Communication apparatus, control method for communication apparatus, and program
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/JP2026/006963
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-03-27
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-01
Smart Images
Figure JP2026006963_01102026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Communication device, control method for communication device, and program
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication device, a control method for a communication device, and a program. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a communication device that communicates with an external system, a control method for a communication device, and a program.
[0002] The wireless relay device described in Patent Document 1 includes power saving control means that monitors the connection state of a wireless LAN terminal, sets the wireless relay device to a normal operation in which all functions of the wireless relay device operate when a wireless LAN terminal is connected, and sets the wireless relay device to a power saving operation in which some functions of the wireless relay device are suspended when no wireless LAN terminal is connected.
[0003] In a wireless relay device (communication device) that operates in a plurality of operation modes as described in Patent Document 1, if the operation methods of the communication device in the plurality of operation modes are not uniform, there is a risk that convenience will decrease.
[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2012-010261
[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a communication device, a control method for a communication device, and a program that can improve convenience.
[0006] A communication device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a communication unit that communicates with an external system; an operation unit that receives an operation by a user; a notification unit that notifies the user of an operation state; and a control unit that operates in an automatic stop mode in which the notification unit stops the notification when the operation is not performed for a predetermined period after the notification unit starts the notification, or in an automatic continuation mode in which the notification unit continues the notification. The control unit executes a specific process according to a duration between a start time point of a continuous operation that is the operation continuously performed on the operation unit and an end time point of the continuous operation, regardless of whether the control unit is operating in the automatic stop mode or the automatic continuation mode.
[0007] A control method for a communication device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a communication step for communicating with an external system; a notification step for notifying a user of the operating status; and a control step for executing an automatic stop operation to stop the notification or an automatic continuation operation to continue the notification if, while the notification is being made in the notification step, the user does not operate the operation unit for a predetermined period of time. In the control step, whether the automatic stop operation or the automatic continuation operation is being executed, a specific process is executed according to the duration between the start time of the continuation operation, which is an operation performed continuously on the operation unit, and the end time of the continuation operation.
[0008] A program according to one aspect of this disclosure causes one or more processors to execute the control method.
[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the system configuration of a communication system equipped with the above communication device. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of notification by a notification unit provided by the above communication device. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of notification by a notification unit provided by the above communication device. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of notification by a notification unit provided by the above communication device. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of notification by a notification unit provided by the above communication device. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the state in which the notification unit provided by the above communication device is stopped. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the process executed when the operation unit is continuously operated in the above communication device. Figure 9 is a flowchart for illustrating the operation of the above communication device in automatic continuation mode. Figure 10 is a flowchart for illustrating the operation of the above communication device in automatic stop mode.
[0010] Hereinafter, a communication device 1 according to an embodiment and a communication system 100 equipped therewith will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the figures described in the following embodiments are schematic diagrams, and the dimensional ratios of the size of each component do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. Furthermore, the configuration described in the following embodiments is merely one example of this disclosure. This disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of this disclosure can be achieved.
[0011] (1) Overview As shown in Figure 1, the communication device 1 according to this embodiment comprises a communication unit (first communication unit) 11, an operation unit 13, a notification unit 14, and a control unit 10.
[0012] The communications unit 11 communicates with an external system.
[0013] The operation unit 13 is operated by the user.
[0014] The notification unit 14 notifies the user about the operating status of the communication device 1.
[0015] If no operation is performed on the operation unit 13 for a predetermined period Ts (see Figure 10) after the notification unit 14 has started notifying, the control unit 10 operates in either an automatic stop mode, which stops the notification unit 14 from notifying, or an automatic continuation mode, which continues the notification unit 14 from notifying.
[0016] Furthermore, regardless of whether it is operating in automatic stop mode or automatic continuation mode, the control unit 10 executes specific processing according to the duration Tc (see Figures 8 to 10) between the start time and end time of a continuous operation, which is an operation performed continuously on the operation unit 13.
[0017] The communication device 1 of this embodiment performs power line carrier communication with an external system, for example, using power line PL1 (see Figure 2) as the transmission path. Multiple communication devices 1 are connected to power line PL1. Each of the multiple communication devices 1 can be switched to operate as either a master or a terminal. One of the multiple communication devices 1 connected to power line PL1 operates as the master, and the remaining communication devices 1 operate as terminals. Power line carrier communication is then performed between the communication device 1 operating as the master and the communication devices 1 operating as terminals using a multi-hop method. In this case, if communication device 1 is operating as the master, the communication device 1 of the terminal, which is the communication partner, becomes the external system. Similarly, if communication device 1 is operating as a terminal, the communication device 1 of the master, which is the communication partner, becomes the external system. Note that the communication unit 11 is not limited to performing power line carrier communication using power line PL1 as the transmission path, but may also perform communication using an existing or dedicated communication line as the transmission path.
[0018] Here, a continuous operation performed on the operation unit 13 refers to an operation that keeps the operation unit 13 running without interruption. If the operation of the operation unit 13 is an operation to press the operation unit 13, then the continuous operation is an operation to long-press the operation unit 13. In this embodiment, the specific processing corresponding to the duration Tc of the continuous operation is processing performed to cause the communication device 1 to perform a specific operation.
[0019] According to the above configuration, regardless of whether the control unit 10 is operating in automatic stop mode or automatic continuation mode, the control unit 10 executes a specific process corresponding to the duration Tc of the continuous operation of the operation unit 13. In other words, in the communication device 1 of this embodiment, the operation method of the communication device 1 is unified in both automatic stop mode and automatic continuation mode. This improves convenience.
[0020] (2) Details Below, the communication device 1 and the communication system 100 equipped therewith according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 10.
[0021] (2.1) Overall Configuration The communication device 1 according to this embodiment is connected to a power line PL1 installed in the facility F1, for example, as shown in Figure 2. The communication device 1 has a PoE (Power over Ethernet) power supply function. However, it is not essential that the communication device 1 has a PoE power supply function.
[0022] In the example shown in Figure 2, one communication device 1 is installed in each of the two rooms R1 and R2 of facility F1. Facility F1 here refers to a building that receives electricity from a power supplier, etc. In the following, we will assume that facility F1 is a detached house, but facility F1 is not limited to a detached house, and may be, for example, individual dwelling units in an apartment building, an office, a shop, or a factory. In the following embodiments, 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, the communication system 100 is composed of multiple communication devices 1. The communication system 100 includes a first communication device 1A and a second communication device 1B, which are each 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. The communication unit (first communication unit 11) of the first communication device 1A and the communication unit (first communication unit 11) of the second communication device 1B communicate with each other. Since the communication system 100 includes a first communication device 1A and a second communication device 1B, which are each communication devices 1, usability can be improved.
[0024] Power cables 31 extend from the main bodies 20 of the first communication device 1A and the second communication device 1B, and plugs 32 are connected to the ends of the power cables 31. The first communication device 1A and the second communication device 1B are connected to the power line PL1 by connecting the plugs 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 the transmission path. Although the first communication device 1A is connected to the power line PL1 via the power outlet 50, and the second communication device 1B is also connected to the power line PL1 via the power outlet 50, the power outlet 50 connected between the first communication device 1A and the second communication device 1B is not shown in Figure 1.
[0025] Of the first communication device 1A and the second communication device 1B, one communication device (for example, the first communication device 1A) is set as the master, and the other communication device (for example, 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 changeover switch (not shown) that switches between operating as a master or a terminal, and function as a master or terminal depending on the setting of the changeover switch.
[0026] Room R1 is also equipped with 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 compliant with, for example, the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard. The first communication device 1A and the wireless access point 6A are each connected to the broadband router 5 via LAN cables 71 and 72. For example, if there is a tablet-type computer terminal 7A in room R1 that is capable of wireless communication using a communication method compliant 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 communicate data with a server 8, etc., via the communication network NT1.
[0027] Furthermore, a wireless access point 6B is installed in room R2, which performs wireless communication using a communication method compliant with the Wi-Fi standard, for example. The wireless access point 6B is connected to the second communication device 1B via a LAN cable 73. Since the first communication device 1A and the second communication device 1B can communicate via 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 capable of wireless communication using a communication method compliant with the Wi-Fi standard is present in room R2, this computer terminal 7B can be connected 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 a server 8, etc., via the communication network NT1.
[0028] In this example, as shown in Figure 2, the broadband router 5 connected to the first communication device 1A becomes the first device 3A, and the wireless access point 6B connected to the second communication device 1B becomes the second device 3B.
[0029] Generally, in a facility F1 consisting of detached houses, the radio waves from the wireless access point 6A installed in room R1 may have difficulty reaching room R2 due to the influence of walls and other structures separating rooms R1 and R2. Therefore, in the communication system 100 of this embodiment, wireless access points 6A and 6B are placed in rooms R1 and R2, respectively, and the broadband router 5 installed in room R1 is connected to the first communication device 1A, while 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. Consequently, there is no need to lay a new LAN cable connecting the broadband router 5 and the wireless access point 6B, and the work of constructing the communication system 100 can be simplified. 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 Devices Next, the configuration of the communication devices 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. Since the first communication device 1A and the second communication device 1B have the same configuration, the configuration of the communication device 1 will be described using the second communication device 1B as an example.
[0031] The second communication device 1B includes a main unit 20 installed in facility F1. The main unit 20 is connected to one of several power outlets 50 (see Figure 2) provided in facility F1. Power for the operation of the main unit 20 is supplied from the power outlets 50. As described above, the second communication device 1B includes a first communication unit 11, which is a communication unit. The second communication device 1B further includes a control unit 10, a second communication unit 12, an operation unit 13, a notification unit 14, and a storage unit 15.
[0032] The first communication unit 11 is a communication module that performs power line carrier communication with the first communication device 1A, which is an external system, via the power line PL1. The first communication unit 11 is connected to one of the multiple power outlets 50 (see Figure 2) provided in facility F1, and uses the power line PL1 as a transmission path to perform power line carrier communication with the first communication device 1A. The communication method adopted by the first communication unit 11 is, for example, the Wavelet-OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) method compliant 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 second device 3B via a LAN cable 71.
[0034] The operating unit 13 is, for example, a push-button switch located on the surface of the main body 20. When a user presses the push-button switch, the contacts of the push-button switch are switched from off to on. More specifically, the operating unit 13 is a momentary type push-button switch in which the contacts are on only while the push operation is being performed (i.e., while a continuous operation is being performed), and the contacts turn off when the push operation ends (i.e., when the continuous operation ends).
[0035] In this embodiment, the communication device 1 operates differently in a first state where continuous operation of the operation unit 13 is not being performed, and in a second state where continuous operation of the operation unit 13 is being performed.
[0036] The storage unit 15 includes, for example, memory 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, programs executed by the control unit 10.
[0037] The notification unit 14 notifies the user of the operating status of the communication device 1. The notification unit 14 includes, for example, a plurality of light-emitting units arranged on the front of the main unit 20. The notification unit 14 displays various information based on the illumination state (on state) of the plurality of light-emitting units. In other words, since the notification unit 14 provides notifications using light, the user can visually grasp the content of the notification from the notification unit 14. The illumination state here includes, for example, the on / off state, flashing pattern (flashing period), and illumination color of each of the plurality of light-emitting units. In this embodiment, the notification unit 14 has four light-emitting units (first light-emitting unit 21, second light-emitting unit 22, third light-emitting unit 23, and fourth light-emitting unit 24) arranged vertically on the front of the main unit 20 (see Figures 2 to 7). The first light-emitting unit 21, second light-emitting unit 22, third light-emitting unit 23, and fourth light-emitting unit 24 are light-emitting units that use LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) as light sources. The first light-emitting unit 21, the second light-emitting unit 22, the third light-emitting unit 23, and the fourth light-emitting unit 24 may emit light of the same color, or they may emit light of different colors. In Figures 3 to 6, the light-emitting units that are lit are indicated by dots.
[0038] On the front of the main unit 20, for example, the words "PoE," "MASTER," "LAN," and "PLC" are displayed by printing or other means to the left of the first light-emitting unit 21, the second light-emitting unit 22, the third light-emitting unit 23, and the fourth light-emitting unit 24, respectively. Note that if the communication device 1 does not have a PoE power supply function, the communication device 1 does not have the first light-emitting unit 21.
[0039] In the continuous operation state of the control unit 13, the first light-emitting unit 21, the second light-emitting unit 22, the third light-emitting unit 23, and the fourth light-emitting unit 24 provide notifications according to the elapsed time since the start of the continuous operation. The notification operation of the first light-emitting unit 21, the second light-emitting unit 22, the third light-emitting unit 23, and the fourth light-emitting unit 24 in the continuous operation state will be explained in detail in "(2.3) Explanation of the operation of the communication device".
[0040] 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 configured of, for example, a microcomputer including a processor and a memory. The microcomputer functions as the control unit 10 when the processor of the microcomputer executes a program stored in the memory.
[0041] The control unit 10 has functions of, for example, an operation reception unit 16, a process execution unit 17, a notification control unit 18, and a mode switching unit 19. Note that the operation reception unit 16, the process execution unit 17, the notification control unit 18, and the mode switching unit 19 merely indicate functions implemented by the control unit 10 executing a program, and do not necessarily represent a substantial configuration.
[0042] The operation reception unit 16 receives an operation performed on the operation unit 13 by a user.
[0043] The notification control unit 18 controls the notification unit 14 in accordance with an operation performed on the operation unit 13. More specifically, the notification control unit 18 controls the light emission mode of the notification unit 14 in accordance with an operation performed on the operation unit 13. Note that the notification control unit 18 has an automatic continuation mode and an automatic stop mode as operation modes. The automatic continuation mode is an operation mode that maintains the current light emission state of the notification unit 14 regardless of whether the operation unit 13 has been operated. The automatic stop mode is an operation mode that causes the notification unit 14 to stop notification when no operation is performed on the operation unit 13 for a predetermined period Ts (for example, 5 seconds) while the notification unit 14 is performing notification.
[0044] The process execution unit 17 executes a specific process according to a duration Tc between a start time point and an end time point of a continuous operation, which is an operation continuously performed on the operation unit 13, regardless of whether the notification control unit 18 operates in the automatic continuation mode or the automatic stop mode. In the present embodiment, the specific process executed by the process execution unit 17 includes a process A1, a process A2, and a process A3 described later.
[0045] Note that, whether the notification control unit 18 operates in the automatic stop mode or the automatic continuation mode, it causes the notification unit 14 to perform notification in accordance with the elapsed time from the start point of the operation of the operation unit 13 during a continuous operation. This allows the user to recognize the elapsed time from the time point when the operation of the operation unit 13 is started.
[0046] The mode switching unit 19 switches the operation mode of the notification control unit 18 between the automatic continuation mode and the automatic stop mode. For example, the mode switching unit 19 switches the operation mode of the notification control unit 18 between the automatic continuation mode and the automatic stop mode in accordance with an operation of an external terminal (for example, a personal computer) connected to the communication device 1. Note that the external terminal only needs to be connected to the communication device 1 when switching the operation mode of the notification control unit 18.
[0047] (2.3) Description of Operation of Communication Device Hereinafter, the operation of the communication device 1 will be described by taking the second communication device 1B set as a terminal as an example. In the following, the operation will be described respectively for the case where the operation mode of the notification control unit 18 of the second communication device 1B is the automatic continuation mode, and the case where the operation mode of the notification control unit 18 is the automatic stop mode.
[0048] (2.3.1) Operation in Automatic Continuation Mode First, the operation of the second communication device 1B when the operation mode of the notification control unit 18 of the second communication device 1B is the automatic continuation mode will be described.
[0049] Assume a case where 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.
[0050] When the second communication device 1B is set as a terminal by the changeover switch, the notification control unit 18 turns off the second light-emitting unit 22 and lights up the fourth light-emitting unit 24 in the first state where no continuous operation of the operation unit 13 is being performed. This allows the notification unit 14 to notify that the second communication device 1B is set as a terminal. In addition, when the second communication unit 12 is communicating with the second device 3B, the notification control unit 18 lights up the third light-emitting unit 23 to notify that communication is taking place between the second communication unit 12 and the second device 3B. Furthermore, when the second communication device 1B is providing PoE power, the notification control unit 18 lights up the first light-emitting unit 21, and the notification unit 14 notifies that the second communication device 1B is providing PoE power. In the following description, as shown in Figure 3, the state in which the notification unit 14 is emitting light with the first light-emitting unit 21, the third light-emitting unit 23, and the fourth light-emitting unit 24 all lit may be referred to as the normal lit state.
[0051] 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 from the first communication device 1A addressed to the second device 3B, it transmits this transmission data from the second communication unit 12 to the second device 3B, which is wired to the second communication device 1B. Also, when the second communication unit 12 of the second communication device 1B receives transmission data from the second device 3B addressed to the first communication device 1A, it transmits this transmission data from the first communication unit 11 to the first communication device 1A.
[0052] 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.
[0053] Furthermore, if the second communication device 1B is set as the master using the changeover switch, the notification control unit 18 lights up the second light-emitting unit 22 and turns off the fourth light-emitting unit 24 in the first state. This allows the notification unit 14 to notify that the second communication device 1B is set as the master.
[0054] The operation of the communication device 1 in the second state, when the operation unit 13 is being continuously operated, will be explained below with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 9.
[0055] When the notification unit 14 is lit in the normal illuminated state (step ST1), if the user performs a continuous operation by continuously pressing the operation unit 13, the operation reception unit 16 accepts the continuous operation of the operation unit 13 (step ST2: Yes). However, if the duration Tc between the start and end of the continuous operation is less than the first time T1 (see Figure 8), the operation reception unit 16 determines that the continuous operation of the operation unit 13 is invalid (step ST2: No). In other words, when the duration Tc is T1 or greater, the operation reception unit 16 accepts the continuous operation of the operation unit 13 (step ST2: Yes), and when the duration Tc is less than T1, the operation reception unit 16 does not accept the continuous operation of the operation unit 13 (step ST2: No). The first time T1 is, for example, 0.2 seconds.
[0056] If the duration Tc of the continuous operation is greater than or equal to the first time T1 and less than the second time T2 which is longer than the first time T1 (step ST3: Yes), the notification control unit 18 causes the notification unit 14 to continue sending notifications (step ST1). In other words, when the user finishes operating the operation unit 13 when the elapsed time from the time the user started operating the operation unit 13 is greater than or equal to the first time T1 and less than the second time T2, the notification control unit 18 maintains the notification unit 14 in its normal illuminated state. The second time T2 is, for example, 1 second. This allows the notification unit 14 to continue sending notifications even if the user performs an unintended operation on the operation unit 13.
[0057] Here, we will explain the case where a new continuation operation is performed after the notification control unit 18 has continued to notify the notification unit 14, that is, after the notification control unit 18 has maintained the notification unit 14 in its normal illuminated state (ST2: Yes). If the duration Tc between the start and end of the new continuation operation is greater than or equal to the first time T1 and less than the second time T2 (step ST3: Yes), the notification control unit 18 continues to notify the notification unit 14 (step ST1). In other words, the notification control unit 18 maintains the notification unit 14 in its normal illuminated state. This allows the notification unit 14 to continue notifying even if the user performs an unintended operation on the operation unit 13.
[0058] Next, we will describe the case where the duration Tc is greater than or equal to the second time T2, and less than the third time T3, which is longer than the second time T2. In other words, we will describe the operation of the second communication device 1B when the user finishes operating the operation unit 13 when the elapsed time from the time the user started operating the operation unit 13 is greater than or equal to the second time T2, and less than the third time T3. Note that the third time T3 is, for example, 5 seconds.
[0059] When the elapsed time from the moment the user starts operating the operation unit 13 exceeds the second time T2, the notification control unit 18 flashes only the fourth light-emitting unit 24, as shown in Figure 4. In other words, the user can recognize that the elapsed time from the moment the user started operating the operation unit 13 has exceeded the second time T2 by confirming that only the fourth light-emitting unit 24 is flashing.
[0060] If the duration Tc is greater than or equal to the second time T2 and less than the third time T3 which is longer than the second time T2 (step ST3: No, step ST4: Yes), the processing execution unit 17 executes a specific process A1 which causes the first communication unit 11 to measure the communication speed of the power line carrier communication between the first communication unit 11 and the first communication device 1A (step ST5). This makes it possible to measure the communication speed between the communication unit 11 and the external system with simple operation.
[0061] Once the communication speed measurement is complete, the processing unit 17 evaluates the communication speed measurement result in four stages. Based on the evaluation result of the processing unit 17, the notification control unit 18 turns off all of the first light-emitting units 21, second light-emitting units 22, third light-emitting units 23, and fourth light-emitting units 24 if the communication speed measurement result falls into the lowest speed stage, and controls the number of light-emitting units that light up by one as the stage increases.
[0062] Subsequently, the notification control unit 18 sets the notification unit 14 to the normal illuminated state (step ST1).
[0063] Next, we will describe the case where the duration Tc is greater than or equal to the third time T3, and less than the fourth time T4, which is longer than the third time T3. In other words, we will describe the operation of the second communication device 1B when the user finishes operating the operation unit 13 when the elapsed time from the time the user started operating the operation unit 13 is greater than or equal to the third time T3, and less than the fourth time T4. Note that the fourth time T4 is, for example, 8 seconds.
[0064] When the elapsed time from the moment the user starts operating the operation unit 13 exceeds the third time T3, the notification control unit 18 flashes the third light-emitting unit 23 and the fourth light-emitting unit 24, as shown in Figure 5. In other words, the user can recognize that the elapsed time from the moment the user started operating the operation unit 13 has exceeded the third time T3 by confirming that the third light-emitting unit 23 and the fourth light-emitting unit 24 are flashing.
[0065] If the duration Tc is greater than or equal to the third time T3 and less than the fourth time T4 which is longer than the third time T3 (step ST3: No, step ST4: No, step ST6: Yes), the processing execution unit 17 executes process A2, which is a specific process that restarts the second communication device 1B (step ST7). This allows the second communication device 1B to be restarted with a simple operation.
[0066] After the restart of the second communication device 1B is complete, the notification control unit 18 sets the status of the notification unit 14 to the normal illuminated state (step ST1).
[0067] Next, we will describe the case where the duration Tc is greater than or equal to the fourth time T4, and less than the fifth time T5, which is longer than the fourth time T4. In other words, we will describe the operation of the second communication device 1B when the user finishes operating the operation unit 13 when the elapsed time from the time the user started operating the operation unit 13 is greater than or equal to the fourth time T4, and less than the fifth time T5. Note that the fifth time T5 is, for example, 10 seconds.
[0068] When the elapsed time from the moment the user starts operating the operation unit 13 exceeds the fourth time T4, the notification control unit 18 flashes the second light-emitting unit 22, the third light-emitting unit 23, and the fourth light-emitting unit 24, as shown in Figure 6. In other words, the user can recognize that the elapsed time from the moment the user started operating the operation unit 13 has exceeded the fourth time T4 by confirming that the second light-emitting unit 22, the third light-emitting unit 23, and the fourth light-emitting unit 24 are flashing.
[0069] If the duration Tc is greater than or equal to the fourth time T4 and less than the fifth time T5 which is longer than the fourth time T4 (step ST3: No, step ST4: No, step ST6: No, step ST8: Yes), the processing execution unit 17 executes process A3, which is a specific process for initializing the second communication device 1B (step ST9). Process A3 is a process that initializes various settings of the second communication device 1B and then restarts the second communication device 1B. This makes it possible to initialize the second communication device 1B with a simple operation.
[0070] After the initialization of the second communication device 1B is completed, the notification control unit 18 sets the status of the notification unit 14 to the normal illuminated state (step ST1).
[0071] Although not shown in Figures 8 and 9, if the elapsed time from the time the user started operating the control unit 13 exceeds the fifth time T5, the control unit 10 resets the elapsed time from the time the user started operating the control unit 13. In other words, when the elapsed time from the time the user started operating the control unit 13 exceeds the fifth time T5, the elapsed time from the time the user started operating the control unit 13 is considered to be 0 seconds.
[0072] (2.3.2) Automatic Stop Mode The operation of the second communication device 1B when the operating mode of the notification control unit 18 of the second communication device 1B is the automatic stop mode will be described below.
[0073] Let's assume that a power line PL1 is connected to the first communication unit 11 of the second communication device 1B, and a broadband router 5, which is the second device 3B, is connected to the second communication unit 12 of the second communication device 1B.
[0074] When the operating mode of the notification control unit 18 is in automatic stop mode, the notification control unit 18 turns off the first light-emitting unit 21, the second light-emitting unit 22, the third light-emitting unit 23, and the fourth light-emitting unit 24 in the first state where no continuous operation of the operation unit 13 is being performed. This reduces the power consumption of the second communication device 1B. In the following description, as shown in Figure 7, the state of the notification unit 14 in which the first light-emitting unit 21, the second light-emitting unit 22, the third light-emitting unit 23, and the fourth light-emitting unit 24 are turned off may be referred to as the off state.
[0075] The operation of the communication device 1 in the second state, when the operation unit 13 is being continuously operated, will be described below with reference to the flowchart in Figure 10.
[0076] When the notification unit 14 is off, if the user continues to press the operation unit 13, the operation reception unit 16 accepts the continued operation of the operation unit 13. If the duration Tc of the continued operation is greater than or equal to the first time T1 and less than the second time T2, the notification control unit 18 illuminates the first light-emitting unit 21, the third light-emitting unit 23, and the fourth light-emitting unit 24. In other words, if the duration Tc of the continued operation is greater than or equal to the first time T1 and less than the second time T2, the notification control unit 18 changes the notification unit 14 from the off state to the normal illuminated state (step ST11).
[0077] The notification control unit 18 stops the notification from the notification unit 14 if no operation is performed on the operation unit 13 for a predetermined period Ts after the notification unit 14 has started sending notifications. Therefore, if the notification control unit 18 changes the notification unit 14 from the off state to the normal on state and then no operation is performed on the operation unit 13 for a predetermined period Ts (step ST12: Yes), it changes the notification unit 14 from the normal on state to the off state (step ST13).
[0078] If, after the notification control unit 18 stops notifying the notification unit 14, a continued operation is performed on the operation unit 13 and the duration Tc is greater than or equal to the first time T1 and less than the second time T2 which is longer than the first time T1, the notification control unit 18 resumes notifying the notification unit 14. Specifically, if, after the notification control unit 18 stops notifying the notification unit 14, a continued operation is performed on the operation unit 13 (step ST15: Yes), and the duration Tc is greater than or equal to the first time T1 and less than the second time T2 (step ST16: Yes), the notification control unit 18 changes the notification unit 14 from the off state to the normal on state (step ST11). This allows the notification unit 14 to resume notifying with a simple operation.
[0079] If no operation is performed on the operation unit 13 within a predetermined period Ts after the notification control unit 18 has resumed notifying the notification unit 14, the notification control unit 18 will stop notifying the notification unit 14. Specifically, if no further operation is performed on the operation unit 13 within a predetermined period Ts after the notification control unit 18 has changed the notification unit 14 from the off state to the normal on state (step ST12: Yes), the notification control unit 18 will change the notification unit 14 from the normal on state to the off state (step ST13). This reduces the power consumption of the communication device 1.
[0080] Here, if a new continuation operation, the first additional continuation operation, is performed within a predetermined period Ts after the notification control unit 18 has resumed notification to the notification unit 14, and the duration Tc of the first additional continuation operation is greater than or equal to the first hour T1 and less than the second hour T2, the notification control unit 18 will have the notification unit 14 maintain the notification. The duration Tc of the first additional continuation operation is the time between the start of the first additional continuation operation and the end of the first additional continuation operation. Specifically, if a first additional continuation operation of the operation unit 13 is performed within a predetermined period Ts after the notification control unit 18 has changed the notification unit 14 from the off state to the normal on state (step ST12: No, step ST14: Yes), and the duration Tc of the first additional continuation operation is greater than or equal to the first hour T1 and less than the second hour T2 (step ST16: Yes), the notification control unit 18 will maintain the notification unit 14 in the normal on state (step ST11). Furthermore, if a second additional continuation operation, which is a new continuation operation, is performed within a predetermined period Ts after the notification control unit 18 has maintained the notification on the notification unit 14, and the duration Tc of the second additional continuation operation is greater than or equal to the first hour T1 and less than the second hour T2, the notification control unit 18 will maintain the notification on the notification unit 14. The duration Tc of the second additional continuation operation is the time between the start time of the second additional continuation operation and the end time of the second additional continuation operation. Specifically, if a second additional continuation operation of the operation unit 13 is performed within a predetermined period Ts after the notification control unit 18 has maintained the notification unit 14 in the normal illuminated state (step ST12: No, step ST14: Yes), and the duration Tc of the second additional continuation operation is greater than or equal to the first hour T1 and less than the second hour T2 (step ST16: Yes), the notification control unit 18 will maintain the notification unit 14 in the normal illuminated state (step ST11).
[0081] Next, we will describe the case where, after the notification control unit 18 stops notifying the notification unit 14, the operation unit 13 continues, and the duration Tc is greater than or equal to the second time T2 and less than the third time T3, which is longer than the second time T2. In other words, we will describe the operation of the second communication device 1B when the user finishes operating the operation unit 13 after the notification control unit 18 stops notifying the notification unit 14, and the elapsed time from when the user started operating the operation unit 13 is greater than or equal to the second time T2 and less than the third time T3.
[0082] When the elapsed time from the moment the user starts operating the operation unit 13 exceeds the second time T2, the notification control unit 18 flashes only the fourth light-emitting unit 24, as shown in Figure 4. In other words, the user can recognize that the elapsed time from the moment the user started operating the operation unit 13 has exceeded the second time T2 by confirming that only the fourth light-emitting unit 24 is flashing.
[0083] After the notification control unit 18 stops notifying the notification unit 14 (step ST13), if the operation unit 13 continues operation (step ST15: Yes), and the duration Tc is greater than or equal to the second time T2 and less than the third time T3 which is longer than the second time T2 (step ST16: No, step ST17: Yes), the processing execution unit 17 executes process A1 (step ST18). Process A1 is a process that causes the first communication unit 11 to measure the communication speed of the power line carrier communication between the first communication unit 11 and the first communication device 1A. This makes it possible to measure the communication speed between the communication unit 11 and an external system with a simple operation when the notification unit 14 has stopped notifying.
[0084] Once the communication speed measurement is complete, the processing unit 17 evaluates the communication speed measurement result in four stages. Based on the evaluation result of the processing unit 17, the notification control unit 18 turns off all of the first light-emitting units 21, second light-emitting units 22, third light-emitting units 23, and fourth light-emitting units 24 if the communication speed measurement result falls into the lowest speed stage, and controls the number of light-emitting units that light up by one as the stage increases.
[0085] Subsequently, the notification control unit 18 sets the notification unit 14 to the normal illuminated state (step ST11).
[0086] Next, we will describe the case where, after the notification control unit 18 stops notifying the notification unit 14, the operation unit 13 continues to operate, and the duration Tc is greater than or equal to the third time T3 and less than the fourth time T4, which is longer than the third time T3. In other words, we will describe the operation of the second communication device 1B when the user finishes operating the operation unit 13 when the elapsed time from the time the user started operating the operation unit 13 is greater than or equal to the third time T3 and less than the fourth time T4.
[0087] When the elapsed time from the moment the user starts operating the operation unit 13 exceeds the third time T3, the notification control unit 18 flashes the third light-emitting unit 23 and the fourth light-emitting unit 24, as shown in Figure 5. In other words, the user can recognize that the elapsed time from the moment the user started operating the operation unit 13 has exceeded the third time T3 by confirming that the third light-emitting unit 23 and the fourth light-emitting unit 24 are flashing.
[0088] After the notification control unit 18 stops notifying the notification unit 14 (step ST13), if the operation unit 13 continues to operate (step ST15: Yes), and the duration Tc is greater than or equal to the third time T3 and less than the fourth time T4 which is longer than the third time T3 (step ST16: No, step ST17: No, step ST19: Yes), the processing execution unit 17 executes process A2 to restart the second communication device 1B (step ST20). This allows the second communication device 1B to be restarted with a simple operation while the notification unit 14 has stopped notifying.
[0089] After the restart of the second communication device 1B is complete, the notification control unit 18 sets the status of the notification unit 14 to the normal illuminated state (step ST11).
[0090] Next, we will describe the case where, after the notification control unit 18 stops notifying the notification unit 14, the operation unit 13 continues to operate, and the duration Tc is greater than or equal to the fourth time T4 and less than the fifth time T5, which is longer than the fourth time T4. In other words, we will describe the operation of the communication device 1 when the user finishes operating the operation unit 13 when the elapsed time from the time the user started operating the operation unit 13 is greater than or equal to the fourth time T4 and less than the fifth time T5.
[0091] When the elapsed time from the moment the user starts operating the operation unit 13 exceeds the fourth time T4, the notification control unit 18 flashes the second light-emitting unit 22, the third light-emitting unit 23, and the fourth light-emitting unit 24, as shown in Figure 6. In other words, the user can recognize that the elapsed time from the moment the user started operating the operation unit 13 has exceeded the fourth time T4 by confirming that the second light-emitting unit 22, the third light-emitting unit 23, and the fourth light-emitting unit 24 are flashing.
[0092] After the notification control unit 18 stops notifying the notification unit 14 (step ST13), if the operation unit 13 continues to operate (step ST15: Yes), and the duration Tc is greater than or equal to the fourth time T4 and less than the fifth time T5 which is longer than the fourth time T4 (step ST16: No, step ST17: No, step ST19: No, step ST21: Yes), the processing execution unit 17 executes process A3 to initialize the second communication device 1B (step ST22). Process A3 is a process that initializes various settings of the second communication device 1B and then restarts the second communication device 1B. This makes it possible to initialize the second communication device 1B with a simple operation while the notification unit 14 has stopped notifying.
[0093] After the initialization of the second communication device 1B is completed, the notification control unit 18 sets the status of the notification unit 14 to the normal illuminated state (step ST11).
[0094] Although not shown in Figures 8 and 10, if the elapsed time from the time the user started operating the control unit 13 exceeds the fifth time T5, the control unit 10 resets the elapsed time from the time the user started operating the control unit 13. In other words, when the elapsed time from the time the user started operating the control unit 13 exceeds the fifth time T5, the elapsed time from the time the user started operating the control unit 13 is considered to be 0 seconds.
[0095] (3) Modifications The above embodiments are merely one of many embodiments of the present disclosure. The above embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the objectives of the present disclosure are achieved. In addition, functions similar to those of the communication device 1 may be realized by a control method for the communication device 1, a computer program, or a non-temporary recording medium on which a program is recorded. A control method for the communication device 1 according to one embodiment is executed by a computer system having one or more processors. The control method for the communication device 1 includes a communication step, a notification step, and a control step. In the communication step, communication is performed with an external system. In the notification step, a notification regarding the operating status is given to the user. In the control step, if the user does not operate the operation unit 13 for a predetermined period Ts while a notification has been given in the notification step, an automatic stop operation to stop the notification or an automatic continuation operation to continue the notification is executed. In the control step, whether the automatic stop operation or the automatic continuation operation is executed, a specific process is executed according to the duration Tc between the start time of the continuation operation, which is an operation performed continuously on the operation unit 13, and the end time of the continuation operation. A (computer) program according to one embodiment is a program that causes one or more processors in a computer system to execute a control method for the communication device 1.
[0096] The following lists some modifications of the above embodiment. The modifications described below can be combined and applied as appropriate.
[0097] The communication device 1 in this disclosure includes, for example, a computer system as a control unit 10. The computer system mainly consists of a processor and memory as hardware. The processor executes a program recorded in the memory of the computer system, thereby realizing the function of the communication device 1 or the control method of the communication device 1 in this disclosure as the execution entity. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, provided via a telecommunication line, or provided by being recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive that can be read by the computer system. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) or large-scale integrated circuits (LSIs). The integrated circuits such as ICs or LSIs referred to here are named differently depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, VLSIs (Very Large Scale Integrations), or ULSIs (Ultra Large Scale Integrations). Furthermore, FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) that are programmed after the manufacture of the LSI, or logic devices that allow for the reconstruction of junction relationships or circuit compartments within the LSI, can also be used as processors. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated onto a single chip or distributed across multiple chips. Multiple chips may be integrated onto a single 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 also consists of one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits or large-scale integrated circuits.
[0098] Furthermore, it is not essential for the communication device 1 to have multiple functions integrated into a single housing; the components of the communication device 1 may be distributed across multiple housings. Moreover, at least some of the functions of the communication device 1, for example, the functions of the processing execution unit 17, may be implemented by the cloud (cloud computing), etc.
[0099] In the above embodiment, the communication unit (first communication unit 11) communicates with the external system using the power line PL1 as the transmission path, but it may also communicate with the external system using a communication line as the transmission path. In other words, the communication unit (first communication unit 11) may communicate with the external system using a communication line as the transmission path. Here, the communication line used by the communication unit (first communication unit 11) as the transmission path may be, for example, an existing telephone line, coaxial cable, dimming signal line for lighting fixtures, communication line for an intercom system, etc., and communication can 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) should use a different frequency band than 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 the transmission path may be a dedicated communication line. Furthermore, the communication unit (first communication unit 11) is not limited to performing wired communication via electric wires (power lines PL1 or communication lines), but may also perform wireless communication via a wireless transmission path, for example, using the Wavelet-OFDM method.
[0100] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the external system with which communication device 1 communicates was another communication device 1, but the external system that communicates with communication devices may be a different communication device from communication device 1, or it may be an electrical device with communication capabilities.
[0101] In the above embodiment, the specific processing performed by the control unit 10 (processing execution unit 17) included processing A1, which causes the first communication unit 11 to measure the communication speed of power line carrier communication between the first communication unit 11 and the external system; processing A2, which restarts the communication device 1; and processing A3, which initializes the communication device 1. However, it may also include processing that performs other operations. For example, the specific processing may display the communication channel.
[0102] (Summary) Based on the embodiments described above, the following embodiments are disclosed.
[0103] The first embodiment of the communication device (1) comprises a communication unit (11), an operation unit (13), a notification unit (14), and a control unit (10). The communication unit (11) communicates with an external system. The operation unit (13) is operated by the user. The notification unit (14) notifies the user of the operating status of the communication device (1). If the operation unit (13) is not operated for a predetermined period (Ts) after the notification unit (14) has started notifying, the control unit (10) operates in either an automatic stop mode, which stops the notification to the notification unit (14), or an automatic continuation mode, which continues the notification to the notification unit (14). In either the automatic stop mode or the automatic continuation mode, the control unit (10) executes a specific process according to the duration (Tc) between the start time and end time of a continuous operation, which is an operation performed continuously by the operation unit (13).
[0104] In this embodiment, regardless of whether the control unit (10) is operating in automatic stop mode or automatic continuation mode, the control unit (10) executes a specific process corresponding to the duration (Tc) of the continuous operation of the operation unit (13). In other words, the operation method of the communication device (1) is unified in both automatic stop mode and automatic continuation mode. This improves convenience.
[0105] In the second embodiment of the communication device (1), in the first embodiment, the control unit (10) causes the notification unit (14) to send a notification according to the elapsed time from the start of the continuous operation during the continuous operation, regardless of whether it is operating in automatic stop mode or automatic continuation mode.
[0106] According to this embodiment, the user can recognize the elapsed time from the moment they started operating the control unit (13).
[0107] In the third embodiment of the communication device (1), in the first or second embodiment, if the control unit (10) is operating in automatic continuation mode and the duration (Tc) is greater than or equal to the first hour (T1) and less than the second hour (T2) which is longer than the first hour (T1), the control unit (10) causes the notification unit (14) to continue the notification.
[0108] In this embodiment, even if the user performs an unintended operation on the operation unit (13), the notification unit (14) can continue to provide notifications.
[0109] In the fourth embodiment of the communication device (1), in the third embodiment, after the control unit (10) has continued to notify the notification unit (14), a new continuation operation is performed, and if the duration (Tc) between the start time of the new continuation operation and the end time of the new continuation operation is 1 hour (T1) or more and less than 2 hours (T2), the control unit (10) has continued to notify the notification unit (14).
[0110] In this embodiment, even if the user performs an unintended operation on the operation unit (13), the notification unit (14) can continue to provide notifications.
[0111] In the fifth embodiment of the communication device (1), in the third or fourth embodiment, if the control unit (10) is operating in automatic continuation mode and the duration (Tc) is greater than or equal to the second time (T2) and less than the third time (T3) which is longer than the second time (T2), the control unit (10) performs a specific process to measure the communication speed between the communication unit (11) and the external system.
[0112] According to this embodiment, the communication speed between the communication unit (11) and the external system can be measured with simple operation.
[0113] In the communication device (1) of the sixth embodiment, in the fifth embodiment, if the control unit (10) is operating in automatic continuation mode and the duration (Tc) is greater than or equal to the third time (T3) and less than the fourth time (T4), which is longer than the third time (T3), the control unit (10) executes a specific process to restart the communication device (1).
[0114] According to this embodiment, the communication device (1) can be restarted with a simple operation.
[0115] In the communication device (1) of the seventh embodiment, in the sixth embodiment, the control unit (10) is operating in automatic continuation mode, and if the duration (Tc) is greater than or equal to the fourth time (T4) and less than the fifth time (T5), which is longer than the fourth time (T4), the control unit (10) executes a specific process to initialize the communication device (1).
[0116] According to this embodiment, the communication device (1) can be initialized with a simple operation.
[0117] In the eighth embodiment of the communication device (1), in any of the first to third embodiments, if a control unit (10) operating in automatic stop mode stops notifying the notification unit (14), and then a continuation operation is performed, and the duration (Tc) is at least the first hour (T1) and less than the second hour (T2), which is longer than the first hour (T1), the control unit (10) instructs the notification unit (14) to resume notification.
[0118] According to this embodiment, notifications can be resumed to the notification unit (14) with a simple operation.
[0119] In the communication device (1) of the ninth embodiment, if, in the eighth embodiment, no operation of the operation unit (13) is performed within a predetermined period (Ts) after the control unit (10) has resumed notification to the notification unit (14), the control unit (10) has the notification unit (14) stop notification.
[0120] According to this embodiment, the power consumption of the communication device (1) can be reduced.
[0121] In the communication device (1) of the tenth embodiment, in the eighth or ninth embodiment, if a new continuation operation, a first additional continuation operation, is performed within a predetermined period (Ts) after the control unit (10) has resumed notification to the notification unit (14), and the duration (Tc) between the start time of the first additional continuation operation and the end time of the first additional continuation operation is 1 hour (T1) or more and less than 2 hours (T2), the control unit (10) causes the notification unit (14) to maintain the notification.
[0122] In this embodiment, even if the user performs an unintended operation on the operation unit (13), the notification unit (14) can continue to provide notifications.
[0123] In the communication device (1) of the eleventh embodiment, in the tenth embodiment, if a second additional continuation operation, which is a new continuation operation, is performed within a predetermined period (Ts) after the control unit (10) has the notification unit (14) maintain the notification, and the duration (Tc) between the start time of the second additional continuation operation and the end time of the second additional continuation operation is 1 hour (T1) or more and less than 2 hours (T2), the control unit (10) has the notification unit (14) maintain the notification.
[0124] In this embodiment, even if the user performs an unintended operation on the operation unit (13), the notification unit (14) can continue to provide notifications.
[0125] In the communication device (1) of the twelfth embodiment, in the eighth to eleventh embodiments, if the control unit (10) operating in automatic stop mode stops notifying the notification unit (14) and then continues operation, and the duration (Tc) is 2 hours (T2) or more and less than 3 hours (T3) which is longer than 2 hours (T2), the control unit (10) performs a specific process to measure the communication speed between the communication unit (11) and the external system.
[0126] According to this embodiment, when the notification unit (14) has stopped sending notifications, the communication speed between the communication unit (11) and the external system can be measured with a simple operation.
[0127] In the communication device (1) of the 13th embodiment, in the 12th embodiment, if the control unit (10) operating in automatic stop mode stops notifying the notification unit (14), and then continues operation, and the duration (Tc) is 3 hours (T3) or longer and less than 4 hours (T4) which is longer than 3 hours (T3), the control unit (10) executes a specific process to restart the communication device (1).
[0128] According to this embodiment, when the notification unit (14) has stopped sending notifications, the communication device (1) can be restarted with a simple operation.
[0129] In the communication device (1) of the 14th embodiment, in the 13th embodiment, if the control unit (10), which is operating in automatic stop mode, stops notifying the notification unit (14), and then continues operation, and the duration (Tc) is 4 hours (T4) or more and less than 5 hours (T5) which is longer than 4 hours (T4), the control unit (10) executes a specific process to initialize the communication device (1).
[0130] According to this embodiment, when the notification unit (14) has stopped sending notifications, the communication device (1) can be initialized with a simple operation.
[0131] A control method for a communication device (1) according to the 15th embodiment includes a communication step, a notification step, and a control step. In the communication step, communication is performed with an external system. In the notification step, a notification regarding the operating status is given to the user. In the control step, if the user does not operate the operation unit (13) for a predetermined period (Ts) while a notification has been given in the notification step, an automatic stop operation to stop the notification or an automatic continuation operation to continue the notification is performed. In the control step, whether the automatic stop operation or the automatic continuation operation is being performed, a specific process is executed according to the duration (Tc) between the start time of the continuation operation, which is an operation performed continuously on the operation unit (13), and the end time of the continuation operation.
[0132] In this embodiment, regardless of whether an automatic stop operation or an automatic continuation operation is being performed in the control unit step, a specific process corresponding to the duration (Tc) of the continuation operation of the operation unit (13) is executed. In other words, the operation method of the communication device (1) in both the automatic stop operation and the automatic continuation operation is unified. This improves convenience.
[0133] The program of the sixteenth embodiment causes one or more processors to execute the control method of the fifteenth embodiment.
[0134] This embodiment can improve convenience.
[0135] 1 Communication device 10 Control unit 11 Communication unit 13 Operation unit 14 Notification unit Ts Predetermined period Tc Duration T1 1st hour T2 2nd hour T3 3rd hour T4 4th hour T5 5th hour
Claims
1. A communication device comprising: a communication unit for communicating with an external system; an operation unit for user operation; a notification unit for notifying the user of the operating status; and a control unit that operates in an automatic stop mode for stopping notifications to the notification unit or an automatic continuation mode for continuing notifications to the notification unit if no operation is performed for a predetermined period after the notification unit has started to make a notification, wherein the control unit, regardless of whether it is operating in the automatic stop mode or the automatic continuation mode, executes a specific process corresponding to the duration between the start of a continuation operation, which is an operation performed continuously by the operation unit, and the end of the continuation operation.
2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the notification unit to issue the notification corresponding to the elapsed time from the start of the continuous operation, regardless of whether the control unit is operating in the automatic stop mode or the automatic continuation mode.
3. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit is operating in the automatic continuation mode, and the duration is 1 hour or more and less than 2 hours which is longer than the 1 hour, the control unit causes the notification unit to continue the notification.
4. After the control unit has allowed the notification unit to continue the notification, a new continuation operation is performed, and if the duration between the start time of the new continuation operation and the end time of the new continuation operation is 1 hour or more and less than 2 hours, the control unit allows the notification unit to continue the notification, as described in claim 3.
5. The communication device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the control unit is operating in the automatic continuation mode, and the duration is 2 hours or more, and less than a third hour that is longer than 2 hours, the control unit performs the specific process of measuring the communication speed between the communication unit and the external system.
6. The communication device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit is operating in the automatic continuation mode and the duration is 3 hours or more and less than 4 hours which is longer than 3 hours, the control unit executes the specific process for restarting the communication device.
7. The communication device according to claim 6, wherein the control unit is operating in the automatic continuation mode and the duration is 4 hours or more and less than 5 hours which is longer than 4 hours, the control unit executes the specific process for initializing the communication device.
8. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein if the control unit operating in the automatic stop mode stops the notification unit from making the notification, and the continuation operation is performed, and the duration is 1 hour or more and less than 2 hours which is longer than the 1 hour, the control unit causes the notification unit to resume making the notification.
9. If the operation is not performed within the predetermined period after the control unit has restarted the notification unit, the control unit stops the notification unit from making the notification, as described in claim 8.
10. After the control unit has caused the notification unit to resume the notification, a new continuation operation, the first additional continuation operation, is performed within the predetermined period, and if the duration between the start time of the first additional continuation operation and the end time of the first additional continuation operation is 1 hour or more and less than 2 hours, the control unit causes the notification unit to maintain the notification, the communication device according to claim 8 or 9.
11. After the control unit has caused the notification unit to maintain the notification, a new continuation operation, a second additional continuation operation, is performed within the predetermined period, and if the duration between the start time of the second additional continuation operation and the end time of the second additional continuation operation is the first hour or more and less than the second hour, the control unit causes the notification unit to maintain the notification, the communication device according to claim 10.
12. The communication device according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein if the control unit operating in the automatic stop mode stops the notification unit from making the notification, and the continuation operation is performed, and the duration is 2 hours or more and less than 3 hours which is longer than 2 hours, the control unit performs the specific process of measuring the communication speed between the communication unit and the external system.
13. The communication device according to claim 12, wherein if the control unit operating in the automatic stop mode stops the notification unit from making the notification, and the continuation operation is performed, and the duration is 3 hours or more and less than 4 hours which is longer than 3 hours, the control unit executes the specific process to restart the communication device.
14. The communication device according to claim 13, wherein if the control unit operating in the automatic stop mode stops the notification unit from making the notification, and the continuation operation is performed, and the duration is 4 hours or more and less than 5 hours which is longer than 4 hours, the control unit executes the specific process for initializing the communication device.
15. A control method for a communication device, comprising: a communication step for communicating with an external system; a notification step for notifying a user of the operating status; and a control step for executing an automatic stop operation to stop the notification or an automatic continuation operation to continue the notification if, while the notification is being made in the notification step, the user does not operate the operation unit for a predetermined period of time, wherein in the control step, regardless of whether the automatic stop operation or the automatic continuation operation is being executed, a specific process is executed according to the duration between the start time of the continuation operation, which is an operation performed continuously on the operation unit, and the end time of the continuation operation.
16. A program for causing one or more processors to execute the control method described in claim 15.