Device control mechanism, furniture, information processing system, and information processing program

Abstract

To control a control target device according to the usage state of a furniture by a user.SOLUTION: A device control mechanism 90 includes a sensor 20 that detects the state of a load acting on support portions (legs 44) of a furniture 40, a controller 10 that controls a control target device 50 in accordance with the state of the load detected by the sensor 20, and a power supply mechanism 30 that supplies power to the sensor 20 and the controller 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device control mechanism, furniture, an information processing system, and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 below describes a wheelchair with a seating sensor that detects when a person is sitting and can automatically report to a management center that manages the position of the wheelchair when it detects that a person is not sitting. This makes it possible to automatically report to the position management center when a person sitting in the wheelchair falls or encounters an accident.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the wheelchair with a seating sensor shown in Patent Document 1 above, the detection result of seating is used for reporting to the management center. However, from the viewpoint of convenience, another mode of utilizing such detection results, that is, the detection results of whether or not a user is using furniture or the like, is also demanded.

[0005] In consideration of the above facts, an object of the present invention is to provide a device control mechanism, furniture, an information processing system, and an information processing program that can control a device to be controlled according to the usage state of furniture by a user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The device control mechanism according to claim 1 includes a sensor that detects the state of the load acting on the support part of the furniture, a controller that controls the device to be controlled according to the state of the load detected by the sensor, and a power supply mechanism that supplies power to the sensor and the controller.

[0007] In the device control mechanism according to claim 1, by detecting the state of the load acting on the support part of the furniture with the sensor, it is possible to detect whether the user is using the furniture.

[0008] Also, the controller can control the device to be controlled according to the usage state of the furniture by the user. For example, according to the user sitting on a chair as furniture, the surrounding lighting fixtures and air conditioning devices can be driven, and according to the user leaving the seat, these can be stopped.

[0009] Furthermore, since the sensor detects the state of the load acting on the support part of the furniture, compared with the case of detecting the state of the load acting on, for example, the seat surface of a chair, the mattress of a bed, etc., it detects the load that acts concentratedly on a small support area, so the load detection accuracy is high. Also, since the size of the sensor can be made small, it can be manufactured at low cost.

[0010] The device control mechanism according to claim 2 is the device control mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a pressure sensor that detects the pressure acting on the support part as the state of the load, or a strain sensor that detects the axial strain of the support part as the state of the load.

[0011] Between the support part of the furniture and the floor, pressure is generated by the load acting from above. Also, when a plurality of members are connected vertically to form the support part, pressure is also generated between each member. And in the support part, axial strain is also generated in the vertical direction by the load acting from above.

[0012] In the device control mechanism according to claim 2, a pressure sensor or a strain sensor is used as the sensor. Thereby, it is possible to detect the pressure between the support part and the floor, the pressure between the members constituting the support part, the strain of the support part, etc.

[0013] The device control mechanism according to claim 3, in the device control mechanism according to claim 1, the controller can control at least any one of the energization state of the outlet as the device to be controlled, the lighting state of the lighting fixture, the operating state of the air conditioner, and the operating state of the notification device.

[0014] In the device control mechanism according to claim 3, according to the state of the load detected by the sensor, the controller can control at least any one of the outlet, the lighting fixture, the air conditioner, and the notification device.

[0015] For example, in response to a user sitting on a chair as furniture, the outlet can be energized to turn on the lighting fixture connected to the outlet or charge the device connected to the outlet. Also, in response to the user leaving the seat, the energization of the outlet can be stopped, the lighting fixture connected to the outlet can be turned off, or the charging of the device connected to the outlet can be stopped.

[0016] Also, for example, in response to a user sitting on a chair as furniture, the task lighting fixture can be turned on or the brightness can be increased. Also, in response to the user leaving the seat, the task lighting fixture can be turned off, the brightness can be decreased, or the lighting in the passage can be turned on.

[0017] Also, for example, in response to a user lying on a bed as furniture, the lighting fixture in the room can be turned off or the brightness can be decreased. Also, in response to the user getting up and leaving the bed, the lighting fixture in the room or the passage can be turned on or the brightness can be increased.

[0018] Also, for example, in response to a user sitting on a chair as furniture, the task air conditioner can be driven. Also, in response to the user leaving the seat, the task air conditioner can be stopped. Thus, with this device control mechanism, various devices can be controlled.

[0019] The device control mechanism according to claim 4 is the device control mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the controller can control the device to be controlled by wireless communication.

[0020] In the device control mechanism according to claim 4, the controller can control the device to be controlled by wireless communication. As a result, wiring can be omitted, and a device to be controlled located away from furniture can be controlled. For example, a floor light located away from a chair as furniture or a ceiling light above the chair can be controlled.

[0021] The device control mechanism according to claim 5 is the device control mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the power supply mechanism is a power cable connected to an outlet, a generator that generates electricity by the rotation of a caster attached to the tip of a leg as the support portion, or a piezoelectric element that can generate electricity by the fluctuation of a load acting on the leg.

[0022] In the device control mechanism according to claim 5, if a power cable connected to an outlet is used as the power supply mechanism, stable power can be supplied from the outlet. Also, in addition to the sensor and the controller, when the device to be controlled is connected by wire, power can also be supplied to the device to be controlled.

[0023] Also, for example, if a generator that generates electricity by the rotation of a caster is used as the power supply mechanism, it is easy to supply power when a sensor and a controller are attached to a chair such as an office chair that moves frequently. Also, an energy-saving effect can be obtained.

[0024] Also, for example, if a piezoelectric element that can generate electricity by the fluctuation of a load acting on the leg is used as the power supply mechanism, it is easy to supply power by vibrations when sitting on and getting up from the chair or vibrations caused by the movement of the body of a user sitting on the chair. Also, an energy-saving effect can be obtained.

[0025] The furniture according to claim 6 includes the device control mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5, a seat member (the seat surface of a chair or a sofa, the mattress of a bed) that receives the weight of a user, and legs as the support portion that supports the seat member.

[0026] In the furniture according to claim 6, by detecting the state of the load acting on the legs of the furniture with a sensor, it is possible to detect whether or not a user is using the furniture.

[0027] Also, the controller can control the device to be controlled according to the usage state of the furniture by the user. For example, in response to the user sitting on a chair as furniture, the surrounding lighting fixtures and air conditioning devices can be driven, and in response to the user leaving the seat, these can be stopped.

[0028] Furthermore, since the sensor detects the state of the load acting on the legs of the furniture, for example, compared with the case of detecting the state of the load acting on the seat surface of a chair, the mattress of a bed, etc., it detects the load that acts concentrated on a small support area, so the load detection accuracy is high. Also, since the size of the sensor can be made small, it can be manufactured at low cost.

[0029] The information processing system according to claim 7 includes an acquisition unit that acquires the state of the load acting on the support portion of the furniture, and a control unit that controls the device to be controlled according to the state of the load acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0030] In the information processing system according to claim 7, by the acquisition unit acquiring the state of the load acting on the support portion of the furniture, it is possible to grasp whether or not a user is using the furniture.

[0031] Also, the control unit can control the device to be controlled according to the usage state of the furniture by the user. For example, in response to the user sitting on a chair as furniture, the surrounding lighting fixtures and air conditioning devices can be driven, and in response to the user leaving the seat, these can be stopped.

[0032] Furthermore, in order to obtain the state of the load acting on the support part of the furniture, the acquisition part detects the load that acts concentratedly on a small support area, as compared with the case of detecting the state of the load acting on, for example, the seat surface of a chair, the mattress of a bed, etc., so the detection accuracy of the load is high.

[0033] The information processing program according to claim 8 causes the system to obtain the state of the load acting on the support part of the furniture, and to control the controlled device according to the obtained state of the load.

[0034] In the information processing program according to claim 8, by the system obtaining the state of the load acting on the support part of the furniture, it is possible to grasp whether or not the user is using the furniture.

[0035] Also, the system can control the controlled device according to the usage state of the furniture by the user. For example, according to the user sitting on a chair as furniture, the surrounding lighting fixtures and air conditioning devices can be driven, and according to the user leaving the seat, these can be stopped.

[0036] Furthermore, in order to obtain the state of the load acting on the support part of the furniture, the system detects the load that acts concentratedly on a small support area, as compared with the case of detecting the state of the load acting on, for example, the seat surface of a chair, the mattress of a bed, etc., so the detection accuracy of the load is high.

Advantages of the Invention

[0037] According to the present invention, the controlled device can be controlled according to the usage state of the furniture by the user.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0038]

Figure 1A

Figure 1B

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 4C

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0039] Hereinafter, a device control mechanism, furniture, an information processing system, and an information processing program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Components denoted by the same reference numerals in each drawing mean the same components. However, unless otherwise specified in the specification, each component is not limited to one, and a plurality of them may exist.

[0040] In addition, descriptions of overlapping configurations and reference numerals in each drawing may be omitted. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and appropriate changes can be made, such as omitting configurations, replacing them with different configurations, and using combinations of one embodiment and various modified examples within the scope of the object of the present invention.

[0041] <Information Processing System> The information processing system 80 shown in FIG. 1A includes a controller 10, a sensor 20, a power supply mechanism 30, furniture 40, and a device to be controlled 50. Among these, the controller 10, the sensor 20, and the power supply mechanism 30 are a group of devices attached to and used with the furniture 40, and are referred to as a device control mechanism 90 in this specification. The device control mechanism 90 controls the device to be controlled 50 according to the information acquired from the sensor 20.

[0042] In the present invention, the "system" includes any of those constituted by a single device, those constituted by a plurality of devices, and those constructed within a higher-level device or system.

[0043] For example, in the information processing system 80 of the present embodiment, the configuration for controlling the device to be controlled 50 according to the information acquired from the sensor 20 can be constructed in the controller 10 alone, but in addition to the controller 10, it may also be constructed across devices provided separately from the controller 10.

[0044] Also, various processes executed by the controller 10 can also be executed on a cloud, an on-premises server, an edge server, an endpoint, or the like.

[0045] (Furniture) The furniture 40 is, as an example, a chair 40A, and includes a seat member 42 that receives the weight of the user P and legs 44 as support portions that support the seat member 42. The device control mechanism 90 is fixed to the legs 44 of this chair 40A. That is, the controller 10 and the sensor 20 are fixed to the legs 44, and the power supply mechanism 30 is connected to the controller 10 and the sensor 20. Note that at least the sensor 20 may be fixed to the legs 44.

[0046] In FIG. 1A, a chair 40A as an armchair is drawn, but the chair 40A of the present invention includes armless chairs and stools. Also included are office chairs (see FIG. 4A) equipped with casters 46 described later.

[0047] In addition to the chair 40A, the furniture 40 of the present invention includes a sofa 40B as shown in FIG. 2, a bed (not shown), and the like. As an example, the sofa 40B shown in FIG. 2 includes an outlet 50B as a device to be controlled 50 described later and an outlet 48 that is constantly energized. The outlet 48 can also be omitted.

[0048] (Device to be controlled) The device to be controlled 50 is a device controlled by the controller 10. Power is supplied to the device to be controlled 50 from the power supply mechanism 30 or another power system. The device to be controlled 50 is communicably connected to the controller 10.

[0049] In the example shown in FIG. 1A, a lighting fixture 50A, which is an example of the device to be controlled 50, is connected to the controller 10 via a cable 52. Specifically, the lighting fixture 50A is connected to an external I / F unit 19 (see FIG. 5) of the controller 10 described later via the cable 52. According to such an aspect, the power required for the operation of the lighting fixture 50A can also be obtained from the power supply mechanism 30 that supplies power to the controller 10.

[0050] In FIG. 1A, the lighting fixture 50A is depicted as a floor light, but this lighting fixture includes various lighting fixtures such as a ceiling light, an uplight, and a desk light (task lighting fixture).

[0051] When the controller 10 includes a communication I / F unit 19 (see FIG. 5) described later, as shown in FIG. 1B, it is not necessary to connect the device to be controlled 50 (lighting fixture 50A) and the controller 10 with a cable.

[0052] In such a case, the control information of the controller 10 is transmitted to the device to be controlled 50 via the network server NS. Thereby, the controller 10 can control the device to be controlled 50 by wireless communication.

[0053] In addition, the power required for the operation of the device 50 to be controlled is provided separately from the power supply mechanism 30 that supplies power to the controller 10 (for example, a power cable 54). A receiving device 54A capable of receiving wireless communication for controlling the device 50 to be controlled is provided in the power cable 54 or the device 50 to be controlled.

[0054] Examples of the device 50 that can be controlled by the controller 10 include, in addition to the lighting fixture 50A, a power outlet 50B as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4C, an air conditioner (not shown), and a notification device (not shown).

[0055] As will be described in detail later, the air conditioner is, for example, an air conditioner (ambient air conditioner) that air - conditions the entire room. In addition, the air conditioner includes a task air conditioner that locally air - conditions the user's desk and a foot warmer that warms the area around the feet of the desk. The notification device is, for example, a communication device that notifies of the presence or absence of an abnormality at a remote location.

[0056] <Device control mechanism> As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the device control mechanism 90 is configured to include a controller 10, a sensor 20, and a power supply mechanism 30.

[0057] (Sensor) As an example, as the sensor 20, a pressure sensor 20A that senses a pressure signal, converts the pressure signal into an electrical signal, and outputs it is used. As shown in FIG. 3, the pressure sensor 20A is a thin - film type pressure sensor and includes a pressure - sensitive part 22 and a cable 24.

[0058] As an example, as shown in FIG. 1A, the sensor 20 is attached to the back surface of the leg 44 of the chair 40A. Specifically, the pressure - sensitive part 22 of the pressure sensor 20A shown in FIG. 3 is attached so as to receive pressure from the back surface of the leg 44, and detects the state (pressure) of the load acting on the leg 44. The pressure detected by the pressure - sensitive part 22 is transmitted to the controller 10 via the cable 24.

[0059] In addition, with the pressure sensor 20A mounted on the leg 44, it is preferable to mount a cover on the leg 44 that covers the tip of the leg 44 and covers the sensor 20. This can suppress the peeling of the pressure sensor 20A.

[0060] When the leg 44 is configured by connecting a plurality of members vertically, the pressure sensor 20A can also be arranged sandwiched between the upper and lower members. Even in this case, according to the user's seating, pressure is applied between the upper and lower members, and the pressure-sensitive portion 22 can detect the pressure.

[0061] Further, as the sensor 20, a strain sensor (not shown) that detects the axial strain of the leg 44 as the state of the load acting on the leg 44 may be used. The strain sensor is mounted, for example, on the side surface of the leg 44.

[0062] Furthermore, the sensor 20 may include a receiving device that can identify the user P by means of an IC tag or the like held by the user P.

[0063] (Power supply mechanism) The power supply mechanism 30 is a power supply device that supplies power to the sensor 20 and the controller 10. In the example shown in this figure, as the power supply mechanism 30, a power cable 30A connected to an outlet is used.

[0064] Note that, as the power supply mechanism 30, a piezoelectric element (piezo element, not shown) that can generate electricity by the fluctuation of the load acting on the leg 44 may be used. The piezoelectric element may be mounted on the back surface of the leg 44 in the furniture 40 in the same manner as the pressure sensor 20A. Also, when the leg 44 is configured by connecting a plurality of members vertically, the piezoelectric element can also be arranged sandwiched between the upper and lower members.

[0065] In addition, as the power supply mechanism 30, as shown in Fig. 4A, a generator 30B that generates electricity by the rotation of a caster 46 attached to the tip of the leg 44 can also be used. As shown in Fig. 4B, the generator 30B is connected to the rotation shaft of the caster 46 and converts the axial rotation of the caster 46 into electricity.

[0066] In such an aspect, the arrangements of the controller 10 and the sensor 20 are arbitrary. As an example, the controller 10 can also be arranged inside the housing 32 that protects the power supply mechanism 30. Further, the pressure sensor 20A can also be provided at the bearing portion that rotates the caster 46 planar.

[0067] On the other hand, in the example where the generator 30B is provided on the caster 46, the controller 10 and the sensor 20 can also be provided on the leg 44 as shown in FIG. 4C. In this case, for example, the controller 10 is fixed to the cylindrical cylinder 44A that constitutes the leg 44. Further, the pressure sensor 20A is arranged inside the cylinder 44A. Pressure acts on this pressure sensor 20A from a shaft member inserted through the cylinder 44A.

[0068] In addition, in the example shown in this figure, a power outlet 50B as an example of the controlled device 50 is fixed to the cylinder 44A, but this power outlet 50B may be omitted.

[0069] <Controller> The controller 10 is a microcomputer that controls the controlled device 50 according to the load state detected by the sensor 20. As described above, examples of the controlled device 50 that can be controlled by the controller 10 include a lighting fixture 50A as shown in FIG. 1, a power outlet 50B as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4C, an air conditioner (not shown), and a notification device (not shown), etc.

[0070] The controller 10 may control any one of these devices, or may control a plurality of devices. When controlling a plurality of devices, different types of devices can also be controlled.

[0071] (Electrical Configuration of the Controller) As shown in FIG. 5, the controller 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit: processor) 11, a memory 12 as a temporary storage area, a non-volatile storage unit 13, a communication interface (I / F) unit 18, and an external I / F unit 19. The CPU 11, the memory 12, the storage unit 13, the communication I / F unit 18, and the external I / F unit 19 are connected to each other via a bus B1.

[0072] The communication I / F unit 18 is an interface for communicably connecting, for example, a server provided outside the controller 10, various terminals used by users, and various control target devices 50 to the controller 10. For the communication I / F unit 18, communication standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and LAN (Local Area Network) are used, for example. Note that the controller 10 does not necessarily have to include the communication I / F unit 18.

[0073] The sensor 20 and the power supply mechanism 30 are connected to the external I / F unit 19. Thereby, the controller 10 can acquire the information detected by the sensor 20. Also, the controller 10 can obtain the power necessary for the control process.

[0074] The storage unit 13 is realized by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), a flash memory, or the like. A device control program 13A is stored in the storage unit 13 as a storage medium. The device control program 13A is stored in the storage unit 13 by an input via the external I / F unit 19. The CPU 11 reads the device control program 13A from the storage unit 13 and expands it in the memory 12, and sequentially executes the processes included in the device control program 13A.

[0075] (Functional Configuration of the Controller) Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the functional configuration of the controller 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the controller 10 includes an acquisition unit 11A, a determination unit 11B, and a control unit 11C. The CPU 11 of the controller 10 functions as the acquisition unit 11A, the determination unit 11B, and the control unit 11C by executing the device control program 13A.

[0076] (Acquisition Unit) The acquisition unit 11A acquires the state of the load acting on the support portion of the furniture 40. Specifically, the acquisition unit 11A acquires, for example, the pressure acting on the leg 44 of the chair 40A shown in FIG. 1A from the sensor 20. This pressure is the pressure acting on the sensor 20 due to the weight of the user P.

[0077] When a strain sensor is used as the sensor 20, the acquisition unit 11A acquires the axial strain of the leg 44 from the sensor 20. Further, when the sensor 20 is provided with a receiving device capable of identifying the user P, the identification information can also be acquired.

[0078] (Determination Unit) The determination unit 11B determines whether or not the user P is using the furniture 40 based on the state of the load acquired by the acquisition unit 11A. Specifically, for example, when the pressure acting on the leg 44 of the chair 40A shown in FIG. 1A is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the determination unit 11B determines that the user P is using the furniture 40. On the other hand, when the pressure acting on the leg 44 is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value, the determination unit 11B determines that the user P is not using the furniture 40.

[0079] The "predetermined threshold value" is, for example, the value of the pressure acting on the sensor 20 due to the own weight of the chair 40A. That is, when the sensor 20 detects a pressure greater than the pressure acting due to the own weight of the chair 40A, the determination unit 11B determines that the user P is using the furniture 40.

[0080] The "predetermined threshold value" is, for example, a value obtained by adding a predetermined pressure to the pressure acting on the sensor 20 due to the self-weight of the chair 40A. When using such a value as the "predetermined threshold value", for example, when a load lighter than the assumed weight of the user is placed on the chair 40A, it is determined that the user P is "not using" the furniture 40.

[0081] In addition, when a strain sensor is used as the sensor 20, the determination unit 11B calculates the load or pressure acting on the leg 44 from the obtained strain value. In this case, the "predetermined threshold value" is the value of the load or pressure acting on the leg 44. Alternatively, it is a value obtained by adding a predetermined load or pressure to the load or pressure acting on the leg 44.

[0082] (Control Unit) The control unit 11C controls the controlled device 50 according to the load state acquired by the acquisition unit 11A. In other words, the control unit 11C switches the control content of the controlled device 50 according to whether the user P is using the furniture 40 or not.

[0083] Specifically, for example, when the user P sits on the chair 40A as the furniture 40 shown in FIG. 1A, the control unit 11C can turn on the lighting fixture 50A or increase the light intensity. Also, when the user leaves the seat, the lighting fixture 50A can be turned off or the light intensity can be decreased.

[0084] When the acquisition unit 11A acquires the specific information of the user P, the control unit 11C can also perform dimming control according to the preference of the user P. For example, the control unit 11C may adjust not only the light intensity of the lighting fixture 50A but also the color temperature and the like. Such preferences of the user P can be stored in the storage unit 13 in advance.

[0085] In addition, the control unit 11C can also control a plurality of controlled devices 50. For example, although not shown in FIG. 1A, the control unit 11C can control the lighting fixtures in the passageway. Accordingly, in response to the user leaving the seat, the lighting fixture 50A near the chair 40A can be turned off while the lighting fixture in the passageway at a position away from the chair 40A can be turned on.

[0086] Also for example, in response to a user P (not shown in FIG. 2) sitting on the sofa 40B as the furniture 40 shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 11C can energize the power outlet 50B. Accordingly, a lighting fixture (not shown) connected to the power outlet 50B can be turned on, or a device connected to the power outlet 50B by the user P can be charged.

[0087] In addition, in response to the user P leaving the seat, the control unit 11C can stop the power supply to the power outlet 50B, turn off the lighting fixture connected to the power outlet 50B, or stop charging the device connected to the power outlet 50B.

[0088] Also for example, in response to the user P lying down on a bed (not shown) as the furniture 40, the control unit 11C can turn off the lighting fixture in the room or lower the light intensity. In addition, in response to the user getting up and leaving the bed, the lighting fixture in the room or the passageway can be turned on or the light intensity can be increased.

[0089] Also for example, in response to the user P sitting on the chair 40A as an office chair as shown in FIG. 4A, the control unit 11C can drive a task air conditioner (not shown). In addition, in response to the user P leaving the seat, the control unit 11C can stop the task air conditioner. In addition to the task air conditioner, the control unit 11C can also control an ambient air conditioner.

[0090] When the acquisition unit 11A acquires the specific information of the user P, the control unit 11C can also execute air-conditioning control according to the preferences of the user P. For example, the control unit 11C may adjust the air volume and temperature of the air-conditioning air blown out from the task air-conditioning device. Such preferences of the user P can also be stored in the storage unit 13 in advance.

[0091] Also, for example, the control unit 11C can control the notification device. As described above, the notification device is, for example, a communication device that leaves the presence or absence of an abnormality in a remote location.

[0092] For example, when the device control mechanism 90 is applied to the bed as the furniture 40 in an elderly care facility or the like, the notification device as the controlled device 50 is used. In such a mode, for example, when the user P falls from the bed, the acquisition unit 11A controls the notification device to notify an abnormality to the staff room or the like.

[0093] <Device control process> When the power supply to the controller 10 is started, the CPU 11 of the controller 10 executes the device control program 13A. As a result, as an example, the device control process shown in FIG. 7 is executed.

[0094] When the device control process is executed, in step S102, the CPU 11 waits for the acquisition of the load state change. When the CPU 11 acquires the load state change, it proceeds to step S104. The "load state change" includes both the case where the load applied to the support portion (leg 44) of the furniture 40 increases and the case where it decreases.

[0095] In step S104, the CPU 11 determines whether the changed load or pressure is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. If the determination in step S104 is affirmative, it proceeds to step S106. On the other hand, if the determination in step S104 is negative, it proceeds to step S108.

[0096] In step S106, the CPU 11 executes control for the controlled device 50 when the user P is using the furniture 40. On the other hand, in step S108, the CPU 11 executes control for the controlled device 50 when the user P is not using the furniture 40. After steps S106 and S108, the process proceeds to step S110.

[0097] In step S110, the CPU 11 determines whether the end timing of the device control process has arrived. The device control process ends, for example, when the power supply to the controller 10 is stopped. If the determination in step S110 is negative, the process returns to step S102.

[0098] <Operation and Effect> In the device control mechanism 90 according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1A, the sensor 20 can detect whether the user P is using the furniture 40 by detecting the state of the load acting on the support portion (legs 44) of the furniture 40.

[0099] Also, the controller 10 can control the controlled device 50 according to the usage state of the furniture 40 by the user P. For example, in response to the user P sitting on the chair 40A as the furniture 40, the surrounding lighting fixture 50A and the air conditioner (not shown) can be driven, and in response to the user P leaving the seat, these can be stopped.

[0100] Furthermore, as an example, the sensor 20 is attached to the back surface of the leg 44 and detects the state of the load acting on the leg 44 of the chair 40A. Therefore, compared with the case of detecting the state of the load acting on, for example, the seat surface of the chair 40A, the mattress of the bed, etc., the sensor 20 detects the load concentrated on a small support area, so the load detection accuracy is high. Also, since the size of the sensor 20 can be made small, it can be manufactured at low cost.

[0101] Between the chair 40A as furniture 40 and the floor of the bed leg 44, pressure is generated by the load acting from above. Further, when the leg 44 is configured by connecting a plurality of members vertically, pressure is also generated between the respective members. And, the leg 44 is also distorted in the vertical direction by the load acting from above.

[0102] In the device control mechanism 90 of the present invention, as the sensor 20, a pressure sensor 20A or a strain sensor is used. Thereby, it is possible to detect the pressure between the leg 44 and the floor, the pressure between the members constituting the leg 44, the strain of the leg 44, and the like.

[0103] Further, in the device control mechanism 90 of the present invention, according to the state of the load detected by the sensor 20, the controller 10 can control at least any one of the outlet 50B (see FIGS. 2 and 4C), the lighting fixture 50A (see FIGS. 1A and 1B), the air conditioner, and the notification device. Thus, in this device control mechanism, various devices can be controlled.

[0104] Further, in the device control mechanism 90 of the present invention, by providing the communication I / F unit 18 in the controller 10, for example, as shown in FIG. 1B, the control target device 50 can be controlled by wireless communication. Thereby, wiring can be omitted, and the control target device 50 located at a place away from the furniture 40 can be controlled. For example, a lighting fixture 50A (a floor light or a ceiling light above the chair) located at a position away from the chair 40A as the furniture 40 can be controlled.

[0105] Further, in the device control mechanism 90 of the present invention, the power supply mechanism 30 is a power cable 30A (see FIG. 1A) connected to an outlet, a generator 30B (see FIG. 4B) that generates electricity by the rotation of the caster 46, or a piezoelectric element.

[0106] For example, if the power cable 30A connected to the outlet is used, stable power can be supplied from the outlet. Further, as shown in FIG. 1A, when the control target device 50 is also connected by wire in addition to the sensor 20 and the controller 10, power can also be supplied to the control target device 50.

[0107] Also, for example, if a generator that generates electricity by the rotation of the caster 46 is used, it is easy to supply power when the sensor 20 and the controller 10 are attached to a chair such as an office chair that moves frequently. Also, an energy-saving effect can be obtained.

[0108] Also, for example, if a piezoelectric element that can generate electricity by the fluctuation of the load acting on the leg 44 is used, it is easy to supply power by vibrations when sitting on and getting off the chair 40A, or vibrations caused by the movement of the body of the user P sitting on the chair 40A. Also, an energy-saving effect can be obtained.

[0109] <Other Embodiments> In the above description, as the controlled device 50 that can be controlled by the controller 10, the lighting fixture 50A, the power outlet 50B, the air conditioner, and the notification device have been described, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this.

[0110] As the controlled device 50 that can be controlled by the controller 10, various display devices, devices, etc. can be included as long as the gist of the present invention is not deviated from. For example, in a public facility such as a library, when a user sits on a chair, a guidance screen can be automatically displayed on the display device, or a lending processing device can be operated.

[0111] Also, in the above description, an example in which the controller 10 controls the controlled device 50 alone has been described, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this. For example, one controlled device 50 may be controlled using a plurality of controllers 10.

[0112] For example, if a device control mechanism 90 is provided on each of the legs 44 of a plurality of chairs 40A, the controlled device 50 can be operated only when all the sensors 20 detect the seating of the user P. According to such an aspect, the occurrence of a fire due to an electric cooker as the controlled device 50 placed on a dining table can be suppressed.

[0113] Also, in the above description, regarding the control of the controller 10, the mode of switching the control of the controlled device 50 between the state where the user P is using the furniture 40 and the state where the user P is not using the furniture 40 has been described. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this.

[0114] For example, when the user P transitions from the state of using the furniture 40 to the state of not using the furniture 40, the control of the controlled device 50 may be switched after a predetermined time has elapsed since the transition. According to such an aspect, it becomes possible to perform control such as turning off the lighting fixture that was lit when the user P stood up from the bed as the furniture 40 after a predetermined time has elapsed when the user P returns to the bed.

[0115] Also, in the above embodiment, for example, as the hardware structure of the processing unit that executes each process of the acquisition unit 11A, the determination unit 11B, and the control unit 11C, various processors shown below can be used. Among the above various processors, as described above, in addition to the CPU, which is a general-purpose processor that executes software (program) and functions as a processing unit, there are a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), which is a processor whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacturing, and a dedicated electric circuit, etc., which is a processor having a circuit configuration dedicated to executing specific processing, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0116] The processing unit may be configured by one of these various processors, or may be configured by a combination of two or more processors of the same type or different types (for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Also, the processing unit may be configured by one processor.

[0117] As an example of configuring the processing unit with one processor, first, as represented by computers such as clients and servers, one processor is configured by a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and this processor functions as the processing unit. Second, as represented by a System On Chip (SoC) or the like, there is a form in which a processor that realizes the functions of the entire system including the processing unit with one IC (Integrated Circuit) chip is used. Thus, the processing unit is configured using one or more of the above various processors as a hardware structure.

[0118] Furthermore, as a hardware structure of these various processors, more specifically, an electrical circuit (circuitry) combined with circuit elements such as semiconductor elements can be used. Thus, the present invention can be implemented in various modes.

[0119] <Appendix> (((1))) A sensor that detects the state of the load acting on the support part of the furniture, A controller that controls the device to be controlled according to the state of the load detected by the sensor, A power supply mechanism that supplies power to the sensor and the controller, And a device control mechanism comprising the same.

[0120] (((2))) The device control mechanism according to (((1))), wherein the sensor is a pressure sensor that detects the pressure acting on the support part as the state of the load, or a strain sensor that detects the axial strain of the support part as the state of the load.

[0121] (((3))) The device control mechanism according to (((1))) or (((2))), wherein the controller can control at least any one of the energization state of the outlet as the device to be controlled, the lighting state of the lighting fixture, the operating state of the air conditioner, and the operating state of the notification device.

[0122] (((4))) The controller is the device control mechanism according to any one of (((1))) to (((3))), which can control the device to be controlled by wireless communication.

[0123] (((5))) The power supply mechanism is a power cable connected to an outlet, a generator that generates electricity by the rotation of a caster attached to the tip of a leg as the support part, or a piezoelectric element that can generate electricity by the fluctuation of the load acting on the leg, which is the device control mechanism according to any one of (((1))) to (((4))).

[0124] (((6))) The device control mechanism according to any one of (((1))) to (((5))), a seat member that receives the user's weight, legs as the support part that support the seat member, and a piece of furniture provided with the above.

[0125] (((7))) An acquisition unit that acquires the state of the load acting on the support part of the furniture, A control unit that controls the device to be controlled according to the state of the load acquired by the acquisition unit, and an information processing system provided with the above.

[0126] (((8))) In the system, acquire the state of the load acting on the support part of the furniture, and control the device to be controlled according to the acquired state of the load, an information processing program.

Explanation of Signs

[0127] 10 Controller 11A Acquisition unit 11C Control unit 13A Device control program 20 Sensor 20A Pressure sensor 30 Power supply mechanism 30A Power cable (power supply mechanism) 30B Generator (power supply mechanism) 40 Furniture 40A Chair (furniture) 40B Sofa (furniture) 42 Seat member 44 Leg (support part) 46 Caster 50 Equipment to be controlled 50A Lighting fixture (equipment to be controlled) 50B Power outlet (equipment to be controlled) 80 Information processing system 90 Equipment control mechanism

Claims

1. A sensor for detecting the state of a load acting on a support portion of furniture, a controller for controlling a device to be controlled according to the state of the load detected by the sensor, and a power supply mechanism for supplying power to the sensor and the controller. A device control mechanism comprising the above.

2. The device control mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure acting on the support portion as the state of the load, or a strain sensor for detecting the axial strain of the support portion as the state of the load.

3. The device control mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the controller is capable of controlling at least any one of the energization state of an outlet as the device to be controlled, the lighting state of a lighting fixture, the operating state of an air conditioner, and the operating state of a notification device.

4. The device control mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the controller can control the device to be controlled by wireless communication.

5. The device control mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the power supply mechanism is a power cable connected to an outlet, a generator that generates electricity by the rotation of a caster attached to the tip of a leg as the support portion, or a piezoelectric element that can generate electricity by the fluctuation of the load acting on the leg.

6. The device control mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5, a seat member that receives the weight of a user, and legs as the support portion that support the seat member. Furniture comprising the above.

7. An acquisition unit that acquires the state of a load acting on a support portion of furniture, and a control unit that controls a device to be controlled according to the state of the load acquired by the acquisition unit. Comprising the above. An information processing system.

8. In a system, causing the state of a load acting on a support portion of furniture to be acquired, and causing a device to be controlled to be controlled according to the acquired state of the load. An information processing program.

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