Apparatus management system, apparatus management device, apparatus management method, and program

Abstract

To provide an apparatus management system, an apparatus management device, an apparatus management method, and a program that can improve user convenience.SOLUTION: An apparatus management system includes: a self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 that has a function of communicating with an apparatus 3 installed within a building; a floor plan information generation unit 112 that generates floor plan information indicating a floor plan of the building based on a travel history of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 within the building; a communication position determination unit 113 that determines at least one communication position in the building at which the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 acquires apparatus-related information including apparatus identification information transmitted from the apparatus 3 based on the floor plan information; and a layout information generation unit 116 that generates layout information indicating a layout of the apparatus 3 within the building based on the communication position information, and the apparatus identification information included in the apparatus-related information acquired by the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 at each communication position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a device management system, a device management apparatus, a device management method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] A self-propelled device has been proposed that includes a driving means, an area detection means for detecting the current driving area, a communication means for communicating with an air conditioning device, and a room temperature detection means for detecting the temperature inside the room, and when the communication means detects that the air conditioning device has not been operating for a predetermined stop determination time or longer, the room temperature detection means begins detecting the room temperature and transmits the detected temperature information and driving area information from the area detection means to the air conditioning device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-286439 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, there is a demand for using a self-propelled device equipped with a communication means for communicating with equipment such as air conditioners, as described in Patent Document 1, to manage the layout of equipment installed in a building, thereby eliminating the need for users to check the installation location of equipment within a building and thereby increasing user convenience.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a device management system, a device management apparatus, a device management method, and a program that can improve convenience for users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the device management system according to the present disclosure includes: A self-propelled device having a function of communicating with a device installed in a building; a floor plan information generating unit that generates floor plan information indicating a floor plan of the building based on a travel history of the self-propelled device within the building; A communication position determination unit that determines at least one communication position in the building where the self-propelled device acquires device-related information including device identification information that identifies the device and is transmitted from the device, based on the floor plan information; and a layout information generation unit that generates layout information indicating a layout of the equipment within the building based on communication location information indicating the at least one communication location and the equipment identification information included in the equipment-related information acquired by the self-propelled equipment at each of the at least one communication location. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the floor plan information generating unit generates floor plan information indicating the floor plan of the building based on the travel history of the self-propelled device within the building. Also, the communication position determining unit determines at least one communication position in the building where the self-propelled device acquires device-related information including device identification information transmitted from the device based on the floor plan information. Then, the layout information generating unit generates layout information indicating the layout of the devices within the building based on the at least one communication position and the device identification information included in the device-related information acquired by the self-propelled device at each of the at least one communication position. As a result, layout information of at least one device within the building can be generated simply by traveling the self-propelled device within the building, so that the user does not need to visit and check the installation location of at least one device within the building, which can reduce the user's efforts and improve the convenience of the user when creating layout information. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a device management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a device management system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a self-propelled vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a cloud server according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a device-related information storage unit according to an embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a layout information storage unit according to an embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a communication position according to an embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the device management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the device management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the device management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a layout notification image displayed on a display unit of a terminal device according to an embodiment; [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the device management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an installation position notification image displayed on a display unit of a terminal device according to an embodiment; [Figure 14] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of a cleaner control process executed by a self-propelled cleaner according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of a cleaner control process executed by a self-propelled cleaner according to an embodiment. [Figure 16] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a device management process executed by a cloud server according to an embodiment. [Figure 17] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a device management process executed by a cloud server according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the device management system according to each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The device management system according to the present embodiment includes a self-propelled device having a function of communicating with devices installed in a building, a floor plan information generating unit that generates floor plan information indicating the floor plan of the building based on the travel history of the self-propelled device in the building, a communication position determining unit that determines at least one communication position in the building where the self-propelled device acquires device-related information including device identification information that identifies the device transmitted from the device based on the floor plan information, and a layout information generating unit that generates layout information indicating the layout of the devices in the building based on the at least one communication position and the device identification information included in the device-related information acquired by the self-propelled device at each of the at least one communication position.

[0010] The device management system according to the present embodiment is used for a building H having a layout in which the inside is divided into a plurality of areas, that is, a plurality of rooms (rooms RA, RB, RC, RD, RE, and RF in FIG. 1), as shown in FIG. 1. This device management system includes a cloud server 1, a self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2, and a terminal device 5. A plurality of devices 3 (air conditioners 3A, 3E, and 3F, a refrigerator 3B, a TV receiver 3C and 3G, and a washing machine 3D) are installed in the building H. A local network NW2, which is a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), is constructed in the building H from the plurality of devices 3, the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2, and a router 4 that wirelessly communicates with the plurality of devices 3 and the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2. The router 4 is a broadband router with a wireless access point function, and is a base station device installed in, for example, room B in the building H and connected to a wide area network NW1. The wide area network NW1 is, for example, the Internet.

[0011] Each of the devices 3 has a wireless module that communicates in a communication method conforming to a wireless LAN standard conforming to, for example, IEEE802.11, and has a function of wirelessly communicating with the router 4 or the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 via a channel belonging to a frequency band of, for example, 5 GHz. The device 3 also has a wireless module that communicates in a communication method conforming to a short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), and has a function of directly wirelessly communicating with the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 in a communication method conforming to the short-range wireless communication standard. When the device 3 newly joins the local network NW2, it transmits network participation notification information notifying the device 3 of its joining to the local network NW2 via the local network NW2 and the wide area network NW1 to the cloud server 1. When the device 3 acquires device information request information transmitted from the cloud server 1 requesting transmission of its own device information, it generates device information including its own device device identification information and network identification information identifying the local network NW2 to which the device belongs, and transmits the device information to the cloud server 1. Here, as the device identification information, for example, MAC address information indicating a MAC (Media Access Control) address unique to the device 3 can be adopted. As the network identification information, for example, subnet mask information corresponding to the local network NW2 can be adopted. Furthermore, when the device 3 acquires device information request information from the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2, the device 3 generates device information including the device identification information, device type information indicating the type of the device 3, manufacturer information indicating the manufacturer of the device 3, and device name information indicating the name of the device 3, and transmits the device information directly to the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2.

[0012] Furthermore, when the device 3 receives response request information transmitted from the cloud server 1, the device 3 generates response information in response to the response request information and transmits the response information to the cloud server 1. Furthermore, when the device 3 receives control information for restarting the device 3 transmitted from the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2, the device 3 executes restart based on the control information.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2, the self-propelled cleaner 2 includes a cleaning unit 21 that cleans dust, dirt, foreign objects, etc. present in the building H, a traveling unit 22 that drives the self-propelled cleaner 2, and a control unit 20 that controls the cleaning unit 21 and the traveling unit 22. The cleaning unit 21 includes a suction motor 2101 that drives a suction fan (not shown) for sucking dust, dirt, foreign objects, etc. The traveling unit 22 includes a traveling motor 2201 that drives wheels (not shown) for driving the self-propelled cleaner 2, a rotary encoder 2203 for detecting the rotation speed and rotation direction of the wheels, and a sensor unit 2202. The sensor unit 2202 includes, for example, a laser sensor, an infrared sensor, and an ultrasonic sensor. The laser sensor measures the distance to the wall in each of the rooms RA, RB, RC, RD, RE, and RF in the building H, and outputs distance information indicating the measured distance to the control unit 20. In addition, the ultrasonic sensor and infrared sensor detect the distance from the self-propelled cleaner 2 to obstacles present in the rooms RA, RB, RC, RD, RE, and RE, and output distance information indicating the detected distance to the control unit 20.

[0014] The control unit 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a main memory 202, an auxiliary memory 203, a first communication unit 261, a second communication unit 262, sensor interfaces 271 and 272, a timer 208, a suction motor drive unit 251, a traveling motor drive unit 252, and a bus 209 connecting these to each other. The main memory 202 is a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and is used as a working area for the CPU 201. The auxiliary memory 203 is a non-volatile memory such as a semiconductor flash memory and stores programs for the CPU 201 to realize various functions of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2. The sensor interface 271 transfers distance information input from the sensor unit 2202 to the CPU 201. The sensor interface 272 generates rotation speed information indicating the rotation speed of the wheels and rotation direction information indicating the rotation direction based on the pulse waveform of the pulse signal input from the rotary encoder 2203, and sends them to the CPU 201. The clock unit 208 is a hardware timer, and measures the elapsed time from the start of cleaning in the building H and the elapsed time from the end of cleaning. The suction motor driving unit 251 has a motor driving circuit, and drives the suction motor 2101 based on control information input from the CPU 201. The traveling motor driving unit 252 also has a motor driving circuit, and drives the traveling motor 2201 based on control information input from the CPU 201.

[0015] The first communication unit 261 has a wireless module that communicates by a communication method conforming to the wireless LAN standard conforming to IEEE802.11, for example. The first communication unit 261 constructs a local network NW2 together with the router 4 or the device 3 via a channel belonging to a frequency band of 5 GHz, for example. The second communication unit 262 is also a wireless module, and directly communicates wirelessly with the device 3 by a communication method conforming to a short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0016] 3, the CPU 201 reads out the programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 203 into the main storage unit 202 and executes them, thereby functioning as a travel position identification unit 212, an end notification unit 223, a travel control unit 213, a suction control unit 214, a position notification unit 215, a communication position acquisition unit 216, a radio wave intensity calculation unit 217, an equipment information acquisition unit 218, an equipment related information notification unit 219, a command acquisition unit 220, a control information generation unit 221, a control information notification unit 222, and an end notification unit 223. The auxiliary storage unit 203 also has a schedule storage unit 231 that stores a travel schedule of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 in the building H, a travel position storage unit 232 that stores position information indicating the travel position of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2, and a communication position storage unit 233 that stores communication position information indicating the communication position at which the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 communicates with the equipment 3. Furthermore, the auxiliary storage unit 203 has a device-related information storage unit 234 that stores device identification information for identifying the device 3 communicating with the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 and RSSI information indicating the RSSI of the radio waves emitted from the device 3.

[0017] The traveling position identification unit 212 identifies the traveling position of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 based on the positioning information input from the positioning unit 204, and the rotation number information indicating the rotation number of the wheels and the rotation direction information indicating the rotation direction of the wheels input from the traveling control unit 213. Then, the traveling position identification unit 212 generates position information indicating the identified traveling position and stores it in the traveling position storage unit 232. The end notification unit 223 determines whether or not cleaning has been completed based on the schedule information stored in the schedule storage unit 231, and when it determines that cleaning has been completed, transmits end notification information notifying that cleaning has been completed to the cloud server 1.

[0018] The traveling control unit 213 controls the traveling motor driving unit 252 so that the self-propelled cleaner 2 travels at a preset traveling speed based on the rotation speed information and rotation direction information input from the sensor interface 271. Also, the traveling control unit 213 controls the traveling motor driving unit 252 so that the self-propelled cleaner 2 travels thoroughly inside the building H while avoiding surrounding obstacles based on the obstacle detection information input from the sensor interface 271. Furthermore, the traveling control unit 213 notifies the traveling position identification unit 212 of the rotation speed information and rotation direction information input from the sensor interface 271. Also, based on the schedule information stored in the schedule storage unit 231 and the time information measured by the clock unit 208, the traveling control unit 213 controls the traveling motor driving unit 252 to move the self-propelled cleaner 2 to a preset cleaning start position when a preset cleaning start time arrives. The suction control unit 214 controls the suction motor driving unit 251 so that the cleaning unit 21 starts suctioning dust, dirt, foreign objects, and the like.

[0019] The position notification unit 215 periodically transmits the position information stored in the travel position storage unit 232 to the cloud server 1. When the communication position acquisition unit 216 acquires communication position information transmitted from the cloud server 1 and indicating the communication position at which the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 communicates with the device 3 within the building H, the communication position acquisition unit 216 stores the acquired communication position information in the communication position storage unit 233.

[0020] When the radio wave intensity calculation unit 217 determines that the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 is located at the aforementioned communication position based on the position information stored in the traveling position storage unit 232, it calculates the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) of the radio waves emitted from each of the multiple devices 3 received by the first communication unit 261 while the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 is located at the communication position. Then, the radio wave intensity calculation unit 217 stores RSSI information, which is radio wave intensity information indicating the calculated RSSI, in the device related information storage unit 234 in association with the device identification information of the corresponding device 3.

[0021] When device information acquisition unit 218 acquires device information sent from device 3 via second communication unit 262, it associates the device identification information, device type information, manufacturer information and device name information contained in the acquired device information with each other and stores them in device related information storage unit 234. Device related information notification unit 219 generates device related information including the device identification information, device type information, manufacturer information, device name information and RSSI information that are associated with each other and stored in device related information storage unit 234, and transmits the generated device related information to cloud server 1.

[0022] When the command acquisition unit 220 acquires the restart command information transmitted from the cloud server 1, it notifies the control information generation unit 221 of the acquired restart command information. Furthermore, the command acquisition unit 220 notifies the control information notification unit 222 of device identification information that identifies the device 3 to be restarted, which is included in the restart command information. When the control information generation unit 221 is notified of the restart command information, it generates control information for restarting the device 3 based on the notified restart command information. Then, the control information notification unit 222 transmits the generated control information to the device 3 identified by the device identification information notified by the command acquisition unit 220 via the second communication unit 262.

[0023] Returning to FIG. 2, the cloud server 1 is, for example, a computer for a blade server, and includes a CPU 101, a main memory unit 102, an auxiliary memory unit 103, a communication unit 106, a clock unit 108, and a bus 109 that connects these together. The CPU 101 is, for example, a multi-core processor. The main memory unit 102 has a volatile memory such as a RAM, and is used as a working area for the CPU 101. The auxiliary memory unit 103 is composed of a large-capacity non-volatile memory, and stores programs for realizing various functions of the cloud server 1. The communication unit 106 is connected to the wide area network NW1. The clock unit 108 has, for example, an RTC (Real Time Clock), and notifies the CPU 101 of the clocked time information.

[0024] The CPU 101 reads out and executes the program stored in the auxiliary memory unit 103 into the main memory unit 102, and thereby functions as a location information acquisition unit 111, an end notification acquisition unit 123, a floor plan information generation unit 112, a communication position determination unit 113, a communication position notification unit 114, an equipment-related information acquisition unit 115, a layout information generation unit 116, a layout notification unit 117, an installation position selection unit 118, an installation position notification unit 119, an equipment status monitoring unit 120, a command unit 121, an equipment information acquisition unit 122 and an end notification acquisition unit 123, as shown in FIG. 4. 2 includes a position memory unit 131 that stores position information indicating the traveling position of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2, a floor plan memory unit 132 that stores floor plan information indicating the floor plan in the building H, a communication position memory unit 137, a device information memory unit 133, a device related information memory unit 134, a layout information memory unit 135, and a recommended installation position memory unit 136, as shown in Fig. 4. The position memory unit 131 stores in chronological order the position information that the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 previously transmitted to the cloud server 1 while traveling in the building H in association with network identification information that identifies the local network NW2 to which the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 belongs.

[0025] The floor plan storage unit 132 stores floor plan information indicating the floor plan in the building H generated based on the history of past position information of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 in association with network identification information identifying the local network NW2 to which the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 is connected. Here, the floor plan information stores area information indicating the position range of an area corresponding to each room in the building H in association with room identification information identifying each room and network identification information identifying the local network NW2 constructed in the building H. The area information is composed of a plurality of coordinate information indicating the position coordinates of each of a plurality of characteristic points on the periphery of each room, for example, and indicates an area defined by the plurality of coordinate information. For example, when the room is rectangular in plan view, the area information can be composed of the position coordinates of two corners facing each other across the center of the room among the four corners of the room. The device information storage unit 133 stores the device identification information identifying the device 3 transmitted from the device 3 and the network identification information identifying the local network NW2 to which the device 3 belongs in association with each other. The communication position storage unit 137 stores information indicating a communication position within the building H at which the self-propelled cleaner 2 communicates with the device 3.

[0026] 5, for example, the device-related information storage unit 134 stores RSSI information indicating the RSSI of radio waves emitted from the device 3 at each of a plurality of preset communication positions Pos11, Pos12, ... at which the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 in each room RA, RB, RC, ... in the building H communicates with the device 3. Here, the device-related information storage unit 134 stores the RSSI information in association with room identification information for identifying the corresponding room RA, RB, RC, ... and position information indicating the communication position in the room RA, RB, RC, ..., device identification information of the device 3 that is the source of the radio waves, device type information indicating the device type, manufacturer information indicating the manufacturer and device name information indicating the name, and network identification information of the local network NW2 to which the device 3 belongs.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 6, for example, the layout information storage unit 135 stores device type information indicating the device type of device 3 installed in building H, manufacturer information indicating the manufacturer of device 3, device name information indicating the name of device 3, and RSSI information indicating the RSSI of the radio waves emitted from device 3 and received by the router 4, in association with room identification information, device identification information, and network identification information.

[0028] Returning to FIG. 4, the recommended installation position memory unit 136 stores position information indicating a recommended installation position of the router 4 in each room selected based on the RSSI information, room identification information, and position information stored in the device-related information memory unit 134, in association with the corresponding room identification information.

[0029] When the location information acquisition unit 111 acquires the location notification information transmitted from the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2, it extracts the location information and the network identification information of the local network NW2 to which the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 belongs, which are included in the acquired location notification information, and stores these in association with each other in the location storage unit 131. When the end notification acquisition unit 123 acquires the above-mentioned end notification information transmitted from the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2, it notifies the floor plan information generation unit 112 of the acquired end notification information.

[0030] The floor plan information generation unit 112 generates the floor plan information described above, for example, by using SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology, based on the location information stored in the location storage unit 131. Then, the floor plan information generation unit 112 stores the generated floor plan information in the floor plan storage unit 132 in association with the corresponding network identification information. When the floor plan information generation unit 112 is notified of the end notification information from the end notification acquisition unit 123, the floor plan information generation unit 112 determines whether or not the floor plan information described above can be generated, based on the location information stored in the location storage unit 131. Here, when the location storage unit 131 stores a sufficient number of location information to generate floor plan information, the floor plan information generation unit 112 determines that the floor plan information can be generated.

[0031] The communication position determination unit 113 determines the above-mentioned communication position where the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 performs wireless communication with the device 3, acquires device information transmitted from the device 3, and calculates RSSI indicating the radio wave intensity of the radio wave emitted from the device 3, based on the floor plan information stored in the floor plan storage unit 132. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the communication position determination unit 113 determines five communication positions P11, P12, ... for each of the rooms RA, RB, RC, RD, RE, and RF based on the floor plan information in the building H, generates communication position information indicating the determined communication positions, and stores the communication position information in the communication position storage unit 137. The communication position notification unit 114 transmits the communication position information stored in the communication position storage unit 137 to the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2.

[0032] When the device-related information acquisition unit 115 acquires device-related information notification information transmitted from the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2, it extracts the RSSI information, communication location information, device identification information, device type information, manufacturer information, device name information and network identification information contained in the acquired device-related information notification information, and stores the extracted information in the device-related information storage unit 134 in correspondence with each other.

[0033] When the device information acquisition unit 122 acquires the network participation notification information transmitted from the device 3 when the device 3 is connected to the local network NW2, the device information acquisition unit 122 generates device information request information requesting the transmission source of the network participation notification information to transmit device information including device identification information for identifying the device 3 and network identification information for identifying the local network NW2 to which the device 3 is connected, and transmits the generated device information request information to the device 3. As a result, the device information acquisition unit 122 acquires the device information transmitted from the device 3, and stores the device identification information and the network identification information included in the acquired device information in the device information storage unit 133 in association with each other when the device information transmitted from the device 3 matches the communication protocol compatible with the local network NW2 to which the device 3 belongs, and may store the device identification information and the network identification information included in the device information in the device information storage unit 133 in association with each other when the device information does not match the communication protocol compatible with the local network NW2 to which the device 3 belongs, and discards the device information. This makes it possible to prevent the device information acquisition unit 122 from erroneously storing in the device information storage unit 133 device information from a device 3 that is not subject to management and that does not conform to the communication protocol in the local network NW2.

[0034] The layout information generating unit 116 identifies a communication position corresponding to the maximum RSSI among the RSSIs indicated by the RSSI information corresponding to the device identification information stored in the device information storage unit 133, for each piece of device identification information stored in the device related information storage unit 134. Furthermore, the layout information generating unit 116 identifies the rooms RA, RB, RC, RD, RE, and RF in which the identified communication positions exist as rooms in which the device 3 identified by the device identification information is located, based on the floor plan information stored in the floor plan storage unit 132. Then, the layout information generating unit 116 stores the room identification information of the identified room in the layout information storage unit 135 in association with the device identification information of the corresponding device 3, the device type information, the manufacturer information, the device name information, and the network identification information.

[0035] When the layout information request information transmitted from the terminal device 5 is acquired, the layout notification unit 117 generates layout notification information including room identification information, device identification information, device type information, manufacturer information, and device name information associated with the network identification information included in the acquired layout information request information. Then, the layout notification unit 117 transmits the generated layout notification information to the terminal device 5 that is the source of the layout information request information.

[0036] The installation position selection unit 118 identifies a communication position having the highest minimum RSSI value corresponding to all of the devices 3 based on the RSSI information stored in the device-related information storage unit 134, and selects the identified communication position as a recommended installation position for installing the router 4. Then, the installation position selection unit 118 stores recommended installation position information indicating the selected installation position in the recommended installation position storage unit 136 in association with the network identification information. When the installation position notification unit 119 acquires recommended installation position request information transmitted from the terminal device 5 requesting transmission of recommended installation position information, the installation position notification unit 119 identifies recommended installation position information corresponding to the network identification information included in the acquired recommended installation position information from the recommended installation position information stored in the recommended installation position storage unit 136, and transmits the identified recommended installation position information to the terminal device 5 that is the source of the recommended installation position request information.

[0037] The device status monitoring unit 120 monitors the state of the device 3 based on whether communication with the device 3 is possible via the wide area network NW1 and the local network NW2. If communication with the device 3 is impossible via the wide area network NW1 and the local network NW2, the device status monitoring unit 120 determines that the state of the device 3 is abnormal. When the device status monitoring unit 120 determines that the state of the device 3 is abnormal, the command unit 121 generates restart command information including communication position information indicating the communication position within the room RA, RB, RC, RD, RE, or RF in the building H in which the device 3 determined to be abnormal is installed, and transmits the restart command information to the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 to command the device 3 to be restarted.

[0038] The terminal device 5 is, for example, a smartphone equipped with an input unit and a display unit. When the user performs a predetermined layout acquisition operation for acquiring layout information of the building H by specifying network identification information on the input unit, the terminal device 5 generates layout information request information including the network identification information. Then, the terminal device 5 transmits the generated layout information request information to the cloud server 1. As a result, when the terminal device 5 acquires layout notification information transmitted from the cloud server 1, the terminal device 5 forms a layout notification image for notifying the user of the layout of the devices 3 in the building H based on the room identification information, device identification information, device type information, manufacturer information, and device name information included in the acquired layout notification information, and displays the image on the display unit. Also, when the user performs a predetermined installation position information acquisition operation for acquiring recommended installation position information indicating a recommended installation position of the router 4 in the building H by specifying network identification information on the input unit, the terminal device 5 generates installation position request information including the network identification information. Then, the terminal device 5 transmits the generated installation position request information to the cloud server 1. As a result, when the terminal device 5 acquires the above-mentioned recommended installation location information transmitted from the cloud server 1, it forms an installation location notification image for notifying the user of the recommended installation location of the router 4 within the building H based on the acquired recommended installation location information, and displays the image on the display unit.

[0039] Next, the operation of the device management system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8 to Fig. 13. First, as shown in Fig. 8, when a user starts up a device 3 in a building H and the device 3 is newly connected to a local network NW2 in the building H, network participation notification information is transmitted from the device 3 to the cloud server 1 (step S1). On the other hand, when the cloud server 1 receives the network participation notification information transmitted from the device 3, it generates the above-mentioned device information request information in response to the network participation notification information (step S2), and the generated device information request information is transmitted from the cloud server 1 to the device 3 that is the source of the network participation notification information (step S3). On the other hand, when the device 3 receives the device information request information, it generates device information including device identification information for identifying the device itself and network identification information for identifying the local network NW2 to which the device itself is connected in response to the device information (step S4). Next, the generated device information is transmitted from the device 3 to the cloud server 1 (step S5). On the other hand, when the cloud server 1 acquires the device information, it extracts the device identification information and network identification information contained in the acquired device information, and stores the extracted device identification information and network identification information in the device information storage unit 133 in association with each other (step S6).

[0040] Next, it is assumed that the self-propelled cleaner 2 starts operating based on schedule information stored in the schedule storage unit 231, for example. Then, it is assumed that a position information notification time arrives for notifying the cloud server 1 of a preset traveling position of the self-propelled cleaner 2. In this case, the self-propelled cleaner 2 measures its own position based on distance information input from the sensor unit 2202 (step S7), and generates position notification information including position information indicating the position of the self-propelled cleaner obtained by positioning and network identification information of the local network NW2 to which the self-propelled cleaner is connected (step S8). Next, the generated position notification information is transmitted from the self-propelled cleaner 2 to the cloud server 1 (step S9). On the other hand, when the cloud server 1 acquires the position notification information, it extracts the position information and network identification information included in the acquired position notification information, and stores the extracted position information and network identification information in the position storage unit 131 in association with each other (step S10). Next, when the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 determines that cleaning is complete, for example based on the schedule information described above (step S11), completion notification information notifying that cleaning of the building H is complete is sent from the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 to the cloud server 1 (step S12).

[0041] Thereafter, it is assumed that the cloud server 1 determines that it is possible to generate floor plan information based on the position information stored in the position storage unit 131 (step S13). In this case, the cloud server 1 generates floor plan information indicating the floor plan in the building H based on the past position information stored in the position storage unit 131 during the period when the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 is cleaning, and stores the generated floor plan information in the floor plan storage unit 132 (step S14). Next, the cloud server 1 determines the above-mentioned communication position of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 based on the floor plan information stored in the floor plan storage unit 132, generates communication position information indicating the determined communication position, and stores it in the communication position storage unit 137 (step S15). Next, the generated communication position information is transmitted from the cloud server 1 to the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 (step S16). On the other hand, when the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 acquires the communication position information transmitted from the cloud server 1, it stores the acquired communication position information in the communication position storage unit 233 (step S17).

[0042] After that, the self-propelled cleaner 2 starts operating again, and when the time for notifying the location information arrives again, a series of processes from step S7 to step S10 are executed. Then, when the self-propelled cleaner 2 determines that it has reached one of the communication positions stored in the communication position storage unit 233 (step S18), it calculates the RSSI of the radio wave emitted from the device 3, and stores the RSSI information indicating the calculated RSSI in the device-related information storage unit 234 in association with the device identification information of the corresponding device 3 and the communication position information indicating the reached communication position (step S19). Next, the self-propelled cleaner 2 generates the above-mentioned device information request information (step S20), and the generated device information request information is transmitted from the self-propelled cleaner 2 to the device 3 (step S21). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, when the device 3 acquires the device information request information transmitted from the self-propelled cleaner 2, it generates device information including the device identification information, device type information, manufacturer information, and device name information of the device in response thereto (step S22). Next, the generated device information is transmitted from the device 3 to the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 (step S23). On the other hand, when the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 acquires the device information, the device identification information, device type information, manufacturer information, and device name information contained in the acquired device information are stored in the device-related information storage unit 234 in association with one another. Then, the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 generates device-related information notification information including the network identification information of the local network NW2 to which the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 is connected, together with the RSSI information, communication position information, device identification information, device type information, manufacturer information, and device name information stored in the device-related information storage unit 234 (step S24). After that, the generated device-related information notification information is transmitted from the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 to the cloud server 1 (step S25). On the other hand, when the cloud server 1 acquires the device-related information notification information, it extracts the RSSI information, communication location information, device identification information, device type information, manufacturer information, device name information and network identification information contained in the acquired device-related information notification information, and stores the extracted information in correspondence with each other in the device-related information storage unit 134 (step S26).Next, for each piece of device identification information stored in the device information storage unit 133, the cloud server 1 identifies a communication position corresponding to the maximum RSSI among the RSSIs indicated by the RSSI information corresponding to the device identification information stored in the device-related information storage unit 134. Furthermore, based on the floor plan information stored in the floor plan storage unit 132, the cloud server 1 identifies the rooms RA, RB, RC, RD, RE, and RF in which the identified communication positions exist as rooms in which the device 3 identified by the device identification information is located. Then, the cloud server 1 stores the room identification information of the identified room in the layout information storage unit 135 in association with the device identification information of the corresponding device 3, the device type information, the manufacturer information, the device name information, and the network identification information (step S27).

[0043] Next, it is assumed that the user performs the above-mentioned layout acquisition operation on the input unit of the terminal device 5. In this case, the terminal device 5 generates layout information request information including the network identification information (step S28), and the generated layout information request information is transmitted from the terminal device 5 to the cloud server 1 (step S29). On the other hand, when the cloud server 1 acquires the layout information request information, it generates layout notification information including the room identification information, the device identification information, the device type information, the manufacturer information, and the device name information associated with the network identification information included in the acquired layout information request information (step S30). After that, the generated layout notification information is transmitted from the cloud server 1 to the terminal device 5 that is the transmission source of the layout information request information (step S31). On the other hand, when the terminal device 5 acquires the layout notification information, it forms a layout notification image for notifying the user of the layout of the devices 3 in the building H based on the room identification information, the device identification information, the device type information, the manufacturer information, and the device name information included in the acquired layout notification information, and displays the image on the display unit (step S32).

[0044] Here, the terminal device 5 displays a layout notification image G1, for example, as shown in Fig. 11 on the display unit 504. The layout notification image G1 includes a floor plan image GR1 showing the floor plan of the building H, and icon images IC1, IC2, IC3, and IC4 of the devices 3 arranged in areas corresponding to the rooms in the floor plan image GR1. When forming the layout notification image G1, the terminal device 5 selects the icon images IC1, IC2, IC3, and IC4 based on the device type information, manufacturer information, and device name information, and specifies the positions at which to arrange the icon images IC1, IC2, IC3, and IC4 based on the room identification information.

[0045] Returning to FIG. 10, it is assumed again that the user performs the above-mentioned installation location information acquisition operation on the input unit of the terminal device 5. In this case, the terminal device 5 generates installation location request information including network identification information (step S33), and as shown in FIG. 12, the generated installation location request information is transmitted from the terminal device 5 to the cloud server 1 (step S34). On the other hand, upon acquiring the installation location request information, the cloud server 1 identifies a communication location having the highest minimum RSSI value corresponding to all the devices 3 based on the RSSI information stored in the device-related information storage unit 134, and selects the identified communication location as a recommended installation location for installing the router 4. Then, the cloud server 1 stores recommended installation location information indicating the selected installation location in the recommended installation location storage unit 136 in association with the network identification information (step S35). Next, the cloud server 1 identifies recommended installation position information corresponding to the network identification information included in the acquired recommended installation position information from the recommended installation position information stored in the recommended installation position storage unit 136 (step S36), and the identified recommended installation position information is transmitted from the cloud server 1 to the terminal device 5 that is the transmission source of the installation position request information (step S37). On the other hand, upon acquiring the recommended installation position information, the terminal device 5 forms an installation position notification image for notifying the user of the recommended installation position of the router 4 in the building H based on the acquired recommended installation position information, and displays the image on the display unit (step S38).

[0046] Here, the terminal device 5 displays a recommended installation position notification image G2, for example, as shown in Fig. 13, on the display unit 504. The recommended installation position notification image G2 includes a floor plan image GR1 showing the floor plan of the building H, and an icon image IC10 arranged in a portion of the floor plan image GR1 that corresponds to the recommended installation position of the router 4.

[0047] Returning to FIG. 12, when the preset device status check time arrives, the cloud server 1 transmits response request information to the device 3, requesting the device 3 to transmit response information (step S39). Then, assume that the cloud server 1 determines that the preset response waiting time has elapsed without receiving response information transmitted from the device 3 after transmitting the response request information (step S40). In this case, the cloud server 1 determines that the device 3 to which the response request information is transmitted is in an abnormal state, and generates restart command information for restarting the device 3 (step S41). Next, the generated restart command information is transmitted from the cloud server 1 to the self-propelled cleaner 2 (step S42). On the other hand, when the self-propelled cleaner 2 receives the restart command information, it moves to the room RA, RB, RC, RD, RE, RF in which the device 3 to be restarted is located, based on the communication location information included in the obtained restart command information (step S43). Thereafter, the self-propelled cleaner 2 generates control information for restarting the device 3 based on the restart command information (step S44), and the generated control information is transmitted from the self-propelled cleaner 2 to the device 3 (step S45). On the other hand, upon receiving the control information, the device 3 executes restart based on the received control information (step S46).

[0048] Next, the cleaner control process executed by the self-propelled cleaner 2 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 14 and 15. This cleaner control process is started when the self-propelled cleaner 2 is powered on. First, as shown in Fig. 14, the traveling control unit 213 determines whether or not the cleaning start time has arrived based on the schedule information stored in the schedule storage unit 231 (step S201). If the traveling control unit 213 determines that the cleaning start time has not yet arrived (step S201: No), the process of step S216 described below is executed. On the other hand, if the traveling control unit 213 determines that the cleaning start time has arrived (step S201: Yes), the traveling control unit 213 controls the traveling motor driving unit 252 to move the self-propelled cleaner 2 to a preset cleaning start position in the building H (step S202). Next, the traveling control unit 213 controls the traveling motor driving unit 252, and the suction control unit 214 controls the suction motor driving unit 251 to start the cleaning operation by the self-propelled cleaner 2 (step S203).

[0049] Next, the traveling position identification unit 212 determines whether a preset position information notification time has arrived based on the time measured by the clock unit 108 (step S204). The position information notification time is set to arrive at a constant time interval of, for example, about 0.5 seconds. If the traveling position identification unit 212 determines that the position information notification time has not yet arrived (step S204: No), the process of step S207 described later is executed. On the other hand, if the traveling position identification unit 212 determines that the position information notification time has arrived, it executes a positioning process to measure the position of the self-propelled cleaner 2 via the positioning unit 204 (step S205). Then, the traveling position identification unit 212 stores the position information indicating the traveling position of the self-propelled cleaner 2 measured by the positioning process in the traveling position storage unit 232. Thereafter, the position notification unit 215 generates position notification information including the position information stored in the traveling position memory unit 232 and the network identification information of the local network NW2 to which the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 is connected, and transmits the information to the cloud server 1 (step S206).

[0050] Next, the radio wave intensity calculation unit 217 judges whether or not the communication position information has already been stored in the communication position storage unit 233 (step S207). If the radio wave intensity calculation unit 217 judges that the communication position information has not yet been stored in the communication position storage unit 233 (step S207: No), the process of step S213 described later is executed. On the other hand, if the radio wave intensity calculation unit 217 judges that the communication position information has already been stored in the communication position storage unit 233 (step S207: Yes), it judges whether or not the communication position indicated by the notified position information has been reached (step S208). If the radio wave intensity calculation unit 217 judges that the communication position has not yet been reached (step S208: No), the process of step S213 described later is executed. On the other hand, when the radio wave intensity calculation unit 217 determines that the communication position has been reached (step S208: Yes), it calculates the RSSI of the radio wave emitted from the device 3, and stores the RSSI information indicating the calculated RSSI in the device-related information storage unit 234 in association with the device identification information of the corresponding device 3 and the communication position information indicating the reached communication position (step S209). Next, the device information acquisition unit 218 generates the above-mentioned device information request information and transmits it to the device 3 (step S210). As a result, the device information acquisition unit 218 acquires the device information transmitted from the device, and stores the device identification information, device type information, manufacturer information, and device name information included in the acquired device information in association with each other in the device-related information storage unit 234 (step S211). Thereafter, the device-related information notification unit 219 generates device-related information notification information including the network identification information of the local network NW2 to which the device is connected, along with the RSSI information, communication location information, device identification information, device type information, manufacturer information and device name information stored in the device-related information storage unit 234, and transmits the information to the cloud server 1 (step S212).

[0051] Next, the end notification unit 223 judges whether or not the cleaning is completed based on the schedule information stored in the schedule storage unit 231 (step S213). If the end notification unit 223 judges that the cleaning is not completed yet (step S213: No), the process of step S216 described later is executed. On the other hand, if the end notification unit 223 judges that the cleaning is completed (step S213: Yes), it transmits the above-mentioned end notification information to the cloud server 1 (step S214). Next, the suction control unit 214 controls the suction motor driving unit 251 to stop the suction motor 2101, and then the traveling control unit 213 controls the traveling motor driving unit 252 to move the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 to the initial position (step S215).

[0052] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 15, the command acquisition unit 220 judges whether or not it has acquired restart command information transmitted from the cloud server 1 (step S216). Here, if the command acquisition unit 220 judges that it has not acquired the restart command information (step S216: No), the process of step S219 described later is executed. On the other hand, if the command acquisition unit 220 judges that it has acquired the restart command information (step S216: Yes), it notifies the traveling control unit 213 and the control information generation unit 221 of the acquired restart command information. Then, the traveling control unit 213 controls the traveling motor driving unit 252 based on the communication position information included in the acquired restart command information to move the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 to the room RA, RB, RC, RD, RE, RF in which the device 3 to be restarted is located (step S217). Next, the control information generation unit 221 generates control information for restarting the device 3 based on the restart command information, and the control information notification unit 222 transmits the generated control information to the device 3 to be restarted (step S218). As a result, the device 3 executes a restart based on the control information transmitted from the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2.

[0053] Next, the communication position acquisition unit 216 judges whether or not the communication position information transmitted from the cloud server 1 has been acquired (step S219). Here, if the communication position acquisition unit 216 judges that the communication position information has not been acquired (step S219: No), the process of step S221 described below is executed. On the other hand, if the communication position acquisition unit 216 judges that the communication position information has been acquired (step S219: Yes), the acquired communication position information is stored in the communication position storage unit 233 (step S220). Next, the traveling control unit 213 judges whether or not cleaning is in progress based on the schedule information stored in the schedule storage unit 231 (step S221). Here, if the traveling control unit 213 judges that cleaning is in progress (step S221: Yes), the process of step S204 is executed again. On the other hand, if the traveling control unit 213 judges that cleaning is not in progress (step S221: No), the process of step S201 is executed again.

[0054] Next, the device management process executed by the cloud server 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17. This device management process is started when a program for executing the device management process is started in the cloud server 1. First, as shown in FIG. 16, the device information acquisition unit 122 judges whether or not the above-mentioned network participation notification information transmitted from the device 3 has been acquired (step S101). Here, if the device information acquisition unit 122 judges that the network participation notification information has not been acquired (step S101: No), the process of step S105 described later is executed. On the other hand, if the device information acquisition unit 122 judges that the network participation notification information has been acquired (step S101: Yes), it generates the above-mentioned device information request information in response to this, and transmits the generated device information request information to the device 3 that is the transmission source of the network participation notification information (step S102). As a result, the device information acquisition unit 122 acquires device information transmitted from the device 3, including the device identification information of the device 3 and the network identification information for identifying the local network NW2 to which the device 3 is connected (step S103). Next, the device information acquisition unit 122 extracts the device identification information and the network identification information included in the acquired device information, and stores the extracted device identification information and network identification information in the device information storage unit 133 in association with each other (step S104).

[0055] Next, the location information acquisition unit 111 determines whether or not location notification information transmitted from the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 has been acquired (step S105). If the location information acquisition unit 111 determines that location notification information has not been acquired (step S105: No), the process of step S107 described below is executed. On the other hand, if the location information acquisition unit 111 determines that location notification information has been acquired (step S105: Yes), it extracts location information and network identification information included in the acquired location notification information, and stores the extracted location information and network identification information in the location storage unit 131 in association with each other (step S106).

[0056] Thereafter, the end notification acquisition unit 123 judges whether or not end notification information transmitted from the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 has been acquired (step S107). If the end notification acquisition unit 123 judges that end notification information has not been acquired (step S107: No), the process of step S112 described below is executed. On the other hand, if the end notification acquisition unit 123 judges that end notification information has been acquired (step S107: Yes), it notifies the floor plan information generation unit 112 of the acquired end notification information. Then, the floor plan information generation unit 112 judges whether or not floor plan information can be generated based on the position information stored in the position storage unit 131 (step S108). If the floor plan information generation unit 112 judges that floor plan information cannot be generated (step S108: No), the process of step S112 described below is executed. On the other hand, when the floor plan information generation unit 112 determines that it is possible to generate floor plan information (step S108: Yes), it generates floor plan information indicating the floor plan within the building H based on the past position information stored in the position memory unit 131 during the period when the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 was cleaning, and stores the generated floor plan information in the floor plan memory unit 132 (step S109).

[0057] Next, the communication position determination unit 113 determines the above-mentioned communication position of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 based on the floor plan information stored in the floor plan storage unit 132, and stores communication position information indicating the determined communication position in the communication position storage unit 137 (step S110). Next, the communication position notification unit 114 transmits the communication position information stored in the communication position storage unit 137 to the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 (step S111).

[0058] Thereafter, the device-related information acquisition unit 115 judges whether or not the device-related information notification information transmitted from the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 has been acquired (step S112). If the device-related information acquisition unit 115 judges that the device-related information notification information has not been acquired (step S112: No), the process of step S115 described later is executed. On the other hand, if the device-related information acquisition unit 115 judges that the device-related information notification information has been acquired (step S112: Yes), the device-related information acquisition unit 115 extracts the RSSI information, communication position information, device identification information, device type information, manufacturer information, device name information, and network identification information included in the acquired device-related information notification information, and stores the extracted information in the device-related information storage unit 134 in association with each other (step S113). Next, for each piece of device identification information stored in the device information storage unit 133, the layout information generation unit 116 specifies the communication position corresponding to the maximum RSSI among the RSSIs indicated by the RSSI information corresponding to the device identification information stored in the device-related information storage unit 134. Furthermore, the layout information generating unit 116 identifies the rooms RA, RB, RC, RD, RE, and RF in which the identified communication positions exist as rooms in which the device 3 identified by the device identification information is located, based on the floor plan information stored in the floor plan storage unit 132. Then, the layout information generating unit 116 stores the room identification information of the identified rooms in the layout information storage unit 135 in association with the device identification information, device type information, manufacturer information, device name information, and network identification information of the corresponding device 3 (step S114).

[0059] 17, the layout notification unit 117 judges whether or not the above-mentioned layout information request information transmitted from the terminal device 5 has been acquired (step S115). If the layout notification unit 117 judges that the layout information request information has not been acquired (step S115: No), the process of step S117 described below is executed. On the other hand, if the layout notification unit 117 judges that the layout information request information has been acquired (step S115: Yes), the layout notification unit 117 generates layout notification information including room identification information, device identification information, device type information, manufacturer information, and device name information associated with the network identification information included in the acquired layout information request information, and transmits the layout notification information to the terminal device 5 that is the transmission source of the layout information request information (step S116).

[0060] Thereafter, the installation position selection unit 118 judges whether or not the installation position request information transmitted from the terminal device 5 has been acquired (step S117). If the installation position selection unit 118 judges that the installation position request information has not been acquired (step S117: No), the process of step S120 described below is executed. On the other hand, if the installation position selection unit 118 judges that the installation position request information has been acquired (step S117: Yes), the installation position selection unit 118 identifies the communication position having the highest minimum RSSI value corresponding to all the devices 3 based on the RSSI information stored in the device-related information storage unit 134, selects the identified communication position as a recommended installation position for installing the router 4, and stores recommended installation position information indicating the selected installation position in the recommended installation position storage unit 136 in association with the network identification information (step S118). Next, the installation position notification unit 119 identifies recommended installation position information corresponding to the network identification information included in the acquired recommended installation position information from the recommended installation position information stored in the recommended installation position storage unit 136, and transmits the identified recommended installation position information to the terminal device 5 that is the sender of the installation position request information (step S119).

[0061] Next, the device status monitoring unit 120 judges whether or not a preset device status check time has arrived based on the time information output from the timer unit 108 (step S120). If the device status monitoring unit 120 judges that the device status check time has not yet arrived (step S120: No), the process of step S101 is executed again. On the other hand, if the device status monitoring unit 120 judges that the device status check time has arrived (step S120: Yes), it transmits to the device 3 response request information requesting the device 3 to transmit response information (step S121). After that, the device status monitoring unit 120 judges whether or not it has acquired response information transmitted from the device 3 to which the response request information was transmitted (step S122). If the device status monitoring unit 120 judges that it has acquired response information (step S122: Yes), the process of step S101 is executed again. On the other hand, when the device state monitoring unit 120 determines that the response information has not yet been acquired (step S122: No), it determines whether or not a preset response waiting time has elapsed since the response request information was transmitted (step S123). Here, when the device state monitoring unit 120 determines that the response waiting time has not yet elapsed (step S123: No), the process of step S122 is executed again. On the other hand, when the device state monitoring unit 120 determines that the response waiting time has elapsed (step S123: Yes), it determines that the device 3 to which the response request information was transmitted is in an abnormal state. Then, the command unit 121 generates restart command information for restarting the device 3 and transmits it to the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 (step S124). Thereafter, the process of step S101 is executed again.

[0062] As described above, according to the device management system of the present embodiment, the floor plan information generating unit 112 generates floor plan information showing the floor plan of the building H based on the travel history of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 in the building H. Also, the communication position determining unit 113 determines at least one communication position in the building H from which the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 acquires device-related information including device identification information transmitted from the device 3 based on the floor plan information. Then, the layout information generating unit 116 generates layout information showing the layout of the device 3 in the building H based on the multiple communication positions and the device identification information included in the device-related information acquired by the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 at each communication position. As a result, the layout information of the device 3 in the building H can be generated simply by traveling the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 in the building H. This eliminates the need for the user to visit the installation location of the device 3 in the building H to check, thereby saving the user's effort and improving the convenience of the user when creating layout information.

[0063] Furthermore, in the device management system according to the present embodiment, when the device status monitoring unit 120 determines that communication with the device 3 via the wide area network NW1 and the local network NW2 is impossible and that the state of the device 3 is abnormal, the command unit 121 generates restart command information including communication position information indicating a communication position in the room RA, RB, RC, RD, RE, RF in which the device 3 determined to be abnormal is installed, and commands the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 to restart the device 3, and transmits the restart command information to the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2. Then, when the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 acquires the restart command information, it moves to the room RA, RB, RC, RD, RE, RF in which the device 3 determined to be abnormal is installed based on the communication position information included in the acquired restart command information, and generates control information for restarting the device 3 based on the restart command information, and transmits the control information directly to the device 3 without going through the local network NW2, thereby restarting the device 3. As a result, when communication with the device 3 via the wide area network NW1 and the local network NW2 becomes impossible and it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the device 3, the device 3 can be restarted by transmitting control information from the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 to the device 3 without passing through the local network NW2. Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in the device 3, the user does not need to go to the room RA, RB, RC, RD, RE, RF in which the device 3 is installed to restart and restore the device 3, thereby reducing the user's burden of managing the device 3.

[0064] Furthermore, in the device management system according to the present embodiment, the layout information generating unit 116 generates layout information based on the communication position information and the device identification information included in the device related information every time it acquires device related information transmitted from the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2, and updates the layout information stored in the layout information storage unit 135 using the generated layout information. As a result, even if the location of the device 3 is changed, for example, the layout information stored in the layout information storage unit 135 is updated simply by running the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 within the building H, thereby reducing the user's burden of managing the layout information.

[0065] Furthermore, in the device management system according to the present embodiment, the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 generates device-related information including device identification information of the device 3 and RSSI information indicating the radio wave intensity at each communication position of the radio wave emitted from the device 3 identified by the device identification information. Then, the installation position selection unit 118 selects a recommended installation position recommended as the installation position of the router 4 that communicates with the device 3 based on the RSSI information and the communication position information included in the generated device-related information. This allows the user to install the router 4 in the selected recommended installation position, thereby stabilizing the communication state between the device 3 and the router 4. Furthermore, since the user does not need to search for the optimal installation position for the router 4 by trial and error, the convenience of the user can be improved.

[0066] Although the embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, the installation position selection unit 118 may newly select a recommended installation position based on the RSSI information and the communication position information included in the device-related information every time the device-related information is acquired, and store the recommended installation position in the recommended installation position storage unit 136. Then, when the installation position notification unit 119 acquires the installation position request information, it may identify the recommended installation position information corresponding to the network identification information included in the acquired recommended installation position information from the recommended installation position information stored in the recommended installation position storage unit 136 in response to the acquisition, and transmit the identified recommended installation position information to the terminal device 5 that is the source of the installation position request information.

[0067] According to this configuration, even if the location of the device 3 is changed, the recommended installation position information stored in the recommended installation position storage unit 136 is updated simply by moving the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 within the building H, so that the user can install the router 4 in an installation location that is suitable for the communication state after the location of the device 3 is changed, based on the recommended installation position information. Therefore, the communication state between the device 3 and the router 4 can be stabilized.

[0068] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the router 4 wirelessly communicates with multiple devices 3, but this is not limited thereto, and the router 4 and the multiple devices 3 may communicate via at least one relay base station device.

[0069] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 communicates with the device 3 via the first communication unit 261 through the local network NW2 and directly communicates wirelessly with the device 3 via the second communication unit 262. However, this is not limited to the above, and the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 may be capable of communicating with the device 3 only via the local network NW2 through the first communication unit 261. In this case, after the device information acquisition unit 122 of the cloud server 1 completes acquisition of the device information from the device 3, it may transmit to the device 3 device information transmission destination change command information that commands the device 3 to change the destination of the device information to the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2. Then, after acquiring the device information transmission destination change command information, the device 3 may acquire device information request information from the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2, and in response to this, generate device information including device identification information, device type information, manufacturer information, and device name information, and transmit the device information to the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 via the local network NW2.

[0070] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the self-propelled cleaner 2 calculates the RSSI at each of the preset communication positions in the building H. However, this is not limiting, and for example, the self-propelled cleaner 2 may calculate the RSSI repeatedly at preset time intervals. Alternatively, the self-propelled cleaner 2 may calculate the RSSI repeatedly, for example, at the timing when an obstacle is detected.

[0071] In the embodiment, an example in which the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 is provided has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be another type of self-propelled device that is only provided with a communication function with the device 3.

[0072] In addition, the various functions of the cloud server 1 and the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 2 according to the present disclosure may be realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. In this case, the software or firmware may be written as a program, and the program may be stored and distributed in a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), and an MO (Magneto-Optical Disc), and the program may be read and installed in a computer to configure a computer capable of realizing each of the above-mentioned functions. In addition, when each function is realized by sharing the work between an OS (Operating System) and an application, or by cooperation between the OS and an application, only the parts other than the OS may be stored in the recording medium.

[0073] Furthermore, each program can be superimposed on a carrier wave and distributed via a network. For example, the program can be posted on a bulletin board (BBS, Bulletin Board System) on the network and distributed via the network. These programs can then be started and run under the control of the OS in the same way as other application programs, thereby enabling the above-mentioned processing to be performed.

[0074] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0075] (Appendix 1) A self-propelled device having a function of communicating with a device installed in a building; a floor plan information generating unit that generates floor plan information indicating a floor plan of the building based on a travel history of the self-propelled device within the building; A communication position determination unit that determines at least one communication position in the building where the self-propelled device acquires device-related information including device identification information that identifies the device and is transmitted from the device, based on the floor plan information; and a layout information generating unit configured to generate layout information indicating a layout of the devices within the building based on communication location information indicating the at least one communication location and the device identification information included in the device-related information acquired by the self-propelled device at each of the at least one communication location. Equipment management system. (Appendix 2) a device status monitoring unit that monitors a status of the device based on whether communication with the device via a network is possible; and a command unit that, when communication with the device via the network is impossible and the state of the device is determined to be abnormal, generates restart command information including communication position information indicating the communication position within an area in the building in which the device determined to be abnormal is installed, and commands the self-propelled device to restart the device, and transmits the restart command information to the self-propelled device; When the self-propelled device acquires the restart command information, the self-propelled device moves to the area in which the device determined to be abnormal is installed based on the acquired communication location information, and generates control information for restarting the device based on the restart command information and transmits the control information to the device without going through the network, thereby restarting the device. 2. An equipment management system as described in claim 1. (Appendix 3) A layout information storage unit that stores the layout information, the layout information generating unit generates the layout information based on the communication location information and the device identification information included in the device-related information every time the device-related information is acquired, and updates the layout information stored in the layout information storage unit using the generated layout information. 3. An equipment management system according to claim 1 or 2. (Appendix 4) A terminal device having a display unit; a layout notification unit that, when receiving layout information request information requesting transmission of the layout information from the terminal device, transmits the generated layout information to the terminal device; When the terminal device acquires the layout information, the terminal device forms a layout notification image showing a floor plan of the building and a layout of the devices in the building to a user based on the acquired layout information, and displays the layout notification image on the display unit. 4. An equipment management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. (Appendix 5) The self-propelled device is capable of wireless communication with the device, and generates the device-related information including, together with the device identification information, radio wave intensity information indicating radio wave intensity at the communication position of the radio wave emitted from the device identified by the device identification information; and an installation location selection unit that selects a recommended installation location that is recommended as an installation location of a base station device that communicates with the device, based on the radio wave intensity information and the communication location information included in the device-related information. 5. The device management system of claim 1 , (Appendix 6) the installation position selection unit selects a new recommended installation position based on the radio wave intensity information and the communication position information included in the device-related information every time the device-related information is acquired. 6. An equipment management system as described in claim 5. (Appendix 7) A floor plan information generating unit that generates floor plan information indicating a floor plan of the building based on a travel history of a self-propelled device that has a function of communicating with a device installed in the building within the building; A communication position determination unit that determines at least one communication position in the building where the self-propelled device acquires device-related information including device identification information that identifies the device and is transmitted from the device, based on the floor plan information; and a layout information generating unit configured to generate layout information indicating a layout of the devices within the building based on communication location information indicating the at least one communication location and the device identification information included in the device-related information acquired by the self-propelled device at each of the at least one communication location. Equipment management device. (Appendix 8) A step in which a device management device generates floor plan information indicating a floor plan of the building based on a travel history of a self-propelled device having a function of communicating with a device installed in the building within the building; The device management device determines at least one communication location in the building where the self-propelled device acquires device-related information including device identification information that identifies the device and is transmitted from the device, based on the floor plan information; and generating layout information indicating a layout of the devices within the building based on communication location information indicating the at least one communication location and the device identification information included in the device-related information acquired by the self-propelled devices at each of the at least one communication location by the device management device. Equipment management method. (Appendix 9) Computer, a floor plan information generating unit that generates floor plan information indicating a floor plan of the building based on a travel history of a self-propelled device having a function of communicating with a device installed in the building; a communication position determination unit that determines at least one communication position in the building where the self-propelled device acquires device-related information including device identification information that identifies the device and is transmitted from the device, based on the floor plan information; a layout information generating unit that generates layout information indicating a layout of the devices within the building based on communication position information indicating the at least one communication position and the device identification information included in the device-related information acquired by the self-propelled device at each of the at least one communication position; A program to function as a [Industrial Applicability]

[0076] The present disclosure is suitable as a system for managing the layout of devices 3. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1 Cloud server, 2 Self-propelled vacuum cleaner, 3 Device, 3A, 3E, 3F Air conditioner, 3B Refrigerator, 3C, 3G TV receiver, 3D Washing machine, 4 Router, 5 Terminal device, 20 Control unit, 21 Cleaning unit, 22 Travel unit, 101, 201 CPU, 102, 202 Main memory unit, 103, 203 Auxiliary memory unit, 106 Communication unit, 108, 208 Timekeeping unit, 109, 209 Bus, 111 Position information acquisition unit, 112 Floor plan information generation unit, 113 Communication position determination unit, 114 Communication position notification unit, 115 Device related information acquisition unit, 116 Layout information generation unit, 117 Layout notification unit, 118 Installation position selection unit, 119 Installation position notification unit, 120 Device status monitoring unit, 121 Command unit, 122 Device information acquisition unit, 123, end notification acquisition unit, 131, position memory unit, 132, floor plan memory unit, 133, device information memory unit, 134, device-related information memory unit, 135, layout information memory unit, 136, recommended installation position memory unit, 137, communication position area memory unit, 212, travel position identification unit, 213, travel control unit, 214, suction control unit, 215, position notification unit, 216, communication position acquisition unit, 217, radio wave intensity calculation unit, 218, device information acquisition unit, 219, device-related information notification unit, 220, command acquisition unit, 221, control information generation unit, 222, control information notification unit, 223, end notification unit, 231, schedule memory unit, 232, travel position memory unit, 233, communication position memory unit, 234, device-related information memory unit, 251, suction motor drive unit, 252, travel motor drive unit, 261 First communication unit, 262 second communication unit, 271, 272 sensor interface, 504 display unit, 2101 suction motor, 2201 travel motor, 2202 obstacle sensor, 2203 rotary encoder, GA1 layout notification image, GA2 installation position notification image, GR1 floor plan image, IC1, IC2, IC3, IC4, IC10 icon image, H building, NW1 wide area network, NW2 local network, RA, RB, RC, RD, RE, RF room

Claims

1. A self-propelled device having a function of communicating with a device installed in a building; a floor plan information generating unit that generates floor plan information indicating a floor plan of the building based on a travel history of the self-propelled device within the building; A communication position determination unit that determines at least one communication position in the building where the self-propelled device acquires device-related information including device identification information that identifies the device and is transmitted from the device, based on the floor plan information; a layout information generating unit configured to generate layout information indicating a layout of the devices within the building based on communication location information indicating the at least one communication location and the device identification information included in the device-related information acquired by the self-propelled device at each of the at least one communication location, Equipment management system.

2. a device status monitoring unit that monitors a status of the device based on whether communication with the device via a network is possible; and a command unit that, when communication with the device via the network is impossible and the state of the device is determined to be abnormal, generates restart command information including communication position information indicating the communication position within an area in the building in which the device determined to be abnormal is installed, and commands the self-propelled device to restart the device, and transmits the restart command information to the self-propelled device; When the self-propelled device acquires the restart command information, the self-propelled device moves to the area in which the device determined to be abnormal is installed based on the acquired communication location information, and generates control information for restarting the device based on the restart command information and transmits the control information to the device without going through the network, thereby restarting the device. The device management system according to claim 1 .

3. A layout information storage unit that stores the layout information, the layout information generating unit generates the layout information based on the communication location information and the device identification information included in the device-related information every time the device-related information is acquired, and updates the layout information stored in the layout information storage unit using the generated layout information. The device management system according to claim 1 .

4. A terminal device having a display unit; a layout notification unit that, when receiving layout information request information requesting transmission of the layout information from the terminal device, transmits the generated layout information to the terminal device; When the terminal device acquires the layout information, the terminal device forms a layout notification image showing a floor plan of the building and a layout of the devices in the building to a user based on the acquired layout information, and displays the layout notification image on the display unit. The device management system according to claim 1 .

5. The self-propelled device is capable of wireless communication with the device, and generates the device-related information including, together with the device identification information, radio wave intensity information indicating radio wave intensity at the communication position of the radio wave emitted from the device identified by the device identification information; and an installation location selection unit that selects a recommended installation location that is recommended as an installation location of a base station device that communicates with the device, based on the radio wave intensity information and the communication location information included in the device-related information. The device management system according to claim 1 .

6. the installation position selection unit selects a new recommended installation position based on the radio wave intensity information and the communication position information included in the device-related information every time the device-related information is acquired. The device management system according to claim 5 .

7. A floor plan information generating unit that generates floor plan information indicating a floor plan of the building based on a travel history of a self-propelled device that has a function of communicating with a device installed in the building within the building; A communication position determination unit that determines at least one communication position in the building where the self-propelled device acquires device-related information including device identification information that identifies the device and is transmitted from the device, based on the floor plan information; a layout information generating unit configured to generate layout information indicating a layout of the devices within the building based on communication location information indicating the at least one communication location and the device identification information included in the device-related information acquired by the self-propelled device at each of the at least one communication location, Equipment management device.

8. A step in which a device management device generates floor plan information indicating a floor plan of the building based on a travel history of a self-propelled device having a function of communicating with a device installed in the building within the building; The device management device determines at least one communication location in the building where the self-propelled device acquires device-related information including device identification information that identifies the device and is transmitted from the device, based on the floor plan information; and generating layout information indicating a layout of the devices within the building based on communication location information indicating the at least one communication location and the device identification information included in the device-related information acquired by the self-propelled devices at each of the at least one communication location by the device management device. Equipment management method.

9. Computer, a floor plan information generating unit that generates floor plan information indicating a floor plan of the building based on a travel history of a self-propelled device having a function of communicating with a device installed in the building; a communication position determination unit that determines at least one communication position in the building where the self-propelled device acquires device-related information including device identification information that identifies the device and is transmitted from the device, based on the floor plan information; a layout information generating unit that generates layout information indicating a layout of the devices within the building based on communication position information indicating the at least one communication position and the device identification information included in the device-related information acquired by the self-propelled device at each of the at least one communication position; A program to function as a

Images