Signal conversion device and control method

Abstract

To provide a signal conversion device capable of improving safety when apparatuses installed within a facility are controlled from the outside of the facility.SOLUTION: A JEM-A conversion adapter 50 (signal conversion device) includes a first communication unit 51 that transmits a control signal to a controlled apparatus via wired communication, a second communication unit 52 that receives a first control command for controlling the controlled apparatus from outside a facility 90 via a server 30 installed outside the facility 90, and a control device 40 (EMS controller), and a control unit 53 that, after the first control command is received, performs regular communication with the server 30 via the control device 40 using the second communication unit 52, and, if the regular communication is disrupted, causes the first communication unit 51 to transmit a predetermined control signal to the controlled apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a signal conversion device and a control method.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, a technique has been proposed for remotely controlling devices installed indoors from outside the house using a home gateway such as a HEMS (Home Energy Management System) controller. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a management device that controls the operation of home appliances by transmitting a control request transmitted from an operation terminal located outside (outside the house) of a home network system to the home appliances indoors.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a signal conversion device and the like that can improve the safety when controlling devices installed inside a facility from outside the facility.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A signal conversion device according to an aspect of the present invention is a signal conversion device interposed between an EMS (Energy Management System) controller and a device to be controlled, wherein the EMS controller and the device to be controlled are installed in the same facility, and the signal conversion device includes a first communication unit that transmits a control signal to the device to be controlled by wired communication, a second communication unit that receives a first control command for controlling the device to be controlled from outside the facility from a computer installed outside the facility and via the EMS controller, and a control unit that, after the first control command is received, performs periodic communication with the computer via the EMS controller using the second communication unit, and causes the first communication unit to transmit a predetermined control signal to the device to be controlled when the periodic communication is interrupted.

[0006] A control method according to an aspect of the present invention is a control method executed by a signal conversion device interposed between an EMS controller and a device to be controlled, wherein the EMS controller and the device to be controlled are installed in the same facility, and the control method includes a reception step of receiving a first control command for controlling the device to be controlled from outside the facility from a computer installed outside the facility and via the EMS controller, a communication step of performing periodic communication with the computer via the EMS controller after the first control command is received, and a transmission step of transmitting a predetermined control signal to the device to be controlled when the periodic communication is interrupted.

[0007] A program according to an aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the control method.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] The signal conversion device and the like of the present invention can improve the safety when controlling a device installed inside a facility from outside the facility.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below shows comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, steps, order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, among the components in the following embodiments, the components not described in the independent claims are described as optional components.

[0011] Note that each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily drawn precisely. Also, in each figure, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same configurations, and duplicate descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) [Schematic Configuration] First, the schematic configuration of the control system according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to the configuration of the control system according to the comparative example. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control system according to the comparative example. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control system according to Embodiment 1.

[0013] First, the control system 10c according to the comparative example shown in FIG. 1 will be described. The control system 10c according to the comparative example is a system for controlling the air conditioner 60 from outside the facility 90. The facility 90 is a house such as a detached house or an apartment house, but may be a facility other than a house.

[0014] The control system 10c includes a mobile terminal 20, a server 30, a control device 40, and an air conditioner 60. The mobile terminal 20 is located outside the facility 90, the server 30 is installed outside the facility 90, and the control device 40 and the air conditioner 60 are installed inside the facility 90. In this specification, controlling a controlled device (for example, the air conditioner 60) from inside the facility 90 is described as in-house control, and controlling the controlled device from outside the facility 90 is described as out-of-house control.

[0015] In the control system 10c, when the user wants to operate the air conditioner 60 from inside the facility 90, the user operates the user interface provided in the control device 40. As a result, as shown in FIG. 1(a), a control command is transmitted from the control device 40 to the air conditioner 60. The air conditioner 60 starts operating when it receives the control command. In this specification, a control command for instructing such in-house control is also described as an in-house control command or a second control command.

[0016] In the control system 10c, when the user wants to operate the air conditioner 60 from outside the facility 90, the user performs a predetermined operation on the mobile terminal 20. As a result, as shown in FIG. 1(b), a control command is transmitted from the mobile terminal 20 to the control device 40 via the server 30. In this case, the control device 40 transmits a control command including information indicating that it is out-of-house control to the air conditioner 60. When the air conditioner 60 receives the control command, it sets the out-of-house control flag to on based on the information indicating that it is out-of-house control included in the received control command, and starts operating. In this specification, a control command for instructing such out-of-house control is also described as an out-of-house control command or a first control command.

[0017] After that, as shown in Fig. 1(c), the air conditioner 60 performs a predetermined process during outdoor control. For example, the air conditioner 60 starts periodic communication with the server 30 via the control device 40. Specifically, the air conditioner 60 periodically sends a confirmation command and determines whether a response to the sent confirmation command can be obtained from the server 30.

[0018] Each time the air conditioner 60 receives a response from the server 30, it extends the operation end time of the air conditioner 60 by a certain period. On the other hand, when the air conditioner 60 does not receive a response from the server 30, it does not extend the operation end time and stops the operation at the operation end time. As a result, it is suppressed that the air conditioner 60 continues to operate when the communication with the server 30 is interrupted (it becomes impossible to stop the air conditioner 60 by operating the mobile terminal 20), and the safety in outdoor control is improved.

[0019] In the control system 10c, the communication between the air conditioner 60 and the control device 40 complies with ECHONET Lite (registered trademark). Thereby, the control device 40 can include information indicating whether the control command to be transmitted to the air conditioner 60 is an outdoor control command in the control command. With such information, the air conditioner 60 can determine whether the received control command is an outdoor control command or an indoor control command. In other words, the air conditioner 60 can determine whether a predetermined process (periodic communication with the server 30) during outdoor control is necessary.

[0020] On the other hand, depending on the specifications of the controlled device (in this case, the air conditioner 60) or the user's requirements, a system as shown in Fig. 2 may be adopted. The control system 10 according to Embodiment 1 shown in Fig. 2 is also a system for controlling the air conditioner 60 from outside the facility 90. The facility 90 is a house such as a detached house or an apartment house, but may be a facility other than a house.

[0021] The control system 10 includes a JEM-A conversion adapter 50 in addition to the mobile terminal 20, the server 30, the control device 40, and the air conditioner 60. The JEM-A conversion adapter 50 is installed in the facility 90 and is interposed between the control device 40 and the air conditioner 60. The JEM-A conversion adapter 50 converts the control command compliant with ECHONET Lite (registered trademark) received from the control device 40 into a control signal compliant with JEM-A (specifically, JEM-A1427) and transmits it to the air conditioner 60. JEM-A is a wired communication standard defined by JEMA (Japan Electrical Manufacturer’s Association).

[0022] In JEM-A, only two types of signals, i.e., a control signal for turning on or off the controlled device (in this case, the air conditioner 60) and a monitor signal for monitoring the state of the controlled device, are transmitted, and a signal indicating whether it is an outdoor control is not transmitted. Therefore, the air conditioner 60 cannot distinguish whether the control signal received from the JEM-A conversion adapter 50 is based on an outdoor control command or a control command for instructing indoor control. Then, there is room for consideration in the method for realizing the predetermined process during the above-mentioned outdoor control.

[0023] Therefore, in the control system 10, the JEM-A conversion adapter 50 determines whether the control command received from the control device 40 is an outdoor control command. By having the JEM-A conversion adapter 50 have the function of determining outdoor control in this way, the control system 10 can also realize the same predetermined process during outdoor control as the control system 10c. Note that the system configuration including the JEM-A conversion adapter 50 like the control system 10 has the advantage that such an air conditioner 60 can be controlled outdoors when the air conditioner 60 is compatible with JEM-A but cannot communicate with the control device 40.

[0024] [Specific Configuration] Hereinafter, with continued reference to FIG. 2, the specific configurations of the respective devices included in such a control system 10 will be described in detail. As described above, the control system 10 includes a mobile terminal 20, a server 30, a control device 40, a JEM-A conversion adapter 50, and an air conditioner 60.

[0025] The mobile terminal 20 is a portable information terminal that functions as a user interface in the control system 10. Specifically, it is a smartphone or a tablet terminal, etc. When the user wants to control the air conditioner 60 from outside the facility 90, for example, the user operates the mobile terminal 20. Note that an application program for outdoor control is pre-installed in the mobile terminal 20. The mobile terminal 20 communicates with the server 30 using a wide area communication network including a mobile communication network and the Internet, etc.

[0026] The server 30 is a cloud server used when the user remotely controls the air conditioner 60 from outside the facility 90. The server 30 is an example of a computer installed outside the facility 90. The server 30 is operated and managed, for example, by the manufacturer and seller of the control device 40.

[0027] The control device 40 is, for example, an EMS (Energy Management System) controller having an energy management function. The control device 40 is installed inside the facility 90 and manages the power consumption of devices (such as the air conditioner 60) installed inside the facility 90 (or within the site of the facility 90). In addition, the control device 40 performs control of devices and acquisition of device states, etc. The control device 40 is not limited to an EMS controller and may be another controller having no energy management function or a gateway device.

[0028] The control device 40 communicates with the server 30 using a wide area communication network such as the Internet and communicates with the JEM-A conversion adapter 50 using a local communication network inside the facility 90.

[0029] The JEM-A conversion adapter 50 receives a control command from the control device 40 by communication based on ECHONET Lite (registered trademark) and transmits a control signal by wired communication based on JEM-A. That is, the JEM-A conversion adapter 50 converts a control command based on ECHONET Lite (registered trademark) into a control signal based on JEM-A. The JEM-A conversion adapter 50 includes a first communication unit 51, a second communication unit 52, a control unit 53, and a storage unit 54. The JEM-A conversion adapter 50 houses these components in a housing provided in the JEM-A conversion adapter 50.

[0030] The first communication unit 51 is a communication circuit (communication module) for the JEM-A conversion adapter 50 to communicate with the air conditioner 60. The first communication unit 51 is, for example, a wired communication circuit that performs wired communication using a local communication network. The communication between the first communication unit 51 and the air conditioner 60 complies with, for example, JEM-A, but may comply with other communication standards (communication protocols).

[0031] The second communication unit 52 is a communication circuit (communication module) for the JEM-A conversion adapter 50 to communicate with the control device 40. The second communication unit 52 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication using a local communication network in the facility 90. The communication between the second communication unit 52 and the control device 40 complies with, for example, ECHONET Lite (registered trademark), but may comply with other communication standards (communication protocols).

[0032] The control unit 53 performs information processing related to the operation of the control device 40. The control unit 53 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit.

[0033] The storage unit 54 is a storage device that stores a control program and the like executed by the control unit 53. The storage unit 54 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0034] The air conditioner 60 is an example of a controlled device in the control system 10 and is installed within the facility 90. The air conditioner 60 is, for example, an air conditioner for general household use, and is an air conditioner capable of adjusting the temperature of the air sent out from the air conditioner 60 by having a heat exchanger (not shown), etc. That is, the air conditioner 60 has a temperature adjustment function (a blower function and a heating / cooling function). The air conditioner 60 is not limited to an air conditioner for general household use and may be an industrial air conditioner. The air conditioner 60 has a JEMA standard HA (Home Automation) terminal - A (also called an HA terminal, a JEM - A terminal, etc.), and this terminal is wired - connected to the JEM - A conversion adapter 50.

[0035] Note that the controlled device is not limited to the air conditioner 60. Examples of other controlled devices include lighting equipment, electric locks, and electric shutters.

[0036] [Operation Example] Next, an operation example of the control system 10 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control system 10.

[0037] First, the second communication unit 52 of the JEM - A conversion adapter 50 receives a control command from the control device 40 (S11). The control command in this case is either an outdoor control command for controlling the air conditioner 60 from outside the facility 90 or an indoor control command for controlling the air conditioner 60 from inside the facility 90.

[0038] As shown in (a) of FIG. 2 above, the outdoor control command is transmitted by a user's operation on the mobile terminal 20, and starting from the mobile terminal 20, it is received by the second communication unit 52 via the server 30 (computer) installed outside the facility 90 and the control device 40. The indoor control command is transmitted from the control device 40 and received by the second communication unit 52 by a user's operation on the user interface provided in the control device 40, etc., as shown in (b) of FIG. 2 above.

[0039] Note that the control commands transmitted from the control device 40 to the JEM-A conversion adapter 50 are in a format compliant with ECHONET Lite (registered trademark). The control device 40 includes (adds) information indicating whether the control command is an outdoor control command to the control command.

[0040] Next, the control unit 53 determines whether the control command received in step S11 is an outdoor control command (S12). Specifically, the control unit 53 determines whether information (such as a flag) indicating whether the control command is an outdoor control command is included in the control command.

[0041] When the control unit 53 determines that the control command received in step S11 is an indoor control command (in other words, not an outdoor control command) (No in S12), based on the received indoor control command, the control unit 53 causes the first communication unit 51 to transmit a first control signal for operating (turning on) the air conditioner 60 to the air conditioner 60 (S13). As a result, the stopped air conditioner 60 starts operating.

[0042] When the control unit 53 determines that the control command received in step S11 is an outdoor control command (Yes in S12), based on the received outdoor control command, the control unit 53 causes the first communication unit 51 to transmit a first control signal for operating (turning on) the air conditioner 60 to the air conditioner 60 (S14). As a result, the stopped air conditioner 60 starts operating.

[0043] The control unit 53 uses the second communication unit 52 to transmit a confirmation command to the server 30 to confirm whether the communication with the server 30 is maintained (S15), and determines whether a response from the server 30 to the transmitted confirmation command is obtained (S16).

[0044] When the control unit 53 determines that a response has been obtained from the server 30 (Yes in S16), it extends the operation end time of the air conditioner 60 by a certain period (S17), and after the elapse of a predetermined period, it transmits a confirmation command (S15) and performs the determination (S16) again. That is, the confirmation command is periodically transmitted while a response is obtained from the server 30, and during this period, the air conditioner 60 remains in operation.

[0045] On the other hand, when the control unit 53 determines that no response has been obtained from the server 30 (No in S16), it does not extend the operation end time, and when the operation end time arrives, it causes the first communication unit 51 to transmit a second control signal (an example of a predetermined control signal) for stopping the operation to the air conditioner 60 (S18). As a result, the operating air conditioner 60 stops.

[0046] In this way, after receiving the outdoor control command, the control unit 53 performs periodic communication with the server 30 using the second communication unit 52, and when the periodic communication is interrupted, it causes the first communication unit 51 to transmit a second control signal for stopping the operation of the air conditioner 60. Thereby, the control system 10 can suppress the air conditioner 60 from continuing to operate (becoming unable to stop the air conditioner 60 by operating the mobile terminal 20) when the communication with the server 30 is interrupted, and can improve the safety in outdoor control.

[0047] [Modification Example] The control system 10 may further include an intercom device. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control system according to a modification example.

[0048] The control system 10a according to the modification example includes a mobile terminal 20, a server 30, a control device 40, a JEM-A conversion adapter 50, an air conditioner 60, and an intercom device 70.

[0049] The intercom device 70 is the master unit in the intercom system and constitutes the intercom system together with the slave unit (specifically, the door phone installed at the entrance). When the facility 90 is an apartment building, the intercom device 70 is installed in the exclusive area. The intercom device 70 communicates with the server 30 using a wide area communication network such as the Internet and communicates with the control device 40 using the local communication network within the facility 90.

[0050] Such a control system 10a also operates in the same manner as the control system 10. As a result, the control system 10a can suppress the situation where the air conditioner 60 continues to operate when the communication with the server 30 is interrupted (it becomes impossible to stop the air conditioner 60 by operating the mobile terminal 20), and can improve the safety in outdoor control.

[0051] (Embodiment 2) [Configuration] Hereinafter, the configuration of the control system according to Embodiment 2 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control system according to such an Embodiment 2.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 5, the control system 10b includes a mobile terminal 20, a server 30, an intercom device 70, and an electric lock 80. Since the mobile terminal 20 and the server 30 have the same configuration as in Embodiment 1, the description thereof is omitted.

[0053] The intercom device 70 includes a first communication unit 71, a second communication unit 72, a control unit 73, and a storage unit 74.

[0054] The first communication unit 71 is a communication circuit (communication module) for the intercom device 70 to communicate with the electric lock 80. The first communication unit 71 is, for example, a wired communication circuit that performs wired communication using a local communication network. The communication between the first communication unit 71 and the electric lock 80 conforms to, for example, JEM-A, but may conform to other communication standards (communication protocols).

[0055] The second communication unit 72 is a communication circuit (communication module) for the intercom device 70 to communicate with the server 30. The second communication unit 72 is, for example, a communication circuit that communicates using a wide-area communication network such as the Internet.

[0056] The control unit 73 performs information processing related to the operation of the intercom device 70. The control unit 73 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit.

[0057] The storage unit 74 is a storage device that stores control programs and the like executed by the control unit 73. The storage unit 74 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0058] The electric lock 80 is a security device that controls the unlocking and locking of a door (or window, etc.) of the facility 90. The electric lock 80 includes, for example, an RFID reader that acquires key information from a card key or the like. The electric lock 80 may also include a biometric sensor that acquires biometric information such as fingerprints as key information.

[0059] Each of the intercom device 70 and the electric lock 80 has a JEMA standard HA terminal, and the JEMA standard HA terminals are wired-connected to each other.

[0060] [Operation example] The user of the control system 10b can not only directly lock or unlock the electric lock 80 using a card key or biometric information, etc., but also lock or unlock the electric lock 80 from outside the facility 90 by operating the mobile terminal 20. Here, if, after locking or unlocking the electric lock 80 from outside the facility 90, it becomes impossible to lock the electric lock from the mobile terminal 20 due to a communication error or the like, the electric lock 80 will remain unlocked, resulting in a security problem.

[0061] Therefore, an operation example of the control system 10b that can improve safety (security) will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control system 10b.

[0062] First, the second communication unit 72 of the intercom device 70 receives an outdoor control command from the server 30 (S21). The outdoor control command in this case is a control command for unlocking the electric lock 80 from outside the facility 90. The outdoor control command is transmitted based on the user's operation on the mobile terminal 20, and starting from the mobile terminal 20, it is received by the second communication unit 72 via the server 30 (computer) installed outside the facility 90.

[0063] Next, the control unit 73 causes the first communication unit 71 to transmit a first control signal for unlocking the electric lock 80 to the electric lock 80 based on the received outdoor control command (S22). As a result, the locked electric lock 80 is unlocked.

[0064] Thereafter, the control unit 73 uses the second communication unit 52 to transmit a confirmation command to the server 30 to confirm whether the communication with the server 30 is maintained (S23), and determines whether a response from the server 30 to the transmitted confirmation command is obtained (S24).

[0065] When the control unit 73 determines that a response is obtained from the server 30 (Yes in S24), it transmits the confirmation command (S23) and makes the determination (S24) again after a predetermined period has elapsed. That is, as long as a response is obtained from the server 30, the electric lock 80 remains unlocked.

[0066] On the other hand, when the control unit 73 determines that no response is obtained from the server 30 (No in S24), it causes the first communication unit 71 to transmit a second control signal (an example of a predetermined control signal) for locking the electric lock 80 to the electric lock 80 (S25). As a result, the electric lock 80 is locked.

[0067] In this way, after receiving the outdoor control command, the control unit 73 performs periodic communication with the server 30 using the second communication unit 72. When the periodic communication is interrupted, the control unit 73 causes the first communication unit 71 to transmit, as a predetermined control signal, a second control signal for unlocking the electric lock 80 to the electric lock 80. As a result, the control system 10b can prevent the electric lock 80 from remaining unlocked when the communication with the server 30 is interrupted, and the safety in outdoor control is improved.

[0068] (Effects, etc.) As described above, the control system 10 includes a first communication unit 51 that transmits a control signal to a controlled device installed in the facility 90 by wired communication, a second communication unit 52 that receives a first control command for controlling the controlled device from outside the facility 90 via a server 30 installed outside the facility 90, and a control unit 53 that, after receiving the first control command, performs periodic communication with the server 30 using the second communication unit 52 and, when the periodic communication is interrupted, causes the first communication unit 51 to transmit a predetermined control signal to the controlled device. The server 30 is an example of a computer. The first control command is, in other words, an outdoor control command.

[0069] Such a control system 10 can improve the safety when the communication with the server 30 is interrupted in outdoor control by transmitting a predetermined control signal that places the controlled device in a safe operating state.

[0070] Also, for example, after receiving the first control command, the control unit 53 causes the first communication unit 51 to transmit, to the controlled device, a first control signal for starting the operation of the controlled device based on the received first control command. After the first control signal is transmitted, periodic communication is performed, and when the periodic communication is interrupted, the control unit 53 causes the first communication unit 51 to transmit, as a predetermined control signal, a second control signal for stopping the operation of the controlled device.

[0071] Such a control system 10 can improve safety by stopping the controlled device when the communication with the server 30 is interrupted in outdoor control.

[0072] Also, for example, the device to be controlled is the air conditioner 60.

[0073] Such a control system 10 can improve safety by stopping the air conditioner 60 when communication with the server 30 is interrupted during outdoor control.

[0074] Also, for example, in the control system 10b, the device to be controlled is the electric lock 80. After receiving the first control command, the control unit 73 causes the first communication unit 71 to transmit a first control signal for unlocking the electric lock 80 to the electric lock 80 based on the received first control command. After the first control signal is transmitted, periodic communication is performed. When the periodic communication is interrupted, the first communication unit 71 is caused to transmit a second control signal for locking the electric lock 80 as a predetermined control signal.

[0075] Such a control system 10b can improve safety by stopping the electric lock 80 when communication with the server 30 is interrupted during outdoor control.

[0076] Also, for example, the first communication unit 51 transmits a control signal by wired communication based on the first communication standard, and the second communication unit 52 receives the first control command by communication based on a second communication standard different from the first communication standard.

[0077] Such a control system 10 can convert the first control command based on the second communication standard into a control signal based on the first communication standard.

[0078] Also, for example, the first communication standard is JEM-A, and the second communication standard is ECHONET Lite (registered trademark).

[0079] Such a control system 10 can convert the first control command based on ECHONET Lite (registered trademark) into a control signal based on JEM-A.

[0080] Further, for example, the second communication unit 52 receives a control command via the server 30 and the EMS controller (control device 40) installed in the facility 90. The control unit 53 determines whether the control command received by the second communication unit 52 is a first control command or a second control command for controlling the controlled device from within the facility 90. When it is determined that the command is a first control command, the second communication unit 52 is used to perform periodic communication with the computer via the EMS controller. In other words, the second control command is an in-house control command.

[0081] Such a control system 10 can determine whether the control command is an out-of-house control command or an in-house control command.

[0082] Also, a control method executed by a computer such as the control system 10 includes a receiving step S11 of receiving, via a server 30 installed outside the facility 90, a first control command for controlling a controlled device installed within the facility 90 from outside the facility 90, a communication step S15 of performing periodic communication with the server 30 after the first control command is received, and a transmitting step S18 of transmitting a predetermined control signal to the controlled device when the periodic communication is interrupted.

[0083] Such a control method can improve safety when communication with the server 30 is interrupted in out-of-house control by transmitting a predetermined control signal that places the controlled device in a safe operating state.

[0084] (Other Embodiments) Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0085] For example, in the above embodiment, the first communication unit, the second communication unit, and the control unit are provided by a JEM-A conversion adapter or an intercom device, but these components (substantially identical elements) may be provided by other devices included in the control system.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the control system is implemented by a plurality of devices, but it may also be implemented as a single device. For example, the control system may be implemented as a single device corresponding to the JEM-A conversion adapter, or as a single device corresponding to the intercom device of Embodiment 2. When the control system is implemented by a plurality of devices, the components included in the control system may be distributed among the plurality of devices in any manner.

[0087] For example, the communication method between devices in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. Also, in the communication between devices, a relay device (such as a broadband router) not shown in the figure may be interposed.

[0088] Also, in the above embodiment, the processing executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. Also, the order of a plurality of processes may be changed, or a plurality of processes may be executed in parallel. Also, Embodiments 1 and 2 above may be arbitrarily combined.

[0089] Also, in the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

[0090] Also, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or an integrated circuit). These circuits may form one circuit as a whole, or may be separate circuits respectively. Also, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0091] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be implemented in a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or a recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Also, it may be implemented by any combination of a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

[0092] For example, the present invention may be implemented as a control method executed by a computer such as a control system, or as a program for causing a computer to execute such a control method, or as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0093] In addition, forms obtained by applying various modifications conceivable by those skilled in the art to each embodiment, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions in each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention are also included in the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0094] 10, 10a, 10b Control system 30 Server (computer) 40 Control device (EMS controller) 51, 71 First communication unit 52, 72 Second communication unit 53, 73 Control unit 60 Air conditioning equipment 80 Electric lock 90 Facility

Claims

1. A signal conversion device interposed between an EMS (Energy Management System) controller and a controlled device, The EMS controller and the controlled device are installed in the same facility, The signal conversion device comprises: a first communication unit that transmits a control signal to the controlled device by wired communication; a second communication unit that receives a first control command for controlling the controlled device from outside the facility via a computer installed outside the facility and the EMS controller; a control unit that, after the first control command is received, performs regular communication with the computer via the EMS controller using the second communication unit, and, when the regular communication is interrupted, causes the first communication unit to transmit a predetermined control signal to the controlled device. Signal conversion device.

2. The control unit is after the first control command is received, causing the first communication unit to transmit a first control signal to the controlled device to start an operation of the controlled device based on the received first control command; performing the periodic communication after the first control signal is transmitted, and when the periodic communication is interrupted, causing the first communication unit to transmit a second control signal for stopping the operation of the controlled device as the predetermined control signal; 2. The signal conversion device according to claim 1.

3. The controlled device is an air conditioning device.

3. The signal conversion device according to claim 2.

4. the controlled device is an electronic lock, The control unit is After the first control command is received, a previous control is performed based on the received first control command. transmitting a first control signal for unlocking the electric lock to the first communication unit; The periodic communication is performed after the first control signal is transmitted, and when the periodic communication is interrupted, the first communication unit transmits a second control signal for locking the electric lock as the predetermined control signal.

2. The signal conversion device according to claim 1.

5. The first communication unit transmits a control signal through the wired communication based on a first communication standard, The second communication unit receives the first control command through communication based on a second communication standard different from the first communication standard. The signal conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the first communication standard is JEM-A, The second communication standard is ECHONET Lite (registered trademark).

6. A signal conversion device according to claim 5.

7. The control unit is determining whether the control command received by the second communication unit is the first control command or a second control command for controlling the controlled device from within the facility; When it is determined that the command is the first control command, the second communication unit performs the periodic communication with the computer via the EMS controller. The signal conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The controlled device does not have the function of communicating with the EMS controller. The signal conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A control method executed by a signal conversion device interposed between an EMS controller and a controlled device, comprising: The EMS controller and the controlled device are installed in the same facility, The control method includes: a receiving step of receiving a first control command for controlling the controlled device from outside the facility via a computer installed outside the facility and the EMS controller; a communication step of periodically communicating with the computer via the EMS controller after the first control command is received; and a transmission step of transmitting a predetermined control signal to the controlled device when the periodic communication is interrupted. Control methods.

10. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 9.

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