Control device, program, and control method

Abstract

To obtain a control device that can perform optimal equipment control according to the activity style of the building's users. [Solution] The system includes a processor, which generates, based on (i) history information showing the operation history of each of the multiple devices, and (ii) installation information including the correspondence between the identification information of each of the multiple spaces and the identification information of each of the devices installed in each space, generates identification information for a new space formed by combining two or more of the multiple spaces, and relationship information showing the correspondence between the identification information of two or more of the multiple devices installed in the new space, and outputs control information for controlling the two or more devices based on the relationship information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device, a program, and a control method.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a home controller for operating power-on or power-off of a plurality of devices installed in a plurality of rooms of a house.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the home controller disclosed in Patent Document 1, devices are managed in units of rooms in a house.

[0005] However, depending on the lifestyle of the occupants of a house, there are cases where a plurality of rooms are used as one activity space. In such a case, it is more convenient for the occupants to manage the plurality of devices installed in the house in units of activity spaces rather than in units of rooms.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to obtain a control device, a program, and a control method capable of performing optimal device control according to the activity style of a user of a building.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a control device for controlling a plurality of devices installed in a building having a plurality of spaces, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires installation information and history information indicating the operation history of each of the plurality of devices; a space generation unit that generates a new space by combining two or more spaces from the plurality of spaces based on the installation information and history information acquired by the acquisition unit, wherein the installation information includes a correspondence between identification information of each of the plurality of spaces and identification information of each of the devices installed in each of the spaces; a device control unit that generates relationship information indicating a correspondence between identification information of the new space and identification information of two or more devices installed in the new space from the plurality of devices; and a notification unit that notifies at least one of batch control information for controlling the two or more devices collectively and individual control information for controlling the two or more devices individually based on the relationship information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it becomes possible to perform optimal equipment control according to the activity style of the building's users. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows the overall configuration of the home control system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing an example of the equipment. [Figure 3] This figure shows the first example of a system configuration. [Figure 4] This figure shows a second example of the system configuration. [Figure 5] This figure shows a third example of the system configuration. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows the processing flow executed by the control unit. [Figure 7] This diagram shows a simplified example of installation information. [Figure 8] This diagram shows a simplified example of historical information. [Figure 9]It is a flowchart showing a first example of specific processing for space generation. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing a second example of specific processing for space generation. [Figure 11] Regarding the first embodiment, it is a diagram showing a first example of an operation screen displayed on a display unit. [Figure 12] Regarding the first embodiment, it is a diagram showing a second example of an operation screen displayed on a display unit. [Figure 13] Regarding the first embodiment, it is a diagram showing a third example of an operation screen displayed on a display unit. [Figure 14] Regarding the second embodiment, it is a diagram showing a first example of an operation screen displayed on a display unit. [Figure 15] Regarding the second embodiment, it is a diagram showing a second example of an operation screen displayed on a display unit. [Figure 16] Regarding the second embodiment, it is a diagram showing a third example of an operation screen displayed on a display unit.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] (Knowledge on which the present disclosure is based) In a smart home or the like where IoT technology is introduced, a control device (home controller) may be used to integrally control a plurality of devices installed in a plurality of rooms of a house. For example, Patent Document 1 above discloses a home controller for operating the power on or off of a plurality of devices installed in a plurality of rooms of a house. In this home controller, devices are managed on a room-by-room basis in the house.

[0011] However, depending on the lifestyle of the residents of the house, there may be cases where, for example, a plurality of rooms such as a living room and a dining room are used as a single activity space. In such a case, it is more convenient for the residents to manage the plurality of devices installed in the house in terms of activity space rather than on a room-by-room basis.

[0012] However, since the lifestyles of residents vary from family to family, it is difficult for operators of management companies or the like to optimally set the management units of multiple devices according to the lifestyle of each family when introducing a home controller. Also, although it is conceivable for residents to manually set according to their own lifestyles, since the setting work is complicated, the realization of a means for automatic setting is desired.

[0013] In order to solve such problems, the inventor of the present invention has found that by analyzing the operation history of multiple devices installed in a house having multiple rooms, the lifestyle of the residents of the house can be specified, and the management units of multiple devices can be optimally set according to the lifestyle, and thus has arrived at the present disclosure.

[0014] Next, each aspect of the present disclosure will be described.

[0015] A control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a control device that controls a plurality of devices installed in a building having a plurality of spaces, and includes an acquisition unit that acquires installation information and history information indicating the operation history of each of the plurality of devices, where the installation information includes the correspondence relationship between the identification information of each of the plurality of spaces and the identification information of each of the devices installed in each of the spaces, a space generation unit that generates a new space by combining two or more of the plurality of spaces based on the installation information and the history information acquired by the acquisition unit, a device control unit that generates relationship information indicating the correspondence relationship between the identification information of the new space and the identification information of two or more of the plurality of devices installed in the new space, and a notification unit that notifies batch control information for collectively controlling the two or more devices based on the relationship information.

[0016] According to this embodiment, a new space is generated by combining two or more spaces based on installation information and history information. In addition, relational information is generated showing the correspondence between the identification information of the new space and the identification information of two or more devices installed in the new space, and based on this relational information, unified control information for controlling the two or more devices collectively is notified. By analyzing the history information showing the operation history of each device, the activity style of the building's users can be accurately identified, making it possible to perform appropriate device control according to that activity style.

[0017] In the above embodiment, the space generation unit calculates the number of operating devices for each of the spaces and each of the multiple unit time periods into which a day is divided, based on the number of devices that operated in the same unit time period. If there are two or more spaces among the multiple spaces in which the number of operating devices is equal to or greater than a threshold, the unit generates the new space by combining these two or more spaces.

[0018] According to this embodiment, by combining two or more spaces in which a threshold number of devices are operating within the same unit of time, it becomes possible to appropriately generate a new space that corresponds to the user's activity style.

[0019] In the above embodiment, the space generation unit calculates the number of operating devices using a weighting coefficient corresponding to a preset type of device.

[0020] According to this embodiment, a larger weighting coefficient is set for devices that are more likely to be located in the space if the device is operating (e.g., lighting), and the space generation unit uses this weighting coefficient to calculate the number of operating devices, thereby enabling the generation of a new space that is more appropriately tailored to the user's activity style.

[0021] In the above embodiment, the space generation unit varies the threshold value according to each unit time.

[0022] According to this embodiment, by varying the threshold according to each unit of time, it becomes possible to more appropriately generate new spaces that are tailored to the user's activity style.

[0023] In the above embodiment, the space generation unit generates a new space by combining two or more spaces if two or more of the multiple devices have operated within a certain period of time and these two or more devices are installed in two or more of the multiple spaces.

[0024] According to this embodiment, by combining two or more spaces in which two or more devices that have been operating within a certain period of time are installed, it becomes possible to appropriately generate a new space that suits the user's activity style.

[0025] In the above embodiment, the notification unit has a display unit, the display unit displays identification information of the new space, identification information of each of the two or more devices installed in the new space, and icons as collective control information for collectively controlling the operation of the two or more devices.

[0026] According to this embodiment, the display unit displays identification information for the new space (e.g., space name), identification information for two or more devices installed in the new space (e.g., device names), and icons for controlling the operation of the two or more devices collectively, thereby providing a user interface that is easy for the user to understand and operate.

[0027] In the above embodiment, the notification unit further notifies individual control information for individually controlling the two or more devices installed in the new space, based on the relevant information.

[0028] According to this embodiment, by providing individual control information for individually controlling two or more devices installed in a new space, along with batch control information, it becomes possible to further improve user convenience.

[0029] In the above embodiment, the equipment control unit generates the relational information at least one of the following: annually, seasonally, monthly, daily, weekday or holiday, and by time of day.

[0030] According to this embodiment, even if a user's activity style changes from year to year, season to season, month to month, day to day, weekday or holiday to weekday or holiday to holiday, or time to holiday to day of the week, the changed activity style can be accurately identified, making it possible to perform more appropriate device control.

[0031] In the above embodiment, the plurality of spaces include at least two of the living room, dining room, and kitchen.

[0032] According to this embodiment, in the case of a house where the living room, dining room, and kitchen are not separated by walls, the way in which these multiple spaces are combined varies greatly depending on the lifestyle of the residents. Therefore, by introducing the control device according to this embodiment in such a house, it is possible to appropriately generate new spaces that suit the lifestyle of the residents, thereby improving the benefits of introducing the control device.

[0033] A program according to one aspect of this disclosure is a program for causing a computer mounted on a control device that controls a plurality of devices installed in a building having a plurality of spaces to function as: an acquisition means for acquiring installation information and history information indicating the operation history of each of the plurality of devices; a space generation means for generating a new space by combining two or more of the plurality of spaces based on the installation information and history information acquired by the acquisition means, wherein the installation information includes a correspondence between the identification information of each of the plurality of spaces and the identification information of each of the devices installed in each of the spaces; a device control means for generating relationship information indicating a correspondence between the identification information of the new space and the identification information of two or more of the plurality of devices installed in the new space; and an output means for outputting the relationship information to a notification unit that notifies a batch control information for batch control of the two or more devices based on the relationship information.

[0034] According to this embodiment, a new space is generated by combining two or more spaces based on installation information and history information. In addition, relational information is generated showing the correspondence between the identification information of the new space and the identification information of two or more devices installed in the new space, and based on this relational information, unified control information for controlling the two or more devices collectively is notified. By analyzing the history information showing the operation history of each device, the activity style of the building's users can be accurately identified, making it possible to perform appropriate device control according to that activity style.

[0035] A control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for controlling a plurality of devices installed in a building having a plurality of spaces, wherein a computer acquires installation information and history information indicating the operation history of each of the plurality of devices, the installation information includes a correspondence between identification information of each of the plurality of spaces and identification information of each of the devices installed in each of the spaces, a new space is generated by combining two or more of the plurality of spaces based on the acquired installation information and history information, relationship information indicating a correspondence between identification information of the new space and identification information of two or more of the plurality of devices installed in the new space, and a notification unit notifies batch control information for controlling the two or more devices at once based on the relationship information.

[0036] According to this embodiment, a new space is generated by combining two or more spaces based on installation information and history information. In addition, relational information is generated showing the correspondence between the identification information of the new space and the identification information of two or more devices installed in the new space, and based on this relational information, unified control information for controlling the two or more devices collectively is notified. By analyzing the history information showing the operation history of each device, the activity style of the building's users can be accurately identified, making it possible to perform appropriate device control according to that activity style.

[0037] A control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a control device for controlling a plurality of devices installed in a building having a plurality of spaces, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires installation information and history information indicating the operation history of each of the plurality of devices; a space generation unit that generates a new space by combining two or more of the plurality of spaces based on the installation information and history information acquired by the acquisition unit, wherein the installation information includes a correspondence between identification information of each of the plurality of spaces and identification information of each of the devices installed in each of the spaces; a device control unit that generates relationship information indicating a correspondence between identification information of the new space and identification information of two or more of the plurality of devices installed in the new space; and a notification unit that notifies individual control information for individually controlling the two or more devices based on the relationship information.

[0038] According to this embodiment, a new space is generated by combining two or more spaces based on installation information and history information. In addition, relational information is generated showing the correspondence between the identification information of the new space and the identification information of two or more devices installed in the new space, and individual control information for individually controlling the two or more devices is notified based on this relational information. By analyzing the history information showing the operation history of each device, the activity style of the building's users can be accurately identified, making it possible to perform appropriate device control according to that activity style.

[0039] In the above embodiment, the space generation unit calculates the number of operating devices for each of the spaces and each of the multiple unit time periods into which a day is divided, based on the number of devices that operated in the same unit time period. If there are two or more spaces among the multiple spaces in which the number of operating devices is equal to or greater than a threshold, the unit generates the new space by combining these two or more spaces.

[0040] According to this embodiment, by combining two or more spaces in which a threshold number of devices are operating within the same unit of time, it becomes possible to appropriately generate a new space that corresponds to the user's activity style.

[0041] In the above embodiment, the space generation unit calculates the number of operating devices using a weighting coefficient corresponding to a preset type of device.

[0042] According to this embodiment, a larger weighting coefficient is set for devices that are more likely to be located in the space if the device is operating (e.g., lighting), and the space generation unit uses this weighting coefficient to calculate the number of operating devices, thereby enabling the generation of a new space that is more appropriately tailored to the user's activity style.

[0043] In the above embodiment, the space generation unit varies the threshold value according to each unit time.

[0044] According to this embodiment, by varying the threshold according to each unit of time, it becomes possible to more appropriately generate new spaces that are tailored to the user's activity style.

[0045] In the above embodiment, the space generation unit generates a new space by combining two or more spaces if two or more of the multiple devices have operated within a certain period of time and these two or more devices are installed in two or more of the multiple spaces.

[0046] According to this embodiment, by combining two or more spaces in which two or more devices that have been operating within a certain period of time are installed, it becomes possible to appropriately generate a new space that suits the user's activity style.

[0047] In the above embodiment, the notification unit has a display unit, the display unit displays identification information of the new space, identification information of each of the two or more devices installed in the new space, and icons as individual control information for individually controlling the operation of the two or more devices.

[0048] According to this embodiment, the display unit displays identification information for the new space (e.g., space name), identification information for two or more devices installed in the new space (e.g., device names), and icons for individually controlling the operation of the two or more devices, thereby providing a user interface that is easy for the user to understand and operate.

[0049] In the above embodiment, the equipment control unit generates the relational information at least one of the following: annually, seasonally, monthly, daily, weekday or holiday, and by time of day.

[0050] According to this embodiment, even if a user's activity style changes from year to year, season to season, month to month, day to day, weekday or holiday to weekday or holiday to holiday, or time to holiday to day of the week, the changed activity style can be accurately identified, making it possible to perform more appropriate device control.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the plurality of spaces include at least two of the living room, dining room, and kitchen.

[0052] According to this embodiment, in the case of a house where the living room, dining room, and kitchen are not separated by walls, the way in which these multiple spaces are combined varies greatly depending on the lifestyle of the residents. Therefore, by introducing the control device according to this embodiment in such a house, it is possible to appropriately generate new spaces that suit the lifestyle of the residents, thereby improving the benefits of introducing the control device.

[0053] A program according to one aspect of this disclosure is a program for causing a computer mounted on a control device that controls a plurality of devices installed in a building having a plurality of spaces to function as: an acquisition means for acquiring installation information and history information indicating the operation history of each of the plurality of devices; a space generation means for generating a new space by combining two or more of the plurality of spaces based on the installation information and history information acquired by the acquisition means, wherein the installation information includes a correspondence between identification information of each of the plurality of spaces and identification information of each of the devices installed in each of the spaces; a device control means for generating relationship information indicating a correspondence between identification information of the new space and identification information of two or more of the plurality of devices installed in the new space; and an output means for outputting the relationship information to a notification unit that notifies individual control information for individually controlling the two or more devices based on the relationship information.

[0054] According to this embodiment, a new space is generated by combining two or more spaces based on installation information and history information. In addition, relational information is generated showing the correspondence between the identification information of the new space and the identification information of two or more devices installed in the new space, and individual control information for individually controlling the two or more devices is notified based on this relational information. By analyzing the history information showing the operation history of each device, the activity style of the building's users can be accurately identified, making it possible to perform appropriate device control according to that activity style.

[0055] A control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for controlling a plurality of devices installed in a building having a plurality of spaces, wherein a computer acquires installation information and history information indicating the operation history of each of the plurality of devices, the installation information includes a correspondence between identification information of each of the plurality of spaces and identification information of each of the devices installed in each of the spaces, a new space is generated by combining two or more of the plurality of spaces based on the acquired installation information and history information, relationship information indicating a correspondence between identification information of the new space and identification information of two or more of the plurality of devices installed in the new space, and a notification unit notifies individual control information for individually controlling the two or more devices based on the relationship information.

[0056] According to this embodiment, a new space is generated by combining two or more spaces based on installation information and history information. In addition, relational information is generated showing the correspondence between the identification information of the new space and the identification information of two or more devices installed in the new space, and individual control information for individually controlling the two or more devices is notified based on this relational information. By analyzing the history information showing the operation history of each device, the activity style of the building's users can be accurately identified, making it possible to perform appropriate device control according to that activity style.

[0057] This disclosure can also be implemented as a program that causes a computer to execute each characteristic configuration included in such a device, or as a system that operates using this program. It goes without saying that such a computer program can be distributed via a computer-readable, non-temporary recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0058] (Embodiments of the present disclosure) The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Elements denoted by the same reference numeral in different drawings refer to the same or corresponding elements. Furthermore, the components, their arrangement, connection configurations, and operating sequences shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit this disclosure. This disclosure is limited only by the claims. Therefore, among the components in the following embodiments, those not described in the independent claims representing the highest-level concepts of this disclosure are described as constituting a more preferable configuration, even though they are not necessarily required to achieve the object of this disclosure.

[0059] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a home control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The home control system comprises a smart home 100, a communication network 500, and a server 400. Although only one smart home 100 is shown in Figure 1 for the sake of simplicity, multiple smart homes may be provided.

[0060] The smart home 100 has multiple spaces (rooms, bathrooms, toilets, entrances, and corridors, etc.) where multiple devices 300 to be controlled are installed. The smart home 100 is also equipped with an integrated controller 200 for controlling the operation of these multiple devices 300. The integrated controller 200 can communicate data with each device 300 via any communication network such as a wireless LAN or public network.

[0061] Server 400 is a control device for managing and controlling the entire home control system. The communication network 500 is any communication network, such as a public telephone network. Server 400, integrated controller 200, and equipment 300 are connected to the communication network 500. This allows Server 400 to communicate data with the integrated controller 200 and equipment 300 via the communication network 500.

[0062] Figure 2 shows an example of device 300. As shown in this example, device 300 is any IoT device such as an air conditioner, TV, refrigerator, rice cooker, and lighting. Each device 300 is connected to the integrated controller 200 via a communication network.

[0063] Figure 3 shows a first example of the system configuration. The home control system comprises an integrated controller 200, equipment 300, and a server 400 (control device).

[0064] The device 300 comprises a control unit 301, a history information generation unit 302, a storage unit 303, and a communication unit 304. The control unit 301 and the history information generation unit 302 are implemented as functions of a CPU or the like by executing a predetermined program. The storage unit 303 is configured with flash memory or the like. The communication unit 304 is configured with a communication module that supports any communication method such as IP. The history information generation unit 302 stores history information indicating the operation history of the device 300 in the storage unit 303. The operation history includes at least information indicating the timing (year, month, day and time) when the power of the device 300 was turned on or off. For example, if the device 300 is an air conditioner, the operation history may include information indicating the set temperature, or if the device 300 is a light fixture, it may include information indicating the dimming level.

[0065] The integrated controller 200 comprises a control unit 201, a display unit 202, a storage unit 203, and a communication unit 204. The control unit 201 is implemented as a CPU or similar function by executing a predetermined program. The display unit 202 is a touch panel display using liquid crystal or organic EL. The storage unit 203 is configured to include an HDD, SSD, or flash memory. The communication unit 304 is configured to include a communication module compatible with any communication method such as IP.

[0066] Server 400 comprises a control unit 401, a storage unit 403, and a communication unit 404. The storage unit 403 is configured with an HDD, SSD, or flash memory, etc. The storage unit 403 stores installation information 601, history information 602, and a program 603. The history information 602 is short-term history information stored in the storage unit 303 of device 300, which is periodically transferred from device 300 and accumulated over a long period. The control unit 401 includes an acquisition unit 501, a space generation unit 502, a device control unit 503, and an output unit 504, as functions realized by the CPU, etc., executing the program 603 read from the storage unit 403 into ROM or RAM, etc. Details of these functions will be described later. The communication unit 404 is configured with a communication module that supports any communication method such as IP.

[0067] Figure 4 shows a second example of the system configuration. The home control system comprises an integrated controller 200 (control device), equipment 300, and a server 400.

[0068] The integrated controller 200 comprises a control unit 201, a display unit 202, a storage unit 203, and a communication unit 204. The storage unit 203 stores installation information 601 and a program 603. The control unit 201 includes an acquisition unit 501, a space generation unit 502, an equipment control unit 503, and an output unit 504, which are functions realized when the CPU or the like executes the program 603 read from the storage unit 203 into ROM or RAM, etc.

[0069] The server 400 comprises a control unit 401, a storage unit 403, and a communication unit 404. The storage unit 403 stores history information 602.

[0070] Figure 5 shows a third example of the system configuration. The home control system includes an integrated controller 200 (control device) and equipment 300.

[0071] The integrated controller 200 comprises a control unit 201, a display unit 202, a storage unit 203, and a communication unit 204. The storage unit 203 stores installation information 601, history information 602, and a program 603. The control unit 201 includes an acquisition unit 501, a spatial generation unit 502, an equipment control unit 503, and an output unit 504, which are functions realized when the CPU or the like executes the program 603 read from the storage unit 203 into ROM or RAM, etc.

[0072] The following section describes the case where the system configuration shown in Figure 3 is adopted.

[0073] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing flow executed by the control unit 401 of the server 400. The control unit 401 generates the following relationship information by executing the following processes at least one of the following: yearly, seasonal, monthly, day of the week, weekday or holiday, and time of day. This makes it possible to accurately identify the changed activity style even when the user's activity style changes yearly, seasonally, monthly, day of the week, weekday or holiday, or time of day, thereby enabling more appropriate device control.

[0074] First, in step S100, the acquisition unit 501 acquires the installation information 601 by reading it from the storage unit 403.

[0075] Figure 7 is a simplified diagram showing an example of installation information 601. If there are multiple smart homes 100 to be managed, installation information 601 will be created for each smart home 100. Installation information 601 is created by the management company's operator or the like when the system is installed in that smart home 100. However, it may also be created by the resident of that smart home 100 instead of the operator, or it may be created after the system has been installed instead of at the time of installation.

[0076] The installation information 601 includes the correspondence between the identification information (room ID and room name) of each of the multiple rooms in the smart home 100 and the identification information (device ID and device name) of each device 300 installed in each room. In this example, the living room (room ID: R1) has an air conditioner (device ID: A01), main lighting (device ID: A02), indirect lighting (device ID: A03), and a television (device ID: A04). The dining room (room ID: R2) has main lighting (device ID: A05), indirect lighting (device ID: A06), and an air conditioner (device ID: A07). The kitchen (room ID: R3) has lighting (device ID: A08) and a ventilation fan (device ID: A09). Note that the managed area is not limited to rooms (spaces enclosed by walls), but may also include spaces not enclosed by walls (such as entrances or corridors).

[0077] Referring to Figure 6, in step S200, the acquisition unit 501 acquires the history information 602 by reading it from the storage unit 403.

[0078] Figure 8 is a simplified diagram showing an example of history information 602. In this example, history information 602 is a heat map showing when each device 300 installed in each space of the smart home 100 was operating during a given day. The heat map divides the day into 24 one-hour units, and distinguishes between the unit periods in which the device 300 was operating and the unit periods in which it was not operating by setting flag information, etc. This heat map may be created by the control unit 301 of the device 300 or by the control unit 401 of the server 400. Note that the length of the unit period is not limited to one hour, but may be several tens of minutes or several hours. Also, history information 602 does not necessarily have to be in the form of a heat map graph.

[0079] Referring to Figure 6, in step S300, the space generation unit 502 generates a new space by combining two or more spaces from among the multiple spaces of the smart home 100 in which the operating periods of the devices 300 are related (overlapping or consecutive), based on the installation information 601 and history information 602 acquired by the acquisition unit 501.

[0080] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing a first example of the specific processing in step S300. First, in step S301, the space generation unit 502 calculates the number of devices 300 that operated in the same unit of time (number of operating devices) for each space in the smart home 100, for each unit of time. In the example shown in Figure 8, for example, the number of operating devices in the dining room during the 6-7 o'clock unit of time is "3", and the number of operating devices in the living room during the 12-13 o'clock unit of time is "1".

[0081] In this case, the space generation unit 502 may calculate the number of operating devices using weighting coefficients corresponding to the types of devices 300 that have been set in advance. A relatively large weighting coefficient W1 is set for devices 300 that are likely to be in the room if they are operating. On the other hand, a relatively small weighting coefficient W2 is set for devices 300 that are not necessarily in the room even if they are operating. For example, a weighting coefficient W1 is set for lighting, and a weighting coefficient W2 is set for air conditioners and televisions, with the value of weighting coefficient W1 being set to "2" and the value of weighting coefficient W2 being set to "1". In this case, in the example shown in Figure 8, for example, the number of operating devices in the living room during the 18:00-19:00 time unit will be "4", and the number of operating devices in the dining room during the 18:00-19:00 time unit will be "5".

[0082] In this way, a weight coefficient is set that is larger for devices 300 (e.g., lighting) that are likely to be in the space if the device is operating, and the space generation unit 502 uses this weight coefficient to calculate the number of operating devices, thereby enabling the generation of new spaces that are more appropriately tailored to the user's activity style. The weight coefficient can be arbitrarily changed by the user or it can be changed automatically. For example, the operating status of devices 300 (such as power on or power off) and information on the presence or absence of people can be obtained through surveys, etc., and the weight coefficient can be determined using linear algebra or machine learning. This makes it possible to effectively generate spaces as activity spaces where people are actually present in their daily lives.

[0083] Next, in step S302, the space generation unit 502 determines, at each unit time, whether there are two or more rooms in which the number of operating devices is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0084] If there are two or more rooms in which the number of operating devices is equal to or greater than a threshold in a given unit of time (step S302: YES), then in step S303, the space generation unit 502 generates a new space by combining those two or more rooms in relation to that unit of time.

[0085] If the threshold is set to, for example, "1", then in the example shown in Figure 8, the space generation unit 502 generates a new space called "dining kitchen" by combining the dining room and the kitchen for each unit of time T1-T2 and T4-T5. Furthermore, the space generation unit 502 generates a new space called "living dining" by combining the living room and the dining room for each unit of time T3-T4 and T5-T6.

[0086] As shown in the example in Figure 9, by combining two or more spaces in which a threshold number of devices 300 are operating within the same unit of time, it becomes possible to appropriately generate a new space that suits the user's activity style.

[0087] The space generation unit 502 may also vary this threshold according to each unit of time based on pre-set table information. By varying the threshold according to each unit of time, it becomes possible to generate new spaces more appropriately according to the user's activity style.

[0088] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing a second example of the specific processing in step S300. First, in step S305, the space generation unit 502 determines, based on the history information 602, whether or not there are two or more devices 300 that have been operated consecutively within a certain period of time (for example, within 10 seconds to 1 minute).

[0089] If there are two or more devices 300 that are operated continuously within a certain unit of time (step S305: YES), then in step S306, the space generation unit 502 determines whether or not the two or more devices 300 are installed in two or more rooms.

[0090] If two or more of the devices 300 are installed in two or more rooms (step S306: YES), then in step S307, the space generation unit 502 generates a new space by combining the two or more rooms with respect to that unit of time.

[0091] For example, if, within a certain unit of time, the operation to turn on the main lighting in the living room is performed, and immediately afterward the operation to turn on the air conditioner in the dining room is performed, the space generation unit 502 will combine the living room and dining room to create a new space called "living-dining" for that unit of time.

[0092] Furthermore, for example, if, within a certain unit of time, the operation to turn on the bedroom light is performed immediately after the operation to turn on the hallway light, and immediately after that the operation to turn on the toilet light is performed, the space generation unit 502 will generate a new space, "a flow from the bedroom to the toilet," by combining the bedroom, hallway, and toilet for that unit of time.

[0093] As shown in the example in Figure 10, by combining two or more spaces in which two or more devices 300 that have been operated (continuously operated) within a certain period of time are installed, it becomes possible to appropriately create a new space that suits the user's activity style.

[0094] In step S300, a new space is generated that is different from the space defined in the installation information 601 up to that point. In the installation information 601, which is initially created by the management company's operator or resident, the correspondence between the identification information of each room and the identification information of each piece of equipment 300 is registered for each room name listed in the architectural drawings or floor plans of each floor. Therefore, the new space generated in step S300 is generated as a space that is not represented by the room names in the architectural drawings or floor plans of each floor.

[0095] Referring to Figure 6, in step S400, the equipment control unit 503 assigns identification information (ID and name) to the new space created in step S300. The equipment control unit 503 then associates this identification information with the identification information of two or more devices installed in the new space, thereby generating relationship information that shows the correspondence between them. For example, in the example shown in Figure 7, if a new space is created by combining "living room" and "dining room," the equipment control unit 503 assigns a new room ID (e.g., "R12") and a new name (e.g., "living-dining room") to the new space. The equipment control unit 503 also generates relationship information by associating the new room ID (R12) with the device IDs (A01 to A07) of two or more devices 300 installed in the living room and dining room.

[0096] Referring to Figure 6, in step S500, the output unit 504 outputs the relationship information generated in step S400.

[0097] Referring to Figures 1 and 3, the relational information output by the output unit 504 is input to the communication unit 404. The communication unit 404 transmits the input relational information to the integrated controller 200 via the communication network 500. The communication unit 204 of the integrated controller 200 receives the relational information and inputs the received relational information to the control unit 201. The control unit 201 creates display data based on the input relational information. The control unit 201 inputs the created display data to the display unit 202. The display unit 202 displays the operation screen based on the input display data. However, the notification method is not limited to display; it may also include audio output, etc. Furthermore, the notification method also includes outputting display data or audio data to a device having a display unit or audio output unit.

[0098] (First Embodiment) Figure 11 is a diagram showing a first example of an operation screen displayed on the display unit 202 with respect to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Below, an example of an operation screen displayed on the display unit 202 in a certain unit of time will be described, in which a new space called a "dining kitchen" is created by combining the dining room and the kitchen. According to the example shown in Figure 7, the new space called a "dining kitchen" is equipped with a main light (device ID: A05), indirect light (device ID: A06), and air conditioner (device ID: A07) for the dining room, and a light (device ID: A08) and ventilation fan (device ID: A09) for the kitchen.

[0099] Referring to Figure 11, the operation screen includes text representing the name "Dining Kitchen," individual control information for individually controlling multiple devices 300 installed in the dining kitchen, and batch control information for controlling multiple devices 300 installed in the dining kitchen collectively.

[0100] Individual control information includes text representing the name of each device 300 ("Dining Main Lighting", "Dining Indirect Lighting", "Dining Air Conditioner", "Kitchen Lighting", and "Kitchen Ventilation Fan") and icons that are touched to turn the power of each device 300 on or off. For example, if the power-on icon for "Dining Main Lighting" is touched, the integrated controller 200 remotely turns on the power to the main lighting installed in the dining room via the communication network. Similarly, if the power-off icon for "Kitchen Ventilation Fan" is touched, the integrated controller 200 remotely turns off the power to the ventilation fan installed in the kitchen via the communication network.

[0101] The centralized control information includes the text "All devices," a power-on icon, and a power-off icon. When the power-on icon is touched, the integrated controller 200 remotely turns on the power to all devices 300 installed in the dining kitchen ("dining main lighting," "dining indirect lighting," "dining air conditioner," "kitchen lighting," and "kitchen exhaust fan") via the communication network. When the power-off icon is touched, the integrated controller 200 remotely turns off the power to all devices 300 installed in the dining kitchen via the communication network.

[0102] Furthermore, the unified control information is not limited to the example where all devices 300 installed in the new space are the control targets. It may also be configured so that the user can manually exclude or add desired devices 300 from the target, or to make detailed settings for desired devices 300. Alternatively, the history information 602 may be configured to target only devices 300 that were operating within the same unit of time (devices 300 that were not operating are excluded).

[0103] Figure 12 shows a second example of an operation screen displayed on the display unit 202 with respect to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation screen includes unified control information, which includes icons that mimic the layout of the dining kitchen (DK) and living room (L), and individual control information for individually controlling a plurality of devices 300 installed in the dining kitchen and living room, respectively.

[0104] Regarding the batch control information, for example, if the icon labeled "DK" is touched for less than a specified time, the integrated controller 200 remotely turns on the power to all the devices 300 installed in the dining kitchen via the communication network. Also, for example, if the icon labeled "DK" is touched for longer than the specified time, the integrated controller 200 remotely turns off the power to all the devices 300 installed in the dining kitchen via the communication network. As a variation, although not shown in Figure 12, instead of controlling the on / off of the batch control operation based on the touch duration, icons for on and off of the batch control operation may be explicitly displayed.

[0105] Regarding individual control information, for example, the icon for a device 300 that is in operation is lit, and the icon for a device 300 that is stopped is off. When a lit icon is touched, the integrated controller 200 remotely turns off the power to the device 300 corresponding to that icon via the communication network. When an off icon is touched, the integrated controller 200 remotely turns on the power to the device 300 corresponding to that icon via the communication network. As a variation, although not shown in Figure 12, on and off icons for individual control operations may be displayed for each device 300, as shown in Figure 11.

[0106] Figure 13 shows a third example of an operation screen displayed on the display unit 202 with respect to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation screen includes icons that mimic the layout of a dining kitchen (DK) and a living room (L). For example, when the icon labeled "DK" is touched, a pop-up screen for the dining kitchen is displayed. This pop-up screen includes individual control information for individually controlling multiple devices 300 installed in the dining kitchen, and collective control information for controlling multiple devices 300 installed in the dining kitchen collectively.

[0107] Regarding individual control information, for example, the icon for a device 300 that is in operation is lit, and the icon for a device 300 that is stopped is off. When a lit icon is touched, the integrated controller 200 remotely turns off the power to the device 300 corresponding to that icon via the communication network. When an off icon is touched, the integrated controller 200 remotely turns on the power to the device 300 corresponding to that icon via the communication network. As a variation, although not shown in Figure 13, on and off icons for individual control operations may be displayed for each device 300, as shown in Figure 11.

[0108] Regarding the batch control information, for example, if the icon displayed as "ALL" is touched for less than a specified time, the integrated controller 200 remotely turns on the power to all the devices 300 installed in the dining kitchen via the communication network. Also, for example, if the icon displayed as "ALL" is touched for longer than the specified time, the integrated controller 200 remotely turns off the power to all the devices 300 installed in the dining kitchen via the communication network. As a variation, although not shown in Figure 13, instead of controlling the on / off of the batch control operation based on the length of the touch, icons for on and off of the batch control operation may be explicitly displayed.

[0109] According to the home control system of this embodiment, a new space is generated by combining two or more spaces based on installation information 601 and history information 602. In addition, relational information is generated showing the correspondence between the identification information of the new space and the identification information of two or more devices 300 installed in the new space, and based on this relational information, unified control information for controlling the two or more devices at once is notified. By analyzing the history information 602 showing the operation history of each device 300, the activity style of the residents of the house can be accurately identified, making it possible to perform appropriate device control according to that activity style.

[0110] Furthermore, according to the home control system of this embodiment, if the smart home 100 is a house where the living room, dining room, and kitchen are not separated by walls, the way in which these multiple spaces are combined will vary depending on the lifestyle of the residents. Therefore, by introducing the system according to this embodiment in such a house, it is possible to appropriately generate new spaces that suit the lifestyle of the residents, thereby improving the benefits of introducing the system.

[0111] Furthermore, according to the home control system of this embodiment, the display unit 202 displays identification information for a new space (e.g., space name), identification information for two or more devices 300 installed in the new space (e.g., device names), and icons for unified control information for unified control of turning the power on or off of the two or more devices, thereby providing a user interface that is easy for the user to understand and operate.

[0112] Furthermore, according to the home control system of this embodiment, by providing icons for individual control information for individually controlling two or more devices 300 installed in a new space, along with icons for batch control information, it is possible to further improve user convenience.

[0113] (Second Embodiment) Figure 14 is a diagram showing a first example of an operation screen displayed on the display unit 202 with respect to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Below, we will describe an example of an operation screen displayed on the display unit 202 in a new space called a "dining kitchen" which is created by combining the dining room and the kitchen in a certain unit of time. In the example shown in Figure 7, the new space called a "dining kitchen" is equipped with a main light (device ID: A05), indirect light (device ID: A06), and air conditioner (device ID: A07) for the dining room, and a light (device ID: A08) and ventilation fan (device ID: A09) for the kitchen.

[0114] Referring to Figure 14, the operation screen includes text representing the name "Dining Kitchen" and individual control information for individually controlling multiple devices 300 installed in the dining kitchen.

[0115] Individual control information includes text representing the name of each device 300 ("Dining Main Lighting", "Dining Indirect Lighting", "Dining Air Conditioner", "Kitchen Lighting", and "Kitchen Ventilation Fan") and icons that are touched to turn the power of each device 300 on or off. For example, if the power-on icon for "Dining Main Lighting" is touched, the integrated controller 200 remotely turns on the power to the main lighting installed in the dining room via the communication network. Similarly, if the power-off icon for "Kitchen Ventilation Fan" is touched, the integrated controller 200 remotely turns off the power to the ventilation fan installed in the kitchen via the communication network.

[0116] Furthermore, the individual control information is not limited to the example where all devices 300 installed in the new space are the control targets. It may also be configured so that the user can manually exclude or add desired devices 300 from the target, or to make detailed settings for desired devices 300. Alternatively, the history information 602 may be configured to target only devices 300 that were operating within the same unit of time (devices 300 that were not operating are excluded).

[0117] Figure 15 shows a second example of an operation screen displayed on the display unit 202 with respect to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation screen includes icons that mimic the layout of a dining kitchen (DK) and a living room (L), and individual control information for individually controlling a plurality of devices 300 installed in the dining kitchen and living room, respectively.

[0118] Regarding individual control information, for example, the icon for a device 300 that is in operation is lit, and the icon for a device 300 that is stopped is off. When a lit icon is touched, the integrated controller 200 remotely turns off the power to the device 300 corresponding to that icon via the communication network. When an off icon is touched, the integrated controller 200 remotely turns on the power to the device 300 corresponding to that icon via the communication network. As a variation, although not shown in Figure 15, on and off icons for individual control operations may be displayed for each device 300, as shown in Figure 14.

[0119] Figure 16 shows a third example of the operation screen displayed on the display unit 202 with respect to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation screen includes icons that mimic the layout of a dining kitchen (DK) and a living room (L). For example, when the icon labeled "DK" is touched, a pop-up screen for the dining kitchen is displayed. The pop-up screen for the dining kitchen includes individual control information for individually controlling multiple devices 300 installed in the dining kitchen. Similarly, when the icon labeled "L" is touched, a pop-up screen for the living room is displayed. The pop-up screen for the living room includes individual control information for individually controlling multiple devices 300 installed in the living room.

[0120] Regarding individual control information, for example, the icon for a device 300 that is in operation is lit, and the icon for a device 300 that is stopped is off. When a lit icon is touched, the integrated controller 200 remotely turns off the power to the device 300 corresponding to that icon via the communication network. When an off icon is touched, the integrated controller 200 remotely turns on the power to the device 300 corresponding to that icon via the communication network. As a variation, although not shown in Figure 16, on and off icons for individual control operations may be displayed for each device 300, as shown in Figure 14.

[0121] According to the home control system of this embodiment, a new space is generated by combining two or more spaces based on installation information 601 and history information 602. In addition, relational information is generated showing the correspondence between the identification information of the new space and the identification information of two or more devices 300 installed in the new space, and individual control information for individually controlling the two or more devices is notified based on this relational information. By analyzing the history information 602 showing the operation history of each device 300, the activity style of the residents of the house can be accurately identified, making it possible to perform appropriate device control according to that activity style.

[0122] Furthermore, according to the home control system of this embodiment, if the smart home 100 is a house where the living room, dining room, and kitchen are not separated by walls, the way in which these multiple spaces are combined will vary depending on the lifestyle of the residents. Therefore, by introducing the system according to this embodiment in such a house, it is possible to appropriately generate new spaces that suit the lifestyle of the residents, thereby improving the benefits of introducing the system.

[0123] Furthermore, according to the home control system of this embodiment, the display unit 202 displays identification information for a new space (e.g., space name), identification information for two or more devices 300 installed in the new space (e.g., device names), and icons for individual control information for individually controlling the power on or power off of the two or more devices, thereby providing a user interface that is easy for the user to understand and operate. [Industrial applicability]

[0124] This disclosure is particularly useful for applications to home control systems that incorporate IoT technology into smart homes. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0125] 100 Smart Homes 200 Integrated Controllers 202 Display section 300 equipment 400 servers 401 Control Unit 403 Storage section 501 Acquisition Department 502 Space generation part 503 Equipment Control Unit 504 Output section 601 Installation information 602 History Information 603 Program

Claims

1. The processor comprises, (i) History information showing the operating history of each of the multiple devices, and (ii) Installation information including the correspondence between the identification information of each of the multiple spaces and the identification information of each of the devices installed in each space, then relationship information is generated showing the correspondence between the identification information of a new space formed by combining two or more of the multiple spaces and the identification information of two or more of the multiple devices installed in the new space. Based on the aforementioned relationship information, control information for controlling the two or more devices is output. Control device.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control information includes at least one of batch control information for controlling the two or more devices collectively and individual control information for controlling the two or more devices individually.

3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the processor controls the two or more devices in response to user operations on the control information.

4. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the processor displays an icon that mimics the layout of the new space.

5. The aforementioned processor, The aforementioned icon is displayed as the control information. The control device according to claim 4, which controls the two or more devices in response to user operations on the aforementioned icons.

6. On the computer, (i) History information showing the operating history of each of the multiple devices, and (ii) Installation information including the correspondence between the identification information of each of the multiple spaces and the identification information of each of the devices installed in each space, generate a new space identification information that combines two or more of the multiple spaces and relationship information that shows the correspondence between the identification information of two or more of the multiple devices installed in the new space. Based on the aforementioned relationship information, control information for controlling the two or more devices is output. program.

7. Computers (i) History information showing the operating history of each of the multiple devices, and (ii) Installation information including the correspondence between the identification information of each of the multiple spaces and the identification information of each of the devices installed in each space, then relationship information is generated showing the correspondence between the identification information of a new space formed by combining two or more of the multiple spaces and the identification information of two or more of the multiple devices installed in the new space. Based on the aforementioned relationship information, control information for controlling the two or more devices is output. Control method.

Images