off mode, the period during which the charging current flows through the capacitor C1 is short, and particularly at full on, the magnitude (absolute value) of the AC voltage Vac is small during the period when the charging current flows, so the second power supply unit 512 needs to charge the capacitor C1 in a short time. For this reason, the impedance of the second power supply unit 512 as seen from the connection terminals 110 and 112 is lower than that of the first power supply unit 510, and the second power supply unit 512 charges the capacitor C1 in a shorter time than the first power supply unit 510.

[0041] Since the display 160 provided in the wiring device 100 is a self - holding type display, the power consumption increases at the timing of changing the display content, and there is a possibility that the capacitor C1 of the power supply circuit 500 cannot supply the power required for operation. Therefore, the wiring device 100 is further provided with a power storage element 540 having a larger capacitance than the capacitor C1 of the power supply circuit 500. The power storage element 540 is, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium - ion battery, a lithium - polymer battery, a nickel - metal hydride battery, an all - solid - state battery, or a power storage element such as an electric double - layer capacitor. The charging circuit 530 charges the power storage element 540 with a part of the current supplied from the power supply circuit 500. As a result, the power storage element 540 is charged by the power supply circuit 500.

[0042] The discharge circuit 550 supplies power to the display 160, the operation unit 170, the first communication unit 180a, the second communication unit 180b, and the light source 190 using the power storage element 540 as a power source. That is, the discharge circuit 550 discharges from the power storage element 540, converts (for example, steps down) the voltage of the power storage element 540 into a DC voltage of a predetermined voltage value, and applies it to the display 160, the operation unit 170, the first communication unit 180a, the second communication unit 180b, and the light source 190. Also, the discharge circuit 550 discharges from the power storage element 540 at the power supply timing and stops discharging from the power storage element 540 during the power supply stop period other than the power supply timing.

[0043] The display 160 is, for example, a self - holding type display. A self - holding type display is a display in which the power consumption when holding the display content is smaller than the power consumption when changing the display content. The display 160 is, for example, an electronic paper capable of two - color display of white and black. The colors that the electronic paper can display are not limited to black and white, and may be three or more colors. The display content of the display 160 is rewritten by the control unit 400.

[0044] The operation unit 170 is, for example, a touch sensor attached to the entire surface of the display 160. The touch sensor is a well-known type of touch sensor such as a resistive film type, a capacitance type, or an electromagnetic induction type. It detects an operation where a user touches the surface of the touch sensor with a finger or a pen (such as operations like tap, flick, swipe, drag, etc.), and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the operation to the control unit 400. The operation unit 170 is not limited to a touch sensor, and any configuration that receives a user's operation and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the operation to the control unit 400 is acceptable. For example, it may be a push button switch, a variable resistor, or a rotary switch, etc. The operation unit 170 receives operations related to the control of the first lighting fixture 20a and operations related to the control of the device.

[0045] When the lighting fixture 20 is connected between the connection terminals 110 and 112 via the wiring fixture 100 in this way and the AC power supply 10 is connected, the AC voltage Vac applied between the connection terminals 110 and 112 from the AC power supply 10 is rectified and supplied to the power supply unit 150. Since the lighting fixture 20 is in the off state at startup, the capacitor C1 is charged via the first power supply unit 510, and a voltage necessary for operation is supplied from the capacitor C1 to the control unit 400 and the like, and the control unit 400 is started up. Also, when a current flows from the power supply circuit 500 to the charging circuit 530, the charging circuit 530 charges the energy storage element 540.

[0046] When the control unit 400 is started up, the control unit 400 determines the frequency of the AC power supply 10 based on the detection signal of the phase detection unit 130. The control unit 400 refers to a numerical table stored in advance in the memory according to the determined frequency and sets parameters such as various times. When the operation unit 170 has not received an operation to turn on the lighting fixture 20, the control unit 400 controls the bidirectional switch 200 to be in the off state, thereby controlling the lighting fixture 20 to be in the off state.

[0047] Figs. 3(a)-(b) show the appearance of the wiring device 100. In Fig. 3(a), an image G1 indicating that the lighting fixture 20 is in the off state is displayed on the display 160. The image G1 is a display image of a switch mode (hereinafter referred to as the "first switch mode") for displaying or changing the operating state of the lighting fixture 20 to be displayed. In the center of the upper part of the image G1, a label area R1 is arranged, and in the label area R1, the characters "Main Lighting", which is the name of the lighting fixture 20 to be displayed, are displayed. The lighting fixture 20 to be displayed is, for example, the first lighting fixture 20a for the first wiring device 100a and the second lighting fixture 20b for the second wiring device 100b. Below the label area R1, a notification area R2 indicating the state of the lighting fixture 20 is arranged, and in the notification area R2, a symbol indicating the off state and the characters "Off" are displayed. To the left of the label area R1, an operation area R3 is arranged, and in the operation area R3, a symbol "<" indicating the left direction is displayed. To the right of the label area R1, an operation area R4 is arranged, and in the operation area R4, a symbol ">" indicating the right direction is displayed.

[0048] When the user wants to turn on the lighting fixture 20 to be displayed, the user presses down the operation unit 170 provided below the display 160. The operation unit 170 is, for example, a push button switch. The operation unit 170 outputs a detection signal corresponding to the pressing operation to the control unit 400. Also, when the user wants to turn on the lighting fixture 20 to be displayed, the user may perform a touch operation on the notification area R2 of the image G1. In this case, the touch sensor in the notification area R2 corresponds to the operation unit 170. When the notification area R2 of the image G1 is touched, the operation unit 170 receives the user's operation and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the operation to the control unit 400. The control unit 400 controls the conduction period of the bidirectional switch 200 based on the detection signal input from the operation unit 170 and the detection result of the phase detection unit 130, thereby controlling the current flowing through the lighting fixture 20 to turn on the lighting fixture 20.

[0049] In FIG. 3(b), an image G2 indicating that the lighting fixture 20 is in the lit state is displayed on the display 160. In the notification area R2 of the image G2, a symbol indicating the lit state and the characters "Lit 100%" are displayed. When turning off the lighting fixture 20 to be displayed, the user presses down the operation unit 170 provided below the display 160 or performs a touch operation on the notification area R2 of the image G2. When a detection signal is input from the operation unit 170, the control unit 400 cuts off the current to turn off the lighting fixture 20. The image displayed on the display 160 is not limited to the images in FIGS. 3(a)-(b).

[0050] (2) Control of Devices in the Same Room Here, as an example, the processing in the first room 900a in FIG. 1 will be described. This is the case of controlling the air conditioner 40 or the electric shutter 42 from the first wiring device 100a. The same may be done when controlling the electric lock 44 from the second wiring device 100b in the second room 900b.

[0051] FIGS. 4(a)-(d) show an overview of the operation of the wiring device 100, particularly the first wiring device 100a. FIG. 4(a) shows an image G3 displayed on the display 160 when the operation area R3 or the operation area R4 in FIGS. 3(a)-(b) is operated. The image G3 is a display image in a switch mode (hereinafter referred to as the "second switch mode") for displaying or changing the operation state of a device or the lighting fixture 20 in another room 900. A label area R1 is arranged at the center of the upper part of the image G3, and the characters "Device" are displayed in the label area R1. Below the label area R1, a selection area R10 with the characters and an icon of "Air conditioner", a selection area R11 with the characters and an icon of "Shutter", and a selection area R12 with the characters and an icon of "Sub lighting" are arranged. "Air conditioner" corresponds to the air conditioner 40, "Shutter" corresponds to the electric shutter 42, and "Sub lighting" corresponds to the second lighting fixture 20b.

[0052] When controlling the air conditioner 40, when the user touches the selection area R10, the operation unit 170 receives an instruction to change the control mode of the air conditioner 40. When the control unit 400 receives an instruction to change from the operation unit 170, the control unit 400 causes the display 160 to display a display screen of the control mode of the air conditioner 40. FIG. 4(b) shows an image G4 displayed on the display 160. The image G4 is a display screen of the control mode of the air conditioner 40. Information on the operation mode, air volume, air direction, and temperature is displayed in the image G4. When the user touches the area of the information to be controlled, the operation unit 170 receives an operation related to the control of the air conditioner 40. For example, when the user touches the information on the air volume, the operation unit 170 receives an operation related to the control of changing the air volume of the air conditioner 40. The operation unit 170 outputs an operation related to the control of the air conditioner 40 to the control unit 400. FIGS. 4(c)-(d) will be described later, and the description returns to FIG. 2.

[0053] The control unit 400 receives an operation related to the control of the air conditioner 40 from the operation unit 170. The control unit 400 determines the output destination of the signal indicating the received operation. At that time, the control unit 400 refers to a table stored in the storage unit 410. FIGS. 5(a)-(c) show the data structure of the table stored in the storage unit 410. In FIG. 5(a), the transmission destination for each of the lighting fixture 20 and the device to be controlled and the communication unit 180 to be used are shown. When the control target is the air conditioner 40, the control unit 400 selects the conversion device 30 in FIG. 1 as the transmission destination and selects the first communication unit 180a as the communication unit 180 to be used. The control unit 400 outputs a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the air conditioner 40 to the selected first communication unit 180a. FIGS. 5(b)-(c) will be described later, and the description returns to FIG. 2.

[0054] The first communication unit 180a is a wireless communication interface compliant with a communication standard for short-range wireless communication such as BLE, and includes a transmission unit for transmitting signals and a reception unit for receiving signals. As described above, the first communication unit 180a can communicate with the conversion device 30 and the electric shutter 42 in FIG. 1 by short-range wireless communication. The first communication unit 180a transmits, by short-range wireless communication, a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the air conditioner 40 to the conversion device 30. The subsequent processing is as described above, and the air conditioner 40 operates according to the control.

[0055] On the other hand, when controlling the electric shutter 42, when the user touches the selection area R11, the operation unit 170 receives an instruction to change to the control mode of the electric shutter 42. When the operation unit 170 receives an instruction to change, the control unit 400 causes the display screen of the control mode of the electric shutter 42 to be displayed on the display 160. The display screen of the control mode of the electric shutter 42 is shown in the same way as FIG. 4(b). By performing the same operation as in the case of the air conditioner 40, the operation unit 170 receives an operation related to the control of the electric shutter 42. The operation unit 170 outputs an operation related to the control of the electric shutter 42 to the control unit 400.

[0056] The control unit 400 receives an operation related to the control of the electric shutter 42 from the operation unit 170. While referring to the table stored in the storage unit 410, the control unit 400 selects the electric shutter 42 as the transmission destination and selects the first communication unit 180a as the communication unit to be used. The control unit 400 outputs a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the electric shutter 42 to the selected first communication unit 180a. The first communication unit 180a transmits, by short-range wireless communication, a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the electric shutter 42 to the electric shutter 42. The subsequent processing is as described above, and the electric shutter 42 operates according to the control.

[0057] (3) Control of Lighting Fixtures and Devices in Another Room Here, as an example, the case of controlling the lighting fixture 20 and equipment from the first room 900a to the second room 900b in FIG. 1 will be described. This is the case of controlling the second lighting fixture 20b or the electric lock 44 from the first wiring fixture 100a.

[0058] As described above, the "sub - illumination" of the image G3 shown in FIG. 4(a) corresponds to the second lighting fixture 20b. When controlling the second lighting fixture 20b, when the user touches the selection area R12, the operation unit 170 receives an instruction to change to the control mode of the second lighting fixture 20b. When the operation unit 170 receives the change instruction, the control unit 400 causes the display screen of the control mode of the second lighting fixture 20b to be displayed on the display 160. The display screen of the control mode of the second lighting fixture 20b may be shown in the same way as the image G1 or the image G2 in FIGS. 3(a) - (b). At that time, the character "sub - illumination", which is the name of the second lighting fixture 20b to be displayed, is displayed in the label area R1. By performing the same operation as in the case of the first lighting fixture 20a, the operation unit 170 receives operations related to the control of the second lighting fixture 20b. The operation unit 170 outputs operations related to the control of the second lighting fixture 20b to the control unit 400.

[0059] The control unit 400 receives operations related to the control of the second lighting fixture 20b from the operation unit 170. While referring to the table stored in the storage unit 410, the control unit 400 selects the second lighting fixture 20b as the transmission destination and selects the second communication unit 180b as the communication unit 180 to be used. The control unit 400 outputs a signal indicating the operation related to the control of the second lighting fixture 20b to the selected second communication unit 180b.

[0060] The second communication unit 180b is a wireless communication interface compliant with low-power wireless, and includes a transmission unit for transmitting a signal and a reception unit for receiving a signal. The frequency of the low-power wireless is, for example, 900 MHz to 1000 MHz, which is lower than the 2.4 GHz band frequency of BLE. Therefore, the low-power wireless can transmit over a longer distance than short-range wireless communication. That is, the signal transmitted from the first communication unit 180a is less likely to be received by the device present in the second room 900b, while the signal transmitted from the second communication unit 180b is more likely to be received by the device present in the second room 900b. Here, when the short-range wireless communication is called the "first communication method", the low-power wireless is called a "second communication method" different from the first communication method. The second communication unit 180b transmits, by low-power wireless, a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the second lighting fixture 20b to the second wiring fixture 100b.

[0061] The second communication unit 180b of the second wiring fixture 100b receives, by low-power wireless, a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the second lighting fixture 20b from the first wiring fixture 100a. The storage unit 410 stores the table shown in FIG. 5(b). FIG. 5(b) is shown in the same way as FIG. 5(a). The control unit 400 identifies the transmission destination and the communication unit 180 from the control target of the signal received in the second communication unit 180b by referring to the table in the storage unit 410. When the control target is the second lighting fixture 20b, the control unit 400 controls the second lighting fixture 20b by controlling the current, in the same way as when the first wiring fixture 100a controls the first lighting fixture 20a.

[0062] On the one hand, when the image G3 shown in FIG. 4(a) includes an "electric lock", the user touches the area of the display 160 where the icon of the electric lock 44 is displayed in order to control the electric lock 44. Subsequently, by performing the same operations as before, the operation unit 170 receives an operation related to the control of the electric lock 44. The operation unit 170 outputs an operation related to the control of the electric lock 44 to the control unit 400. The control unit 400 receives an operation related to the control of the electric lock 44 from the operation unit 170. While referring to the table stored in the storage unit 410, the control unit 400 selects the second lighting fixture 20b as the transmission destination and selects the second communication unit 180b as the communication unit 180 to be used. The control unit 400 outputs a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the electric lock 44 to the selected second communication unit 180b. The second communication unit 180b transmits a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the electric lock 44 to the second wiring fixture 100b by low-power radio.

[0063] The second communication unit 180b of the second wiring fixture 100b receives a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the electric lock 44 from the first wiring fixture 100a by low-power radio. By referring to the table in the storage unit 410, the control unit 400 identifies the transmission destination and the communication unit 180 from the control target of the signal received by the second communication unit 180b. When the control target is the electric lock 44, the control unit 400 selects the electric lock 44 as the transmission destination and selects the first communication unit 180a as the communication unit 180. The first communication unit 180a transmits a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the electric lock 44 to the electric lock 44 by short-range wireless communication. The subsequent processing is as described above, and the electric lock 44 operates according to the control.

[0064] (4) Control from Another Room Here, as an example, the case of controlling the lighting fixture 20 and devices in the first room 900a from the second room 900b in FIG. 1 will be described. This is the case of controlling the first lighting fixture 20a or the air conditioner 40 or the electric shutter 42 from the second wiring fixture 100b. That is, this corresponds to the control in the reverse direction of (3) controlling the lighting fixture 20 and devices in another room.

[0065] On the display 160 of the second wiring device 100b, an image G3 similar to that in Fig. 4(a) is displayed. At this time, instead of "air conditioner", "shutter", and "sub - lighting", the characters and icons of "electric lock" may be shown. "Electric lock" corresponds to the electric lock 44, and "sub - lighting" corresponds to the first lighting device 20a.

[0066] When controlling the first lighting device 20a, the user performs the same operation on the second wiring device 100b as before. Then, the operation unit 170 receives an operation related to the control of the first lighting device 20a. The operation unit 170 outputs the operation related to the control of the first lighting device 20a to the control unit 400. The control unit 400 receives the operation related to the control of the first lighting device 20a from the operation unit 170. While referring to the table stored in the storage unit 410, the control unit 400 selects the first wiring device 100a as the transmission destination and selects the second communication unit 180b as the communication unit 180 to be used. The control unit 400 outputs a signal indicating the operation related to the control of the first lighting device 20a to the selected second communication unit 180b. The second communication unit 180b transmits the signal indicating the operation related to the control of the first lighting device 20a to the first wiring device 100a by low - power radio.

[0067] The second communication unit 180b of the first wiring device 100a receives, by low - power radio, the signal indicating the operation related to the control of the first lighting device 20a from the second wiring device 100b. By referring to the table in the storage unit 410, the control unit 400 identifies the transmission destination and the communication unit 180 from the control target of the signal received by the second communication unit 180b. When the control target is the first lighting device 20a, the control unit 400 controls the first lighting device 20a as described above.

[0068] On the other hand, when controlling the air conditioner 40 or the electric shutter 42, the user performs the same operation as before on the second wiring device 100b, and the operation unit 170 receives an operation related to the control of the air conditioner 40 or the electric shutter 42. The operation unit 170 outputs an operation related to the control of the air conditioner 40 or the electric shutter 42 to the control unit 400.

[0069] The control unit 400 receives an operation related to the control of the air conditioner 40 or the electric shutter 42 from the operation unit 170. While referring to the table stored in the storage unit 410, the control unit 400 selects the first wiring device 100a as the transmission destination and selects the second communication unit 180b as the communication unit 180 to be used. The control unit 400 outputs a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the air conditioner 40 or the electric shutter 42 to the selected second communication unit 180b. The second communication unit 180b transmits a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the air conditioner 40 or the electric shutter 42 to the first wiring device 100a by low-power radio.

[0070] The second communication unit 180b of the first wiring device 100a receives a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the air conditioner 40 or the electric shutter 42 from the second wiring device 100b by low-power radio. That is, when the second wiring device 100b receives an operation related to the control of the device, the second communication unit 180b receives a signal indicating the operation related to the control of the device from the second wiring device 100b. By referring to the table in the storage unit 410, the control unit 400 identifies the transmission destination and the communication unit 180 from the control target of the signal received by the second communication unit 180b. When the control target is the air conditioner 40, the control unit 400 selects the conversion device 30 as the transmission destination and selects the first communication unit 180a as the communication unit 180 to be used. The first communication unit 180a transmits a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the air conditioner 40 to the conversion device 30 by short-range radio. The subsequent processing is as described above, and the air conditioner 40 operates according to the control.

[0071] When the control target is the electric shutter 42, the control unit 400 selects the electric shutter 42 as the transmission destination and selects the first communication unit 180a as the communication unit 180 to be used. The first communication unit 180a transmits a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the electric shutter 42 to the electric shutter 42 by short-range wireless communication. The subsequent processing is as described above, and the electric shutter 42 operates according to the control. In this way, when the second communication unit 180b receives a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the device, the first communication unit 180a transmits the signal indicating the operation related to the control of the device to the device.

[0072] (5) Additional operation The light source 190 in FIG. 2 can irradiate light onto the display 160 and is, for example, an LED. The control unit 400 determines whether to turn on the light source 190 according to whether the lighting fixture 20 connected to the connection terminals 110 and 112 is turned on. For this determination, the control unit 400 refers to a table stored in the storage unit 410. FIG. 5(c) shows the data structure of the table stored in the storage unit 410. The table shows the relationship between the lighting / extinguishing of the lighting fixture 20 and the lighting / extinguishing of the light source 190. As shown in the figure, when the lighting fixture 20 is lit, the extinguishing of the light source 190 is determined, and when the lighting fixture 20 is extinguished, the lighting of the light source 190 is determined. As a result, the light source 190 is extinguished when power from the AC power supply 10 is supplied to the lighting fixture 20, and the light source 190 is lit when the power from the AC power supply 10 to the lighting fixture 20 is cut off. Here, when the lighting fixture 20 is lit, it corresponds to the lighting mode in which the connection terminals 110 and 112 are in a conductive state, and when the lighting fixture 20 is extinguished, it corresponds to the extinguishing mode in which the connection terminals 110 and 112 are in an open state.

[0073] The control of each lighting fixture 20 and each device is possible not only from each wiring fixture 100 but also from the terminal device 50 carried by the user. The terminal device 50 is, as described above, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal device, or a personal computer, and is capable of performing short-range wireless communication such as BLE. When the user carrying the terminal device 50 is present in, for example, the first room 900a, the user causes the terminal device 50 to execute an application for controlling the lighting fixture 20 or the device. The terminal device 50 receives an operation from the user for changing the operating state of the lighting fixture 20 or the device. The terminal device 50 transmits a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the lighting fixture 20 or the device to the first wiring fixture 100a by short-range wireless communication.

[0074] The first communication unit 180a of the first wiring fixture 100a receives, by short-range wireless communication, a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the lighting fixture 20 or the device from the terminal device 50. The control unit 400 receives an operation related to the control of the lighting fixture 20 or the device from the first communication unit 180a. The control unit 400 determines the output destination of the signal indicating the received operation. At that time, the control unit 400 refers to a table stored in the storage unit 410. The subsequent processing is the same as before, but when an operation related to the control of the first lighting fixture 20a is received, the control unit 400 controls the first lighting fixture 20a. Also, when an operation related to the control of the air conditioner 40 or the electric shutter 42 is received, the first communication unit 180a transmits, by short-range wireless communication, a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the air conditioner 40 or the electric shutter 42. Further, when an operation related to the control of the second lighting fixture 20b or the electric lock 44 is received, the second communication unit 180b transmits, by low-power wireless, a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the second lighting fixture 20b or the electric lock 44.

[0075] To further improve the convenience for the user, the wiring system 1000 may execute the following process. This is a process of automatically locking the electric lock 44 when the user turns off the first lighting fixture 20a to go to bed, assuming that the first room 900a is a bedroom.

[0076] The user operates the operation unit 170 of the first wiring device 100a to turn off the first lighting fixture 20a. In response to the operation received by the operation unit 170, the control unit 400 controls the load control circuit 120 to switch the first lighting fixture 20a from being lit to being turned off. The load control circuit 120 switches the first lighting fixture 20a from being lit to being turned off in response to the control from the control unit 400. This corresponds to cutting off the power from the AC power supply 10 to the lighting fixture 20 by switching the connection between the connection terminal 110 and the connection terminal 112 from a conductive state to an open state. When the control unit 400 turns off the first lighting fixture 20a, as an operation related to the control of the electric lock 44, the control unit 400 outputs an operation of locking the electric lock 44 to the second communication unit 180b. The second communication unit 180b transmits a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the electric lock 44, that is, an operation related to locking the electric lock 44, to the second wiring device 100b by low-power radio.

[0077] Subsequent processing of the second wiring device 100b is the same as before. The second communication unit 180b of the second wiring device 100b receives a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the electric lock 44 from the first wiring device 100a by low-power radio. In response to this, the first communication unit 180a transmits a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the electric lock 44 to the electric lock 44 by short-range wireless communication. The electric lock 44 locks according to the control.

[0078] To further improve the convenience for the user, the wiring system 1000 may execute the following process. This is also a process of checking the locked or unlocked state of the electric lock 44 when the user turns off the first lighting fixture 20a for bedtime, assuming that the first room 900a is a bedroom.

[0079] The user operates the operation unit 170 of the first wiring device 100a to turn off the first lighting fixture 20a. In response to the operation received by the operation unit 170, the control unit 400 controls the load control circuit 120 to switch the first lighting fixture 20a from being lit to being turned off. When the control unit 400 turns off the first lighting fixture 20a, it causes the second communication unit 180b to transmit a request signal for checking the state of the electric lock 44. The second communication unit 180b transmits the request signal to the second wiring device 100b by low-power radio.

[0080] The second communication unit 180b of the second wiring device 100b receives the request signal from the first wiring device 100a by low-power radio. When the control unit 400 receives the request signal from the second communication unit 180b, it uses short-range wireless communication in the first communication unit 180a to obtain the state of the electric lock 44. When the control unit 400 obtains the state of the electric lock 44, it causes the second communication unit 180b to transmit a response signal indicating the state of the electric lock 44. The second communication unit 180b transmits the response signal to the first wiring device 100a by low-power radio.

[0081] The second communication unit 180b of the first wiring device 100a receives the response signal from the second wiring device 100b by low-power radio. When the control unit 400 receives the response signal from the second communication unit 180b, it causes the state of the electric lock 44 to be displayed on the display 160. Fig. 4(c) shows an image G5 displayed on the display 160 when the electric lock 44 is unlocked, and Fig. 4(d) shows an image G6 displayed on the display 160 when the electric lock 44 is locked.

[0082] The subject of the device, system, or method in the present disclosure includes a computer. By executing a program on this computer, the functions of the subject of the device, system, or method in the present disclosure are realized. The computer mainly includes a processor that operates according to the program as a hardware configuration. The type of the processor is not limited as long as it can realize functions by executing the program. The processor is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or LSI (Large Scale Integration). The plurality of electronic circuits may be integrated on one chip or provided on a plurality of chips. The plurality of chips may be integrated into one device or provided in a plurality of devices. The program is recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a computer-readable ROM, optical disk, or hard disk drive. The program may be pre-stored in the recording medium or supplied to the recording medium via a wide area communication network including the Internet or the like.

[0083] The operation of the wiring system 1000 configured as above will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure by the wiring device 100, particularly the first wiring device 100a. If the operation unit 170 does not receive an operation (N in S10) and the first communication unit 180a does not receive an operation (N in S12), and if the second communication unit 180b receives an operation (S14), the process proceeds to step 16. If the operation unit 170 receives an operation (Y in S10) or the first communication unit 180a receives an operation (Y in S12), the process proceeds to step 16.

[0084] When controlling the first lighting fixture 20a (Y in S16), the load control circuit 120 controls the current (S18). When not controlling the first lighting fixture 20a (N in S16), if the control target is the first room 900a (Y in S20), the control unit 400 uses the first communication unit 180a (S22). If the control target is not the first room 900a (N in S20), the control unit 400 uses the second communication unit 180b (S24).

[0085] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing a processing procedure by the wiring system 1000. The first wiring device 100a receives an operation by a user (S100). The first wiring device 100a controls current (S102). The first lighting fixture 20a is turned off (S104). The first wiring device 100a transmits an operation signal indicating the locking operation of the electric lock 44 by low-power radio (S106). When the second wiring device 100b receives the operation signal by low-power radio, it transmits the operation signal by short-range wireless communication (S108). The electric lock 44 is locked (S110).

[0086] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing another processing procedure by the wiring system 1000. The first wiring device 100a receives an operation by a user (S200). The first wiring device 100a controls current (S202). The first lighting fixture 20a is turned off (S204). The first wiring device 100a transmits a request signal by low-power radio (S206). When the second wiring device 100b receives the request signal by low-power radio, it transmits a status request to the electric lock 44 by short-range communication (S208). The electric lock 44 transmits status information to the second wiring device 100b by short-range wireless communication (S210). The second wiring device 100b transmits a response signal including the status information by low-power radio (S212). The first wiring device 100a displays the status information (S214).

[0087] Hereinafter, another configuration of the wiring system 1000 is shown. FIG. 9 shows the configuration of the wiring system 1000. The wiring system 1000 includes a first wiring device 100a to a third wiring device 100c, a first network 600, a controller 610, a router 620, and a second network 630, which are collectively referred to as wiring devices 100. Here, it is assumed that the first wiring device 100a, the third wiring device 100c, the first network 600, the router 620, and the second network 630 are already installed in the facility.

[0088] The first wiring device 100a includes a communication unit (not shown) in addition to the configuration described so far. The communication unit is, for example, a communication interface compliant with the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard and can communicate via the first network 600. The communication unit may also be a communication interface compliant with the wireless LAN (Local Area Network) standard. The third wiring device 100c has the same configuration as the wiring device 100 described so far, but does not include the first communication unit 180a and the second communication unit 180b, and includes a communication unit. The first wiring device 100a and the third wiring device 100c can communicate with the controller 610 via the first network 600. Communication via the first network 600 is, for example, communication compliant with the Ethernet standard.

[0089] The controller 610 is, for example, a controller of a HEMS (Home Energy Management System) and has a function of directly or indirectly monitoring the states of a plurality of lighting fixtures 20 and a function of directly or indirectly controlling the plurality of lighting fixtures 20. The controller 610 has, for example, a communication interface compliant with the Ethernet standard and can communicate via the first network 600. The controller 610 stores in advance image data corresponding to a plurality of types of screens (display contents) displayed on the wiring device 100 and transmits the image data corresponding to the operation of the operation unit 170 of the wiring device 100 to the wiring device 100.

[0090] Furthermore, a router 620 is connected to the first network 600. The router 620 is a broadband router. Therefore, the controller 610 is connected to an external second network 630 including the Internet via the router 620. An external server (not shown) is also connected to the second network 630. The controller 610 and the server can communicate via the second network 630.

[0091] In the second room 900b of the facility where such a wiring system 1000 is installed, there is a wiring device that has only a function for controlling the lighting on or off of the second lighting fixture 20b and does not have a communication function. When controlling the electric lock 44 installed in the second room 900b by the wiring system 1000, hitherto, it has been necessary to install the first network 600 also in the second room 900b. However, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, when replacing the wiring device in the second room 900b with the second wiring device 100b, the second wiring device 100b and the first wiring device 100a communicate with each other by small power radio, and the second wiring device 100b and the electric lock 44 communicate with each other by short-range wireless communication. As a result, even without installing the first network 600 in the second room 900b, the electric lock 44 can be controlled by the wiring system 1000.

[0092] According to the present embodiment, by using short-range wireless communication and small power radio in combination to transmit a signal indicating an operation related to the control of a device, the convenience for the user can be improved. When the second wiring device 100b receives an operation related to the control of a device, a signal indicating the operation related to the control of the device is received from the second wiring device 100b by small power radio, so that even if the distance between the wiring devices 100 is large, the signal from the second wiring device 100b can be received. Also, since the signal from the second wiring device 100b is received even if the distance between the wiring devices 100 is large, the signal can be transferred between the wiring devices 100. Also, since the signal is transferred between the wiring devices 100, the transmission distance of the signal indicating the operation related to the control of the device can be increased. Also, since the transmission distance of the signal indicating the operation related to the control of the device is increased, the convenience for the user can be improved.

[0093] In addition, since low-power wireless can transmit over a longer distance than short-range wireless communication, signals indicating operations related to device control can be transmitted even between different rooms. Also, since signals indicating operations related to device control are transmitted even between different rooms, user convenience can be improved. Further, even if a device cannot directly transmit a signal via short-range wireless communication, the signal can be transmitted to the second wiring device 100b via low-power wireless and then the second wiring device 100b can transmit the signal to the device via short-range wireless communication, so that signals can be indirectly transmitted to devices that cannot directly transmit signals. Also, since signals are indirectly transmitted to devices that cannot directly transmit signals, user convenience can be improved.

[0094] In addition, when a signal indicating an operation related to device control is received from the terminal device 50 via short-range wireless communication, the signal is transmitted to the device via short-range wireless communication, so that the device can be controlled from the terminal device 50. Also, since the device is controlled from the terminal device 50, user convenience can be improved. Further, since the first communication unit 180a and the second communication unit 180b are operated based on the current flowing through the lighting fixture 20, another power line for operating the first communication unit 180a and the second communication unit 180b can be made unnecessary. Also, since another power line for operating the first communication unit 180a and the second communication unit 180b becomes unnecessary, the installation of the wiring device 100 can be facilitated. Also, since the installation of the wiring device 100 is facilitated, user convenience can be improved.

[0095] In addition, when the lighting fixture 20 is lit, the light source 190 is turned off, and when the lighting fixture 20 is turned off, the light source 190 is lit, so that the brightness of the display 160 can be maintained regardless of whether the lighting fixture 20 is lit or turned off. Also, since the brightness of the display 160 is maintained regardless of whether the lighting fixture 20 is lit or turned off, user convenience can be improved. Further, since the light source 190 is lit when the lighting fixture 20 is turned off, the brightness of the display 160 can be ensured even when the lighting fixture 20 is turned off.

[0096] Also, when the power from the AC power supply 10 to the lighting fixture 20 is cut off, a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the device is transmitted to the second wiring device 100b by low-power wireless, and the second wiring device 100b transmits a signal to the device by short-range wireless communication. Therefore, the device can be controlled in accordance with the turning off of the lighting fixture 20. Further, since the device is controlled in accordance with the turning off of the lighting fixture 20, the convenience for the user can be improved. Also, when the lighting fixture 20 in the bedroom is turned off, the electric lock 44 at the entrance is automatically locked, so that forgetting to lock can be prevented. Also, when the power from the AC power supply 10 to the lighting fixture 20 is cut off, the information of the device is acquired via the second wiring device 100b and then displayed on the display 160. Therefore, the state of the device can be displayed in accordance with the turning off of the lighting fixture 20. Also, when the lighting fixture 20 in the bedroom is turned off, the locked state of the electric lock 44 at the entrance is automatically displayed, so that forgetting to lock can be prevented.

[0097] The summary of one aspect of the present disclosure is as follows. An operating device (100a) according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes an operation unit (170) that receives an operation related to the control of a device, and a first communication unit (180a) that transmits a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the device to the device by a first communication method when the operation unit (170) receives an operation related to the control of the device, and a second communication unit (180b) capable of performing communication by a second communication method different from the first communication method. When another operating device (100b) receives an operation related to the control of the device, the second communication unit (180b) receives a signal indicating the operation related to the control of the device from the other operating device (100b), and when the second communication unit (180b) receives a signal indicating the operation related to the control of the device, the first communication unit (180a) transmits the signal indicating the operation related to the control of the device to the device.

[0098] The second communication method in the second communication unit (180b) may be capable of transmitting over a longer distance than the first communication method in the first communication unit (180a).

[0099] The operation unit (170) receives operations related to the control of other devices different from the device, the first communication unit (180a) is unable to transmit signals to other devices, and when the operation unit (170) receives an operation related to the control of other devices, the second communication unit (180b) transmits a signal indicating the operation related to the control of other devices to another operation device (100b). When the other operation device (100b) receives a signal indicating an operation related to the control of other devices from the present operation device (100a) by the second communication method, the other operation device (100b) may transmit a signal indicating an operation related to the control of other devices to other devices by the first communication method.

[0100] The first communication unit (180a) receives a signal indicating an operation related to the control of a device from the terminal device (50) by the first communication method, and when the first communication unit (180a) receives a signal indicating an operation related to the control of a device from the terminal device (50), the first communication unit (180a) may transmit the signal indicating the operation related to the control of the device to the device.

[0101] A pair of connection terminals (110, 112) electrically connected between the AC power supply (10) and the load, a load control circuit (120) electrically connected between the pair of connection terminals (110, 112) to control the current flowing through the load, a power supply circuit (500) that obtains power from the AC power supply (10) via the pair of connection terminals (110, 112), and a power storage element (540) charged by the power supply circuit (500) may be further provided. The power storage element (540) may supply power to the first communication unit (180a) and the second communication unit (180b).

[0102] A display (160) and a light source (190) that irradiates light to the display (160) may be further provided. The light source (190) may be turned off when power from the AC power supply (10) is supplied to the load, and may be turned on when the power from the AC power supply (10) to the load is cut off.

[0103] The first communication unit (180a) is unable to transmit a signal to another device different from the device. When the power from the AC power supply (10) to the load is cut off, the second communication unit (180b) transmits a signal indicating an operation related to the control of another device to another operating device (100b). When the other operating device (100b) receives a signal indicating an operation related to the control of another device from this operating device (100a) by the second communication method, the other operating device (100b) may transmit a signal indicating an operation related to the control of another device to the other device by the first communication method.

[0104] It may further include a display (160). The first communication unit (180a) is unable to transmit a signal to another device different from the device. When the power from the AC power supply (10) to the load is cut off, the second communication unit (180b) transmits a request signal for checking the state of another device to another operating device (100b). When the other operating device (100b) receives the request signal from this operating device (100a) by the second communication method, it uses the first communication method to obtain the state of the other device, and then transmits a response signal indicating the state of the other device to this operating device (100a) by the second communication method. When the display (160) receives the response signal from the other operating device (100b) via the second communication unit (180b), the display (160) may display the state of the other device.

[0105] Another aspect of the present disclosure is an operating system (1000). This operating system (1000) includes a first operating device (100a) and a second operating device (100b) capable of performing communication by different first and second communication methods. When the first operating device (100a) receives an operation related to the control of a device, it transmits a signal indicating the operation related to the control of the device to the device by the first communication method. When the second operating device (100b) receives an operation related to the control of a device, it transmits a signal indicating the operation related to the control of the device to the first operating device (100a) by the second communication method. When the first operating device (100a) receives a signal indicating an operation related to the control of a device from the second operating device (100b) by the second communication method, it transmits a signal indicating the operation related to the control of the device to the device by the first communication method.

[0106] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is an operation method. This method includes steps of receiving an operation related to control of a device; when receiving an operation related to control of the device, transmitting a signal indicating the operation related to control of the device to the device by a first communication method; when another operating device (100b) receives an operation related to control of the device, receiving, from the other operating device (100b), a signal indicating the operation related to control of the device by a second communication method different from the first communication method; and when receiving, from the other operating device (100b), a signal indicating the operation related to control of the device by the second communication method, transmitting the signal indicating the operation related to control of the device to the device by the first communication method.

[0107] (Example 2) Next, Example 2 will be described. Similar to Example 1, Example 2 relates to a wiring system 1000 including a two-wire wiring device 100 for controlling a load. Further, Example 2 relates to notifying a terminal device 50 of the situation of a facility where the wiring device 100 is installed in order to improve user convenience. The wiring system 1000 and the wiring device 100 according to Example 2 are of the same type as those in FIGS. 1 and 2. Here, the description will focus on the differences from Example 1.

[0108] FIG. 10 shows the configuration of the wiring system 1000. The wiring system 1000 includes a wiring device 100, a controller 610, a router 620, a network 640, a server 700, and a terminal device 50. The first communication unit 180a of the wiring device 100 can communicate with the controller 610 by short-range wireless communication. The controller 610 has the above-described configuration and further includes a short-range wireless communication function. The controller 610 is connected to the router 620, and the router 620 is connected to the network 640. That is, the router 620 connects the wiring device 100 to the network 640. The network 640 corresponds to the above-described second network 630. In addition to the router 620, the server 700 and the terminal device 50 are connected to the network 640. The server 700 is a device for providing services in the wiring system 1000 to the wiring device 100 and the terminal device 50, and the terminal device 50 is a device carried by the user as in the first embodiment. With such a configuration, the terminal device 50 can be connected to the wiring device 100 via the network 640 even at a location away from the facility.

[0109] The occupant operates the operation unit 170 of the wiring device 100 to turn on or off the lighting fixture 20. The control unit 400 has a timing function and, when receiving an operation on the lighting fixture 20 from the operation unit 170, stores the history of the operation on the lighting fixture 20 in the storage unit 410. FIGS. 11(a)-(b) show the data structure of the table stored in the storage unit 410. In particular, FIG. 11(a) shows the data structure of the table in which the history of the operation on the lighting fixture 20 is stored. As shown in the figure, the timing when the lighting fixture 20 is turned on is set as "on", and the timing when the lighting fixture 20 is turned off is set as "off", and the date and time of these timings are recorded. FIG. 11(b) will be described later, and return to FIG. 10.

[0110] The operation history of the lighting fixture 20 may be stored in the server 700 instead of being stored in the storage unit 410. In this case, when the control unit 400 receives an operation on the lighting fixture 20 from the operation unit 170, it transmits a signal indicating the operation timing to the server 700 via the controller 610, the router 620, and the network 640. The signal indicating the operation timing includes identification information for identifying the facility in which the wiring fixture 100 is installed. When the server 700 receives the signal indicating the operation timing, it stores the operation on the lighting fixture 20 for each piece of identification information. Therefore, the server 700 stores a table as shown in Fig. 11(a) for each facility.

[0111] The control unit 400 acquires the table stored in the storage unit 410 or the server 700, and estimates a time zone with a high lighting timing (hereinafter referred to as "lighting time zone") or a time zone with a high extinguishing timing (hereinafter referred to as "extinguishing time zone"). Such time zones are estimated using known techniques, for example, statistical processing techniques. Also, the estimation of such time zones may be made for each day of the week, or may be made separately for weekdays and holidays. Furthermore, a plurality of lighting time zones and extinguishing time zones may be estimated within one day. For example, the time period from 17:00 to 17:59 is estimated as the lighting time zone. This corresponds to the time zone when the residents of the facility return home and turn on the lighting fixture 20. The control unit 400 registers the estimated lighting time zone or extinguishing time zone.

[0112] When the occupant operates the operation unit 170 of the wiring device 100 to turn on or off the lighting fixture 20, the control unit 400 receives the operation from the operation unit 170. The control unit 400 checks whether the operation was received during the set time period. If the control unit 400 receives a lighting operation during the lighting time period or a turning-off operation during the turning-off time period, the control unit 400 ends the process. On the other hand, if the control unit 400 does not receive a lighting operation during the lighting time period or a turning-off operation during the turning-off time period, the control unit 400 determines that an abnormal state has occurred. The abnormal state is a state in which the operation unit 170 does not receive an operation during a time period when an operation can be performed. Here, attention is paid to the case where the control unit 400 does not receive a lighting operation during the lighting time period. When the control unit 400 identifies the occurrence of an abnormal state, before sending a notification of the occurrence of the abnormal state, the control unit 400 causes the display 160 to display the sending of the notification.

[0113] Figures 12(a)-(e) show an overview of the operation of the wiring system 1000. Figure 12(a) is a screen displayed on the display 160 of the wiring device 100 and is a screen for notifying a preview of the sending of a notification. The characters "A notification will be sent" are shown as a message for notifying a preview of the sending of a notification. Also, a "Cancel" button is shown below the message. The "Cancel" button is an interface for receiving an operation to cancel the sending within a predetermined period after the display 160 displays the screen. The predetermined period is, for example, one minute.

[0114] When the resident of the facility has not returned home, the resident cannot check the display on the display 160, so the "Cancel" button cannot be touched. If the operation unit 170 does not receive a touch operation on the "Cancel" button, that is, does not receive a cancellation operation, for a predetermined period after the control unit 400 causes the display on the display 160 to send a notification, the control unit 400 determines to send the notification. On the other hand, when the resident of the facility returns home but does not perform the lighting operation, the resident touches the "Cancel" button on the display 160. If the operation unit 170 receives a touch operation on the "Cancel" button, that is, receives a cancellation operation, within a predetermined period after the control unit 400 causes the display on the display 160 to send a notification, the control unit 400 cancels the sending of the notification. FIGS. 12(b)-(e) will be described later, and the description returns to FIG. 10.

[0115] When the control unit 400 of the wiring device 100 determines to send a notification, the first communication unit 180a sends the notification to the controller 610 by short-range wireless communication. The notification includes, for example, identification information for identifying the facility where the wiring device 100 is installed, the occurrence of an abnormal state, no lighting operation during the lighting time period, the notification time, and other information. The notification is received by the server 700 via the controller 610, the router 620, and the network 640. A notification application for notifying the server 700 and the terminal device 50 of the notification from the wiring device 100 is started. The notification application stores the correspondence between the identification information and the address of the terminal device 50. In that state, when the server 700 receives the notification, the server 700 extracts the identification information from the notification and acquires the address of the terminal device 50 from the identification information. The server 700 sends the notification to the terminal device 50 via the network 640 with the acquired address as the destination.

[0116] The terminal device 50 receives a notification from the server 700. When the terminal device 50 receives the notification, it displays the content of the notification on the monitor 52. FIG. 2(b) is a screen displayed on the monitor 52 and is a screen for notifying the content of the notification. As a message for notifying the content of the notification, the characters "Although it is the scheduled time zone, the lighting is not turned on" are shown. The user of the terminal device 50 recognizes that the resident has not turned on the lighting fixture 20 or that the resident has not returned home to the facility by checking the display on the monitor 52. FIGS. 12(c)-(e) will be described later. Return to FIG. 10.

[0117] After the first communication unit 180a transmits the notification, the control unit 400 of the wiring device 100 causes the display 160 to display the result of the transmission of the notification. FIG. 12(c) is a screen displayed on the display 160 of the wiring device 100 and is a screen for notifying the result of the transmission of the notification. As a message for notifying the result of the transmission of the notification, the characters "The notification has been sent" are shown. Here, as an example, the screen of FIG. 12(a) is displayed before the notification is sent, and the screen of FIG. 12(c) is displayed after the notification is sent. However, only one of the screen of FIG. 12(a) before the notification is sent and the screen of FIG. 12(c) after the notification is sent may be displayed.

[0118] After the display 160 shows the result of the notification transmission, it displays a screen for receiving the message transmission operation. FIG. 12(d) is a screen displayed on the display 160 of the wiring device 100 and is a screen for receiving the message transmission operation. Here, "It's okay", "Emergency", and "Please call" are shown as a list of messages that can be transmitted. When the resident wants to send a message, they select one of the messages "It's okay", "Emergency", or "Please call" by a touch operation. FIG. 12(e) will be described later and return to FIG. 10. The operation unit 170 of the wiring device 100 receives the message selected by the touch operation. That is, the operation unit 170 can receive the message transmission operation after the display 160 shows the result of the notification transmission. The control unit 400 causes the received message to be transmitted to the first communication unit 180a. The first communication unit 180a transmits the message to the controller 610 by short-range wireless communication. The message is received by the server 700 via the controller 610, the router 620, and the network 640. When the server 700 receives the message, it transmits the message to the terminal device 50 via the network 640.

[0119] The terminal device 50 receives the message from the server 700. When the terminal device 50 receives the message, it displays the content of the message on the monitor 52. FIG. 12(e) is a screen displayed on the monitor 52 and is a screen for notifying the content of the message. Here, assuming that "It's okay" is selected as the message in FIG. 12(d), the characters "It's okay" are shown.

[0120] On the one hand, when the control unit 400 receives an operation to turn on the light during the lighting time period or an operation to turn off the light during the extinguishing time period, it may determine that the normal state is completed. The normal state is a state in which the operation unit 170 receives an operation during a time period when an operation can be performed. Here, we focus on the case where an operation to turn on the light is received during the lighting time period. When the control unit 400 identifies the completion of the normal state, it determines to send a notification. When the control unit 400 determines to send a notification, the first communication unit 180a sends the notification to the controller 610 by short-range wireless communication. The notification is received by the server 700 via the controller 610, the router 620, and the network 640. When the server 700 receives the notification, it sends the notification to the terminal device 50 via the network 640.

[0121] The terminal device 50 receives the notification from the server 700. When the terminal device 50 receives the notification, it displays the content of the notification on the monitor 52. FIG. 13 shows an overview of the operation of the terminal device 50, which is a screen displayed on the monitor 52 and is a screen for notifying the content of the notification. As a message for notifying the content of the notification, the characters "I'm home" are shown. The user of the terminal device 50 recognizes that the resident has returned to the facility by checking the display on the monitor 52. At least one of the screen of FIG. 12(a) before sending the notification and the screen of FIG. 12(c) after sending the notification is displayed on the display 160 of the wiring device 100.

[0122] In the previous description, the lighting time period and the extinguishing time period have been estimated based on the operation history table. However, the lighting time period and the extinguishing time period may be registered in advance by the user. Specifically, when the user operates the terminal device 50 to set the lighting time period and the extinguishing time period, the set lighting time period and extinguishing time period are sent from the terminal device 50 to the server 700 or the wiring device 100 and registered. FIG. 11(b) shows the data structure of the calendar of the resident of the facility. As shown in the figure, the lighting time period is registered in advance. The extinguishing time period may be registered in the same way. Return to FIG. 10.

[0123] Since the subsequent processing is the same as before, the description is omitted here. For example, when the operation unit 170 does not receive an operation during the lighting time zone or the extinguishing time zone acquired from the calendar, the control unit 400 determines that an abnormal state has occurred, or when the operation unit 170 receives an operation during the lighting time zone or the extinguishing time zone acquired from the calendar, the control unit 400 determines that the normal state is completed. At least one of the screen of FIG. 12(a) before sending the notification and the screen of FIG. 12(c) after sending the notification is displayed on the display 160 of the wiring device 100.

[0124] In the previous description, whether to send a notification is determined using the lighting time zone and the extinguishing time zone. However, the control unit 400 may measure the period during which the operation unit 170 does not receive an operation, and determine that an abnormal state has occurred when the operation unit does not receive an operation for a certain period. Since the subsequent processing is the same as before, the description is omitted here. At least one of the screen of FIG. 12(a) before sending the notification and the screen of FIG. 12(c) after sending the notification is displayed on the display 160 of the wiring device 100.

[0125] The operation of the wiring system 1000 with the above configuration will be described. FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram showing the processing procedure by the wiring system 1000. The wiring device 100 confirms that the conditions are met (S300). The wiring device 100 displays a notice of sending a notification (S302). The wiring device 100 sends a notification to the server 700 (S304). The server 700 sends the notification to the terminal device 50 (S306). The terminal device 50 displays the notification (S308). The wiring device 100 displays the result of sending the notification (S310).

[0126] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure by the wiring device 100. When there is no operation for a certain period (Y in S400), the first communication unit 180a sends a notification (S402). The display 160 displays the result of sending the notification (S404). When there is an operation for a certain period (N in S400), the processing ends.

[0127] According to this embodiment, in a situation where a notification is sent when an operation on the operation unit 170 satisfies a predetermined condition, the transmission of the notification is displayed before or after the notification is sent, so that the user can confirm the transmission of the notification. In addition, since the transmission of the notification is confirmed, the convenience of the user can be improved. Further, in a time zone estimated based on the past operation history and in a time zone when an operation can be performed, if the operation unit 170 does not receive an operation, the transmission of the notification is determined, so that a state different from normal can be notified. Further, in a time zone estimated based on the past operation history and in a time zone when an operation can be performed, if the operation unit 170 receives an operation, the transmission of the notification is determined, so that a normal state can be notified.

[0128] Also, in a time zone obtained from the calendar and in a time zone when an operation can be performed, if the operation unit 170 does not receive an operation, the transmission of the notification is determined, so that a state different from normal can be notified. Also, in a time zone obtained from the calendar and in a time zone when an operation can be performed, if the operation unit 170 receives an operation, the transmission of the notification is determined, so that a normal state can be notified. Further, if the operation unit 170 does not receive an operation for a certain period of time, the transmission of the notification is determined, so that the possibility of an abnormality can be notified. Also, before sending a notification, a preview of the notification transmission is displayed, and if the operation unit 170 receives an operation to cancel the transmission, the transmission of the notification is cancelled, so that the occurrence of unnecessary transmissions can be suppressed. Also, after sending a notification, the result of the notification transmission is displayed, and if the operation unit 170 receives an operation to send a message, the message is sent, so that further information can be notified.

[0129] Also, since the first communication unit 180a and the display 160 are operated based on the current flowing through the lighting fixture 20, another power line for operating the first communication unit 180a and the display 160 can be made unnecessary. Also, since another power line for operating the first communication unit 180a and the display 160 becomes unnecessary, the installation of the wiring device 100 can be facilitated. Also, since the installation of the wiring device 100 is facilitated, the convenience for the user can be improved. Also, by setting predetermined conditions and displaying the content of the notification when a notification is received from the wiring device 100, the convenience for the user can be improved.

[0130] The outline of one aspect of the present disclosure is as follows. A wiring device (100) according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes an operation unit (170) that receives an operation related to control of a load, a pair of connection terminals (110, 112) electrically connected between an AC power supply (10) and the load, and a load control circuit (120) electrically connected between the pair of connection terminals (110, 112) and controlling the current flowing through the load based on the operation received by the operation unit (170), a communication unit (180a) that transmits a notification when an operation on the operation unit (170) satisfies a predetermined condition, and a display unit (160) that displays the transmission of the notification before or after the communication unit (180a) transmits the notification.

[0131] The predetermined condition may be that the operation unit (170) does not receive an operation in a time zone estimated based on the past operation history and in a time zone in which an operation can be performed.

[0132] The predetermined condition may be that the operation unit (170) has received an operation in a time zone estimated based on the past operation history and in a time zone in which an operation can be performed.

[0133] The predetermined condition may be that the operation unit (170) does not receive an operation in a time zone obtained from a calendar and in a time zone in which an operation can be performed.

[0134] The predetermined condition may be that the operation unit (170) receives an operation during a time period obtained from the calendar and during which an operation can be performed.

[0135] The predetermined condition may be that the operation unit (170) does not receive an operation for a certain period of time.

[0136] The display unit (160) displays a notice of the transmission of the notification before transmitting the notification. The operation unit (170) can receive an operation to cancel the transmission within a predetermined period after the display unit (160) displays it. The communication unit (180a) may cancel the transmission of the notification when the operation unit (170) receives an operation to cancel the transmission.

[0137] The display unit (160) displays the result of the transmission of the notification after transmitting the notification. The operation unit (170) can receive an operation to transmit a message within a predetermined period after the display unit (160) displays it. The communication unit (180a) may transmit a message when the operation unit (170) receives an operation to transmit a message.

[0138] The apparatus may further include a power supply circuit (500) that obtains power from an AC power supply (10) via a pair of connection terminals (110, 112), and a power storage element (540) charged by the power supply circuit (500). The power storage element (540) may supply power to the communication unit (180a) and the display unit (160).

[0139] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a wiring system. This wiring system includes a wiring device (100) and a router that connects the wiring device (100) to a network. The wiring device (100) includes an operation unit (170) that receives an operation related to the control of a load, a pair of connection terminals (110, 112) that are electrically connected between an AC power supply (10) and the load, a load control circuit (120) that is electrically connected between the pair of connection terminals (110, 112) and controls the current flowing through the load based on the operation received by the operation unit (170), a communication unit (180a) that transmits a notification to a terminal device (50) via the router when an operation on the operation unit (170) satisfies a predetermined condition, and a display unit (160) that displays the transmission of the notification before or after the communication unit (180a) transmits the notification.

[0140] A program executed in a terminal device (50) capable of communicating with the wiring device (100), which causes a computer to execute a step of setting a predetermined condition and a step of displaying the content of a notification when the notification from the wiring device (100) is received.

[0141] (Example 3) Next, Example 3 will be described. Example 3 relates to a wiring system 1000 that includes a two-wire wiring device 100 for controlling a load, as in the previous examples. Further, Example 3 relates to changing the device to be controlled when the operation unit 170 in the wiring device 100 is operated in order to improve the convenience for the user. The wiring system 1000 and the wiring device 100 according to Example 3 are of the same type as those in FIGS. 1, 10, and 2. Here, the description will focus on the differences from the previous examples.

[0142] Figures 16(a)-(b) show the appearance of the wiring device 100. Figure 16(a) shows the wiring device 100 having the same structure as before. Heretofore, an operating button switch and a touch sensor attached to the entire surface of the display 160 have been grouped together as the operation unit 170. On the other hand, in Figure 16(a), the first operation unit 170a is a seesaw-type or push-button physical switch, and the second operation unit 170b is a touch sensor attached to the entire surface of the display 160. Figure 16(b) will be described later.

[0143] Figure 17 shows a partial configuration of the wiring device 100. The wiring device 100 includes a first operation unit 170a, a second operation unit 170b, a first communication unit 180a, a second communication unit 180b, a control unit 400, and a storage unit 410, which are collectively referred to as the operation unit 170. Since the other configurations are the same as those in Figure 2, the first operation unit 170a and the second operation unit 170b are included instead of the operation unit 170.

[0144] The first operation unit 170a receives operations related to the control of the lighting fixture 20. When the wiring device 100 is the first wiring device 100a, the first operation unit 170a receives operations related to the control of the first lighting fixture 20a. When the operation received by the first operation unit 170a is lighting, the control unit 400 controls the load control circuit 120 to switch the connection between the connection terminals 110 and 112 from the cut-off state to the conductive state. On the other hand, when the operation received by the first operation unit 170a is turning off the light, the control unit 400 controls the load control circuit 120 to switch the connection between the connection terminals 110 and 112 from the conductive state to the cut-off state. That is, the load control circuit 120 controls the current flowing through the bidirectional switch 200 based on the operation received by the first operation unit 170a. As before, the power supply circuit 500 obtains power from the AC power supply 10 via the connection terminals 110 and 112, and the energy storage element 540 is charged by the power supply circuit 500.

[0145] The second operation unit 170b receives operations related to the control of the device. When the wiring device 100 is the first wiring device 100a, and the electric shutter 42 is not installed in the first room 900a, and the electric lock 44 is not installed in the second room 900b, the second operation unit 170b receives operations related to the control of the air conditioner 40 or the second lighting fixture 20b. At this time, the electric shutter 42 is not included in the image G3 of FIG. 4(a) displayed on the display 160. The control unit 400 determines the output destination of the signal indicated by the received operation while referring to the table stored in the storage unit 410. In response to this, the first communication unit 180a transmits a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the air conditioner 40 to the conversion device 30 by short-range wireless communication, and the second communication unit 180b transmits a signal indicating an operation related to the control of the second lighting fixture 20b to the second wiring device 100b by short-range wireless. As before, the power storage element 540 supplies power to the first communication unit 180a and the second communication unit 180b.

[0146] In such a situation, when a new electric shutter 42 is installed in the first room 900a, it may be desired to install the electric shutter 42 from the first wiring device 100a or the second wiring device 100b. To cope with this, the wiring system 1000 executes the following process. The server 700 in FIG. 10 stores a program for controlling the electric shutter 42 (hereinafter referred to as the "electric shutter program") from the wiring device 100 and to be executed in the wiring device 100. The user accesses the server 700 via the network 640 by operating the terminal device 50. The terminal device 50 transmits an instruction to the server 700 to cause the server 700 to transmit the electric shutter program to the wiring device 100 according to the user's operation. When the server 700 receives the instruction, it transmits the electric shutter program to the wiring device 100 via the network 640, the router 620, and the controller 610.

[0147] The first communication unit 180a of the wiring device 100 receives an electric shutter program from the controller 610 by short-range wireless communication. The control unit 400 causes the storage unit 410 to store the electric shutter program received by the first communication unit 180a. By applying the electric shutter program stored in the storage unit 410, the control of the electric shutter 42 is added. Specifically, the electric shutter 42 is added to the image G3 in Fig. 4(a) displayed on the display 160.

[0148] As a result, the user can select the electric shutter 42 as a control target, and the second operation unit 170b can also accept operations related to the control of the electric shutter 42. When the second operation unit 170b accepts an operation related to the control of the electric shutter 42, the control unit 400 refers to the table in the storage unit 410 and causes the first communication unit 180a to transmit a signal indicating the operation related to the control of the electric shutter 42. The same applies when adding the electric lock 44 as a control target. Thus, the content of the device control can be changed.

[0149] Fig. 16(b) shows the appearance of a wiring device 100 of a type different from Fig. 16(a). The wiring device 100 includes a first operation unit 170a and a second operation unit 170b. The first operation unit 170a and the second operation unit 170b are seesaw-type or push-button physical switches. Also, the wiring device 100 does not include a display 160.

[0150] Fig. 18 shows a partial configuration of the wiring device 100. Here, it is assumed that the first lighting fixture 20a and the second lighting fixture 20b are installed in one room 900. The wiring device 100 includes a first load control circuit 120a, a second load control circuit 120b, which are collectively referred to as connection terminals 114, connection terminals 116, and a load control circuit 120, and a first operation unit 170a, a second operation unit 170b, which are collectively referred to as an operation unit 170. Also, the display 160 is not included.

[0151] The connection terminals 110 and 112 are electrically connected between the AC power supply 10 and the first lighting fixture 20a, and the connection terminals 114 and 116 are electrically connected between the AC power supply 10 and the second lighting fixture 20b. The first load control circuit 120a is electrically connected between the connection terminals 110 and 112 to control the current flowing through the first lighting fixture 20a, and the second load control circuit 120b is electrically connected between the connection terminals 114 and 116 to control the current flowing through the second lighting fixture 20b.

[0152] When the operation received at the first operation unit 170a is lighting, the control unit 400 controls the first load control circuit 120a to switch the connection between the connection terminals 110 and 112 from the cut-off state to the conductive state. On the other hand, when the operation received at the first operation unit 170a is turning off, the control unit 400 controls the first load control circuit 120a to switch the connection between the connection terminals 110 and 112 from the conductive state to the cut-off state. That is, the first lighting fixture 20a is turned on or off by the operation on the first operation unit 170a.

[0153] When the operation received at the second operation unit 170b is lighting, the control unit 400 controls the second load control circuit 120b to switch the connection between the connection terminals 114 and 116 from the cut-off state to the conductive state. On the other hand, when the operation received at the second operation unit 170b is turning off, the control unit 400 controls the first load control circuit 120a to switch the connection between the connection terminals 114 and 116 from the conductive state to the cut-off state. That is, the second lighting fixture 20b is turned on or off by the operation on the second operation unit 170b.

[0154] In such a situation, when the electric shutter 42 is newly installed in the room 900, there may be a case where it is desired to install the electric shutter 42 from the wiring device 100. To cope with this, the wiring system 1000 executes the following process. In the server 700 of FIG. 10, a program for the electric shutter is stored. The user accesses the server 700 via the network 640 by operating the terminal device 50. The terminal device 50 transmits an instruction to the server 700 to cause the server 700 to transmit the program for the electric shutter to the wiring device 100 according to the user's operation. When the server 700 receives the instruction, it transmits the program for the electric shutter to the wiring device 100 via the network 640, the router 620, and the controller 610.

[0155] The first communication unit 180a of the wiring device 100 receives the program for the electric shutter from the controller 610 by short-range wireless communication. The control unit 400 stores the program for the electric shutter received by the first communication unit 180a in the storage unit 410. The control unit 400 executes rewriting according to the program for the electric shutter stored in the storage unit 410, so that the device controlled according to the operation of the second operation unit 170b is changed to the electric shutter 42.

[0156] As a result, the second operation unit 170b becomes able to receive an operation related to the control of the electric shutter 42 instead of the operation related to the control of the second lighting fixture 20b. When the second operation unit 170b receives an operation related to the control of the electric shutter 42, the control unit 400 refers to the table in the storage unit 410 and causes the first communication unit 180a to transmit a signal indicating the operation related to the control of the electric shutter 42. The same applies when changing the control target to the air conditioner 40 and the electric lock 44. Thus, the content of the device control can be changed.

[0157] Hitherto, it has been assumed that the control target by the operation of the first operation unit 170a is fixed, and the control target by the operation of the second operation unit 170b can be changed. However, it may be possible to add a control target by the operation of the first operation unit 170a. For example, the first lighting fixture 20a and the air conditioner 40 may be controlled by the operation of the first operation unit 170a. At this time, when the first lighting fixture 20a is turned on by the operation of the first operation unit 170a, the air conditioner 40 also operates. Also, when the first lighting fixture 20a is turned off by the operation of the first operation unit 170a, the air conditioner 40 also stops. That is, by the operation of the first operation unit 170a, the first lighting fixture 20a and an arbitrary device are controlled in conjunction with each other. There may be a plurality of arbitrary devices. This corresponds to the first operation unit 170a and the second operation unit 170b being commonly configured. Such addition of a device is also realized by the application of the aforementioned program.

[0158] The operation of the wiring system 1000 having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram showing the processing procedure by the wiring system 1000. The terminal device 50 inputs an instruction for transmitting a program (S500). The terminal device 50 transmits the instruction to the server 700 (S502). The server 700 transmits the program (S504). The wiring device 100 executes the application or rewriting of the program (S506).

[0159] According to this embodiment, when the communication unit is operated by the power storage element 540 charged based on the current flowing through the lighting fixture 20, if the first operation unit 170a receives an operation, the lighting fixture 20 is controlled, and if the second operation unit 170b receives an operation, the device is controlled using the communication unit. Therefore, only the current flowing through the lighting fixture 20 can be used to control the device in addition to the lighting fixture 20. Also, since only the current flowing through the lighting fixture 20 is used to control the device in addition to the lighting fixture 20, the convenience of the user can be improved. Further, since the content of the device control can be changed, the device suitable for the user can be controlled. Also, since the device suitable for the user is controlled, the convenience of the user can be improved. Further, even if the content of the device control is changed, the first operation unit 170a is used to control the lighting fixture 20, so the control of the lighting fixture 20 can be surely executed.

[0160] Also, since the first operation unit 170a and the second operation unit 170b are physical switches, the operation can be simplified. Also, since the operation is simplified, the convenience of the user can be improved. Further, since the first operation unit 170a is a physical switch and the second operation unit 170b is a switch displayed on the display 160, various devices can be controlled. Also, since various devices are controlled, the convenience of the user can be improved.

[0161] Also, by applying the program of the present wiring fixture 100, the device to be controlled is added, so a new device can be controlled. Also, by rewriting the program of the present wiring fixture 100, the device to be controlled is changed, so the required device can be controlled. Further, since the first operation unit 170a and the second operation unit 170b are commonly configured, the lighting fixture 20 and the device can be simultaneously controlled with one operation.

[0162] The summary of one aspect of the present disclosure is as follows. A wiring device (100) according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a first operation unit (170a) that receives an operation related to control of a load, a pair of connection terminals (110, 112) electrically connected between an AC power supply (10) and the load, a load control circuit (120) electrically connected between the pair of connection terminals (110, 112) and controlling the current flowing through the load based on the operation received by the first operation unit (170a), a power supply circuit (500) that obtains power from the AC power supply (10) via the pair of connection terminals (110, 112), a power storage element (540) charged by the power supply circuit (500), a second operation unit (170b) that receives an operation related to control of a device, and a communication unit (180a, 180b) that transmits a signal indicating the operation related to control of the device when the second operation unit (170b) receives the operation related to control of the device. The power storage element (540) supplies power to the communication unit (180a, 180b).

[0163] The content of the device control may be changeable.

[0164] The wiring device (100) may further include a display (160). The first operation unit (170a) may be a physical switch, and the second operation unit (170b) may be a switch displayed on the display (160).

[0165] The first operation unit (170a) may be a physical switch, and the second operation unit (170b) may be a physical switch.

[0166] As a change in the content of the device control, a device to be controlled may be added by applying a program of the wiring device (100).

[0167] As a change in the content of the device control, the device to be controlled may be changed by rewriting a program of the wiring device (100).

[0168] The first operation unit (170a) and the second operation unit (170b) may be commonly configured.

[0169] As described above, the present disclosure has been explained based on examples. It is understood by those skilled in the art that these examples are illustrative, and various modifications are possible for each of their constituent elements or combinations of each processing process, and such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0170] In Examples 1 to 3, as the devices, an air conditioner 40, an electric shutter 42, and an electric lock 44 are used. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the devices may be electronic devices such as a television and an electric curtain. According to this modification example, the degree of freedom in configuration can be improved.

[0171] In Examples 1 to 3, the first communication unit 180a uses short-range wireless communication as the first communication method, and the second communication unit 180b uses low-power wireless as the second communication method. However, the present invention is not limited to this. At least one of the first communication method and the second communication method may use another communication method. That is, it is sufficient that the transmission distance by the second communication method is longer than the transmission distance by the first communication method. According to this modification example, the degree of freedom in configuration can be improved.

[0172] In Example 1, a signal is transmitted using low-power wireless between the first wiring device 100a and the second wiring device 100b. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, signals may be transferred among three or more wiring devices 100. According to this modification example, the degree of freedom in configuration can be improved.

[0173] In Example 2, when the operation on the wiring device 100 satisfies a predetermined condition, it is determined to transmit a notification to the terminal device 50. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a fire alarm or a gas detector may be connected to the wiring device 100 by short-range wireless communication, and the wiring device 100 may determine to transmit a notification to the terminal device 50 when receiving an alarm from the fire alarm or the gas detector. According to this modification example, the degree of freedom in configuration can be improved.

[0174] In the second embodiment, when the operation on the wiring device 100 satisfies a predetermined condition, it is determined to send a notification to the terminal device 50. However, not limited to this, for example, a thermometer is connected to the wiring device 100 by short-range wireless communication, and when the temperature received from the thermometer becomes higher than a threshold value, the wiring device 100 may determine to send a notification to the air conditioner 40 via the conversion device 30. When receiving the notification, the air conditioner 40 starts a cooling operation. Further, when the temperature received from the thermometer becomes lower than another threshold value, the wiring device 100 may determine to send a notification to the air conditioner 40 via the conversion device 30. When receiving the notification, the air conditioner 40 starts a heating operation. Also in these cases, at least one of a notice of transmission of the notification and a result of transmission of the notification is displayed on the display 160. Instead of the thermometer, an air quality meter may be used, and instead of the air conditioner 40, an air purifier may be used. According to this modification example, the degree of freedom of the configuration can be improved.

[0175] In the second embodiment, at least one of a notice of transmission of the notification and a result of transmission of the notification is displayed on the display 160. However, not limited to this, for example, the wiring device 100 is provided with a display unit such as an LED, and the display unit may light up or blink in response to at least one of a notice of transmission of the notification and a result of transmission of the notification. According to this modification example, the power consumption of the wiring device 100 can be reduced.

[0176] Embodiments 1 to 3 may be arbitrarily combined. According to this modification example, the effects of any combination of Embodiments 1 to 3 can be obtained.

Industrial Applicability

[0177] According to the present disclosure, the convenience for the user can be improved.

Explanation of Signs

[0178] 10 AC power supply, 20 lighting fixture, 30 conversion device, 40 air conditioner, 42 electric shutter, 44 electric lock, 50 terminal device, 52 monitor, 100 wiring device (operation device), 110, 112, 114, 116 connection terminal, 120 load control circuit, 130 phase detection unit, 150 power supply unit, 160 display, 170 operation unit, 180 communication unit, 190 light source, 200 bidirectional switch, 210 switch drive unit, 220 first drive unit, 222 second drive unit, 300 first detection unit, 310 second detection unit, 400 control unit, 410 memory unit, 500 power supply circuit, 510 first power supply unit, 512 second power supply unit, 520 DC-DC conversion circuit, 530 charging circuit, 540 energy storage element, 550 discharge circuit, 600 first network, 610 controller, 620 router, 630 second network, 640 network, 700 server, 900 room, 1000 wiring system, Q1, Q2 switch element, D1, D2 diode, C1 capacitor.

Claims

1. an operation unit that receives an operation related to the control of the load; a communication unit that transmits a notification when an operation on the operation unit satisfies a predetermined condition; a display unit that displays transmission of the notification before or after the communication unit transmits the notification, The communication unit receives a calendar in which a time period during which an operation can be performed is registered in advance, The predetermined condition is that the operation unit does not accept an operation during a time period acquired from the calendar and during which the operation can be performed.

2. an operation unit that receives an operation related to the control of the load; a communication unit that transmits a notification when an operation on the operation unit satisfies a predetermined condition; a display unit that displays transmission of the notification before or after the communication unit transmits the notification, The communication unit receives a calendar in which a time period during which an operation can be performed is registered in advance, The predetermined condition is that the operation unit receives an operation during a time period acquired from the calendar during which the operation can be performed.

3. The display unit displays a notice of transmission of the notification before transmitting the notification, the operation unit is capable of accepting an operation to cancel transmission within a predetermined period of time after the display unit displays the message, The wiring device according to claim 1 , wherein the communication unit stops transmitting the notification when the operation unit receives an operation to stop transmission.

4. the display unit displays a result of the transmission of the notification after the notification is transmitted; the operation unit is capable of accepting an operation for sending a message after the display unit displays the message, The wiring device according to claim 1 , wherein the communication unit transmits the message when the operation unit receives an operation to transmit a message.

5. Wiring equipment, A router for connecting the wiring device to a network, The wiring device includes: an operation unit that receives an operation related to the control of the load; a communication unit that transmits a notification to a terminal device via the router when an operation on the operation unit satisfies a predetermined condition; a display unit that displays transmission of the notification before or after the communication unit transmits the notification, The communication unit receives a calendar in which a time period during which an operation can be performed is registered in advance, The predetermined condition is that the operation unit does not accept an operation during a time period obtained from the calendar and during which the operation can be performed.

6. Wiring equipment, A router for connecting the wiring device to a network, The wiring device includes: an operation unit that receives an operation related to the control of the load; a communication unit that transmits a notification to a terminal device via the router when an operation on the operation unit satisfies a predetermined condition; a display unit that displays transmission of the notification before or after the communication unit transmits the notification, The communication unit receives a calendar in which a time period during which an operation can be performed is registered in advance, The predetermined condition is that the operation unit receives an operation during a time period obtained from the calendar and during which the operation can be performed.

7. A program executed in a terminal device capable of communicating with the wiring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, setting the predetermined condition; and a step of displaying content of the notification when the notification is received from the wiring device.

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