Communication device, communication system, and processing method for communication device

Abstract

The purpose of the present disclosure is to improve ease of use. A communication device (1) according to the present disclosure comprises a communication unit (11), an operation reception unit (16), a notification unit (14), and a process execution unit (17). While the operation reception unit (16) is receiving consecutive operation of an operation unit (13), the notification unit (14) performs notification in accordance with an elapsed time from a start point of time of the consecutive operation. The process execution unit (17) sets, with the start point of time of the consecutive operation as an initial point, a second period including a plurality of first periods which are consecutive in a prescribed order. The process execution unit (17) allocates different processes to the plurality of first periods. The notification unit (14) notifies one first period, among the plurality of first periods, that includes a point of time at which the elapsed time has passed from the start point of time. When the operation reception unit (16) receives an end of the consecutive operation, the process execution unit (17) executes a process allocated to a first period which includes an end point of time at which the consecutive operation has ended.

Description

COMMUNICATION DEVICE, COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, AND COMMUNICATION DEVICE PROCESSING METHOD

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

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-102663 (Patent Document 1) discloses a command input method in a GUI (Graphical User Interface) environment. In the command input method described in Patent Document 1, a button is displayed on a screen to which a series of multiple processes are assigned, each of which is executed in stages. Multiple input time ranges are set for the input time required to continuously operate the button, and a stage to be executed is assigned corresponding to each of the multiple input time ranges. Specifically, a calculation process, a process for updating the calculation result, and a process for printing the calculation result are assigned to one button. If the input time for this button is, for example, less than one second, the command execution unit executes only the first stage of the process, i.e., the calculation process. If the input time for this button is, for example, more than one second but less than two seconds, the command execution unit executes the processes up to the second stage, i.e., the calculation process and the update process. If the input time for the button is, for example, more than two seconds but less than three seconds, the command execution unit executes all of the processes up to the final stage, i.e., the calculation process, the update process, and the print process.

[0003] In the command input method described in Patent Document 1, multiple processes executed with one button are set as a series of multiple processes executed in stages. Then, although it is possible to execute one or multiple processes from the beginning of the series of multiple processes depending on the input time of one button, it is not possible to execute one process arbitrarily selected from the multiple processes, which makes it difficult to use.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-177849

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

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

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

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

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a system configuration of a communication system including the communication device. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a process executed when an operation unit is continuously operated in a communication device set as a terminal. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification by a notification unit included in the communication device. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification by a notification unit included in the communication device. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification by a notification unit included in the communication device. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification by a notification unit included in the communication device. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a process executed when an operation unit is continuously operated in a communication device set as a master.

[0010] Hereinafter, a communication device according to an embodiment and a communication system including the same will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, each diagram described in the following embodiments is a schematic diagram, and the dimensional ratios of the sizes of the components do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. Furthermore, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0011] (Embodiment) (1) Overview As shown in FIG. 1, the communication device 1 according to this embodiment includes a communication unit (first communication unit 11), an operation reception unit 16, a notification unit 14, and a processing execution unit 17.

[0012] The communication unit (first communication unit 11) communicates with an external system.

[0013] The operation receiving unit 16 receives operations of the operation unit 13 by the user.

[0014] While the operation receiving unit 16 receives a continuous operation of continuously operating the operation unit 13, the notification unit 14 provides a notification according to the elapsed time from the start of the continuous operation.

[0015] The process execution unit 17 sets a second period T2 including a plurality of first periods T11 to T13 that are successive in a predetermined order, starting from the start point of the consecutive operations. The process execution unit 17 assigns different processes to the plurality of first periods T11 to T13, respectively.

[0016] The notification unit 14 notifies which of the plurality of first periods T11 to T13 the point in time that has elapsed since the start point falls within.

[0017] When the operation receiving unit 16 receives the end of the continuous operation, the processing execution unit 17 executes the processing assigned to the first period T11 to T13, which includes the end point of the continuous operation, among the multiple first periods T11 to T13.

[0018] The communication device 1 of this embodiment performs power line carrier communication with, for example, an external system using the power line PL1 as a transmission path. Multiple communication devices 1 are connected to the power line PL1. Each of the multiple communication devices 1 can switch between operating as a master (parent device) or a terminal (child device). One of the multiple communication devices 1 connected to the power line PL1 operates as the master (parent device), and the remaining communication devices 1 operate as terminals (child devices). Power line carrier communication is performed using a multi-hop method between the communication device 1 operating as the master and the communication device 1 operating as the terminal. Here, for the communication device 1 operating as the master, the communication device 1 as the terminal, which is the communication partner, is the external system. Also, for the communication device 1 operating as the terminal, the communication device 1 as the master, which is the communication partner, is the external system. Note that the communication unit 11 is not limited to one that performs power line carrier communication using the power line PL1 as a transmission path, and may also perform communication using an existing or dedicated communication line as a transmission path. In the following, an example will be described in which the communication unit 11 performs power line carrier communication using the power line PL1 as a transmission path.

[0019] Here, a continuous operation of continuously operating the operation unit 13 refers to an operation of continuously operating the operation unit 13 without interruption. If the operation of the operation unit 13 is an operation of pressing the operation unit 13, the continuous operation refers to an operation of pressing and holding the operation unit 13. Furthermore, in this embodiment, each of the plurality of processes assigned to each of the plurality of first periods T11 to T13 is a process executed to cause the communication device 1 to perform a specific operation. The plurality of processes assigned to the plurality of first periods T11 to T13 may include, for example, a communication speed display process of measuring and roughly displaying the communication speed of power line carrier communication in the communication device 1 operating as a terminal, a restart process of restarting the communication device 1, an initialization process of initializing various settings of the communication device 1, and the like. In the following embodiment, three first periods T11 to T13 are provided in the second period T2, and the communication speed display process, the restart process, and the initialization process are respectively assigned to the three first periods T11 to T13, but the number of first periods may be two or four or more, and the processes assigned to the multiple first periods can be changed as appropriate.

[0020] In this embodiment, the notification unit 14 notifies the user of which of the multiple first periods T11 to T13 the time elapsed since the start of the continuous operation falls within. Therefore, the user can understand the process to be executed when the continuous operation ends based on the notification from the notification unit 14. When the user ends the continuous operation on the operation unit 13, the process to be executed by the process execution unit 17 is determined based on which of the multiple first periods T11 to T13 the end of the continuous operation falls within. Here, different processes are assigned to the multiple first periods T11 to T13, so the user can select a process to execute from the multiple processes assigned to the multiple first periods T11 to T13 based on the notification from the notification unit 14. Therefore, the communication device 1 of this embodiment has the advantage of being able to select and execute any one of the multiple processes assigned to one operation unit 13, thereby improving usability.

[0021] (2) Details The communication device 1 according to this embodiment and the communication system 100 including the same will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. FIG.

[0022] (2.1) Overall Configuration The communication device 1 according to this embodiment is connected to a power line PL1 installed in a facility F1, as shown in FIG. 2 . In the example of FIG. 2 , one communication device 1 is installed in each of two rooms R1 and R2 of the facility F1. The facility F1 here is, for example, a building that receives power from a power supply company or the like. In the following, it is assumed that the facility F1 is a detached house. However, the facility F1 is not limited to a detached house and may be, for example, an individual dwelling unit in an apartment building, an office, a store, a factory, or the like. In the following embodiment, the communication device 1 installed in room R1 may be referred to as communication device 1A, and the communication device 1 installed in room R2 may be referred to as communication device 1B.

[0023] Furthermore, a communication system 100 is configured by a plurality of communication devices 1. The communication system 100 includes a first communication device 1A and a second communication device 1B, each of which is a communication device 1, a first device 3A connected to the first communication device 1A, and a second device 3B connected to the second communication device 1B. Communication is performed between a communication unit (first communication unit 11) of the first communication device 1A and a communication unit (first communication unit 11) of the second communication device 1B. Because the communication system 100 includes the first communication device 1A and the second communication device 1B, each of which is a communication device 1, usability can be improved.

[0024] A power cable 31 extends from the main body 20 of the first communication device 1A and the second communication device 1B, and an attachment plug 32 is connected to the end of the power cable 31. The first communication device 1A and the second communication device 1B are connected to the power line PL1 by connecting the attachment plug 32 to power outlets 50 installed on the walls of rooms R1 and R2, respectively, and receive power from an AC power source such as a commercial AC power source. Power line carrier communication is performed between the first communication device 1A and the second communication device 1B using the power line PL1 as a transmission path. Note that the first communication device 1A is connected to the power line PL1 via the power outlet 50, and the second communication device 1B is connected to the power line PL1 via the power outlet 50, but the power outlet 50 connected between the first communication device 1A and the second communication device 1B is not shown in FIG. 1 .

[0025] Of the first communication device 1A and the second communication device 1B, one communication device (e.g., the first communication device 1A) is set as the master, and the other communication device (e.g., the second communication device 1B) is set as the terminal. The first communication device 1A and the second communication device 1B have the same configuration. The first communication device 1A and the second communication device 1B have a selector switch (not shown) that switches between operating as a master or a terminal, and function as either the master or the terminal depending on the setting of the selector switch.

[0026] Also installed in room R1 are a broadband router 5 connected to a communication network NT1 such as the Internet, and a wireless access point 6A that performs wireless communication using a communication method that complies with the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard. The first communication device 1A and the wireless access point 6A are connected to the broadband router 5 via LAN cables 71 and 72, respectively. For example, if room R1 contains a tablet-type computer terminal 7A that is capable of wireless communication using a communication method that complies with the Wi-Fi standard, this computer terminal 7A can connect to the communication network NT1 via the wireless access point 6A and the broadband router 5, and can perform data communication with a server 8, etc., via the communication network NT1.

[0027] Also installed in room R2 is a wireless access point 6B that performs wireless communication using a communication method compliant with the Wi-Fi standard, for example, and the wireless access point 6B is connected to the second communication device 1B via a LAN cable 73. Because power line carrier communication is possible between the first communication device 1A and the second communication device 1B via the power line PL1, data communication is possible between the broadband router 5 and the wireless access point 6B via the first communication device 1A and the second communication device 1B. Therefore, if a tablet-type computer terminal 7B that is capable of wireless communication using a communication method compliant with the Wi-Fi standard is present in room R2, this computer terminal 7B can connect to the communication network NT1 via the wireless access point 6B, the second communication device 1B, the first communication device 1A, and the broadband router 5, and can communicate data with the server 8, etc., via the communication network NT1.

[0028] In the example of FIG. 2, the broadband router 5 connected to the first communication device 1A is the first device 3A, and the wireless access point 6B connected to the second communication device 1B is the second device 3B.

[0029] Generally, in facility F1 consisting of a detached house, a wall separating rooms R1 and R2 may make it difficult for radio waves from a wireless access point 6A installed in room R1 to reach room R2. Therefore, in communication system 100 of this embodiment, wireless access points 6A and 6B are installed in rooms R1 and R2, respectively. The broadband router 5 installed in room R1 is connected to the first communication device 1A, and the wireless access point 6B installed in room R2 is connected to the second communication device 1B. This allows the wireless access point 6B installed in room R2 to be connected to the broadband router 5 installed in room R1 via the second communication device 1B and the first communication device 1A, which are connected to the existing power line PL1. Therefore, there is no need to lay a new LAN cable connecting the broadband router 5 and the wireless access point 6B, simplifying the process of constructing communication system 100. Here, the first communication device 1A and the second communication device 1B are provided between the first device 3A and the second device 3B, and function as adapters that mediate (relay) the exchange of information between the first device 3A and the second device 3B.

[0030] (2.2) Configuration of the Communication Device Next, the configuration of the communication device 1 used as the first communication device 1A and the second communication device 1B will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Note that the first communication device 1A and the second communication device 1B have the same configuration, so the configuration of the communication device 1 will be described using the first communication device 1A as an example.

[0031] The first communication device 1A includes a main unit 20 installed in the facility F1. The main unit 20 is connected to one of a plurality of power outlets 50 (see FIG. 2 ) provided in the facility F1. The main unit 20 receives operating power from the power outlet 50. As described above, the first communication device 1A includes the first communication unit 11, which is a communication unit. The first communication device 1A also includes a control unit 10, a second communication unit 12, an operation unit 13, and a storage unit 15.

[0032] The first communication unit 11 is a communication module that performs power line carrier communication with the second communication device 1B via the power line PL1. The first communication unit 11 is connected to one of a plurality of power outlets 50 (see FIG. 2 ) provided in the facility F1, and performs power line carrier communication with the second communication device 1B using the power line PL1 as a transmission path. The communication method employed by the first communication unit 11 is, for example, a Wavelet-OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) method that complies with the IEEE 1901-2010 standard, but the communication method can be changed as appropriate.

[0033] The second communication unit 12 is connected to the first device 3A (e.g., the broadband router 5) via a LAN cable 71. The second communication unit 12 performs wired communication with the first device 3A using a communication method that complies with the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard, for example.

[0034] The control unit 10 controls the first communication unit 11, the second communication unit 12, and the notification unit 14. The control unit 10 is mainly composed of, for example, a microcomputer having a processor and a memory. The processor of the microcomputer executes a program stored in the memory, causing the microcomputer to function as the control unit 10. The control unit 10 has, for example, the functions of the operation acceptance unit 16 and the process execution unit 17 described above. Note that the operation acceptance unit 16 and the process execution unit 17 merely represent functions realized by the control unit 10 executing a program, and do not necessarily represent actual configurations.

[0035] The operation unit 13 is, for example, a push button switch arranged on the surface of the main body 20. When the user presses the push button switch, a contact provided in the push button switch is switched from off to on. More specifically, the operation unit 13 is a momentary push button switch whose contact is on only while the operation is being performed (i.e., while a continuous operation is being performed) and whose contact is turned off when the operation is stopped (i.e., the continuous operation is ended).

[0036] The storage unit 15 includes, for example, memories such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). The storage unit 15 stores, for example, a program executed by the control unit 10. The storage unit 15 also stores the time lengths of the plurality of first periods T11 to T13, the contents of the plurality of processes assigned to the plurality of first periods T11 to T13, etc.

[0037] The notification unit 14 includes, for example, multiple light-emitting units arranged on the front surface of the main body 20. The notification unit 14 displays various information based on the light-emitting states (illumination states) of the multiple light-emitting units. In other words, because the notification unit 14 notifies the user using light, the user can visually understand the content of the notification from the notification unit 14. The light-emitting states here include, for example, the on / off state, blinking pattern (blinking cycle), and light-emitting color of each of the multiple light-emitting units. In this embodiment, the notification unit 14 has three light-emitting units (a first light-emitting unit 21, a second light-emitting unit 22, and a third light-emitting unit 23) arranged vertically on the front surface of the main body 20 (see FIGS. 2 and 4 ). The first light-emitting unit 21, the second light-emitting unit 22, and the third light-emitting unit 23 are light-emitting units that use, for example, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as light sources. The first light-emitting unit 21, the second light-emitting unit 22, and the third light-emitting unit 23 may emit the same light color or different light colors.

[0038] In this embodiment, the notification unit 14 provides different notifications depending on whether the first state is one in which the operation unit 13 is not being operated continuously or the second state is one in which the operation unit 13 is being operated continuously. On the front surface of the main body 20, for example, to the left of the first light-emitting unit 21, the second light-emitting unit 22, and the third light-emitting unit 23, characters indicating the display content of the first light-emitting unit 21, the second light-emitting unit 22, and the third light-emitting unit 23 in the first state are displayed by printing or other means.

[0039] In the first state, the first light-emitting unit 21 lights up, for example, in green when the communication device 1 is set as the master, and is turned off when the communication device 1 is set as the terminal. The letters "MASTER," for example, are displayed on the left side of the first light-emitting unit 21. In the first state, the second light-emitting unit 22 lights up, for example, in green when the first device 3A is connected to the second communication unit 12 or when the second communication unit 12 is communicating with the first device 3A, and is turned off when the first device 3A is not connected to the second communication unit 12. The letters "LAN," for example, are displayed on the left side of the second light-emitting unit 22. In the first state, the third light-emitting unit 23 lights up, for example, in green when the communication device 1 is set as the terminal, and is turned off when the communication device 1 is set as the master. The letters "PLC," for example, are displayed on the left side of the third light-emitting unit 23.

[0040] In the second state in which the operation unit 13 is being operated continuously, the first light-emitting unit 21, the second light-emitting unit 22, and the third light-emitting unit 23 provide notification according to the elapsed time from the start of the continuous operation. The notification operations of the first light-emitting unit 21, the second light-emitting unit 22, and the third light-emitting unit 23 in the second state will be described in detail in "(2.3.2) Operation of the communication device in the second state."

[0041] (2.3) Description of Operation of Communication Device The operation of the communication device 1 will be described below using the second communication device 1B set as a terminal as an example.

[0042] (2.3.1) Operation of communication device in first state It is assumed that the power line PL1 is connected to the first communication unit 11 of the second communication device 1B, and the broadband router 5, which is the second device 3B, is connected to the second communication unit 12 of the second communication device 1B.

[0043] When the second communication device 1B is set to a terminal by the selector switch, the control unit 10 turns off the first light-emitting unit 21 and turns on the third light-emitting unit 23 in the first state. This allows the notification unit 14 to notify that the second communication device 1B is set to a terminal. Furthermore, when the second communication unit 12 is communicating with the second device 3B, the control unit 10 turns on the second light-emitting unit 22, notifying that communication is taking place between the second communication unit 12 and the second device 3B.

[0044] In the first state, the second communication device 1B operates as an adapter that relays signals between the first communication device 1A and the second device 3B. That is, when the first communication unit 11 of the second communication device 1B receives transmission data addressed to the second device 3B from the first communication device 1A, the second communication unit 12 wirelessly transmits this transmission data to the second device 3B. Furthermore, when the second communication unit 12 of the second communication device 1B receives transmission data addressed to the first communication device 1A from the second device 3B, the first communication unit 11 transmits this transmission data to the first communication device 1A.

[0045] Thus, in the first state, the second communication device 1B operates as an adapter that relays signals between the first communication device 1A and the second device 3B.

[0046] When the second communication device 1B is set as the master by the selector switch, the control unit 10, in the first state, turns on the first light-emitting unit 21 and turns off the third light-emitting unit 23. This allows the notification unit 14 to notify that the second communication device 1B is set as the master.

[0047] (2.3.2) Operation of the Communication Device in the Second State Next, the operation of the communication device 1 in the second state will be described using the second communication device 1B as an example.

[0048] When the user performs a continuous operation by continuously pressing the operation unit 13 , the operation acceptance unit 16 accepts the continuous operation of the operation unit 13 .

[0049] When the operation reception unit 16 receives a consecutive operation, the process execution unit 17 sets a second period T2, starting from the start point of the consecutive operation and including three consecutive first periods T11 to T13 in a predetermined order (see FIG. 3 ). More specifically, the second period T2 is periodically repeated while the operation reception unit 16 is receiving the consecutive operation. Here, "periodically repeating the second period T2" means that, while the operation reception unit 16 is receiving the consecutive operation, when the nth period (n is an integer greater than or equal to 1) of the second period T2 ends, the (n+1)th period of the second period T2 begins. Note that the second period T2 may include a plurality of consecutive first periods T11 to T13 in a predetermined order. The first first period T11 may start at the start point of the second period T2, or the first first period T11 may start after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start point of the second period T2.

[0050] The process execution unit 17 then assigns different processes A1 to A3 to the three first periods T11 to T13, respectively. The process contents of the processes A1 to A3 to be assigned to the three first periods T11 to T13 are stored in advance in the storage unit 15, but the process contents of the processes A1 to A3 may be set by a user operating an operation unit provided in the communication device 1, or may be set using an external computer terminal capable of communicating with the communication device 1. In this embodiment, for example, the process A1 assigned to the first first period T11 is a communication speed display process, the process A2 assigned to the second first period T12 is a restart process, and the process A3 assigned to the third first period T13 is an initialization process. The communication speed display process, the restart process, and the initialization process will be described in detail below.

[0051] Furthermore, the process execution unit 17 sets an operation invalid period T0 between the start point of the second period T2 of the first cycle and the first period T11 of the plurality of first periods T11 to T13. When the consecutive operations end in the operation invalid period T0, the process execution unit 17 invalidates the consecutive operations and continues operation in the first state without executing the processes A1 to A3 assigned to the plurality of first periods T11 to T13.

[0052] Here, the start and end points of the plurality of first periods T11 to T13 are determined so that the plurality of first periods T11 to T13 are switched each time a predetermined update time (for example, 5 seconds) elapses from the start point of the continuous operation (0 second in FIG. 3). Furthermore, when n is an integer equal to or greater than 1, the process execution unit 17 sets the period next to the last first period T13 in the second period T2 of the nth cycle as the first first period T11 in the second period T2 of the (n+1)th cycle.

[0053] For example, in the second period T2 of the first cycle, an operation invalid period T0 is set from the start of continuous operation until a predetermined invalid time (e.g., 1 second) has elapsed, so the first first period T11 is set to 4 seconds from 1st second to 5th second, the second first period T12 is set to 5 seconds from 5th second to 10th second, and the third first period T13 is set to 5 seconds from 10th second to 15th second.

[0054] Furthermore, the processing execution unit 17 does not set an operation invalid period T0 in the second period T2 of the second cycle or later. Therefore, when the last first period T13 in the second period T2 of the nth cycle ends, the process transitions to the first first period T11 in the second period T2 of the (n+1)th cycle. This has the advantage that the start point of the first first period T11 in the second period T2 of the (n+1)th cycle is earlier than when an operation invalid period T0 is inserted between the first and second periods, thereby improving operability. For example, since no operation invalid period T0 is provided in the second period T2 of the second cycle or later, in the second period T2 of the second cycle, the first first period T11 is set to 5 seconds from 15 seconds to 20 seconds, the second first period T12 is set to 5 seconds from 20 seconds to 25 seconds, and the third first period T13 is set to 5 seconds from 25 seconds to 30 seconds.

[0055] When a second period T2 that repeats periodically is set starting from the start point of the continuous operation, the control unit 10 causes the notification unit 14 to issue a notification according to the elapsed time based on the elapsed time from the start point of the continuous operation while the continuous operation is being performed. In this embodiment, the notification unit 14 has three light-emitting units (a first light-emitting unit 21, a second light-emitting unit 22, and a third light-emitting unit 23), and notifies which of the three first periods T11 to T13 the first period at the current time point (the time point when the elapsed time has elapsed from the start point) corresponds to, based on the light-emitting states of the first to third light-emitting units 21 to 23.

[0056] During the operation invalid period T0, the notification unit 14 controls the light-emitting states of the first to third light-emitting units 21 to 23 to the notification mode in the first state. During the first first period T11, as shown in FIG. 5, the notification unit 14 turns off the first light-emitting unit 21 and the second light-emitting unit 22 and turns on the third light-emitting unit 23. During the second first period T12, as shown in FIG. 6, the notification unit 14 turns off the first light-emitting unit 21 and turns on the second light-emitting unit 22 and the third light-emitting unit 23. During the third first period T13, as shown in FIG. 7, the notification unit 14 turns on all of the first light-emitting unit 21, the second light-emitting unit 22, and the third light-emitting unit 23. Note that in FIGS. 5 to 7, light-emitting units among the first to third light-emitting units 21 to 23 that are lit are indicated by dots.

[0057] In this way, the notification unit 14 provides notifications in different notification modes for each of the multiple first periods T11 to T13. Therefore, the user can easily determine which of the multiple first periods T11 to T13 the current first period falls within based on the notification mode of the notification unit 14. Note that the notification unit 14 changes the light-emitting states of the first to third light-emitting units 21 to 23 so that the number of lit light-emitting units increases as the elapsed time of the continuous operation increases in each of the multiple second periods T2. This allows the user to easily determine which of the multiple first periods T11 to T13 the current first period falls within. In other words, when the continuous operation ends at the current time, the user can easily determine which of the multiple first periods T11 to T13 the process executed by the process execution unit 17 is assigned to.

[0058] The user determines which of the multiple first periods T11 to T13 the current first period falls within based on the notification mode of the notification unit 14, and stops the continuous operation of the operation unit 13 when the current first period reaches the first period corresponding to the desired process. When the continuous operation of the operation unit 13 ends, the process execution unit 17 executes the process assigned to the first period T11 to T13 that includes the end point of the continuous operation, out of the multiple first periods T11 to T13.

[0059] For example, if the time elapsed since the start of the continuous operation is included in the first first period T11, the process execution unit 17 executes a communication speed display process (process A1). The process execution unit 17 causes the first communication unit 11 to measure the communication speed of the power line communication performed between the first communication unit 11 and the first communication device 1A. While measuring the communication speed, the process execution unit 17 sequentially lights up the first light-emitting unit 21, the second light-emitting unit 22, and the third light-emitting unit 23 one by one to indicate that the communication speed is being measured. When the communication speed measurement is completed, the process execution unit 17 evaluates the measurement result of the communication speed on a four-level scale. If the measurement result of the communication speed is included in the slowest level, the process execution unit 17 turns off all of the first light-emitting unit 21, the second light-emitting unit 22, and the third light-emitting unit 23, and controls the number of light-emitting units to be turned on by one as the level increases. The processing execution unit 17 displays the communication speed measurement results on the first to third light-emitting units 21 to 23 for a predetermined display time (e.g., a few seconds), and then controls the light-emitting state of the first to third light-emitting units 21 to 23 to a notification mode in the first state.

[0060] Furthermore, if the time point at which the elapsed time has elapsed since the start of the continuous operation is included in the second first period T12, the process execution unit 17 executes a restart process to restart the second communication device 1B.

[0061] Furthermore, if the time elapsed since the start of the continuous operation is included in the third (last) first period T13, the processing execution unit 17 initializes various settings of the second communication device 1B and then executes an initialization process to restart the second communication device 1B.

[0062] In this way, when the continuous operation of the operation unit 13 ends, the process to be executed by the process execution unit 17 is determined depending on which of the plurality of first periods T11 to T13 the end point of the continuous operation falls within. Here, different processes are assigned to the plurality of first periods T11 to T13, so that the user can select a process to be executed from the plurality of processes assigned to the plurality of first periods T11 to T13 based on the notification from the notification unit 14, and can select and execute any one of the plurality of processes.

[0063] Furthermore, since the second period T2 is repeated multiple times while the continuous operation continues, if, for example, you want to execute process A3 but the first period T13 has passed, continuing the continuous operation will cause the next second period T2 to begin, and by ending the continuous operation in the first period T13 of the next second period T2, you can execute process A3 assigned to the first period T13.

[0064] In this embodiment, in the second period T2 of the first cycle, among the multiple first periods T11 to T13, the time length of the first first period T11 is different from the time lengths of the second and subsequent first periods T12 to T13. Because the second period T2 of the first cycle includes an operation invalid period T0, if the multiple first periods T11 to T13 were all the same length, the start point of the second first period T12 would be delayed compared to a case where there was no operation invalid period T0. In contrast, in this embodiment, in the second period T2 of the first cycle, the time length of the first first period T11 is set to be different from the time lengths of the second and subsequent first periods T12 to T13. For example, by making the time length of the first first period T11 shorter than the time lengths of the second and subsequent first periods T12 to T13, the start of the second and subsequent first periods T12 and T13 can be advanced.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the duration of the first first period T11 in the second period T2 of the second cycle or later is longer than the duration of the first first period T11 in the second period T2 of the first cycle. Because the duration of the first first period T11 in the second period T2 of the second cycle or later is longer than the duration of the first first period T11 in the second period T2 of the first cycle, it becomes easier to select a process corresponding to the first first period T11 in the second period T2 of the second cycle or later.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the time lengths of the multiple first periods T11 to T13 are equal to each other in the second period T2 from the second cycle onwards, which has the advantage that the timing at which the multiple first periods T11 to T13 switch is easier to understand in the second period T2 from the second cycle onwards.

[0067] If the consecutive operations end before the operation invalid period T0 ends, the process execution unit 17 invalidates the acceptance of the consecutive operations. When the acceptance of consecutive operations is invalidated, the process execution unit 17 does not perform processes A1 to A3 that are executed when the operation unit 13 is operated consecutively. Therefore, if the operation unit 13 is erroneously operated for a time shorter than the operation invalid period T0, the possibility that the process assigned to the operation unit 13 will be executed can be reduced.

[0068] The operation of the first communication device 1A on the master side is the same as that of the second communication device 1B on the terminal side, but since the first communication device 1A on the master side does not perform communication speed display processing, a dummy period TD1 to which no processing is assigned is provided instead of the first period T11, as shown in Figure 8.

[0069] (3) Modifications The above embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Various modifications to the above embodiment are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Furthermore, functions similar to those of the communication device 1 may be embodied as a processing method of the communication device 1, a computer program, or a non-transitory recording medium on which a program is recorded. A processing method of the communication device 1 according to one aspect is a processing method of the communication device 1 that communicates with an external system. The processing method includes a notification step, a setting step, an allocation step, and a processing execution step. In the notification step, a notification is provided according to the elapsed time from the start of the continuous operation while the operation unit 13 is continuously operated. In the setting step, a second period T2 is set, starting from the start of the continuous operation, including multiple consecutive first periods T11 to T13 in a predetermined order. In the allocation step, different processes are assigned to the multiple first periods T11 to T13. In the notification step, a notification is provided as to which of the multiple first periods T11 to T13 the point in time that has elapsed since the start of the continuous operation falls. In the processing execution step, when the continuous operation ends, a processing assigned to the first period T11 to T13 including the end point of the continuous operation among the plurality of first periods T11 to T13 is executed.

[0070] Modifications of the above embodiment are listed below. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

[0071] The communication device 1 of the present disclosure includes a computer system as, for example, the control unit 10. The computer system is primarily composed of a processor and memory as hardware. The processor executes a program stored in the memory of the computer system to realize the functions of the communication device 1 or the processing method of the communication device 1 of the present disclosure. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided in a non-transitory recording medium readable by the computer system, such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuits, such as ICs or LSIs, are referred to by different names depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, very large-scale integrations (VLSIs), or ultra-large-scale integrations (ULSIs). Furthermore, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), which are programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or logic devices capable of reconfiguring the connections within the LSI or the circuit partitions within the LSI, can also be used as processors. The electronic circuits may be integrated into one chip or distributed across multiple chips. The chips may be integrated into one device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller is also composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit or a large-scale integrated circuit.

[0072] Furthermore, it is not essential for the communication device 1 that multiple functions of the communication device 1 are concentrated in one housing, and the components of the communication device 1 may be distributed across multiple housings. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the communication device 1, for example, the functions of the processing execution unit 17, may be realized by the cloud (cloud computing) or the like.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the communication unit (first communication unit 11) communicates with the external system using the power line PL1 as a transmission path. However, communication with the external system may also be performed using a communication line as a transmission path. That is, the communication unit (first communication unit 11) may communicate with the external system using a communication line as a transmission path. Here, the communication line used by the communication unit (first communication unit 11) as a transmission path may be, for example, an existing telephone line, a coaxial cable, a dimming signal line for a lighting fixture, a communication line for an intercom system, or the like, and communication may be performed using an existing communication line. When the communication unit (first communication unit 11) communicates using an existing communication line, the communication unit (first communication unit 11) may communicate using a frequency band different from the frequency used for communication on the existing communication line. Note that the communication line used by the communication unit (first communication unit 11) as a transmission path may be a dedicated communication line. Furthermore, the communication unit (first communication unit 11) is not limited to one that performs wired communication via an electric wire (power line PL1 or communication line), but may also perform wireless communication via a wireless transmission path, for example, using the Wavelet-OFDM method.

[0074] In addition, in the above embodiment, the external system with which the communication device 1 communicates is another communication device 1, but the external system with which the communication device 1 communicates may be a communication device different from the communication device 1, or may be an electrical device with communication functions.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the first periods T11 to T13 are switched from the start of the continuous operation to the next one every time a predetermined update time (e.g., 5 seconds) elapses. Therefore, in the second period T2 of the first cycle, the duration of the first first period T11 is shorter than the duration of the other first periods T12 and T13 by the duration of the operation invalid period T0. However, in the second period T2 of each cycle, the durations of the first periods T11 to T13 may be the same. In this case, the first periods T11 to T13 are switched from the start of the continuous operation to the next one every time a predetermined update time elapses from the time when the operation invalid period T0 has elapsed.

[0076] (Summary) The above-described embodiments and the like disclose the following aspects.

[0077] A communication device (1) of a first aspect includes a communication unit (11), an operation reception unit (16), a notification unit (14), and a process execution unit (17). The communication unit (11) communicates with an external system. The operation reception unit (16) receives user operations on the operation unit (13). The notification unit (14) provides notification according to the elapsed time from the start of the continuous operation while the operation reception unit (16) receives continuous operations of continuously operating the operation unit (13). The process execution unit (17) sets a second period (T2) including a plurality of consecutive first periods (T11 to T13) in a predetermined order, starting from the start of the continuous operation, and assigns different processes to each of the plurality of first periods (T11 to T13). A notification unit (14) notifies which of the plurality of first periods (T11 to T13) the point in time after the start point falls within. When the operation reception unit (16) receives the end of the continuous operation, a processing execution unit (17) executes processing assigned to the first period (T11 to T13) that includes the end point at which the continuous operation ended, among the plurality of first periods (T11 to T13).

[0078] According to this aspect, the notification unit (14) notifies the user of which of the multiple first periods (T11 to T13) the time point after the start of the continuous operation falls within. Therefore, the user can understand the process to be executed when the continuous operation ends based on the notification from the notification unit (14). When the user ends the continuous operation of the operation unit (13), the process to be executed by the process execution unit (17) is determined based on which of the multiple first periods (T11 to T13) the end point of the continuous operation falls within. Here, different processes are assigned to the multiple first periods (T11 to T13), so the user can select a process to be executed from the multiple processes assigned to the multiple first periods (T11 to T13) based on the notification from the notification unit (14). Therefore, according to this aspect, it is possible to select and execute any one of the multiple processes assigned to one operation unit (13), which has the advantage of improving usability.

[0079] In the communication device (1) of the second aspect, in the first aspect, the second period (T2) is repeated periodically while the operation reception unit (16) receives the successive operations.

[0080] According to this aspect, when the first period (T11 to T13) corresponding to the desired processing has elapsed, the continuous operation of the operation unit (13) can be continued, and in the next second period (T2), the continuous operation can be ended in the first period (T11 to T13) corresponding to the desired processing, thereby allowing the desired processing to be executed.

[0081] In the communication device (1) of the third aspect, in the second aspect, the processing execution unit (17) sets an operation invalid period (T0) between the start point of the second period (T2) of the first cycle and the first period (T11) of the plurality of first periods (T11 to T13). If the consecutive operations end before the operation invalid period (T0) ends, the processing execution unit (17) invalidates the acceptance of the consecutive operations.

[0082] According to this aspect, when the operation unit (13) is mistakenly operated for a time shorter than the operation invalid period (T0), the possibility of the process being executed can be reduced.

[0083] In the communication device (1) of the fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the processing execution unit (17) sets the period next to the last first period (T13) in the second period (T2) of the nth cycle, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, to the first first period (T11) in the second period (T2) of the (n+1)th cycle.

[0084] According to this aspect, when the last first period (T13) in the second period (T2) of the nth cycle ends, the system transitions to the first first period (T11) in the second period (T2) of the (n+1)th cycle. Therefore, compared to the case where an operation invalid period (T0) is inserted, the start point of the first first period (T11) in the second period (T2) of the (n+1)th cycle is earlier, which has the advantage of improving operability.

[0085] In the communication device (1) of the fifth aspect, in the third or fourth aspect, in the second period (T2) of the first cycle, among a plurality of first periods (T11 to T13), the time length of the first first period (T11) is different from the time lengths of the second and subsequent first periods (T12 to T13).

[0086] According to this aspect, the time length of the first period (T11) following the operation invalid period (T0) can be set to a desired time length.

[0087] In the communication device (1) of the sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, in the second period (T2) of the first cycle, the time length of the first first period (T11) is shorter than the time length of the second and subsequent first periods (T12 to T13).

[0088] According to this aspect, by making the duration of the first first period (T11) after the operation invalid period (T0) shorter than the duration of the second and subsequent first periods (T12 to T13), the start of the second and subsequent first periods (T12 to T13) can be advanced.

[0089] In the communication device (1) of the seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, the duration of the first first period (T11) in the second period (T2) of the second cycle or later is longer than the duration of the first first period (T11) in the second period (T2) of the first cycle.

[0090] According to this aspect, the duration of the first first period (T11) in the second period (T2) of the second cycle or later is longer than the duration of the first first period (T11) in the second period (T2) of the first cycle, which has the advantage that it is easier to select the processing corresponding to the first first period (T11) in the second period (T2) of the second cycle or later.

[0091] In the communication device (1) of the eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect, the time lengths of the plurality of first periods (T11 to T13) are equal to each other in the second period (T2) of the second cycle or later.

[0092] This embodiment has the advantage that the timing at which the plurality of first periods (T11 to T13) change over becomes easier to understand in the second period (T2) from the second cycle onwards.

[0093] In the communication device (1) of the ninth aspect, in any of the first to eighth aspects, the notification unit (14) makes notifications in different notification modes during a plurality of first periods (T11 to T13).

[0094] According to this aspect, it is advantageous in that it becomes easier to understand, based on the notification aspect of the notification unit (14), which of the multiple first periods (T11 to T13) the point in time that has elapsed since the start point falls within.

[0095] In the communication device (1) of the tenth aspect, in the ninth aspect, the notification unit (14) notifies by light.

[0096] According to this aspect, it is possible to visually grasp which of the multiple first periods (T11 to T13) the point in time that has elapsed since the start point falls within.

[0097] In the communication device (1) of the eleventh aspect, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, the communication unit (11) performs power line carrier communication with the external system using the power line (PL1) as a transmission path.

[0098] According to this aspect, for example, the communication unit (11) can perform power line carrier communication with an external system by using the power line (PL1) through which the communication device (1) receives power supply.

[0099] In the communication device (1) of the twelfth aspect, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, the communication unit (11) communicates with the external system using a communication line as a transmission path.

[0100] According to this aspect, the communication unit (11) can communicate with an external system using an existing or dedicated communication line.

[0101] A communication system (100) of a thirteenth aspect includes a first communication device (1A) and a second communication device (1B), a first device (3A) connected to the first communication device (1A), and a second device (3B) connected to the second communication device (1B). The first communication device (1A) and the second communication device (1B) are each a communication device (1) of any one of the first to twelfth aspects. A communication unit (11) of the first communication device (1A) and a communication unit (11) of the second communication device (1B) communicate with each other.

[0102] This embodiment has the advantage of improving usability.

[0103] A processing method for a communication device (1) according to a fourteenth aspect is a processing method for a communication device (1) that communicates with an external system. The processing method includes a notification step, a setting step, an allocation step, and a processing execution step. In the notification step, while a continuous operation in which an operation unit (13) is continuously operated is being performed, a notification is provided according to the elapsed time from the start of the continuous operation. In the setting step, a second period (T2) is set, starting from the start of the continuous operation and including a plurality of first periods (T11 to T13) that are consecutive in a predetermined order. In the allocation step, different processes are assigned to each of the plurality of first periods (T11 to T13). In the notification step, a notification is provided as to which of the plurality of first periods (T11 to T13) the point in time that has elapsed since the start of the continuous operation falls within. In the processing execution step, when the continuous operation ends, a process assigned to the first period (T11 to T13) that includes the end point of the continuous operation is executed.

[0104] According to this aspect, the user is notified of which of the multiple first periods (T11 to T13) the time elapsed since the start of the consecutive operations falls within. Therefore, the user can understand the process to be executed when the consecutive operations end based on the notification content. When the user ends the consecutive operations of the operation unit (13), the process to be executed is determined based on which of the multiple first periods (T11 to T13) the end of the consecutive operations falls within. Here, different processes are assigned to the multiple first periods (T11 to T13), so the user can select a process to be executed from the multiple processes assigned to the multiple first periods (T11 to T13) based on the notification content. Therefore, according to this aspect, it is possible to select and execute any one of the multiple processes assigned to a single operation unit (13), which has the advantage of improving usability.

[0105] Not limited to the above aspects, various configurations (including modified examples) of the communication device (1) according to the embodiment can be embodied as a processing method of the communication device (1), a (computer) program, or a non-transitory recording medium on which a program is recorded, etc.

[0106] The configurations according to the second to twelfth aspects are not essential for the communication device (1) and can be omitted as appropriate.

[0107] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Communication device 1A First communication device 1B Second communication device 3A First device 3B Second device 11 First communication unit (communication unit) 13 Operation unit 14 Notification unit 16 Operation acceptance unit 17 Processing execution unit 100 Communication system PL1 Power line T0 Operation invalid period T11 to T13 First period T2 Second period

Claims

1. A communications device comprising: a communication unit that communicates with an external system; an operation acceptance unit that accepts operation of an operation unit by a user; a notification unit that provides a notification according to the elapsed time from a start point of the continuous operation while the operation acceptance unit is accepting the continuous operation of continuously operating the operation unit; and a process execution unit, wherein the process execution unit sets a second period including a plurality of first periods that continue in a predetermined order, starting from the start point of the continuous operation, and assigns different processes to each of the plurality of first periods, the notification unit notifies which of the plurality of first periods includes the point at which the elapsed time from the start point is included, and the process execution unit, when the operation acceptance unit accepts the end of the continuous operation, executes the process assigned to the first period including the end point of the continuous operation among the plurality of first periods.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the second period is repeated periodically while the operation reception section is receiving the successive operations.

3. The communication device of claim 2, wherein the processing execution unit sets an operation invalid period between the start point and a first first period of the plurality of first periods during the second period of a first cycle, and invalidates acceptance of the successive operations if the successive operations end before the operation invalid period ends.

4. The communication device according to claim 3, wherein the processing execution unit sets the period next to the last first period in the second period in the nth cycle to the first first period in the second period in the (n+1)th cycle, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

5. The communication device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, in the second period of a first cycle, the duration of a first first period among the plurality of first periods is different from the duration of a second or subsequent first period.

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

7. The communication device according to claim 6, wherein the duration of the first first period in the second period of a first cycle is longer than the duration of the first first period in the second period of a second cycle or later.

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

9. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the notification section issues notifications in different notification modes during each of the first periods.

10. The communication device according to claim 9, wherein the notification unit performs the notification by light.

11. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the communication unit performs power line carrier communication with the external system using a power line as a transmission path.

12. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the communication unit communicates with the external system using a communication line as a transmission path.

13. A communication system comprising a first communication device and a second communication device, each of which is a communication device as defined in any one of claims 1 to 12, a first device connected to the first communication device, and a second device connected to the second communication device, wherein the communication unit of the first communication device and the communication unit of the second communication device communicate with each other.

14. A processing method for a communication device that communicates with an external system, comprising: a notification step of providing a notification according to an elapsed time from a start point of a continuous operation that continuously operates an operation unit of the communication device while the continuous operation is being performed; a setting step of setting a second period including a plurality of first periods that are consecutive in a predetermined order, starting from the start point of the continuous operation; an assignment step of assigning different processes to each of the plurality of first periods; and a processing execution step, wherein the notification step notifies which of the plurality of first periods includes a point in time at which the elapsed time from the start point is included; and the processing execution step, when the continuous operation is terminated, executes a process assigned to a first period including an end point at which the continuous operation was terminated, among the plurality of first periods.

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