JP7807284B2 - Display method for wiring device and wiring device - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a display method for a wiring device and the wiring device. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a display method for a wiring device equipped with a light source and a display panel and the wiring device.

Patent document 1 discloses a non-contact miniature electric switch. This non-contact miniature electric switch is used in a wall-mountable electrical box and includes an electric circuit that allows electricity to flow through the switch.

A non-contact miniature electric switch comprises an object detection means that detects the presence of an object in front of the switch and generates an output signal, and a central processing unit. The central processing unit is connected to the object detection means and has a means for receiving the output signal from the object detection means and a signal processing means for calculating the power output in response to the output signal to generate a control signal for controlling the power supplied to the electrical circuit.

The switch also includes a backlight LED or low-power bulb to backlight the faceplate from behind.

Special Publication No. 2003-530671

The non-contact miniature electric switch disclosed in Patent Document 1 only detects the presence or absence of an object using an object detection means, and is therefore unable to emit light from an LED or low-power light bulb based on the distance to the object.

The objective of this disclosure is to provide a display method for a wiring device and a wiring device that can emit light based on the distance to an object.

One aspect of the present disclosure is a display method for a wiring device. The wiring device includes a light source, a display panel, and a distance measurement unit. The display panel is disposed in front of the light source and transmits light emitted from the light source. The distance measurement unit measures the distance to an object. The intensity of the light emitted from the light source is changed based on the distance measured by the distance measurement unit.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a wiring device. The wiring device includes a distance measuring unit, a light source, a display panel, and a control unit. The distance measuring unit measures the distance to an object. The light source emits light based on the distance measured by the distance measuring unit. The display panel is disposed in front of the light source and transmits the light emitted from the light source. The control unit controls the light source. The control unit changes the intensity of the light emitted from the light source based on the distance measured by the distance measuring unit.

The display method and wiring device disclosed herein can emit light based on the distance to an object.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a wiring device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure attached to a construction material. FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating the first light source of the wiring device. FIG. 3 is a front view of a display panel of the wiring device. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the wiring device. 5A to 5C are front views illustrating displays on a display panel of the wiring device. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the wiring device in the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the wiring fixture according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the wiring accessory according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

(1) Overview This section describes a display method for a wiring device and a wiring device according to the present disclosure. The embodiments described below are merely a portion of various embodiments of the present disclosure, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved in the following embodiments. Furthermore, the drawings described in the following embodiments are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of the components in the drawings do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

As shown in FIG. 1, the wiring device 1 includes a distance measuring unit 4, a first light source 2, a display panel 3, and a control unit 5. The distance measuring unit 4 measures the distance 41 to the object 8. The first light source 2 emits light based on the distance 41 measured by the distance measuring unit 4. The display panel 3 is disposed in front of the first light source 2 and transmits the light emitted from the first light source 2. The control unit 5 controls the first light source 2. The control unit 5 changes the intensity of the light emitted from the first light source 2 based on the distance 41 measured by the distance measuring unit 4.

When the user holds their hand (object 8) in front of the display panel 3, the distance measurement unit 4 measures the distance 41 to the hand. If the distance 41 to the hand satisfies the illumination ON condition, the illumination is turned ON. Furthermore, when the illumination is turned ON, light is irradiated onto the display panel 3 from the first light source 2 based on the distance 41 to the hand (object 8), allowing various displays to be displayed.

(2) First Embodiment A wiring device 1 according to a first embodiment will be described below with reference to Figs. 1 to 5. In Fig. 2, the LEDs 21 to 25 are indicated by dot hatching in order to identify them. That is, the dot hatching in Fig. 2 does not indicate a cross section.

(2.1) Case As shown in FIG. 1 , the wiring device 1 has a case 10 that houses the first light source 2 and the distance measuring unit 4. The case 10 is attached to a construction material 9. Specifically, the case 10 is inserted into an opening formed in the construction material 9, which is a partition wall, and attached to the construction material 9 by an appropriate method such as screwing or fitting. The construction material 9 is a partition wall, and has a front surface 91 that faces the indoor space and a back surface 92 that faces the space behind the wall. The indoor space (the front surface 91 when the center of the construction material 9 is used as the reference) is defined as the front, and the space behind the wall (the back surface 92 when the center of the construction material 9 is used as the reference) is defined as the rear.

The case 10 has a bottom wall 11 located behind the rear surface 92 of the construction material 9 and placed in the back-wall space, and side walls 12 extending forward from the peripheral edges of the bottom wall 11, and is open toward the front. The bottom wall 11 is square in front view (i.e., viewed from the front to the rear). Part of the side wall 12 includes a light-guiding member 61, which will be described later. The front end of the side wall 12 is formed by the light-guiding member 61 and is located forward of the front surface 91. The case 10 can be inserted into the opening of the construction material 9 from the front.

A bezel 13 is attached to the front side of the front end of the side wall 12. The bezel 13 is a frame member that is square when viewed from the front. The front end of the side wall 12 is fitted inside the rear part of the bezel 13, thereby attaching the bezel 13 to the side wall 12. The display panel 3 is attached to the front of the bezel 13.

A rear case 14 is positioned behind the case 10. The rear case 14 is attached to the rear surface 92 of the construction material 9, and covers the portion of the case 10 that protrudes rearward from the rear surface 92 from behind. The rear case 14 has a bottom wall that faces the bottom wall 11, and side walls that face the portion of the side wall 12 that protrudes rearward from the rear surface 92, and is open toward the front. The rear case 14 is attached to the construction material 9 using an appropriate method, such as screws.

(2.2) First Light Source The first light source 2 emits light forward. Note that the vector representing the direction of travel of light emitted from the first light source 2 only needs to have at least a component facing forward. The first light source 2 is disposed in the center of the front surface of the bottom wall 11 of the case 10. The first light source 2 is mounted on a wiring board 200. The wiring board 200 on which the first light source 2 is mounted is attached to the bottom wall 11 by screws or the like, thereby disposing the first light source 2 on the bottom wall 11. As shown in FIG. 2 , in the first embodiment, the first light source 2 includes a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) 21 to 25. The plurality of LEDs 21 to 25 are mounted on the wiring board 200. The LED 21 is disposed in the center of the bottom wall 11 in a front view. The LEDs 22 to 25 are disposed to surround the LED 21 in a front view.

LED 21 is composed of an LED capable of emitting white light and blue light. LED 22 is composed of an LED capable of emitting red light. LED 23 is composed of an LED capable of emitting green light. LED 24 is composed of an LED capable of emitting purple light. LED 25 is composed of an LED capable of emitting blue light.

As shown in FIG. 1, a diffusion lens 20 is disposed in front of the first light source 2. The diffusion lens 20 diffuses the light emitted from the first light source 2 toward a narrow range in front of it. As a result, the light emitted forward from the first light source 2, which would be irradiated toward a narrow range on the display panel 3 (described below) without the diffusion lens 20, is diffused by the diffusion lens 20 and irradiated toward a wide range on the display panel 3.

(2.3) Display Panel The display panel 3 is disposed in front of the first light source 2. Light emitted forward from the first light source 2 is irradiated onto the display panel 3. The display panel 3 is composed of a first panel 34 to a third panel 36. The first panel 34 to the third panel 36 are stacked in the thickness direction of the display panel 3 and laminated (integrated). The first panel 34 to the third panel 36 are positioned in the following order from the front: first panel 34, second panel 35, third panel 36. As shown in FIG. 3 , the first panel 34 to the third panel 36 each have a square shape when viewed from the front. The shape of the first panel 34 when viewed from the front determines the shape of the display panel 3 when viewed from the front.

As shown in FIG. 1, the second panel 35 and the third panel 36 are fitted into the front of the bezel 13. This attaches the display panel 3 to the bezel 13 and to the case 10 via the bezel 13.

When the display panel 3 is attached to the bezel 13, the first panel 34 is not fitted into the bezel 13. When viewed from the front, the size of the first panel 34 is larger than the sizes of the second panel 35 and the third panel 36. The peripheral edge of the first panel 34 protrudes outward beyond the peripheral edges of the second panel 35 and the third panel 36, and the protruding peripheral edge of the first panel 34 is located in front of the bezel 13.

The first panel 34 to the third panel 36 are formed from a translucent material. Examples of translucent materials that can be used include various resins such as acrylic resin, glass, etc., but the material of the members is not particularly limited.

The first panel 34 is formed to be highly translucent and have a flat surface. Light irradiated onto the first panel 34 is not particularly diffused (scattered). As will be described later, a gradation printed area 341 with light-blocking properties is formed on part of the back surface of the first panel 34 (see Figure 3).

The second panel 35 is formed to be highly translucent and to facilitate light diffusion on its surface. To facilitate light diffusion on the surface of the second panel 35, methods such as applying a so-called textured finish to the surface of the second panel 35 or attaching a diffusion sheet to the surface of the second panel 35 are used, but other methods may also be used and are not particularly limited.

The third panel 36 is formed to be milky white. Light passing through the third panel 36 is diffused, and as a result, the third panel 36 appears milky white when illuminated with light. For example, a white pigment is mixed into the third panel 36.

As shown in FIG. 3, the display panel 3 has a transmissive portion 31 and a light-shielding portion 32. The transmissive portion 31 transmits light emitted from the first light source 2 forward. The light-shielding portion 32 blocks the light emitted from the first light source 2 from transmitting forward.

The light-shielding portion 32 is formed by a part of the gradation printed portion 341. The gradation printed portion 341 is formed inward from the peripheral edge of the back surface of the first panel 34. The gradation printed portion 341 is formed in the shape of a square frame when viewed from the front. The portion of the gradation printed portion 341 that includes the peripheral edge of the first panel 34 and overlaps with the bezel 13 when viewed from the front forms the light-shielding portion 32. The light-shielding portion 32 prevents the bezel 13, located on the back side of the display panel 3, from being seen from the front of the display panel 3.

When viewed from the front of the display panel 3, the portion inside the light-shielding portion 32 becomes the transmissive portion 31. The transmissive portion 31 includes portions of the gradation printed portion 341 that do not form the light-shielding portion 32 and allow some light to pass through, and portions where the gradation printed portion 341 is not formed. When viewed from the front, the transmissive portion 31 is formed in the center of the display panel 3, and the light-shielding portion 32 is formed on the periphery of the display panel 3.

The ratio of the area of the transparent portion 31 to the overall area of the wiring device 1 when viewed from the front (hereinafter referred to as the area ratio) has a predetermined value. In the first embodiment, the entire wiring device 1 visible when viewed from the front is the first panel 34 of the display panel 3, so the overall area of the wiring device 1 when viewed from the front is the area of the entire first panel 34 when viewed from the front. In other words, the area ratio is the ratio of the area of the transparent portion 31 to the overall area of the first panel 34 when viewed from the front, and is 90% in the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the display panel 3 has a diffusion section 33 that diffuses the light emitted from the first light source 2. The diffusion section 33 is composed of the second panel 35 and third panel 36 described above. The diffusion section 33 diffuses the light emitted from the first light source 2 and transmits the diffused light forward through the transmission section 31.

(2.4) Distance Measuring Unit The distance measuring unit 4 measures the distance 41 to the object 8. The distance measuring unit 4 is equipped with a so-called infrared distance sensor. The infrared distance sensor has an infrared light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, and measures the distance to the object by receiving the infrared light emitted from the light emitting unit and reflected by the object with the light receiving unit. The distance measuring unit 4 is located at a position away from the center of the front surface of the bottom wall 11 of the case 10 when viewed from the front.

The distance measuring unit 4 emits infrared light toward the object 8 via the display panel 3 and receives the infrared light reflected by the object 8 via the display panel 3, thereby measuring the distance 41 from the distance measuring unit 4 to the object 8. The distance 42 from the front surface of the display panel 3 to the object 8 is calculated by subtracting the distance from the distance measuring unit 4 to the front surface of the display panel 3 from the distance 41 measured by the distance measuring unit 4.

(2.5) Control Unit As shown in Fig. 4, the wiring device 1 includes a control unit 5. The control unit 5 has, for example, a microcomputer, and controls each element by executing a program stored in a read-only memory (ROM) or the like. Various known control units can be used as the control unit 5, and there is no particular limitation, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The control unit 5 receives information about the distance 41 measured by the distance measuring unit 4 and controls the first light source 2 based on the distance 41 measured by the distance measuring unit 4. Specifically, the control unit 5 selects which of the multiple LEDs 21 to 25 to emit light from, and controls the color and intensity (amount of light) of the light, based on the distance 41 measured by the distance measuring unit 4, as shown in Figures 5A to 5C. Figure 5A shows the display panel 3 when LED 21 emits white light and the remaining LEDs 22 to 25 do not emit light. Note that the reference numeral 37 in the figure denotes a portion of the display panel 3 that appears to glow due to the light from the first light source 2 (hereinafter referred to as a lit portion). Figure 5B shows the display panel 3 when LED 21 emits blue light and the remaining LEDs 22 to 25 do not emit light. Note that the amount of blue light emitted by LED 21 in the case shown in FIG. 5B is greater than the amount of white light emitted by LED 21 in the case shown in FIG. 5A, so the lit area 37 shown in FIG. 5B is larger than the lit area 37 shown in FIG. 5A. Figure 5C shows the display panel 3 when all LEDs 21 to 25 are emitting light.

The control unit 5 also controls the second light source 6 and the warning sound generator 7.

(2.6) Second Light Source As shown in FIG. 1 , the wiring device 1 includes a second light source 6 in addition to the first light source 2. The second light source 6 illuminates the construction material 9 to which the wiring device 1 is attached. The second light source 6 is mounted on a wiring board 60. The second light source 6 has one or more LEDs. The second light source 6 is controlled by the control unit 5. The wiring board 60 on which the second light source 6 is mounted is attached to the rear case 14 by screws or the like, and the second light source 6 is disposed in a portion of the side wall 12 of the rear case 14 facing the light-guiding member 61.

The light-guiding member 61 outputs light emitted from the second light source 6 toward the outside of the wiring device 1. The light-guiding member 61 is formed on the side wall 12 as part of the side wall 12. The rear portion of the light-guiding member 61 that forms the outer surface of the side wall 12 serves as a light-incoming portion, and the front portion of the light-guiding member 61 that forms the outer surface of the side wall 12 serves as a light-outgoing portion. The light-incoming portion of the light-guiding member 61 faces the second light source 6, and the light-outgoing portion of the light-guiding member 61 is adjacent to the front surface 91 of the construction material 9. Light emitted from the second light source 6 enters the light-incoming portion of the light-guiding member 61, travels internally, and is reflected on the surface repeatedly before exiting from the light-outgoing portion. The light that exits from the light-outgoing portion illuminates the front surface 91 of the construction material 9.

(2.7) Warning Sound Generating Unit The wiring device 1 includes a warning sound generating unit 7 (see FIG. 4). The warning sound generating unit 7 is controlled by the control unit 5.

The control unit 5 controls the warning sound generation unit 7 so that a warning sound is emitted from the warning sound generation unit 7, for example, when the distance 41 measured by the distance measurement unit 4 is equal to or less than the threshold value for the warning sound.

(2.8) Display Method in Wiring Device The operation of the wiring device 1 will be described. When a user holds their hand, which serves as an object 8, in front of the display panel 3, the distance measurement unit 4 measures the distance 41 to the hand. When the distance 41 to the hand (object 8) satisfies a lighting ON condition, the room lights are turned ON. The lighting ON condition is, for example, a distance 41 such that the distance 42 from the front of the display panel 3 to the hand is 5 cm or less. The wiring device 1 serves as a non-contact switch that switches the room lights ON and OFF.

The control unit 5 controls the first light source 2 so that the intensity of the light emitted from the first light source 2 changes based on the distance 41 measured by the distance measurement unit 4, and causes the display panel 3 to display using the lighting unit 37. The display method in the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 6.

The operation of the wiring device 1 begins. When the operation of the wiring device 1 begins, the control unit 5 starts controlling and the distance measurement unit 4 starts measuring the distance 41.

In step S1, the control unit 5 acquires the distance 41 to the object 8 measured by the distance measurement unit 4.

Next, in step S2, the control unit 5 determines whether the acquired distance 41 exceeds a second threshold that is equal to or less than the first threshold and is smaller than the first threshold. The first threshold is, for example, a distance 41 such that the distance 42 from the front surface of the display panel 3 to the hand is 15 cm. The second threshold is, for example, a distance 41 such that the distance 42 from the front surface of the display panel 3 to the hand is 10 cm.

If the answer is Yes in step S2, proceed to step S3, where light is emitted from the first light source 2 at an intensity according to the distance 41. In the range where the distance 41 is equal to or less than the first threshold and exceeds a second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold, the intensity of the first light source 2 is set to increase as the distance 41 decreases. For example, when the distance 41 is equal to the first threshold, the display on the display panel 3 becomes the display shown in the lighting section 37 in Figure 5A, and when the distance 41 is close to the second threshold, the display on the display panel 3 becomes the display shown in the lighting section 37 in Figure 5B. After irradiation in step S3, return to step S1.

If the answer is No in step S2, the process proceeds to step S4. In step S4, the control unit 5 determines whether the acquired distance 41 is equal to or less than the second threshold. If the answer is Yes in step S4, the process proceeds to step S5, where light is emitted from the first light source 2 at an intensity according to the distance 41. When the distance 41 is equal to or less than the second threshold, the intensity of the first light source 2 is set to decrease as the distance 41 decreases. After the irradiation in step S5 is performed, the process returns to step S1.

If the answer is No in step S4, return to step S1.

The control unit 5 also determines whether the distance 41 measured by the distance measurement unit 4 satisfies the warning condition. The warning condition is, for example, a distance 41 such that the distance 42 from the front of the display panel 3 to the hand is 8 cm or less, and the distance 41 when the distance 42 is 8 cm becomes the threshold for the warning sound. The warning condition is satisfied when the distance 41 is equal to or less than the threshold for the warning sound.

If the warning conditions are met, the control unit 5 controls the warning sound generation unit 7 to generate a warning sound. This prevents the hand (object 8) from coming into contact with the front surface of the display panel 3.

(2.9) Effect By irradiating the display panel 3 with light from the first light source 2 based on the distance 41 to the hand (object 8), various displays (see Figures 5A to 5C) can be made to appear on the display panel 3.

In particular, when the user begins to bring their hand closer to the display panel 3 (when the distance 41 is less than the first threshold and exceeds a second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold), the amount of light emitted from the first light source 2 increases as the distance 41 decreases, making it possible to emphasize to the user that their hand is approaching the display panel 3. Furthermore, when the user's hand has come sufficiently close to the display panel 3 (when the distance 41 is less than the second threshold), the user is fully aware that their hand is approaching the display panel 3, and the amount of light emitted from the first light source 2 can be reduced.

In addition, by forming icons, for example, by printing them on the back surface of the display panel 3 (the back surface of the first panel 34), the icon patterns will be visible when the display panel 3 is illuminated with light from the first light source 2, thereby increasing the variety of displays.

In addition, when the wiring device 1 is viewed from the front, the area ratio of the transparent portion 31 to the entire wiring device 1 is 90%, making the display on the display panel 3 easy to see.

In addition, because the display panel 3 has a light-shielding portion 32, the bezel 13 located behind the light-shielding portion 32 is not visible, improving the appearance.

In addition, because the display panel 3 has a diffusion section 33, objects behind the display panel 3 cannot be seen directly from in front of the display panel 3, improving the appearance. Furthermore, when light from the first light source 2 is irradiated onto the display panel 3, the display formed on the display panel 3 can be softly displayed.

In addition, the second light source 6 can illuminate the front surface 91 around the wiring fixture 1 of the construction material 9 on which the wiring fixture 1 is installed.

The light-guiding member 61 also allows for efficient collection of light emitted from the second light source 6. The light-guiding member 61 also increases the degree of freedom in arranging the second light source 6, making design easier.

(3) Second Embodiment A wiring device 1 according to a second embodiment will be described below. Note that the wiring device 1 according to the second embodiment is largely the same as the wiring device 1 according to the first embodiment, and therefore, redundant description will be omitted.

In the second embodiment, the control by the control unit 5 is different and will be explained based on the flow diagram in Figure 7.

The operation of the wiring device 1 begins. When the operation of the wiring device 1 begins, the control unit 5 starts controlling and the distance measurement unit 4 starts measuring the distance 41.

In step S11, the control unit 5 acquires the distance 41 to the object 8 measured by the distance measurement unit 4.

Next, in step S12, the control unit 5 determines whether the acquired distance 41 exceeds a second threshold that is equal to or less than the first threshold and is smaller than the first threshold. The first threshold is, for example, a distance 41 such that the distance 42 from the front surface of the display panel 3 to the hand is 15 cm. The second threshold is, for example, a distance 41 such that the distance 42 from the front surface of the display panel 3 to the hand is 10 cm.

If the answer is Yes in step S12, proceed to step S13, where light is emitted from the first light source 2 at an intensity according to the distance 41. In the range where the distance 41 is equal to or less than the first threshold and exceeds a second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold, the intensity of the first light source 2 is set to increase as the distance 41 decreases. For example, when the distance 41 is equal to the first threshold, the display on the display panel 3 becomes the display shown in the lighting section 37 in Figure 5A, and when the distance 41 is close to the second threshold, the display on the display panel 3 becomes the display shown in the lighting section 37 in Figure 5B. After irradiation in step S13, return to step S11.

If the answer is No in step S12, the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the control unit 5 determines whether the acquired distance 41 is equal to or less than the second threshold and exceeds a third threshold that is smaller than the second threshold. If the answer is Yes in step S14, the process proceeds to step S15, where light is emitted from the first light source 2 at an intensity according to the distance 41. When the distance 41 is equal to or less than the second threshold, the intensity of the first light source 2 is set to decrease as the distance 41 decreases. After irradiation in step S15, the process returns to step S11.

If the answer is No in step S14, the process returns to step S16. In step S16, the control unit 5 determines whether the acquired distance 41 is equal to or less than a third threshold. The third threshold is, for example, a distance 41 such that the distance 42 from the front of the display panel 3 to the hand is 8 cm. If the answer is Yes in step S16, the process proceeds to step S17, where the illumination by the first light source 2 is stopped (turned off). After turning off the light in step S17, the process returns to step S11.

If the answer is No in step S16, return to step S11.

In the second embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment are basically obtained. In addition, in the second embodiment, when the hand approaches the display panel 3 sufficiently and the distance 41 becomes equal to or less than the third threshold, the illumination from the first light source 2 is stopped, thereby further reducing the amount of unnecessary light emitted from the first light source 2.

(4) Third Embodiment A wiring device 1 according to a third embodiment will be described below. Note that the wiring device 1 according to the third embodiment is largely the same as the wiring device 1 according to the second embodiment, and therefore, redundant description will be omitted.

In the third embodiment, the control by the control unit 5 is different and will be explained based on the flow diagram in Figure 8.

The operation of the wiring device 1 begins. When the operation of the wiring device 1 begins, the control unit 5 starts controlling and the distance measurement unit 4 starts measuring the distance 41.

In step S21, the control unit 5 acquires the distance 41 to the object 8 measured by the distance measurement unit 4.

Next, in step S22, the control unit 5 determines whether the acquired distance 41 is within a first range that is equal to or less than a first threshold and exceeds a second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold. The first threshold is, for example, a distance 41 such that the distance 42 from the front surface of the display panel 3 to the hand is 15 cm. The second threshold is, for example, a distance 41 such that the distance 42 from the front surface of the display panel 3 to the hand is 10 cm.

If the answer is Yes in step S22, proceed to step S23, where light is emitted from the first light source 2 at an intensity according to the distance 41. In the range where the distance 41 is equal to or less than the first threshold and exceeds a second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold, the intensity of the first light source 2 is set to increase as the distance 41 decreases. For example, when the distance 41 is the first threshold, the display on the display panel 3 becomes the display shown in the lighting section 37 in Figure 5A, and when the distance 41 is close to the second threshold, the display on the display panel 3 becomes the display shown in the lighting section 37 in Figure 5B. After irradiation in step S23, return to step S21.

If the answer is No in step S22, proceed to step S24. In step S24, the control unit 5 determines whether the acquired distance 41 is within a second range that is equal to or less than the second threshold and exceeds a third threshold that is smaller than the second threshold. If the answer is Yes in step S24, proceed to step S25, where light is emitted from the first light source 2 at an intensity corresponding to the distance 41. When the distance 41 is within the range equal to or less than the second threshold, the intensity of the first light source 2 is set to increase as the distance 41 decreases. Here, the rate of change, which is the ratio of the change in intensity to the change in distance 41 in the second range, is greater than the rate of change in the first range. In other words, when the distance 41 moves from the first range to the second range, the increase in light intensity increases rapidly, making it possible to clearly emphasize to the user that their hand has approached the display panel 3.

After irradiation in step S25, return to step S21.

If the answer is No in step S24, the process proceeds to step S26. In step S26, the control unit 5 determines whether the acquired distance 41 is equal to or less than a third threshold. The third threshold is, for example, a distance 41 such that the distance 42 from the front of the display panel 3 to the hand is 8 cm. If the answer is Yes in step S26, the process proceeds to step S27, where the illumination by the first light source 2 is stopped (turned off).

In step S27, first, the intensity of the light emitted from LED 22, which emits red light and LED 24, which emits purple light, which tend to leave an afterimage, is set to 0. Then, the intensity of the light emitted from LED 23, which emits green light and LED 25, which emits blue light, which tend not to leave an afterimage, is set to 0.

After turning off the light in step S27, return to step S21.

Also, if the answer is No in step S26, return to step S21.

In the third embodiment, when the distance 41 to the hand moves from the first range to the second range, the amount of light increases rapidly, clearly emphasizing to the user that their hand is approaching the display panel 3. Furthermore, in step S27, the intensity of the light emitted from LED 22, which emits red light and LED 24, which emits purple light, which tend to leave an afterimage, is set to 0, and then the intensity of the light emitted from LED 23, which emits green light and LED 25, which emits blue light, which tend not to leave an afterimage, is set to 0. Therefore, from the user's perspective, it appears as if LEDs 21 to 25 have turned off simultaneously.

(5) Modifications Modifications of the above embodiment are listed below. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

The construction material 9 to which the wiring device 1 is attached may be, for example, the ceiling of a building, and is not limited to a partition wall of a building. The wiring device 1 is used as a switch to turn the lights in a room on and off. The wiring device 1 is not limited to being used as a light switch.

The case 10 may have any configuration and does not have to be attached to the wiring device 1. In this case, a frame-like member may be attached to the construction material 9 and hold the first light source 2, display panel 3, and distance measuring unit 4. The shape of the bottom wall 11 of the case 10 when viewed from the front is not limited to a square, and may be rectangular, polygonal, circular, etc.

The shape of the bezel 13 when viewed from the front is not limited to a square, but may be rectangular, polygonal, circular, or other shapes. The bezel 13 may be attached to the side wall 12 using screws or the like, and the method of attaching the bezel 13 to the side wall 12 is not limited. The bezel 13 may have any configuration and does not need to be provided on the wiring device 1.

The rear case 14 is an optional configuration and does not have to be provided on the wiring device 1.

The first light source 2 does not have to be composed of an LED and is not particularly limited. The first light source 2 does not have to be located in the center of the front surface of the bottom wall 11 of the case 10, and may be located away from the center of the front surface of the bottom wall 11. The first light source 2 may also be attached to the side wall 12. There is no limit to the number of first light sources 2, as long as there is at least one.

The diffusing lens 20 is an optional configuration and does not have to be provided on the wiring device 1.

The shape of the display panel 3 when viewed from the front is not limited to a square, but may be rectangular, polygonal, circular, or other shapes. The first panel 34 to the third panel 36 do not have to be stacked. Furthermore, the display panel 3 does not have to be composed of three panels, the first panel 34 to the third panel 36, but may be composed of only one panel, two panels, or four or more panels, with no particular limitation on the number of panels.

The display panel 3 may be attached to the bezel 13 using screws or the like, and the method of attachment to the bezel 13 is not limited.

Forming the third panel 36 to be milky white is not limited to mixing white pigment into the third panel 36, but can also be done, for example, by forming fine cracks inside.

The above-mentioned area ratio is preferably 50% or more, more preferably 60% or more, even more preferably 70% or more, even more preferably 80% or more, and even more preferably 90% or more, but may be less than 50% and is not particularly limited.

The infrared distance sensor provided in the distance measuring unit 4 is not limited to an active type, but may also be a passive type. In other words, the distance measuring unit 4 may measure the distance 41 to the target 8 by detecting infrared rays emitted from the user's hand, which serves as the target 8.

The distance measuring unit 4 does not have to be equipped with an infrared distance sensor, but may be, for example, a laser displacement meter, and the method of measuring distance is not particularly limited. The distance measuring unit 4 does not have to be provided on the bottom wall 11 of the case 10, but may also be on the side wall 12, bezel 13, or display panel 3.

The second light source 6 does not have to be provided in the rear case 14. The second light source 6 may be housed, for example, in the case 10. Furthermore, the second light source 6 may have any configuration and does not have to be provided in the wiring device 1.

The second light source 6 does not have to be composed of an LED and is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the first light source 2 may have any configuration and does not have to be provided in the wiring device 1.

The first threshold value is not limited to a distance 41 such that the distance 42 from the front surface of the display panel 3 to the hand is 15 cm. Furthermore, the second threshold value is not limited to a distance 41 such that the distance 42 from the front surface of the display panel 3 to the hand is 10 cm.

The illumination ON condition is not limited to a distance 41 where the distance 42 from the front of the display panel 3 to the hand (object 8) is 5 cm or less.

The warning condition is not limited to a distance 41 where the distance 42 from the front of the display panel 3 to the hand (object 8) is 8 cm or less.

(6) Summary As described above, the first aspect is a display method for a wiring device (1). The wiring device (1) includes a first light source (2), a display panel (3), and a distance measuring unit (4). The display panel (3) is disposed in front of the first light source (2) and transmits light emitted from the first light source (2). The distance measuring unit (4) measures a distance (41) to an object (8). The intensity of the light emitted from the first light source (2) is changed based on the distance (41) measured by the distance measuring unit (4).

In the first aspect, various displays can be displayed on the display panel (3) by irradiating the display panel (3) with light from the first light source (2) based on the distance (41) to the object (8).

The second aspect can be realized in combination with the first aspect. In the second aspect, when the distance (41) is equal to or less than the first threshold and exceeds a second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold, the intensity increases as the distance (41) decreases. When the distance (41) is equal to or less than the second threshold, the intensity decreases as the distance (41) decreases.

In the second aspect, when the object (8) begins to approach the display panel (3), the amount of light emitted from the first light source (2) increases as the distance (41) decreases, making it possible to emphasize to the user that the object (8) is approaching the display panel (3). Furthermore, when the object (8) has come sufficiently close to the display panel (3), the user is fully aware that the object (8) is approaching the display panel (3), and therefore the amount of light emitted from the first light source (2) can be reduced.

The third aspect can be realized in combination with the first aspect. In the third aspect, when the distance (41) is equal to or less than the first threshold and exceeds a second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold, the intensity increases as the distance (41) decreases. When the distance (41) is equal to or less than the second threshold and exceeds a third threshold that is smaller than the second threshold, the intensity decreases as the distance (41) decreases. When the distance (41) is equal to or less than the third threshold, the intensity is 0.

In the third aspect, when the object (8) begins to approach the display panel (3), the amount of light emitted from the first light source (2) increases as the distance (41) decreases, thereby emphasizing to the user that the object (8) is approaching the display panel (3). Furthermore, when the object (8) has come sufficiently close to the display panel (3), the user is fully aware that the object (8) is approaching the display panel (3), and the amount of light emitted from the first light source (2) can be reduced. Furthermore, when the object (8) has come sufficiently close to the display panel (3) and the distance (41) is equal to or less than a third threshold, the emission from the first light source (2) is stopped, further reducing unnecessary light emission from the first light source (2).

The fourth aspect can be realized in combination with the first aspect. In the fourth aspect, when the distance (41) is in a first range that is equal to or less than the first threshold and exceeds a second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold, the intensity increases as the distance (41) decreases. When the distance (41) is in a second range that is equal to or less than the second threshold and exceeds a third threshold that is smaller than the second threshold, the intensity increases as the distance (41) decreases. The rate of change, which is the ratio of the change in intensity to the change in distance (41) in the second range, is greater than the rate of change in the first range.

In the fourth aspect, when the distance (41) moves from the first range to the second range, the amount of light increases rapidly, clearly emphasizing to the user that their hand is approaching the display panel (3).

A fifth aspect can be realized by combining the fourth aspect. In the fifth aspect, the first light source (2) includes an LED (22) that emits red light, an LED (23) that emits green light, an LED (24) that emits purple light, and an LED (25) that emits blue light. When the distance (41) becomes equal to or less than a third threshold, the intensity of the light emitted from the LED (22) that emits red light and the LED (24) that emits purple light is set to 0, and thereafter, the intensity of the light emitted from the LED (23) that emits green light and the LED (25) that emits blue light is set to 0.

In the fifth mode, it appears to the user that LEDs (21) to (25) have gone out simultaneously.

The sixth aspect can be realized in combination with any of the first to fifth aspects. In the sixth aspect, the wiring device (1) further includes a warning sound generating unit (7). When the distance (41) is equal to or less than the threshold value for the warning sound, the warning sound generating unit (7) generates a warning sound.

In the sixth aspect, it is possible to prevent the object (8) from coming into contact with the front surface of the display panel (3).

The seventh aspect is a wiring device (1). The wiring device (1) includes a distance measuring unit (4), a first light source (2), a display panel (3), and a control unit (5). The distance measuring unit (4) measures the distance (41) to an object (8). The first light source (2) emits light based on the distance (41) measured by the distance measuring unit (4). The display panel (3) is disposed in front of the first light source (2) and transmits the light emitted from the first light source (2). The control unit (5) controls the first light source (2). The control unit (5) changes the intensity of the light emitted from the first light source (2) based on the distance (41) measured by the distance measuring unit (4).

In the seventh aspect, various displays can be displayed on the display panel (3) by irradiating the display panel (3) with light from the first light source (2) based on the distance (41) to the object (8).

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Wiring device 2 First light source 3 Display panel 4 Distance measuring unit 41 Distance 5 Control unit 7 Warning sound generating unit 8 Target object

Claims (7)

A display method for a wiring device including a light source, a display panel disposed in front of the light source and transmitting light emitted from the light source, and a distance measuring unit that measures a distance to an object,
changing the intensity of the light emitted from the light source based on the distance measured by the distance measuring unit;
the distance measuring unit is disposed behind the display panel and measures the distance through the display panel;
Display method for wiring devices. A display method for a wiring device including a light source, a display panel disposed in front of the light source and transmitting light emitted from the light source, and a distance measuring unit that measures a distance to an object,
changing the intensity of the light emitted from the light source based on the distance measured by the distance measuring unit;
When the distance is equal to or smaller than a first threshold and exceeds a second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold, the intensity increases as the distance decreases;
When the distance is equal to or less than the second threshold, the intensity decreases as the distance decreases. A display method for a wiring device including a light source, a display panel disposed in front of the light source and transmitting light emitted from the light source, and a distance measuring unit that measures a distance to an object,
changing the intensity of the light emitted from the light source based on the distance measured by the distance measuring unit;
When the distance is equal to or smaller than a first threshold and exceeds a second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold, the intensity increases as the distance decreases;
When the distance is equal to or smaller than the second threshold and exceeds a third threshold that is smaller than the second threshold, the intensity decreases as the distance decreases;
When the distance is equal to or less than the third threshold, the intensity becomes 0. A display method for a wiring device including a light source, a display panel disposed in front of the light source and transmitting light emitted from the light source, and a distance measuring unit that measures a distance to an object,
changing the intensity of the light emitted from the light source based on the distance measured by the distance measuring unit;
When the distance is within a first range that is equal to or smaller than a first threshold and exceeds a second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold, the intensity increases as the distance decreases,
when the distance is within a second range that is equal to or less than the second threshold and exceeds a third threshold that is smaller than the second threshold, the intensity increases as the distance decreases;
A change rate, which is a ratio of the change amount of the intensity to the change amount of the distance in the second range, is greater than the change rate in the first range. The light source is
a light source that emits red light;
a light source that emits green light;
a light source that emits purple light;
and a light source that emits blue light,
When the distance becomes equal to or less than the third threshold value,
The intensity of the light emitted from the light source emitting red light and the light source emitting purple light is set to 0, and then
The display method for a wiring device according to claim 4 , wherein the intensities of the light emitted from the light source emitting the green light and the light source emitting the blue light are set to 0. The wiring device further includes an alarm sound generating unit,
The display method for a wiring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the warning sound generating unit generates a warning sound when the distance is equal to or less than a threshold value for a warning sound. A wiring device,
a distance measuring unit that measures the distance to an object;
a light source that emits light based on the distance measured by the distance measuring unit;
a display panel disposed in front of the light source and transmitting light emitted from the light source;
a control unit that controls the light source,
the control unit changes the intensity of the light emitted from the light source based on the distance measured by the distance measuring unit;
the distance measuring unit is disposed behind the display panel and measures the distance through the display panel;
Wiring equipment.