Electrical equipment, electrical equipment system, and control method

Abstract

To provide a piece of electrical equipment capable of easily reducing communication interference when providing notification regarding the status of the electrical equipment.SOLUTION: An electrical equipment 1 includes a communication unit 11, a processing unit (lighting control unit) 13, and a communication unit (communication control unit) 12. The communication unit 11 performs wireless communication with a piece of operation equipment 2. When the communication unit 11 receives an operation signal from the operation equipment 2, the processing unit 13 executes control based on the operation signal. When predetermined conditions are met, the communication unit 12 transmits a notification signal that includes a piece of information regarding the status of the electrical equipment 1 based on the control by the processing unit 13 to an information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11. The operation equipment 2 transmits an operation signal continuously at a predetermined period during receiving operation input. The predetermined conditions includes the following; i.e., that the communication unit 11 receives a plurality of operation signals in succession, that the communication unit 11 receives the first operation signal among the plurality of operation signals, and that the last operation signal is received by the communication unit 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a remotely controllable electrical device, an electrical device system, and a control method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a lighting fixture having a communication unit that, upon receiving a control signal from a remote control, transmits a signal indicating that the control signal has been received to a terminal device indicated by the sender address. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-133210 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention provides an electrical device or the like that can easily reduce communication interference when notifying the state of the electrical device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An electrical device according to one aspect of the present invention is an electrical device operated by a control device, and includes a communication unit, a processing unit, and a notification unit. The communication unit performs wireless communication with the control device. When the communication unit receives an operation signal from the control device, the processing unit executes control based on the operation signal. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the notification unit transmits a notification signal including information about the state of the electrical device based on the control by the processing unit to an information terminal via the communication unit. The control device continuously transmits the operation signal at a predetermined cycle while receiving an operation input. The predetermined condition is when the communication unit receives a plurality of the operation signals continuously, and the communication unit receives the first operation signal of the plurality of operation signals and the communication unit receives the last operation signal of the plurality of operation signals.

[0006] An electric device system according to one aspect of the present invention includes the electric device and the operation device that performs wireless communication between the electric device and the operation device and controls the operation of the electric device.

[0007] A control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a control method for an electrical appliance operated by a manipulation device. The control method performs wireless communication with the manipulation device. When the control method receives an operation signal from the manipulation device, it executes control based on the operation signal. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the control method transmits a notification signal to an information terminal, the notification signal including information on the state of the electrical appliance based on the control. The manipulation device transmits the operation signal continuously at a predetermined cycle while receiving an operation input. The predetermined condition is when a plurality of the operation signals are received continuously, and when the first operation signal of the plurality of operation signals is received and when the last operation signal is received. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The electrical device or the like of the present invention has an advantage that it is easy to reduce communication interference when notifying the state of the electrical device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration including an electrical device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a timing chart showing a first operation example of the electric device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing a second operation example of the electric device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the electrical device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing an example of operation of an electric device of a comparative example. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing a modification of the first operation example of the electric device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of the electrical device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the electrical device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing a modified example of the operation example of the electric device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection forms, steps, step order, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not recited in independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0011] It should be noted that the drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily strict illustrations. In addition, in the drawings, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) [composition] First, the configuration of an electrical device according to the first embodiment will be described. The electrical device is a device installed in a predetermined area (for example, a room) indoors or outdoors. In the first embodiment, the electrical device is, for example, a lighting fixture such as a ceiling light. Note that the lighting fixture is not limited to a ceiling light, but may be a downlight, a base light, a spotlight, or the like, and the type is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the electrical device is not limited to a lighting fixture, but may be, for example, a television receiver, an air conditioner, a washing machine, or a speaker (including a smart speaker), etc.

[0013] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration including an electrical device according to embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the electrical device 1 is configured to perform wireless communication with an information terminal 22 and a server device 3 via a network N1 such as the Internet. Furthermore, the electrical device 1 is configured to perform short-range wireless communication with a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as "remote control") 21. The remote control 21 corresponds to a manipulation device 2. Furthermore, the information terminal 22 may correspond to the manipulation device 2.

[0014] In the first embodiment, an electric device system 100 is configured with an electric device 1 and a control device 2. The control device 2 included in the electric device system 100 may include both a remote control 21 and an information terminal 22, or may include only one of them. In the first embodiment, the server device 3 is not included as a component of the electric device system 100, but may be included as a component of the electric device system 100.

[0015] The control device 2 is a device that performs wireless communication with the electric device 1 and controls the operation of the electric device 1 (i.e., operates the electric device 1). The remote control 21 is a device that performs wireless communication with the electric device 1, for example, by infrared communication. Note that the remote control 21 may include a device that performs wireless communication with the electric device 1 in accordance with a short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0016] The information terminal 22 is a device that performs wireless communication with the electric device 1 via the network N1 and the server device 3 in accordance with a wireless communication standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The information terminal 22 is a portable terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, and can function as the manipulation device 2 by executing an installed application for remotely controlling the electric device 1. When the information terminal 22 is the manipulation device 2, it may be, for example, a dedicated controller corresponding to the electric device 1. Furthermore, the information terminal 22 may not have the function of the manipulation device 2, but may only have the function of receiving a notification signal Sig2 (described later; see FIG. 2 etc.) from the electric device 1 and notifying the user.

[0017] A user can remotely control the electrical appliance 1, such as by starting and stopping the operation and switching the operation mode, by performing an operation input on the manipulation device 2. As already described, in the first embodiment, the electrical appliance 1 is a lighting fixture. Therefore, a user can remotely control the lighting fixture, such as by turning it on, dimming it, turning it off, and switching the lighting mode of the lighting fixture, by performing an operation input on the manipulation device 2.

[0018] The server device 3 is a computer that transmits the notification signal Sig2 transmitted from the electrical appliance 1 to the target information terminal 22. Specifically, when the server device 3 receives the notification signal Sig2 from the electrical appliance 1 via the network N1, it transmits the received notification signal Sig2 to the information terminal 22 specified by the address included in the notification signal Sig2 via the network N1.

[0019] Furthermore, when the information terminal 22 is the operation device 2, the server device 3 also functions as a computer that provides control data corresponding to the operation input entered at the information terminal 22 to the target electrical device 1. Specifically, when the server device 3 receives an operation signal Sig1 (see FIG. 2 etc.) from the information terminal 22 via the network N1, it transmits control data corresponding to the command included in the received operation signal Sig1 to the electrical device 1 specified by the address included in the operation signal Sig1 via the network N1.

[0020] The server device 3 may be realized, for example, by an edge server installed in the facility where the electric device 1 is installed, or may be realized by a cloud server installed outside the facility.

[0021] The electrical device 1 is a device controlled by the operating device 2. The electrical device 1 includes a communication unit 11, a communication control unit 12, an illumination control unit 13, and a light source unit .

[0022] Communication unit 11 performs wireless communication with manipulation device 2. In the first embodiment, communication unit 11 has first communication unit 111 and second communication unit 112. First communication unit 111 is a communication interface for performing infrared communication with remote control 21, which is one of manipulation devices 2. Second communication unit 112 is a communication interface for performing wireless communication with information terminal 22, which can function as manipulation device 2, and server device 3 via network N1.

[0023] Here, the remote control 21 can remotely control the electrical appliance 1 when the distance to the electrical appliance 1 is relatively short, for example, because it is located inside the space where the electrical appliance 1 is installed, but cannot remotely control the electrical appliance 1 when the distance to the electrical appliance 1 is relatively long, for example, because it is located outside the space. On the other hand, the information terminal 22 can communicate with the electrical appliance 1 via the network N1, and therefore can remotely control the electrical appliance 1 regardless of whether it is inside or outside the space. In other words, the communication unit 11 (second communication unit 112) is configured to be able to communicate with the operating device 2 (information terminal 22) located outside the space where the electrical appliance 1 is installed.

[0024] In the first embodiment, the second communication unit 112 is configured with a microcontroller. That is, the second communication unit 112 is configured with an IC (Integrated Circuit) having a processor and a memory. The processor executes a computer program stored in the memory, thereby realizing the function of the second communication unit 112.

[0025] Communication control unit 12 controls communication between manipulation device 2 and electrical device 1. In the first embodiment, communication control unit 12 is configured with a microcontroller. That is, communication control unit 12 is configured with an IC including a processor and a memory. The processor executes a computer program stored in the memory, thereby realizing the function of communication control unit 12.

[0026] When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the communication control unit 12 transmits a notification signal Sig2 including information about the state of the electrical appliance 1 based on the control by the lighting control unit (processing unit) 13 to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11 (second communication unit 112). In the following description, the communication control unit 12 may also be referred to as the "notification unit 12." The information about the state of the electrical appliance 1 may include, for example, information indicating whether the electrical appliance 1 is operating or not, information indicating the operating mode of the electrical appliance 1, or information indicating parameters (e.g., dimming value) used in the operation of the electrical appliance 1.

[0027] In the first embodiment, the electrical device 1 is a lighting fixture and includes a light source unit 14. Therefore, the notification signal Sig2 includes information indicating the lighting state of the light source unit 14 of the lighting fixture. The information indicating the lighting state of the light source unit 14 may include, for example, information indicating whether the light source unit 14 is lit, information indicating whether the light source unit 14 is dimmed or toned, information indicating the type of light source that is lit, or information indicating the light output or light color of the light source unit 14.

[0028] As described above, when the electric appliance 1 is controlled based on the operation signal Sig1 and a predetermined condition is satisfied, the communication control unit 12 notifies the information terminal 22 of information related to the state of the electric appliance 1 after the control. Therefore, the communication control unit 12 may transmit a notification signal to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11 every time the electric appliance 1 is controlled based on the operation signal Sig1, or may not transmit a notification signal to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11 even when the electric appliance 1 is controlled based on the operation signal Sig1.

[0029] In the first embodiment, the predetermined condition is that the communication unit 11 receives a plurality of operation signals Sig1 consecutively, and that the communication unit 11 receives the first operation signal Sig1 of the plurality of operation signals Sig1 and the last operation signal Sig1. Hereinafter, this predetermined condition will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a timing chart showing a first operation example of the electrical device 1 according to the first embodiment. "Operation input" in FIG. 2 represents the timing at which the user performs an operation input on the control device 2. Here, it represents that the user performs continuous operation input on the control device 2, for example, by continuously pressing a button provided on the control device 2. Such continuous operation input by the user on the control device 2 is performed when, for example, the electrical device 1 is a lighting fixture as in the first embodiment, and the light source unit 14 is continuously dimmed or adjusted in color. The above matters also apply to the examples shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, which will be described later, and to the examples shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 9, which will be described later in the second embodiment.

[0031] 2, the description will be given assuming that the manipulation device 2 is a remote control 21. In other words, the manipulation device 2 (remote control 21) is different from the information terminal 22. Therefore, here, the user of the remote control 21 and the user of the information terminal 22 are different from each other. The manipulation device 2 may also be the information terminal 22. In other words, the manipulation device 2 and the information terminal 22 may be the same. In either case, the user of the information terminal 22 can grasp the state of the electrical device 1 manipulated by the manipulation device 2, even if the user is located, for example, away from the space where the electrical device 1 is installed. The above matters also apply to the examples shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, which will be described later, and the examples shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 9, which will be described later in the second embodiment.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, while a user is continuously performing operation input on the control device 2, the control device 2 transmits an operation signal Sig1 at a predetermined cycle P2. In other words, while the control device 2 is receiving operation input, it continuously transmits the operation signal Sig1 at the predetermined cycle P2. The operation signal Sig1 is a collection of signals transmitted at small intervals. Here, the collection of signals transmitted at the cycle P1 corresponds to the operation signal Sig1. The cycle P1 is, for example, 60 ms. Note that the cycle P1 is not limited to 60 ms. The predetermined cycle P2 is, for example, 130 ms. Note that the predetermined cycle P2 is not limited to 130 ms.

[0033] When the communication unit 11 receives the operation signal Sig1, the communication control unit 12 starts measuring the determination time T11 from the time when reception of the operation signal Sig1 is completed. The determination time T11 is, for example, 175 ms. Note that the determination time T11 is not limited to 175 ms, as long as it is longer than the predetermined period P2. If the communication control unit 12 receives the next operation signal Sig1 before the determination time T11 has elapsed, it determines that multiple operation signals Sig1 have been received consecutively, and starts measuring the determination time T11 again from the time when reception of the operation signal Sig1 is completed. Thereafter, the communication control unit 12 repeats the above process as long as it receives the next operation signal Sig1 before the determination time T11 has elapsed.

[0034] 2, while the user is performing an operation input, the manipulation device 2 transmits three manipulation signals Sig1 at a predetermined cycle P2. Therefore, the communication control unit 12 determines that multiple manipulation signals Sig1 are being received consecutively from the time when the third manipulation signal Sig1 is received until the determination time T11 has elapsed. Then, the communication control unit 12 determines that the period during which multiple manipulation signals Sig1 are being received consecutively has ended because the next manipulation signal Sig1 is not received before the determination time T11 has elapsed since the third manipulation signal Sig1 is received.

[0035] 2, when the communication unit 11 receives the first operation signal Sig1, the communication control unit 12 transmits a notification signal Sig2 to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11 upon completion of reception of the operation signal Sig1. This process is executed when a predetermined condition is satisfied, that is, when the communication unit 11 receives a plurality of operation signals Sig1 in succession and the communication unit 11 receives the first operation signal Sig1 of the plurality of operation signals Sig1.

[0036] 2, the communication control unit 12 determines that the period during which a plurality of operation signals Sig1 are continuously received has ended when a determination time T11 has elapsed since the completion of reception of the third operation signal Sig1. Then, the communication control unit 12 transmits a notification signal Sig2 to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11 at a timing when a predetermined time T2 (≧determination time T11) has elapsed since the completion of reception of the third operation signal Sig1. This process is executed when a predetermined condition is satisfied, that is, when the communication unit 11 has continuously received a plurality of operation signals Sig1 and the communication unit 11 has received the last operation signal Sig1 of the plurality of operation signals Sig1.

[0037] For example, when a user continuously performs operation inputs to the operation device 2 to instruct the light source unit 14 to dim, the communication control unit 12 transmits to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11 a notification signal Sig2 including the dimming value of the light source unit 14 at the start of dimming and a notification signal Sig2 including the dimming value of the light source unit 14 at the end of dimming.

[0038] In the first embodiment, the predetermined condition includes that the communication unit 11 receives the operation signal Sig1 at an interval equal to or longer than a determination time T11 for determining whether the operation signal Sig1 is being received continuously. Hereinafter, this predetermined condition will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0039] Fig. 3 is a timing chart showing a second operation example of the electric device 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, in the second operation example, unlike the first operation example, the user does not continuously perform operation inputs to the control device 2 but performs the operation inputs at intervals. That is, in the second operation example, the user performs operation inputs, such as switching the lighting mode, at intervals. Therefore, in the example shown in Fig. 3, similar to the example shown in Fig. 2, the control device 2 transmits the operation signal Sig1 three times, but the transmission intervals are longer than the predetermined period P2.

[0040] 3, when the communication unit 11 receives a first operation signal Sig1, the communication control unit 12 transmits a notification signal Sig2 to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11 upon completion of reception of the operation signal Sig1. Then, when the communication control unit 12 receives a second operation signal Sig1 after a determination time T11 has elapsed since completion of reception of the first operation signal Sig1, the communication control unit 12 transmits a notification signal Sig2 to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11 upon completion of reception of the operation signal Sig1. This process is executed when a predetermined condition is satisfied, that is, the communication unit 11 receives the operation signal Sig1 at an interval equal to or longer than the determination time T11 for determining whether the operation signal Sig1 is being received consecutively.

[0041] 3, when a third operation signal Sig1 is received after a determination time T11 has elapsed since the completion of reception of the second operation signal Sig1, a notification signal Sig2 is transmitted to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11 at the completion of reception of the operation signal Sig1. This process is executed when a predetermined condition is satisfied, that is, the communication unit 11 receives the operation signal Sig1 at an interval equal to or longer than the determination time T11 for determining whether or not the operation signal Sig1 is being received consecutively.

[0042] When the information terminal 22 receives the notification signal Sig2 from the electrical appliance 1, the information terminal 22 displays the information included in the notification signal Sig2 on a display provided in the information terminal 22. This allows the user of the information terminal 22 to understand the state of the electrical appliance 1. Note that the information terminal 22 may output the information included in the notification signal Sig2 as sound from a speaker provided in the information terminal 22.

[0043] When the communication unit 11 receives control data corresponding to the operation input entered through the operation device 2, the lighting control unit 13 controls the light source unit 14 in accordance with the control data. In the first embodiment, the lighting control unit 13 is configured with a microcontroller. That is, the lighting control unit 13 is configured with an IC including a processor and a memory. The processor executes a computer program stored in the memory, thereby realizing the function of the lighting control unit 13.

[0044] The light source unit 14 is realized by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element, but may also be realized by other light emitting elements such as a semiconductor laser, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) element, or an inorganic EL element. The light source unit 14 is controlled by the illumination control unit 13 to change its lighting state.

[0045] [Operation] Hereinafter, a basic operation of the electric device 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the electric device 1 according to the first embodiment. First, when the communication unit 11 of the electric device 1 receives an operation signal Sig1 (S101), the notification unit 12 determines whether the operation signal Sig1 is the first operation signal Sig1 (S102). Here, the notification unit 12 is the communication control unit 12.

[0046] If it is determined that the operation signal Sig1 is the first one (S102: Yes), the notification unit 12 transmits (outputs) a notification signal Sig2 to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11 (S103). If it is determined that the operation signal Sig1 is the second or subsequent one (S102: No), the notification unit 12 determines whether or not the current operation signal Sig1 has been received within a determination time T11 since the completion of reception of the previous operation signal Sig1 (S104).

[0047] If it is determined that the current operation signal Sig1 has been received after the determination time T11 has elapsed (S104: No), notification unit 12 transmits (outputs) notification signal Sig2 to information terminal 22 via communication unit 11 (S103). At this time, notification unit 12 determines that multiple operation signals Sig1 have not been received consecutively, and therefore resets the number of times that operation signal Sig1 has been received. Therefore, from then on, when operation signal Sig1 is transmitted from manipulation device 2, the process returns to step S101.

[0048] On the other hand, if it is determined that the current operation signal Sig1 has been received within the determination time T11 (S104: Yes), the notification unit 12 determines that a plurality of operation signals Sig1 have been received consecutively, and therefore does not transmit (output) the notification signal Sig2 to the information terminal 22 (S105). Thereafter, if the communication unit 11 receives the operation signal Sig1 (S106: Yes), the notification unit 12 returns to process S104. On the other hand, if the communication unit 11 does not receive the operation signal Sig1 (S106: No), the notification unit 12 determines that the period during which a plurality of operation signals Sig1 have been received consecutively has ended, and transmits (outputs) the notification signal Sig2 to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11 (S107). Then, the notification unit 12 resets the number of times the operation signal Sig1 has been received. Therefore, from then on, when the operation signal Sig1 is transmitted from the manipulation device 2, the process returns to process S101.

[0049] [advantage] The advantages of the electric device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described below, along with a comparison with an electric device of a comparative example. Fig. 5 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of the electric device of the comparative example. As shown in Fig. 5, the electric device of the comparative example differs from the electric device 1 according to the first embodiment in that the notification unit transmits a notification signal Sig2 to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit every time the communication unit receives an operation signal Sig1, regardless of whether the communication unit receives a plurality of operation signals Sig1 consecutively.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 5, in the electrical device of the comparative example, the communication unit transmits a notification signal Sig2 to the information terminal 22 each time it receives an operation signal Sig1. Therefore, when the electrical device of the comparative example receives a plurality of operation signals Sig1 consecutively, the number of communications between the electrical device and the information terminal 22 increases, which increases communication traffic and makes communication interference more likely to occur. As a result, the electrical device of the comparative example has a problem in that the possibility that the information terminal 22 fails to receive the notification signal Sig2 due to communication interference increases, making it difficult to perform notification normally. In addition, the electrical device of the comparative example has a problem in that the user of the information terminal 22 may find it annoying because notifications to the information terminal 22 are sent so frequently.

[0051] In contrast, in the electric appliance 1 according to the first embodiment, when a plurality of operation signals Sig1 are received consecutively, the electric appliance 1 transmits a notification signal Sig2 to the information terminal 22 upon receiving the first operation signal Sig1 and upon receiving the last operation signal Sig1. Therefore, even when a plurality of operation signals Sig1 are received consecutively, the electric appliance 1 according to the first embodiment thins out communications between the electric appliance 1 and the information terminal 22, which is advantageous in that it is easy to reduce communication interference when sending a notification about the state of the electric appliance 1. As a result, the electric appliance 1 according to the first embodiment has an advantage in that it is less likely that the information terminal 22 will fail to receive the notification signal Sig2 due to communication interference, making it easier to send a notification normally. Furthermore, the electric appliance 1 according to the first embodiment has an advantage in that notifications to the information terminal 22 are not sent frequently, which makes it less likely for the user of the information terminal 22 to feel annoyed.

[0052] In the above-described first operation example, the communication control unit 12 transmits the notification signal Sig2 to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11 at a timing when a predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the last of the multiple operation signals Sig1 was received, but this is not limiting. A modification of the first operation example will be described below with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a timing chart showing a modification of the first operation example of the electrical device according to the first embodiment.

[0053] 6(a), the communication control unit 12 may transmit the notification signal Sig2 to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11 at a timing when a predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the completion of reception of the last operation signal Sig1 among the plurality of operation signals Sig1, and when a delay time T3 has also elapsed. The delay time T3 is, for example, several tens to several hundreds of ms, but is not limited to this.

[0054] 6(b), the communication control unit 12 may transmit the notification signal Sig2 to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11 when a predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the completion of reception of the last operation signal Sig1 among the multiple operation signals Sig1 and when a fixed time T12 has elapsed since reception of the first operation signal Sig1. The fixed time T12 is, for example, one second. Note that the fixed time T12 is not limited to one second and may be any time required for transmitting a predetermined number of operation signals Sig1 consecutively at a predetermined cycle P2.

[0055] Furthermore, as shown in (c) of Figure 6, the communication control unit 12 may transmit a notification signal Sig2 to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11 when a certain time T12 has elapsed since receiving the first operation signal Sig1 and a further delay time T3 has elapsed.

[0056] (Embodiment 2) The configuration of the electric appliance 1 according to the second embodiment will be described below. The electric appliance 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the electric appliance 1 according to the first embodiment in that, while continuously receiving a plurality of operation signals Sig1, the electric appliance 1 further transmits a notification signal Sig2 to the information terminal 22. In the following, descriptions of the configuration and operation common to the electric appliance 1 according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0057] Specifically, the predetermined condition in the second embodiment includes, in addition to the predetermined condition in the first embodiment, a condition that a certain time T12 has elapsed since the first operation signal Sig1 was received while the communication unit 11 was continuously receiving the operation signal Sig1. Hereinafter, this predetermined condition will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0058] Fig. 7 is a timing chart showing an example of operation of electrical device 1 according to embodiment 2. As shown in Fig. 7, in this example of operation, the user continuously performs operation input to manipulation device 2, and the period of time is longer than fixed time T12.

[0059] 7, similarly to the first embodiment, when the communication unit 11 receives the first operation signal Sig1, the communication control unit 12 transmits a notification signal Sig2 to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11 upon completion of reception of the operation signal Sig1. Thereafter, similarly to the first embodiment, the communication control unit 12 does not execute the process of transmitting the notification signal Sig2 until a certain time T12 has elapsed since the first operation signal Sig1 was received. Then, when the certain time T12 has elapsed since the first operation signal Sig1 was received, the communication control unit 12 transmits the notification signal Sig2 to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11. This process is executed when a predetermined condition is satisfied, that is, the certain time T12 has elapsed since the first operation signal Sig1 was received while the communication unit 11 was continuously receiving the operation signals Sig1.

[0060] 7, similarly to the first embodiment, the communication control unit 12 determines that the period for continuously receiving a plurality of operation signals Sig1 has ended when a determination time T11 has elapsed since the completion of reception of the last operation signal Sig1 (here, the eighth operation signal Sig1). Then, the communication control unit 12 transmits a notification signal Sig2 to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11 at a timing when a predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the completion of reception of the last operation signal Sig1.

[0061] [Operation] The basic operation of the electric device 1 according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the electric device 1 according to the second embodiment. The operation of the electric device 1 described below is executed in parallel with the operation of the electric device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0062] First, if the communication unit 11 has not received multiple operation signals Sig1 consecutively (S201: No), the notification unit (communication control unit) 12 does not execute anything in particular. On the other hand, if the communication unit 11 has received multiple operation signals Sig1 consecutively (S201: Yes), the notification unit 12 determines whether a certain period of time T12 has elapsed since the start of timekeeping (S202). Here, the start of timekeeping is the timing when the first operation signal Sig1 is received.

[0063] If the certain time T12 has not elapsed since the start of timekeeping (S202: No), the notification unit 12 does not execute anything in particular. On the other hand, if the certain time T12 has elapsed since the start of timekeeping (S202: Yes), the notification unit 12 transmits (outputs) a notification signal Sig2 to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11 (S203). At this time, the notification unit 12 resets the timekeeping and restarts the measurement of the certain time T12. Therefore, during a period in which the communication unit 11 continuously sends multiple operation signals Sig1, the notification unit 12 transmits (outputs) a notification signal Sig2 to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11 every time the certain time T12 elapses.

[0064] [advantage] The electric device 1 according to the second embodiment has an advantage that, for example, when a user continuously performs operation input to the manipulation device 2 over a relatively long period of time, the notification signal Sig2 can be transmitted in the middle of the operation input, thereby making it easier for the user of the information terminal 22 to grasp in more detail the state of the electric device 1. Furthermore, the electric device 1 according to the second embodiment has an advantage that, by transmitting the notification signal Sig2 in the middle of a user continuously performing operation input to the manipulation device 2, the user can confirm that notification from the electric device 1 to the information terminal 22 is being performed normally, which makes it easier to alleviate the user's anxiety that an abnormality may have occurred.

[0065] In the above-described operation example, the communication control unit 12 transmits the notification signal Sig2 to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11 at a timing when a certain time T12 has elapsed since the first operation signal Sig1 was received, but this is not limiting. A modified example of the above-described operation example will be described below with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a timing chart showing a modified example of the operation example of the electrical device 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 9, the communication control unit 12 may transmit a notification signal Sig2 to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11 when a certain time T12 has elapsed since receiving the first operation signal Sig1 and the judgment time T11 being measured at that time has elapsed.

[0067] [Variations] Although the first and second embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described first and second embodiments. Below, modifications of the first and second embodiments are listed. The modifications described below may be combined as appropriate.

[0068] In the above-described second embodiment, when the communication control unit (notification unit) 12 executes a process of transmitting the notification signal Sig2 while continuously receiving a plurality of operation signals Sig1, the communication control unit 12 may not transmit the notification signal Sig2 upon receiving the final operation signal Sig1. In other words, when the communication unit 11 continuously receives a plurality of operation signals Sig1, the communication control unit 12 may exclude the predetermined condition that the communication unit 11 receives the final operation signal Sig1 if the predetermined condition that a certain time T12 has elapsed since the communication unit 11 received the first operation signal Sig1 is satisfied.

[0069] In the above-described first and second embodiments, the electrical device 1 may be a device other than a lighting fixture. Even in this case, the communication control unit (notification unit) 12 may transmit a notification signal including the state of the electrical device 1 to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11. For example, if the electrical device 1 is an air conditioner, the communication control unit 12 transmits a notification signal including the state of the air conditioner to the information terminal 22 via the communication unit 11. The state of the air conditioner may be, for example, information indicating whether the air conditioner is operating or not, information indicating whether the air conditioner is performing cooling or heating operation, the set temperature and current temperature of the air conditioner, etc.

[0070] The order of the processes described in the first and second embodiments is merely an example. The order of multiple processes may be changed, or multiple processes may be executed in parallel. Furthermore, a process executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit.

[0071] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for that component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0072] Furthermore, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0073] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Also, the present invention may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium. For example, the present invention may be implemented as a control method executed by a computer, or may be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute such a control method. Also, the present invention may be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0074] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art would think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention.

[0075] (summary) As described above, electrical appliance 1 is an electrical appliance operated by manipulation device 2 and includes communication unit 11, processing unit (lighting control unit) 13, and notification unit (communication control unit) 12. Communication unit 11 communicates wirelessly with manipulation device 2. When communication unit 11 receives operation signal Sig1 from manipulation device 2, processing unit 13 executes control based on operation signal Sig1. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, notification unit 12 transmits notification signal Sig2 including information about the state of electrical appliance 1 based on the control by processing unit 13 to information terminal 22 via communication unit 11. While receiving a manipulation input, manipulation device 2 continuously transmits operation signal Sig1 at a predetermined cycle. The predetermined condition is when communication unit 11 receives multiple operation signals Sig1 consecutively, and communication unit 11 receives the first operation signal Sig1 of the multiple operation signals Sig1 and the last operation signal Sig1.

[0076] Such an electrical device 1 has the advantage that, even when multiple operation signals Sig1 are received consecutively, communication between the electrical device 1 and the information terminal 22 can be thinned out, making it easier to reduce communication interference when notifying the status of the electrical device 1.

[0077] Furthermore, for example, the predetermined condition includes that the communication unit 11 receives the operation signal Sig1 at an interval equal to or longer than a determination time T11 for determining whether the operation signal Sig1 is being received continuously.

[0078] Such an electric appliance 1 has an advantage that the user of the information terminal 22 can grasp the state of the electric appliance 1 even when discontinuous operation inputs are made to the operation device 2.

[0079] Furthermore, for example, the predetermined condition includes that a certain time T12 has elapsed since the communication unit 11 received the first operation signal Sig1 while the communication unit 11 is receiving a plurality of operation signals Sig1 successively.

[0080] Such an electrical device 1 has the advantage that, for example, when a user performs operational inputs to the operating device 2 continuously over a relatively long period of time, the notification signal Sig2 can be sent in the middle of the inputs, making it easier for the user of the information terminal 22 to understand the state of the electrical device 1 in more detail.

[0081] Furthermore, for example, the operation device 2 (remote control 21) is different from the information terminal 22.

[0082] Such an electric appliance 1 has an advantage that the user of the information terminal 22 can grasp the state of the electric appliance 1 even on the information terminal 22 that does not have a function for remotely controlling the electric appliance 1.

[0083] Furthermore, for example, the electrical device 1 is a lighting fixture. The notification signal Sig2 includes information indicating the lighting state of the light source unit 14 of the lighting fixture.

[0084] Such an electric device 1 has the advantage that the user of the information terminal 22 can know the lighting state of the lighting fixture.

[0085] Furthermore, for example, communication unit 11 (second communication unit 112) is configured to be able to communicate with manipulation device 2 (information terminal 22) that exists outside the space in which electric device 1 is installed.

[0086] Such an electric device 1 has the advantage that the state of the electric device 1 can be grasped from outside the space where the electric device 1 is installed.

[0087] Moreover, for example, the electric device system 100 includes an electric device 1 and a manipulation device 2. The manipulation device 2 performs wireless communication with the electric device 1 and controls the operation of the electric device 1.

[0088] Such an electrical equipment system 100 has the advantage that, even when multiple operation signals Sig1 are received consecutively, communication between the electrical equipment 1 and the information terminal 22 can be thinned out, which makes it easier to reduce communication interference when notifying the status of the electrical equipment 1.

[0089] Also, for example, the control method is a method for controlling an electric appliance 1 operated by a manipulation device 2, and involves wireless communication with the manipulation device 2. In the control method, when communication unit 11 receives an operation signal Sig1 from the manipulation device 2, control is executed based on the operation signal Sig1. In the control method, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a notification signal Sig2 including information about the state of the electric appliance 1 based on the control is transmitted to information terminal 22 via communication unit 11. While receiving an operation input, manipulation device 2 transmits operation signal Sig1 continuously at a predetermined cycle. The predetermined condition is when communication unit 11 receives a plurality of operation signals Sig1 continuously, and when communication unit 11 receives the first operation signal Sig1 of the plurality of operation signals Sig1 and the last operation signal Sig1.

[0090] Such a control method has the advantage that, even when multiple operation signals Sig1 are received consecutively, communication between the electrical device 1 and the information terminal 22 is thinned out, which makes it easier to reduce communication interference when notifying the status of the electrical device 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1. Electrical equipment 11 Communications Department 12 Communication control unit (notification unit) 13 Lighting control unit (processing unit) 14 Light source section 2 Operating equipment 22 Information terminal 100 Electrical Equipment Systems P2 Predetermined period Sig1 operation signal Sig2 notification signal T11 Judgment time T12 Fixed time

Claims

1. An electrical device operated by an operating device, a communication unit that performs wireless communication with the operation device; a processing unit that, when the communication unit receives an operation signal from the operation device, executes control based on the operation signal; a notification unit that, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, transmits a notification signal including information about a state of the electrical device based on control by the processing unit to the information terminal via the communication unit; the operation device continuously transmits the operation signal at a predetermined cycle while receiving an operation input; the predetermined condition is that the communication unit receives a plurality of the operation signals consecutively, and the communication unit receives a first operation signal of the plurality of operation signals and a last operation signal of the plurality of operation signals; Electrical equipment.

2. the predetermined condition includes that the communication unit receives the operation signal at an interval equal to or longer than a determination time for determining whether the operation signal is being received continuously. The electrical device according to claim 1 .

3. the predetermined condition includes that a certain time period has elapsed since the communication unit received the first operation signal while the communication unit is continuously receiving the plurality of operation signals.

3. The electrical device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The operation device is different from the information terminal.

3. The electrical device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The electrical device is a lighting fixture, the notification signal includes information indicating a lighting state of a light source unit of the lighting device, 3. The electrical device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The communication unit is configured to be able to communicate with the operating device located outside the space in which the electrical device is installed.

3. The electrical device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The electrical device according to claim 1 or 2; the operation device that wirelessly communicates with the electrical device and controls the operation of the electrical device, Electrical equipment systems.

8. A control method for an electrical device operated by an operating device, comprising: wirelessly communicates with the operation device; When an operation signal is received from the operation device, the control device executes control based on the operation signal; When a predetermined condition is satisfied, a notification signal including information on a state of the electrical device based on the control is transmitted to an information terminal; the operation device continuously transmits the operation signal at a predetermined cycle while receiving an operation input; the predetermined condition is that a plurality of operation signals are received consecutively, and that a first operation signal among the plurality of operation signals is received and a last operation signal is received; Control method.

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