Abstract: The slave is used in an energy management system for collecting meter-reading data from an energy meter for measuring an amount of electric energy supplied from a power source to a predetermined place through a distribution line. The slave includes: a first interface unit configured to communicate with an upper device; a second interface unit configured to communicate with an electric appliance installed in the predetermined place; and a third interface unit configured to perform first wireless communication using an electric wave with a communication terminal. One of the first interface unit and the second interface unit is a wired communication unit configured to perform power line communication using the distribution line, and the other of the first interface unit and the second interface unit is a wireless communication unit configured to perform second wireless communication using an electric wave.

Abstract: The slave is used in an energy management system for collecting meter-reading data from an energy meter for measuring an amount of electric energy supplied from a power source to a predetermined place through a distribution line. The slave includes: a first interface unit configured to communicate with an upper device; a second interface unit configured to communicate with an electric appliance installed in the predetermined place; and a third interface unit configured to perform first wireless communication using an electric wave with a communication terminal. One of the first interface unit and the second interface unit is a wired communication unit configured to perform power line communication using the distribution line, and the other of the first interface unit and the second interface unit is a wireless communication unit configured to perform second wireless communication using an electric wave.

Abstract: A distribution board is provided in a dwelling unit in order to distribute electric power supplied from an electric power provider to branch wirings, and to supply the electric power to apparatuses (air-conditioner, dishwasher, monitor device, and the like) that are connected to the branch wirings. The distribution board includes a distribution board body that houses two or more types of internal units including a trunk switch to which a trunk wiring from the electric power provider is connected and a branch switch to which a branch wiring is connected. The distribution board body houses a communication unit that communicates with a power meter having a communication function and a control unit that performs control regarding power supply to the apparatuses based on the contents of communication with the power meter.

Abstract: The slave suitable for energy management systems in accordance with the present invention is a slave suitable for an energy management system for collecting, from an energy meter for measuring an amount of electric energy supplied from a power source to a predetermined place through a distribution line, meter-reading data including the amount of energy. The slave includes: a first interface unit configured to communicate with an upper device; a second interface unit configured to perform wireless communication using an electric wave with an electric appliance installed in the predetermined place; and a third interface unit configured to perform wireless communication using an electric wave with a communication terminal. The second interface unit and the third interface unit are configured to use the same protocol.

Abstract: The slave suitable for energy management systems in accordance with the present invention is a slave of an energy management system for collecting, from an energy meter for measuring an amount of electric energy supplied from a power source to a predetermined place through a distribution line, a meter-reading data containing the amount of electric energy. The slave includes: a first interface unit configured to communicate with an upper device; a second interface unit configured to communicate with an electric appliance installed in the predetermined place; a third interface unit configured to communicate with a communication terminal. The second interface unit and the third interface unit are configured to perform wireless communication using electric waves in wireless communication schemes different from each other.