Electrical equipment, electrical equipment system, and control method

The electrical device facilitates monitoring the initialization of multiple functions by changing its output based on the progress of the process, allowing users to verify normal operation and detect abnormalities.

JP7808772B2Active Publication Date: 2026-01-30PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2022079525
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2022-05-13
Publication Date
2026-01-30
Estimated Expiration
2042-05-13

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing systems do not provide an easy way to monitor the progress of initialization for multiple functions in electrical devices, making it difficult for users to determine if the initialization process is being performed correctly.

Method used

An electrical device with a communication unit that performs wireless communication, a processing unit that sequentially initializes multiple functions upon receiving an initialization signal, and an output unit that changes its output based on the progress of the initialization process, allowing differentiation between the initialization of individual functions.

Benefits of technology

Enables users to easily track the progress of initialization through visual or power consumption changes, ensuring normal operation and identifying any abnormalities in the initialization process.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide a piece of electrical equipment capable of comprehending the progress of initialization of multiple functions.SOLUTION: A piece of electrical equipment 1 is a piece of electrical equipment that is operated by an operation device 2. The electrical equipment includes a communication unit 11, a processing unit (lighting control unit) 13, and an output unit 14. The communication unit 11 performs wireless communication with the operation device 2. The processing unit 13 is configured so as to, when the communication unit 11 receives an initialization signal instructing initialization from the operation device 2, execute a series of initialization processing to sequentially initialize multiple functions of the electrical equipment 1. The output unit 14 changes the output depending on the progress of initialization processing in the processing unit 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric device having multiple functions, an electric device system, and a control method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system for performing a factory reset to reset the network configuration in a lighting fixture. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2021-520617 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention provides an electric device or the like that makes it easy to grasp the progress of initialization for a plurality of functions. [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, The electrical equipment includes a communication unit that performs wireless communication with the operating device, a processing unit that executes an initialization process to sequentially initialize multiple functions of the electrical equipment when the communication unit receives an initialization signal from the operating device instructing initialization, and an output unit that changes its output according to the progress of the initialization process in the processing unit, and the output unit differentiates between the initialization of at least one of the multiple functions in the initialization process and the initialization of other functions in the initialization process. An electrical device according to one aspect of the present invention is an electrical device that is operated by an operating device, and includes a communication unit that performs wireless communication with the operating device, a processing unit that, when the communication unit receives an initialization signal from the operating device instructing initialization, executes an initialization process that sequentially initializes multiple functions of the electrical device, and an output unit that changes its output according to the progress of the initialization process in the processing unit, and the output of the output unit is an output that involves a change in power.

[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 method for controlling an electrical device operated by a control device. The electrical device communicates wirelessly with the control device, and when an initialization signal instructing initialization is received from the control device, an initialization process is executed to sequentially initialize multiple functions of the electrical device, and the output of the electrical device is changed according to the progress of the initialization process. When changing the output of the electrical device, the initialization of at least one of the multiple functions in the initialization process is made to have a different output from the initialization of the other functions in the initialization process. A control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a control method for an electrical device operated by an operating device, which performs wireless communication with the operating device, and upon receiving an initialization signal from the operating device instructing initialization, executes an initialization process that sequentially initializes multiple functions of the electrical device, changes the output of the electrical device according to the progress of the initialization process, and when changing the output of the electrical device, causes the output to be accompanied by a change in power. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The electrical device etc. of the present invention has an advantage that it is easy to grasp the progress of initialization for a plurality of functions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration including an electrical device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the electrical device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the electrical device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of operation of an electrical device according to a comparative example. 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) [composition] First, the configuration of an electrical device according to an embodiment will be described. The electrical device is a device installed in a predetermined area (e.g., a room) indoors or outdoors. In the 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 an embodiment. 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") 21. The remote controller 21 and the information terminal 22 correspond to an operation device 2.

[0014] In the 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 embodiment, a 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 manipulation 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. The remote control 21 may include a device that performs wireless communication with the electric device 1 according to a short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). 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 according to 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 functions as the manipulation device 2 by executing an installed application for remotely controlling the electric device 1. The information terminal 22 may be a dedicated controller corresponding to the electric device 1, for example.

[0016] 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 embodiment, the electrical appliance 1 is a lighting fixture. Therefore, a user can remotely control the lighting fixture by performing an operation input on the manipulation device 2, such as by turning the lighting fixture on, dimming, or turning it off, and switching the lighting mode of the lighting fixture.

[0017] The control device 2 has a function of transmitting an initialization signal to the electric device 1 instructing the electric device 1 to initialize itself when it receives a predetermined operation input. Here, initializing the electric device 1 means returning the multiple functions of the electric device 1 to their initial states (for example, the states of the electric device 1 at the time of shipment). The multiple functions of the electric device 1 execute processing in accordance with computer programs stored in multiple corresponding memories. Initializing the electric device 1 corresponds to returning the parameters of the computer programs stored in these memories to their initial values.

[0018] The initialization of the electrical device 1 is performed, for example, in a factory where the electrical device 1 is manufactured, after an operator has inspected the electrical device 1, in order to prepare the electrical device 1 for shipment. The initialization of the electrical device 1 is also performed by a user to restore the electrical device 1 to a normal state when some abnormality occurs in the electrical device 1 due to, for example, a power outage and the like, preventing the electrical device 1 from operating normally.

[0019] Server device 3 is a computer that provides control data corresponding to an operation input input via manipulation device 2 to target electrical appliance 1. Specifically, when server device 3 receives an operation signal from manipulation device 2 (here, information terminal 22) via network N1, it transmits control data corresponding to a command included in the received operation signal to electrical appliance 1 specified by an address included in the operation signal via network N1. Server device 3 may be realized, for example, by an edge server installed in the facility where electrical appliance 1 is installed, or may be realized by a cloud server installed outside the facility.

[0020] 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, a lighting control unit 13, and an output unit 14. The electrical device 1 has a plurality of functions. In the embodiment, the plurality of functions of the electrical device 1 include the function of the second communication unit 112, the function of the communication control unit 12, and the function of the lighting control unit 13.

[0021] Communication unit 11 performs wireless communication with manipulation device 2. In the 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 between information terminal 22, which is one of manipulation devices 2, and server device 3 via network N1.

[0022] 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.

[0023] In the 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) including 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. As already described, the second communication unit 112 is a component that realizes one of the multiple functions of the electric device 1, and is subject to initialization. That is, the second communication unit 112 is initialized by resetting the parameters of the computer program stored in the memory of the second communication unit 112 to their initial values ​​in an initialization process described later.

[0024] The communication control unit 12 controls communication between the manipulation device 2 and the electrical device 1. In this embodiment, the communication control unit 12 is configured with a microcontroller. That is, the 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 the communication control unit 12. As already mentioned, the communication control unit 12 is a component that realizes one of the multiple functions of the electrical device 1, and is subject to initialization. That is, the communication control unit 12 is initialized by resetting the parameters of the computer program stored in the memory of the communication control unit 12 to their initial values ​​in the initialization process described below.

[0025] When the communication unit 11 receives control data corresponding to an operation input made via the operation device 2, the lighting control unit 13 controls the light source unit 141 (described later) in accordance with the control data. In this 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 to realize the function of the lighting control unit 13. The lighting control unit 13 is a component that realizes one of the multiple functions of the electrical device 1, and is subject to initialization. That is, the lighting control unit 13 is initialized by resetting the parameters of the computer program stored in the memory of the lighting control unit 13 to their initial values ​​in an initialization process described later.

[0026] Furthermore, when communication unit 11 receives an initialization signal from control device 2 instructing initialization, lighting control unit 13 executes initialization processing to sequentially initialize multiple functions of electrical device 1. Here, the initialization processing may include processing to initialize lighting control unit 13 itself, as well as processing in which lighting control unit 13 directly instructs the functions to be initialized to perform initialization. Furthermore, the initialization processing may include processing in which a function that has received an initialization instruction directly from lighting control unit 13 instructs the functions to be initialized to perform initialization, that is, processing in which lighting control unit 13 indirectly instructs the functions to be initialized to perform initialization. In the following description, lighting control unit 13 may also be referred to as "processing unit 13."

[0027] Here, when the electrical device 1 is a lighting fixture, the parameters to be initialized may include, for example, the lighting fixture's product number, serial number, firmware version, and whether the firmware has been updated. Furthermore, the parameters may include, for example, BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) setting information, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) setting information, or router setting information. Furthermore, the parameters may include, for example, the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the server device 3. Furthermore, the parameters may include, for example, the lighting mode, dimming value, color adjustment value, panel state, mode information, or schedule information of the light source unit 141.

[0028] The output unit 14 changes the output in accordance with the progress of the initialization process in the processing unit (lighting control unit) 13. Here, in the initialization process in the processing unit 13, a plurality of functions of the electrical device 1 are sequentially initialized. Therefore, the output unit 14 changes the output, for example, every time initialization of any one of the plurality of functions is started (or every time initialization is completed). In other words, the output unit 14 makes the output different between the initialization of at least one function of the plurality of functions in the initialization process and the initialization of the other functions in the initialization process.

[0029] In the embodiment, the output unit 14 has a light source unit 141. The light source unit 141 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 141 is controlled by the illumination control unit 13 to change its lighting mode according to the progress of the initialization process. That is, in the embodiment, the output of the output unit 14 is light emitted by the light source unit 141.

[0030] For example, when performing initialization processing for two functions of the electrical device 1, when initialization of one function starts, the light source unit 141 may be adjusted to a relatively high color temperature, and when initialization of the other function starts, the light source unit 141 may be adjusted to a relatively low color temperature.

[0031] Here, as the lighting mode of the light source unit 141 changes, the power consumption of the electrical device 1 also changes. Therefore, the output of the output unit 14 may be an output that changes the power consumption of the electrical device 1 according to the progress of the initialization process. In this case, the output of the output unit 14 is an output that changes the power.

[0032] For example, when performing initialization processing for two functions possessed by electrical device 1, when initialization of one function is started, output unit 14 may output such that electrical device 1 consumes several watts of power, and when initialization of the other function is started, output unit 14 may output such that electrical device 1 consumes several tens of watts of power.

[0033] [Operation] The basic operation of the electric device 1 according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the electric device 1 according to the embodiment. First, when a user or an operator performs a predetermined operation input on the control device 2, an initialization signal is transmitted from the control device 2 to the electric device 1. Then, communication unit 11 of the electric device 1 receives the initialization signal (S101). Here, if the control device 2 is remote control 21, first communication unit 111 receives the initialization signal, and if the control device 2 is information terminal 22, second communication unit 112 receives the initialization signal.

[0034] When the communication unit 11 receives the initialization signal, the processing unit 13 of the electrical device 1 starts initialization of one of its functions, thereby starting the initialization process (S102). In this case, the processing unit 13 is the lighting control unit 13. In addition, the multiple functions to be subjected to the initialization process are the second communication unit 112, the communication control unit 12, and the lighting control unit 13.

[0035] When the initialization process by the processing unit 13 is started, the output unit 14 starts outputting at the first output (S103). Here, the first output of the output unit 14 is the first light emitted by the light source unit 141.

[0036] Thereafter, the output unit 14 maintains the current output (here, the first light of the light source unit 141) (S105) until the initialization of the target function is completed (S104: No). Then, when the initialization of the target function is completed (S104: Yes) but the initialization of all functions is not completed (S106: No), the processing unit 13 starts initialization of other functions that have not yet been initialized (S107). Then, the output unit 14 changes the output from the current output (S108). For example, if the current output is the first light emitted by the light source unit 141, the light emitted by the light source unit 141 changes from the first light to the second light. The first light and the second light may have different color temperatures or different light energies.

[0037] When the initialization of all functions is completed (S106: Yes), the initialization process by the processing unit 13 is completed. Then, the output unit 14 changes its output from the current output to the first output (S109). That is, in the embodiment, the output of the output unit 14 is the same at the start of the initialization process as it is at the completion of the initialization process. This has the advantage that the user or worker can easily grasp that the initialization process is complete. Another advantage is that the user or worker does not need to perform the work of returning the electrical device 1 to the state it was in when the initialization process started, which improves convenience.

[0038] A specific example of the operation of the electric device 1 according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the electric device 1 according to the embodiment. First, when a user or an operator performs a predetermined operation input on the control device 2, an initialization signal is transmitted from the control device 2 to the electric device 1 (S201). When the communication unit 11 receives the initialization signal, the lighting control unit (processing unit) 13 starts the initialization process. Here, the lighting control unit 13 transmits an initialization command instructing initialization to the communication control unit 12 (S202). The lighting control unit 13 also initializes itself (S203). In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the initialization process includes initialization of the communication control unit 12 and the second communication unit 112, which is triggered by the lighting control unit 13 transmitting the initialization command to the communication control unit 12, and initialization of the lighting control unit 13 itself.

[0039] Furthermore, the illumination control unit 13 switches the lighting mode of the light source unit 141 to the first lighting mode (S204). As a result, the light emitted by the light source unit 141 becomes the first light corresponding to the first lighting mode. The first lighting mode is, for example, a mode for lighting a night light. Note that the order in which steps S202, S203, and S204 are executed is not limited to this order.

[0040] When the communication control unit 12 receives the initialization command from the lighting control unit 13, it transmits the initialization command to the second communication unit 112 (S205). Then, when the second communication unit 112 receives the initialization command from the communication control unit 12, it executes its own initialization (S206). When the second communication unit 112 completes its own initialization, it transmits a completion notification indicating that the initialization has been completed to the communication control unit 12 (S209).

[0041] Furthermore, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the communication control unit 12 transmitted the initialization command to the second communication unit 112, the communication control unit 12 transmits a control command to the illumination control unit 13 to instruct switching of the lighting mode of the light source unit 141 (S207). Upon receiving the control command from the communication control unit 12, the illumination control unit 13 switches the lighting mode of the light source unit 141 from the first lighting mode to the second lighting mode (S208). The second lighting mode is, for example, a mode in which a normally used light source is turned on and in which the light energy is lower than normal. Note that the communication control unit 12 may transmit the control command triggered by receiving a completion notification from the second communication unit 112.

[0042] When the communication control unit 12 receives the completion notification from the second communication unit 112, it executes its own initialization (S210). Then, when the communication control unit 12 completes its own initialization, it transmits a control command to the lighting control unit 13 to instruct switching of the lighting mode of the light source unit 141 (S211). When the lighting control unit 13 receives the control command from the communication control unit 12, it switches the lighting mode of the light source unit 141 from the second lighting mode to the first lighting mode (S212). This completes the initialization process by the lighting control unit 13.

[0043] In the operation example shown in FIG. 3 , the lighting control unit 13 switches the lighting mode of the light source unit 141 from the first lighting mode to the second lighting mode and from the second lighting mode to the first lighting mode in accordance with a control command transmitted from the communication control unit 12. However, this is not limiting. For example, in step S207, the communication control unit 12 may transmit a completion notification indicating that initialization of the second communication unit 112 has been completed to the lighting control unit 13, instead of transmitting a control command. The lighting control unit 13 may then switch the lighting mode of the light source unit 141 from the first lighting mode to the second lighting mode, triggered by receiving the completion notification from the communication control unit 12. Similarly, in step S211, the communication control unit 12 may transmit a completion notification indicating that initialization of the lighting control unit 141 has been completed to the lighting control unit 13, instead of transmitting a control command. The lighting control unit 13 may then switch the lighting mode of the light source unit 141 from the second lighting mode to the first lighting mode, triggered by receiving the completion notification from the communication control unit 12.

[0044] [advantage] The advantages of the electric device 1 according to the embodiment will be described below, along with a comparison with an electric device of a comparative example. The electric device of the comparative example differs from the electric device 1 according to the embodiment in that the output from the output unit (light source unit) remains unchanged from the start to the completion of the initialization process.

[0045] 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the electrical device of the comparative example. First, when a user or an operator performs a predetermined operation input to the manipulation device 2, an initialization signal is transmitted from the manipulation device 2 to the electrical device (S301). When the communication unit receives the initialization signal, the lighting control unit starts the initialization process. Here, the lighting control unit transmits an initialization command instructing initialization to the communication control unit (S302). The lighting control unit also executes its own initialization (S303).

[0046] Furthermore, the illumination control unit switches the lighting mode of the light source unit to a night light mode in which the night light is turned on (S304).

[0047] When the communication control unit receives the initialization command from the lighting control unit, it transmits the initialization command to the second communication unit (S305). Then, when the second communication unit receives the initialization command from the communication control unit, it executes its own initialization (S306). When the second communication unit completes its own initialization, it transmits a completion notification indicating that the initialization has been completed to the communication control unit (S307).

[0048] When the communication control unit receives the completion notification from the second communication unit, it executes its own initialization (S308), which completes the initialization process by the lighting control unit.

[0049] 4, in the electrical device of the comparative example, while the illumination control unit is performing the initialization process, the light source unit operates in the night light mode and is not switched to another lighting mode. Therefore, in the electrical device of the comparative example, there is a problem that the user or operator cannot know whether the initialization process is being performed normally.

[0050] In contrast, in the electric device 1 according to the embodiment, while the illumination control unit 13 is performing the initialization process, the light source unit 141 switches between the first lighting mode, the second lighting mode, and the first lighting mode in this order. That is, in the electric device 1 according to the embodiment, the light emitted by the light source unit 141 (the output of the output unit 14) changes according to the progress of the initialization process. Therefore, in the electric device 1 according to the embodiment, the user or worker can easily recognize that the initialization of the electric device 1 is being performed normally by visually checking the light emitted by the light source unit 141.

[0051] Furthermore, in the electric device 1 according to the embodiment, when an abnormality occurs in the initialization of any of the functions, the output of the output unit 14 does not change when the initialization of the function is executed, which is an advantage that the user or worker can easily know that an abnormality has occurred in the initialization of the function. When the user or worker reports that an abnormality has occurred in the electric device 1, if the user or worker reports the change in the output of the output unit 14, the person who receives the report can easily know which function of the electric device 1 has the abnormality in the initialization.

[0052] As already mentioned, in the electric device 1 according to the embodiment, the output of the output unit 14 may be an output that changes the power consumption of the electric device 1 (in other words, an output that accompanies a change in power). In this case, there is an advantage that a user or an operator can easily determine whether the initialization of the electric device 1 is being performed normally by measuring the change in the power consumption of the electric device 1 using an inspection device.

[0053] [Variations] Although the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Modifications of the embodiment will be listed below. The modifications described below may be combined as appropriate.

[0054] In the above embodiment, the output unit 14 may change the output so that the outputs differ from one another when initializing multiple functions. For example, when initializing three functions, the light source unit 141 may switch to the full-on mode when initializing the first function, the normal lower limit mode when initializing the second function, and the night light mode when initializing the third function. Here, the full-on mode is a normal mode in which the light source is turned on at the maximum dimming rate. The normal lower limit mode is a normal mode in which the light source is turned on at the minimum dimming rate.

[0055] Furthermore, for example, light source unit 141 may be switched to the normal lower limit mode when initializing the first function, the night light mode when initializing the second function, and the normal lower limit mode when initializing the third function. In this case, by setting the light color of light source unit 141 to white in the first normal lower limit mode and the light color of light source unit 141 to warm white in the second normal lower limit mode, the outputs of all the functions will be different from each other when they are initialized.

[0056] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, output unit 14 may change its output so that the outputs of at least some of the functions are different from the outputs of the other functions when the multiple functions are initialized, without making the outputs different from each other when the functions are initialized. For example, when three functions are initialized, light source unit 141 may switch to the night light mode when the first function is initialized, the normal lower limit mode when the second function is initialized, and the night light mode when the third function is initialized.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the lighting mode of the light source unit 141 during the initialization process may be a lighting mode that is less dazzling to the user or worker in order to ensure visibility for the user or worker. For example, when initializing three functions, the light source unit 141 may be turned off when initializing the first function, switched to the normal lower limit mode when initializing the second function, and switched to the night light mode when initializing the third function.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the plurality of functions are respectively provided by a plurality of functional units (in the embodiment, the second communication unit 112, the communication control unit 12, and the lighting control unit 13), but this is not limiting. For example, the plurality of functions may be provided by a single functional unit.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the electrical device 1 may be a device other than a lighting fixture. Even in this case, if the electrical device 1 includes a notification lamp, the output unit 14 may change the lighting mode of the notification lamp according to the progress of the initialization process.

[0060] In the above embodiment, if the electric device 1 is equipped with a speaker, the output unit 14 may change the sound output from the speaker depending on the progress of the initialization process. That is, the output unit 14 may change the output depending on the progress of the initialization process using the function of the electric device 1.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the electric device 1 is configured to be able to communicate with both the remote control 21 and the information terminal 22, but this is not limiting. For example, the electric device 1 may be configured to be able to communicate with only one of the remote control 21 and the information terminal 22. In other words, the communication unit 11 may have only one of the first communication unit 111 and the second communication unit 112.

[0062] The order of the processes described in the above embodiment is merely an example. The order of the processes may be changed, or the processes may be executed in parallel. Furthermore, the processes executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit.

[0063] In the above-described embodiments, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for that component, or 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] (summary) As described above, electrical device 1 is an electrical device operated by manipulation device 2, and includes communication unit 11, processing unit (lighting control unit) 13, and output unit 14. Communication unit 11 communicates wirelessly with manipulation device 2. When communication unit 11 receives an initialization signal from manipulation device 2 instructing initialization, processing unit 13 executes initialization processing to sequentially initialize multiple functions of electrical device 1. Output unit 14 changes its output according to the progress of the initialization processing in processing unit 13.

[0068] Such an electric device 1 has an advantage in that a user or an operator can easily understand that the initialization of the electric device 1 is being performed normally by checking the output of the output unit 14.

[0069] Furthermore, for example, the output unit 14 outputs differently depending on whether the initialization of at least one function among the plurality of functions in the initialization process is performed or not, and whether the initialization of the other functions is performed or not.

[0070] Such an electric device 1 has the advantage that the user or worker can easily understand which function is being initialized.

[0071] Also, for example, the output of the output unit 14 is the same at the start of the initialization process and at the completion of the initialization process.

[0072] Such an electric device 1 has an advantage that the user or worker can easily understand that the initialization process has been completed. Another advantage is that the user or worker does not need to perform the work of returning the electric device 1 to the state at the start of initialization, which improves convenience.

[0073] Furthermore, for example, the output of the output unit 14 is an output that involves a change in power.

[0074] Such an electrical device 1 has the advantage that a user or worker can easily determine whether the initialization of the electrical device 1 is being performed normally by measuring the change in power consumption of the electrical device 1 using an inspection device.

[0075] Furthermore, for example, the electrical device 1 is a lighting fixture. The output of the output unit 14 is light emitted by the light source unit 141.

[0076] Such an electric device 1 has an advantage that a user or an operator can easily recognize that the initialization of the electric device 1 is being performed normally by visually checking the light emitted from the light source unit 141.

[0077] 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.

[0078] Such an electric device 1 has the advantage that the electric device 1 can be remotely controlled from outside the space where the electric device 1 is installed.

[0079] 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.

[0080] Such an electric device system 100 has an advantage in that a user or an operator can easily understand that the initialization of the electric device 1 is being performed normally by checking the output of the output unit 14.

[0081] Furthermore, for example, the control method is a control method for electric appliance 1 operated by manipulation device 2, and performs wireless communication with manipulation device 2. Furthermore, in the control method, when an initialization signal instructing initialization is received from manipulation device 2, an initialization process is executed to sequentially initialize a plurality of functions of electric appliance 1. Furthermore, in the control method, the output of electric appliance 1 is changed according to the progress of the initialization process.

[0082] Such a control method has the advantage that the user or worker can easily understand that the initialization of the electrical device 1 is being performed normally by checking the output of the output unit 14. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1. Electrical equipment 11 Communications Department 13 Lighting control unit (processing unit) 14 Output section 141 Light source section 2 Operating equipment 100 Electrical Equipment Systems

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 executes an initialization process to sequentially initialize a plurality of functions of the electrical device when the communication unit receives an initialization signal instructing initialization from the control device; an output unit that changes an output in accordance with the progress of the initialization process in the processing unit, the output unit causes an output to be different between the initialization of at least one function among the plurality of functions in the initialization process and the initialization of the other functions in the initialization process. Electrical equipment.

2. An electrical device operated by an operating device, a communication unit that performs wireless communication with the operation device; a processing unit that executes an initialization process to sequentially initialize a plurality of functions of the electrical device when the communication unit receives an initialization signal instructing initialization from the control device; an output unit that changes an output in accordance with the progress of the initialization process in the processing unit, The output of the output unit is an output accompanied by a change in power. Electrical equipment.

3. The output of the output unit is the same at the start of the initialization process and at the completion of the initialization process.

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

4. The electrical device is a lighting fixture, The output of the output unit is light emitted from a light source unit.

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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. A control method for an electrical device operated by an operating device, comprising: wirelessly communicates with the operation device; When an initialization signal instructing initialization is received from the operation device, an initialization process is executed to sequentially initialize a plurality of functions of the electrical device; changing the output of the electrical device according to the progress of the initialization process; When changing the output of the electric device, the initialization of at least one function among the plurality of functions in the initialization process is made different from the initialization of the other functions in the initialization process. Control method.

8. A control method for an electrical device operated by an operating device, comprising: wirelessly communicates with the operation device; When an initialization signal instructing initialization is received from the operation device, an initialization process is executed to sequentially initialize a plurality of functions of the electrical device; changing the output of the electrical device according to the progress of the initialization process; When changing the output of the electrical device, the output is accompanied by a change in power. Control method.

Citation Information

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