CONTROL INTERFACE PROVIDING DEVICE, CONTROL INTERFACE PROVIDING METHOD, AND PROGRAM

Abstract

To provide a novel technology for controlling a controlled device.SOLUTION: A control interface provision device 2000 acquires position information 20 showing a position of a client terminal 10. The control interface provision device 2000 identifies a controlled device 30 corresponding to the position of the client terminal 10, from among the plurality of controlled devices 30. The control interface provision device 2000 provides a control interface 40 of the identified controlled device 30, for the client terminal 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to techniques for providing an interface for controlling a device. [Background technology]

[0002] In a situation where a plurality of controlled devices are provided, a system for controlling each controlled device has been developed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system in which a client terminal corresponding to the controlled device can control the controlled device by using a virtual machine provided by a cloud server. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-077911 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the system of Patent Document 1, a client terminal is prepared for each controlled device. The present disclosure provides a new technique for controlling a controlled device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The control interface providing device of the present disclosure has an acquisition unit that acquires location information indicating the location of a client terminal, an identification unit that identifies the controlled device corresponding to the location of the client terminal from among a plurality of controlled devices, and a providing unit that provides the control interface of the identified controlled device to the client terminal.

[0006] The control interface providing method of the present disclosure is executed by a computer and includes an acquiring step of acquiring location information indicating a location of a client terminal, an identifying step of identifying a controlled device corresponding to the location of the client terminal from among a plurality of controlled devices, and a providing step of providing the control interface of the identified controlled device to the client terminal.

[0007] The program of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute the control interface providing method of the present disclosure. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a new technique for controlling a controlled device is provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an outline of the operation of a control interface providing device according to the first embodiment; [Diagram 2] 11 is a diagram illustrating a case in which a target device is determined based on the location of a client terminal and a control area. FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a control interface providing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a computer that realizes the control interface providing device. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow executed by the control interface providing device of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 illustrates an example control interface. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a control interface having an interface for selecting a control target. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification of confirmation regarding switching of a control target. [Figure 9] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification in response to a change in the position of a client terminal. [Figure 10] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification in response to a change in the position of a client terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations are omitted as necessary for clarity of explanation. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, predetermined values ​​such as predetermined values ​​and threshold values ​​are stored in advance in a storage unit accessible from a device that uses the values. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the storage unit is composed of one or more arbitrary number of storage devices.

[0011] [Embodiment 1] <Summary> Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an outline of the operation of the control interface providing device 2000 of the first embodiment. Here, Fig. 1 is a diagram for facilitating understanding of the outline of the control interface providing device 2000, and the operation of the control interface providing device 2000 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 1.

[0012] The control interface providing device 2000 provides the client terminal 10 with a control interface 40 for controlling the controlled device 30. The client terminal 10 is a computer used by a user 50 who is a user of the controlled device 30, and is a portable computer that can be carried around (for example, a laptop PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, or a tablet terminal).

[0013] The controlled device 30 is any device that can be controlled by a user using the control interface 40. For example, the controlled device 30 is a production facility operating in a factory or the like. It is assumed that a plurality of controlled devices 30 are provided.

[0014] Here, facilities such as production facilities and control devices for controlling the facilities may be provided separately. For example, some production facilities such as processing machines and robots operate upon receiving commands from a control PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) provided separately from the facilities. In this manner, when the facilities and control devices are provided separately, the control device is treated as a controlled device 30, and an interface for remotely controlling the control device is provided as a control interface 40. The control interface 40 provided to the client terminal 10 is displayed on a display device of the client terminal 10. A user 50 can control the facilities controlled by the control device by using the control interface 40 provided to the client terminal 10 to control the control device.

[0015] The control interface 40 is any interface capable of controlling the controlled device 30. For example, the control interface 40 is an operation screen that accepts operations for controlling the controlled device 30. There are various types of control of the controlled device 30 that can be performed using the control interface 40. Examples of control of the controlled device 30 include setting a parameter value for the controlled device 30, setting a control program for the controlled device 30, or causing the controlled device 30 to perform a predetermined operation.

[0016] Here, the control interface 40 is prepared for each of the multiple controlled devices 30. The user 50 obtains the control interface 40 from the control interface providing device 2000 using the client terminal 10, and controls the controlled device 30 corresponding to the control interface 40.

[0017] The control interface providing device 2000 determines the control interface 40 to be provided to the client terminal 10 based on the location of the client terminal 10. Specifically, the control interface providing device 2000 acquires location information 20 indicating the location of the client terminal 10. Furthermore, the control interface providing device 2000 uses the location information 20 to identify a controlled device 30 corresponding to the location of the client terminal 10 from among a plurality of controlled devices 30. Then, the control interface providing device 2000 provides the client terminal 10 with a control interface 40 corresponding to the identified controlled device 30. Hereinafter, the controlled device 30 determined to be the controlled device 30 corresponding to the location of the client terminal 10 is referred to as a target device.

[0018] For example, the target device is identified based on the location of the client terminal 10 and the control area 60 provided for each controlled device 30. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a case in which the target device is determined based on the location of the client terminal 10 and the control area 60. In FIG. 2, a control area 60-1, a control area 60-2, and a control area 60-3 are defined for each of the controlled devices 30-1, 30-2, and 30-3. Here, the client terminal 10 is located within the control area 60-2. Therefore, the control interface providing device 2000 identifies the controlled device 30-2 as the target device. Then, the control interface providing device 2000 provides the control interface 40 of the controlled device 30-2 to the client terminal 10.

[0019] The method of identifying the target device is not limited to the method of identifying the target device based on the positional relationship between the client terminal 10 and the control area 60. The method of identifying the target device will be described in detail later.

[0020] <Example of action and effect> According to the control interface providing device 2000, a control interface 40 for controlling the controlled device 30 is provided to the client terminal 10. Here, the control interface 40 provided from the control interface providing device 2000 to the client terminal 10 is the control interface 40 of the controlled device 30 corresponding to the position of the client terminal 10. Therefore, the user 50 can control the controlled device 30 corresponding to the position of the client terminal 10 operated by the user 50.

[0021] Here, the user 50 can change the location of the client terminal 10 (for example, by moving while holding the client terminal 10) to change the controlled device 30 corresponding to that location. Therefore, the controlled device 30 that can be controlled using the client terminal 10 is not limited to one controlled device 30 that is previously associated with the client terminal 10. Therefore, the control interface providing device 2000 can provide an environment in which one client terminal 10 can control various controlled devices 30.

[0022] In addition, by providing the control interface 40 of the controlled device 30 corresponding to the position of the client terminal 10 to the client terminal 10, it is possible to appropriately restrict the control of the controlled device 30 by the client terminal 10 and improve the convenience of the client terminal 10. For example, as described above, it is assumed that a control area 60 is provided for each controlled device 30. Also, the operation of the controlled device 30 is permitted only by the client terminal 10 located within the control area 60 of the controlled device 30. In such a case, the control interface 40 provided to the client terminal 10 is the controlled device 30 corresponding to the control area 60 including the position of the client terminal 10, so that the control interface 40 of the controlled device 30 that is permitted to be controlled by the client terminal 10 is provided to the client terminal 10. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the control interface 40 of the controlled device 30 that is not permitted to be controlled from being operated by the client terminal 10. In addition, since the user 50 does not need to specify the controlled device 30 to be controlled, the convenience of the client terminal 10 is improved.

[0023] According to the control interface providing device 2000, even if the client terminal 10 does not limit the controlled devices 30 that can be operated based on the location of the client terminal 10, the convenience of the client terminal 10 can be improved. For example, when the client terminal 10 is located near a certain controlled device 30 (for example, when the client terminal 10 is located in the control area 60), it is predicted that the probability that the user 50 is trying to control the controlled device 30 is high. Therefore, for example, the control interface providing device 2000 provides the control interface 40 of the controlled device 30 located near the client terminal 10 to the client terminal 10. As a result, the control interface 40 of the controlled device 30 that is highly likely to be controlled by the user 50 is provided to the client terminal 10. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a problem such as unintentionally operating a controlled device 30 different from the controlled device 30 that the user 50 wants to control, and the convenience of the client terminal 10 for the user 50 is improved.

[0024] The control interface providing device 2000 of this embodiment will be described in more detail below.

[0025] <Example of functional configuration> 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the control interface providing device 2000 of the first embodiment. The acquiring unit 2020 acquires the position information 20. The identifying unit 2040 identifies, from among a plurality of controlled devices 30, the controlled device 30 corresponding to the position of the client terminal 10 represented by the position information 20. The providing unit 2060 provides the control interface 40 of the identified controlled device 30 to the client terminal 10.

[0026] <Example of hardware configuration> Each functional component of the control interface providing device 2000 may be realized by hardware that realizes each functional component (e.g., a hardwired electronic circuit, etc.), or may be realized by a combination of hardware and software (e.g., a combination of an electronic circuit and a program that controls it, etc.). Below, a further explanation will be given of the case where each functional component of the control interface providing device 2000 is realized by a combination of hardware and software.

[0027] 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a computer 500 that realizes the control interface providing device 2000. The computer 500 is any computer. For example, the computer 500 is a stationary computer such as a desktop PC or a server machine. In addition, for example, the computer 500 is a portable computer such as a laptop PC, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal. The computer 500 may be a dedicated computer designed to realize the control interface providing device 2000, or may be a general-purpose computer.

[0028] For example, by installing a specific application on the computer 500, each function of the control interface providing device 2000 is realized on the computer 500. The application is configured with a program for realizing each functional component of the control interface providing device 2000. The method of acquiring the program is arbitrary. For example, the program can be acquired from a storage medium (such as a DVD disk or a USB memory) in which the program is stored. Alternatively, the program can be acquired by downloading the program from a server device that manages the storage device in which the program is stored.

[0029] The computer 500 has a bus 502, a processor 504, a memory 506, a storage device 508, an input / output interface 510, and a network interface 512. The bus 502 is a data transmission path for the processor 504, the memory 506, the storage device 508, the input / output interface 510, and the network interface 512 to transmit and receive data to and from each other. However, the method of connecting the processor 504 and other components to each other is not limited to a bus connection.

[0030] The processor 504 is a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The memory 506 is a main storage device realized using a random access memory (RAM) or the like. The storage device 508 is an auxiliary storage device realized using a hard disk, a solid state drive (SSD), a memory card, or a read only memory (ROM) or the like.

[0031] The input / output interface 510 is an interface for connecting the computer 500 to an input / output device. For example, the input / output interface 510 is connected to an input device such as a keyboard and an output device such as a display device.

[0032] The network interface 512 is an interface for connecting the computer 500 to a network. The network may be a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN).

[0033] For example, the client terminal 10 is communicably connected to the computer 500 via a wireless communication network. In this case, the network to which the client terminal 10 is directly connected and the network to which the computer 500 is directly connected may be the same network or may be different networks. In the latter case, for example, the client terminal 10 and the computer 500 are connected to a wireless LAN and a wired LAN, respectively. Then, the wireless LAN and the wired LAN are communicably connected. This allows the client terminal 10 and the computer 500 to communicate with each other. However, the client terminal 10 and the computer 500 do not need to be able to communicate directly with each other, and information exchange between them may be performed via one or more other devices (for example, shared storage, etc.).

[0034] The storage device 508 stores a program (a program that realizes the above-mentioned application) that realizes each functional component of the control interface providing device 2000. The processor 504 realizes each functional component of the control interface providing device 2000 by reading this program into the memory 506 and executing it.

[0035] The control interface providing device 2000 may be realized by one computer 500, or may be realized by multiple computers 500. In the latter case, the configurations of the computers 500 do not need to be the same, and may be different from each other.

[0036] <Processing flow> Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow executed by the control interface providing device 2000 of embodiment 1. Note that the process flow shown in Fig. 5 is merely an example, and the process flow executed by the control interface providing device 2000 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 5.

[0037] The acquiring unit 2020 acquires the location information 20 (S102). The identifying unit 2040 identifies the controlled device 30 corresponding to the location of the client terminal 10 (S104). The providing unit 2060 provides the control interface 40 of the identified controlled device 30 to the client terminal 10 (S106).

[0038] <Obtaining location information 20: S102> The acquisition unit 2020 acquires the position information 20 of the client terminal 10 (S102). The position information 20 of the client terminal 10 includes information capable of identifying the position of the client terminal 10. Various types of information can be used as the information for identifying the terminal position.

[0039] For example, a plurality of receivers for receiving radio waves transmitted from the client terminal 10 are provided at different locations. The radio waves transmitted from the client terminal 10 are, for example, radio waves for wireless LAN communication or radio waves for Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication. Note that a wireless LAN access point or the like can be used as a receiver for receiving radio waves for wireless LAN communication. The receiver for receiving the radio waves transmitted from the client terminal 10 is configured to be able to identify the reception strength of the radio waves.

[0040] Here, it is considered that the reception strength of the radio waves transmitted from the client terminal 10 depends on the positional relationship between the client terminal 10 and the receiver. More specifically, it is considered that the closer the receiver is to the client terminal 10, the stronger the reception strength of the radio waves transmitted from the client terminal 10. Therefore, the relative positional relationship between each receiver and the client terminal 10 can be grasped based on the reception strength of the radio waves at each receiver.

[0041] Therefore, for example, the acquisition unit 2020 acquires, from each of the multiple receivers, information indicating the reception strength of the radio wave transmitted from the client terminal 10. As a result, information indicating the reception strength of the radio wave transmitted from the client terminal 10 for each receiver can be obtained as location information 20.

[0042] Alternatively, for example, the coordinates of the client terminal 10 in a predetermined coordinate system may be estimated based on the reception strength of radio waves at each receiver. In this case, the location information 20 indicates the coordinates of the client terminal 10. For example, it is assumed that coordinates on a map are determined for each receiver. In this case, the coordinates of the client terminal 10 on the map can be identified based on the reception strength of radio waves at each receiver. Note that the process of estimating the coordinates of the client terminal 10 based on the reception strength of radio waves at each receiver may be performed by the control interface providing device 2000 or by another device.

[0043] The location information 20 may be generated using a transmitter instead of a receiver. For example, a plurality of transmitters that transmit radio waves that can be received by the client terminal 10 are provided at different locations. The client terminal 10 is also provided with a function for receiving radio waves transmitted from each transmitter and identifying the reception strength of the radio waves. In this case, for example, the client terminal 10 generates location information 20 indicating the reception strength of the radio waves for each transmitter, and transmits the location information 20 to the control interface providing device 2000. The acquiring unit 2020 acquires the location information 20 by receiving the location information 20.

[0044] Alternatively, for example, the client terminal 10 may estimate its own coordinates in a predetermined coordinate system (such as the coordinates on the map described above) by performing self-location estimation based on the reception strength of radio waves from each transmitter. In this case, the client terminal 10 transmits position information 20 indicating its estimated coordinates to the control interface providing device 2000. The acquiring unit 2020 receives this position information 20 to acquire the position information 20. Note that sensors such as an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor may also be used to estimate the client terminal 10's own position.

[0045] Hereinafter, the transmitters or receivers used to generate the position information 20 of the client terminal 10 in this way will be collectively referred to as landmarks.

[0046] Here, the acquisition unit 2020 may acquire the location information 20 at any time. For example, the control interface providing device 2000 acquires a request for providing the control interface 40 from the client terminal 10. For example, the acquisition unit 2020 acquires the location information 20 in response to receiving this request.

[0047] For example, a request acquired from a client terminal 10 includes identification information of the client terminal 10. The control interface providing device 2000 acquires location information 20 of the client terminal 10 by using the identification information of the client terminal 10 included in the request. For example, when acquiring information indicating the reception strength of radio waves from each of a plurality of receivers, the acquiring unit 2020 acquires, from each receiver, the reception strength of radio waves transmitted from the client terminal 10 specified by the identification information indicated in the request.

[0048] When the location information 20 is generated by the client terminal 10 itself, the location information 20 may be included in the request received from the client terminal 10.

[0049] Here, any method can be adopted as a method for receiving a request from a client terminal. For example, the control interface providing device 2000 provides a website accessible from the client terminal 10. This website is configured so that the provision of the control interface 40 can be requested by performing a predetermined operation. In this case, the user 50 accesses this website using the client terminal 10 and transmits a request for the provision of the control interface 40 to the control interface providing device 2000 by performing the above-mentioned predetermined operation.

[0050] Alternatively, for example, a predetermined application that communicates with the control interface providing device 2000 may be executed in the client terminal 10. For example, this application is configured to transmit the above-mentioned request to the control interface providing device 2000 when it is started or when a predetermined operation is performed. Moreover, the application may be configured to periodically transmit the position information 20 to the control interface providing device 2000.

[0051] <Identification of target device: S104> The identification unit 2040 identifies the controlled device 30 corresponding to the position of the client terminal 10 (S104). As described above, the controlled device 30 identified in this manner is called a target device. For example, a landmark (transmitter or receiver) is provided for each controlled device 30. The landmark corresponding to the controlled device 30 is the landmark closest to the controlled device 30. In this case, for example, the identification unit 2040 identifies the controlled device 30 corresponding to the landmark closest to the client terminal 10 as the target device.

[0052] The landmark closest to the client terminal 10 is identified based on, for example, the reception strength of the radio waves described above. When the landmark is a receiver, the landmark with the maximum reception strength of the radio waves transmitted from the client terminal 10 is considered to be the landmark closest to the client terminal 10. Therefore, the identification unit 2040 identifies the landmark with the maximum reception strength of the radio waves transmitted from the client terminal 10, and identifies the controlled device 30 corresponding to that landmark as the target device.

[0053] On the other hand, when the landmark is a transmitter, the landmark with the maximum reception strength when the client terminal 10 receives radio waves transmitted from the landmark is considered to be the closest landmark to the client terminal 10. Therefore, the identification unit 2040 identifies the landmark with the maximum reception strength of radio waves at the client terminal 10 from among the landmarks that transmit radio waves to the client terminal 10, and identifies the controlled device 30 corresponding to that landmark as the target device.

[0054] The landmark closest to the client terminal 10 may be identified based on the positions of the client terminal 10 and each landmark. In this case, the coordinates of the client terminal 10 are identified by the method described above. Furthermore, the identification unit 2040 acquires information indicating the coordinates of each landmark. Then, the identification unit 2040 identifies the landmark closest to the client terminal 10 based on the coordinates of the client terminal 10 and the coordinates of each landmark, and identifies the controlled device 30 corresponding to the landmark as the target device.

[0055] It is assumed that the information indicating the correspondence between the controlled device 30 and the landmarks is stored in advance in an arbitrary storage unit in a form that can be acquired from the control interface providing device 2000. For example, this information indicates the identification information of the controlled device 30 in association with the identification information of the landmark corresponding to the controlled device 30. The identifying unit 2040 acquires this information to grasp the correspondence between the controlled device 30 and the landmarks.

[0056] Similarly, information indicating the coordinates of the landmark is stored in any storage unit in a manner that can be acquired from the control interface providing device 2000. Note that the coordinates of the landmark may be included in information indicating the association between the controlled device 30 and the landmark.

[0057] The target device may be identified using the above-mentioned control area 60. In this case, the identification unit 2040 identifies the position of the client terminal 10 using the position information 20, and identifies the control area 60 that includes the position. Then, the identification unit 2040 identifies the controlled device 30 corresponding to the identified control area 60 as the target device.

[0058] Information indicating the control area 60 of each controlled device 30 is stored in advance in an arbitrary storage unit in a form that can be acquired from the control interface providing device 2000, for example. For example, this information indicates the control area 60 corresponding to the controlled device 30 in association with the identification information of the controlled device 30. For example, the control area 60 is represented by a range of coordinates in a coordinate system that represents the coordinates of a landmark or the client terminal 10. The identification unit 2040 grasps the control area 60 of each controlled device 30 by acquiring this information. The size of the control area 60 corresponding to each controlled device 30 may be common to all controlled devices 30, or may be different for each controlled device 30.

[0059] The control area 60 corresponding to the controlled device 30 may be determined by the determination unit 2040. For example, the determination unit 2040 determines the control area 60 corresponding to the controlled device 30 based on the position of the controlled device 30 and the size of the controlled device 30. For example, the center position of the control area 60 is set to the position of the controlled device 30. The providing unit 2060 also calculates the radius of the control area 60 by multiplying the reference radius by a coefficient based on the size of the controlled device 30. For example, if the reference size of the controlled device 30 is B, the length of the reference radius is rb, and the size of the controlled device 30 is S, the length of the radius of the control area 60 corresponding to the controlled device 30 can be rb*(S / B). The providing unit 2060 then determines the circular range determined by the determined center position and radius as the control area 60. Note that information such as the position of the controlled device 30, the reference size of the controlled device 30, and the reference radius are stored in advance in a storage device in a manner accessible from the control interface providing device 2000.

[0060] <Provision of control interface 40: S106> The providing unit 2060 provides the control interface 40 of the target device to the client terminal 10 (S106). As described above, the control interface 40 of the controlled device 30 is any interface capable of controlling the controlled device 30.

[0061] Here, various methods can be used to provide the control interface of the device. For example, for each controlled device 30, an instance (hereinafter, a control instance) of a virtual machine or a container for operating the controlled device 30 is prepared. In this case, for example, the providing unit 2060 transmits an operation screen of the control instance corresponding to the target device to the client terminal 10 as the control interface 40. Note that the control instance may operate inside the control interface providing device 2000 or outside the control interface providing device 2000.

[0062] Alternatively, for example, a web page (hereinafter, a control page) for operating the controlled device 30 is prepared for each controlled device 30. In this case, for example, the providing unit 2060 transmits the control page corresponding to the target device to the client terminal 10 as the control interface 40 of the target device.

[0063] As a more specific example, in the control interface providing device 2000, a virtual control PLC corresponding to each controlled device 30 is operated for each controlled device 30. The above-mentioned control instance and control page represent an operation screen of a PLC programming tool or the like capable of operating the virtual control PLC of the corresponding controlled device 30. The user 50 operates this operation screen on the client terminal 10 to set parameters, set a control program, or specify an operation for the virtual control PLC. Then, the controlled device 30 corresponding to the virtual control PLC is controlled according to the operation performed on the virtual control PLC. When a control instance is used, the virtual control PLC corresponding to the controlled device 30 may be operating in the control instance corresponding to the controlled device 30. In addition, existing technologies can be used for the technology of operating the virtual control PLC using a PLC programming tool or the like and the technology of remotely controlling production equipment according to the operation performed on the virtual control PLC.

[0064] Here, a specific example of the control interface 40 will be shown. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the control interface 40. In FIG. 6, a control screen 100 represents an example of the control interface 40. The control screen 100 has a plurality of buttons for controlling the corresponding controlled device 30. For example, a button for causing the controlled device 30 to perform a predetermined operation, a button for setting various parameters related to the controlled device 30, and a button for setting a control program for the controlled device 30 are provided. Note that the interface for controlling the controlled device 30 is not limited to buttons, and any of various interfaces such as a text box and a scroll bar can be adopted depending on the type and content of control.

[0065] In the case where the controlled device 30 that can be controlled using the client terminal 10 is not limited by the location of the client terminal 10, the control interface 40 may have an interface for selecting a control target. Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the control interface 40 having an interface for selecting a control target.

[0066] The control screen 100 in FIG. 7 has a selection area 110 and a control execution area 120. In the selection area 110, buttons corresponding to each selectable controlled device 30 are displayed. In the control execution area 120, an interface for controlling the controlled device 30 currently selected as the control target is displayed. In the selection area 110, the user 50 selects a button for the controlled device 30 that the user wishes to control. As a result, an interface for controlling the selected controlled device 30 is displayed in the control execution area 120. In this example, device D2 is selected. Also, the frame of the button for device D2 is thickened to indicate this state.

[0067] Here, when the controlled device 30 to be controlled can be selected using the control screen 100 in this manner, it is assumed that the target device is selected in the initial state of the control screen 100 (the initial control screen 100 provided by the providing unit 2060). In other words, the providing unit 2060 provides the control screen 100 in a state in which the target device is selected (a state in which an interface for controlling the target device is displayed in the control execution area 120) as the control interface 40 corresponding to the target device. In this manner, the control interface 40 of the controlled device 30 predicted to be controlled by the user 50 is provided to the client terminal 10, while allowing the user 50 to switch the control target at his / her will. This improves the convenience of the control interface 40.

[0068] <Notification to client terminal 10> After providing the control interface 40 to the client terminal 10, the providing unit 2060 may output various notifications to the client terminal 10. For example, the providing unit 2060 outputs a predetermined notification to the client terminal 10 in response to an operation of the control interface 40 using the client terminal 10. In addition, for example, the providing unit 2060 outputs a predetermined notification to the client terminal 10 in response to a change in the position of the client terminal 10. Each of these will be described in more detail below.

[0069] <<Notification in response to operation of control interface 40>> For example, it is assumed that a controlled device 30 other than the target device is selected using the interface in the selection area 110. In this case, for example, the providing unit 2060 outputs a notification for confirming whether or not it is OK to switch the control target.

[0070] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating a notification of confirmation regarding switching of a control target. The example of Fig. 8 assumes that an operation to switch the control target to device D1 has been performed on the control screen 100. As a result, notification 200 is output from the providing unit 2060 to the client terminal 10. The notification 200 includes a message indicating that device D1 has been selected, a message to confirm whether or not to switch the control target to device D1, and a button for selecting whether or not to perform the switch.

[0071] When the YES button is pressed in the notification 200, the device to be controlled is switched to device D1. Therefore, the control interface providing device 2000 provides the control interface 40 of device D1 to the client terminal 10. On the other hand, when the NO button is pressed in the notification 200, the device to be controlled is not switched. Therefore, a new control interface 40 is not provided to the client terminal 10.

[0072] <<Notification in response to change in location of client terminal 10>> When the client terminal 10 moves, the controlled device 30 corresponding to the position of the client terminal 10 may no longer exist, or the controlled device 30 corresponding to the position of the client terminal 10 may change to another controlled device 30. For example, in the situation shown in Fig. 2, when the user 50 moves to a position not included in any of the control areas 60, the controlled device 30 corresponding to the position of the client terminal 10 may no longer exist. Also, when the user 50 moves from the control area 60-2 to the control area 60-1, the controlled device 30 corresponding to the position of the client terminal 10 changes from the controlled device 30-2 to the controlled device 30-1.

[0073] In order to inform the user 50 of such a situation, the providing unit 2060 outputs a predetermined notification to the client terminal 10 in response to a change in the position of the client terminal 10. Figures 9 and 10 are diagrams illustrating notifications in response to a change in the position of the client terminal 10. In Figures 9 and 10, the names of the controlled devices 30-1 and 30-2 are assumed to be device D1 and device D2, respectively.

[0074] 9, the position of the client terminal 10 moves from a position included in the control area 60-2 to a position not included in any of the control areas 60. As a result, a notification 210 is output from the providing unit 2060 to the client terminal 10. The notification 210 includes a message indicating that the client terminal 10 has moved outside the control area 60 of the device D2, a message prompting the client to confirm whether or not to continue controlling the device D2, and a button for allowing the client terminal 10 to select whether or not to continue controlling the device D2.

[0075] When YES is selected in the notification 210, the control of the device D2 continues. Therefore, the control screen 100 for controlling the device D2 continues to be displayed on the display device of the client terminal 10. On the other hand, when NO is selected in the notification 210, the control of the device D2 ends. Therefore, for example, the provision of the control interface 40 to the client terminal 10 ends. As a result, for example, the control screen 100 is no longer displayed on the display device of the client terminal 10.

[0076] It is assumed that the controlled device 30 can be controlled only from within the corresponding control area 60. In this case, the control interface providing device 2000 may make the control interface 40 for controlling the controlled device 30-1 unavailable from the client terminal 10 without a user selection in response to the client terminal 10 moving out of the control area 60-1. Methods for making the control interface 40 unavailable from the client terminal 10 include, for example, a method of not displaying the control interface 40 on the client terminal 10, and a method of displaying the control interface 40 in an inoperable state (for example, a state in which a button cannot be pressed) on the client terminal 10.

[0077] Here, when provision of the control interface 40 to the client terminal 10 is terminated, the state of the control interface 40 may be saved for the next time the control interface 40 is provided to the client terminal 10. For example, assume that an operation screen of a control instance such as a virtual machine is provided as the control interface 40. In this case, even if provision of the control interface 40 to the client terminal 10 is terminated in response to the client terminal 10 moving out of the control area 60 of the controlled device 30, the state of the control instance is saved unless the control instance is deleted (for example, the virtual machine is shut down). Therefore, the next time an operation screen of the same control instance is provided, the previous operation screen can be used as is.

[0078] Next, the example of Fig. 10 will be described. In the example of Fig. 10, the position of the client terminal 10 moves from a position included in the control area 60-2 to a position included in the control area 60-1. As a result, a notification 220 is output from the providing unit 2060 to the client terminal 10. The notification 220 includes a message indicating that the client terminal 10 has moved to the control area 60 of device D1, a message prompting confirmation as to whether or not to continue control of device D2, and a button for selecting whether or not to continue control of device D2.

[0079] When YES is selected in the notification 220, the control of the device D2 continues. Therefore, the control screen 100 for controlling the device D2 continues to be displayed on the display device of the client terminal 10. On the other hand, when NO is selected in the notification 220, the control of the device D2 ends. Here, the client terminal 10 is currently located within the control area 60 of the device D1 (controlled device 30-1). Therefore, when NO is selected in the notification 220, the providing unit 2060 may provide the control interface 40 of the device D1 to the client terminal 10.

[0080] It is assumed that the controlled device 30 can be controlled only from within the corresponding control area 60. In this case, the control interface providing device 2000 may provide the client terminal 10 with the control interface 40 corresponding to the controlled device 30-1 without selection by the user 50 in response to the client terminal 10 moving from the control area 60-2 into the control area 60-1. More specifically, the control screen 100 displayed on the display device of the client terminal 10 may be automatically switched from the control screen 100 controlling the controlled device 30-2 to the control screen 100 controlling the controlled device 30-1.

[0081] Here, when performing various processes according to the position of the client terminal 10, the control interface providing device 2000 needs to grasp the position of the client terminal 10 even after providing the control interface 40 to the client terminal 10. Therefore, for example, the control interface providing device 2000 tracks the position of the client terminal 10 even after providing the control interface 40 to the client terminal 10. Tracking the position of the client terminal 10 can be realized by repeatedly acquiring the position information 20 of the client terminal 10. For example, after providing the control interface 40 to the client terminal 10, the control interface providing device 2000 periodically and repeatedly acquires the position information 20 about the client terminal 10.

[0082] The control interface providing device 2000 may end tracking of the position of the client terminal 10 at any timing. For example, the control interface 40 provided to the client terminal 10 may include an interface (such as an end button) for ending control of the controlled device 30. In response to an operation of this interface, the control interface providing device 2000 ends providing the control interface 40 and tracking of the position of the client terminal 10.

[0083] Alternatively, for example, as described above, it is assumed that an application that communicates with the control interface providing device 2000 is running on the client terminal 10. In this case, for example, the position of the client terminal 10 is tracked by periodically transmitting position information 20 from the client terminal 10 to the control interface providing device 2000. Therefore, for example, when this application is terminated on the client terminal 10, tracking of the position of the client terminal 10 is terminated.

[0084] <Consideration of user authority> The controllable controlled devices 30 may be limited for each user. In this case, the providing unit 2060 judges whether or not the user 50 has authority to control the target device identified by the identifying unit 2040. If the user 50 has authority to control the target device, the providing unit 2060 provides the control interface 40 to the client terminal 10. This makes it possible to prevent the controlled device 30 from being controlled by the user 50 who does not have the authority to control the controlled device 30.

[0085] Here, when the user 50 does not have the authority to control the target device, the providing unit 2060 may perform various operations. For example, the providing unit 2060 does not provide the control interface 40 to the client terminal 10, and outputs a notification to the client terminal 10 indicating that the user 50 does not have the authority to control the target device. In another example, the providing unit 2060 may provide the client terminal 10 with a control interface 40 in which some control is limited. For example, it is assumed that the authority to read information about the controlled device 30 is given to all users, while the authority to write to the controlled device 30 is given only to some users. In this case, the providing unit 2060 provides the client terminal 10 with a control interface 40 in a form in which the current state of the controlled device 30 (currently set parameter values, programs, etc.) can only be viewed, and the state of the controlled device 30 cannot be changed (parameter or program settings, etc.) by the providing unit 2060.

[0086] To determine whether the user 50 can control the target device, for example, information (hereinafter, authority information) that associates the identification information of the controlled device 30 with the identification information of the user who has the control authority of the controlled device 30 is used. The authority information is stored in advance in an arbitrary storage unit in a form accessible from the control interface providing device 2000. The providing unit 2060 determines whether the identification information of the user 50 is associated with the identification information of the target device in the authority information. If the identification information of the user 50 is associated with the identification information of the target device, the providing unit 2060 determines that the user 50 has the control authority of the target device. On the other hand, if the identification information of the user 50 is not associated with the identification information of the target device, the providing unit 2060 determines that the user 50 does not have the control authority of the target device.

[0087] Here, there are various methods for acquiring the identification information of the user 50. For example, when a request is sent from the client terminal 10 to the control interface providing device 2000, the request includes the identification information of the user 50. Alternatively, for example, when the user 50 uses the system provided by the control interface providing device 2000, the system may be configured to require login. In this case, the login ID of the user 50 can be used as the identification information of the user 50.

[0088] The control authority of the controlled device 30 may be assigned to a group of users. In this case, the authority information associates the identification information of the controlled device 30 with the identification information of the user group having the control authority of the controlled device 30. The providing unit 2060 judges whether or not the identification information of the user group to which the user 50 belongs is associated with the identification information of the target device in the authority information. When the identification information of the user group to which the user 50 belongs is associated with the identification information of the target device, the providing unit 2060 judges that the user 50 has the control authority of the target device. On the other hand, when the identification information of the user group to which the user 50 belongs is not associated with the identification information of the target device, the providing unit 2060 judges that the user 50 does not have the control authority of the target device.

[0089] The process based on the control authority of the controlled device 30 may be performed in response to an operation (operation on the selection area 110) for changing the control target on the control screen 100. When a new controlled device 30 to be a control target is selected, the providing unit 2060 determines whether the user 50 has the control authority of the specified controlled device 30.

[0090] When the user 50 has the control authority for the specified controlled device 30, the providing unit 2060 provides the control interface 40 for the specified controlled device 30 to the client terminal 10. When the user 50 does not have the control authority for the specified controlled device 30, various processes are performed by the providing unit 2060. For example, the providing unit 2060 does not provide a new control interface 40 to the client terminal 10, and outputs a notification to the client terminal 10 that the user 50 does not have the control authority for the specified controlled device 30. In addition, for example, the providing unit 2060 may provide the client terminal 10 with a control interface 40 with some functions limited, such as a control interface 40 that can only view the current state of the specified controlled device 30.

[0091] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention.

[0092] In the above example, the program includes a set of instructions (or software code) for making the computer perform one or more functions described in the embodiment when the program is loaded into the computer. The program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium. By way of example and not limitation, the computer-readable medium or tangible storage medium includes random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device. The program may be transmitted on a transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium. By way of example and not limitation, the transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium includes electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagating signals.

[0093] (Appendix 1) an acquisition unit that acquires location information representing a location of a client terminal; an identification unit that identifies, from among a plurality of controlled devices, the controlled device corresponding to the location of the client terminal; a providing unit that provides the client terminal with the control interface of the specified controlled device. (Appendix 2) A control area is defined for each of the plurality of controlled devices, the control area being a range of positions corresponding to the controlled device; The control interface providing device according to claim 1, wherein the identification unit identifies the controlled device corresponding to the control area that includes the position of the client terminal as the controlled device corresponding to the position of the client terminal. (Appendix 3) 3. The control interface providing device according to claim 2, wherein the size of the control area varies for each of the controlled devices. (Appendix 4) The control interface providing device described in Appendix 2 or 3, wherein after providing the control interface of the controlled device to the client terminal, if the client terminal moves outside the control area of ​​the controlled device, the providing unit sends a notification to the client terminal allowing the client terminal to choose whether or not to continue controlling the controlled device. (Appendix 5) 2. The control interface providing device according to claim 1, wherein the identification unit identifies the controlled device located closest to the client terminal as the controlled device corresponding to the position of the client terminal. (Appendix 6) A receiver or a transmitter is associated with each of the controlled devices; The location information indicates, for each of the receivers, a reception strength when the receiver receives radio waves transmitted from the client terminal, or indicates, for each of the transmitters, a reception strength when the client terminal receives radio waves transmitted from the transmitter; The control interface providing device described in Appendix 1, wherein the identification unit identifies the controlled device corresponding to the receiver or the transmitter associated with the maximum receiving strength in the location information as the controlled device corresponding to the location of the client terminal. (Appendix 7) A virtual machine or a container is provided for each of the controlled devices to control the controlled device; A control interface providing device as described in any one of Appendix 1 to 6, wherein the providing unit provides an operation screen of the virtual machine or container for controlling the identified controlled device to the client terminal as the control interface of the controlled device. (Appendix 8) A control authority for each controlled device is determined for each user or group of users, The providing unit is determining whether or not a user of the client terminal or a group to which the user belongs has authority to control the specified controlled device; A control interface providing device as described in any one of Appendix 1 to 7, which provides the control interface of the identified controlled device to the client terminal when it is determined that the user of the client terminal or a group to which the user belongs has the authority to control the identified controlled device. (Appendix 9) 1. A computer-implemented method for providing a control interface, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring location information representing a location of the client terminal; a step of identifying a controlled device corresponding to a position of the client terminal from among a plurality of controlled devices; providing the control interface of the specified controlled device to the client terminal. (Appendix 10) A control area is defined for each of the plurality of controlled devices, the control area being a range of positions corresponding to the controlled device; A control interface providing method as described in Appendix 9, wherein in the identifying step, the controlled device corresponding to the control area in which the position of the client terminal is included is identified as the controlled device corresponding to the position of the client terminal. (Appendix 11) 11. The method for providing a control interface according to claim 10, wherein the size of the control area is different for each of the controlled devices. (Appendix 12) A control interface providing method as described in Appendix 10 or 11, wherein in the providing step, after providing the control interface of the controlled device to the client terminal, if the client terminal moves outside the control area of ​​the controlled device, a notification is sent to the client terminal allowing the client terminal to choose whether or not to continue control of the controlled device. (Appendix 13) 10. The control interface providing method according to claim 9, wherein in the identifying step, the controlled device located closest to the client terminal is identified as the controlled device corresponding to the position of the client terminal. (Appendix 14) A receiver or a transmitter is associated with each of the controlled devices; The location information indicates, for each of the receivers, a reception strength when the receiver receives radio waves transmitted from the client terminal, or indicates, for each of the transmitters, a reception strength when the client terminal receives radio waves transmitted from the transmitter; A control interface providing method as described in Appendix 9, wherein in the identification step, the controlled device corresponding to the receiver or transmitter associated with the maximum receiving strength in the location information is identified as the controlled device corresponding to the location of the client terminal. (Appendix 15) A virtual machine or a container is provided for each of the controlled devices to control the controlled device; A control interface providing method as described in any one of Appendix 9 to 14, wherein in the providing step, an operation screen of the virtual machine or container for controlling the identified controlled device is provided to the client terminal as the control interface of the controlled device. (Appendix 16) A control authority for each controlled device is determined for each user or group of users, In the providing step, determining whether or not a user of the client terminal or a group to which the user belongs has authority to control the specified controlled device; A control interface providing method as described in any one of Appendix 9 to 15, which provides the control interface of the identified controlled device to the client terminal when it is determined that the user of the client terminal or a group to which the user belongs has the authority to control the identified controlled device. (Appendix 17) On the computer, an acquisition step of acquiring location information representing a location of the client terminal; a step of identifying a controlled device corresponding to a position of the client terminal from among a plurality of controlled devices; a providing step of providing the client terminal with a control interface of the specified controlled device. (Appendix 18) A control area is defined for each of the plurality of controlled devices, the control area being a range of positions corresponding to the controlled device; The program according to claim 17, wherein in the identifying step, the controlled device corresponding to the control area that includes the position of the client terminal is identified as the controlled device corresponding to the position of the client terminal. (Appendix 19) 19. The program according to claim 18, wherein the size of the control area is different for each of the controlled devices. (Appendix 20) The program described in Appendix 18 or 19, wherein in the providing step, after providing the control interface of the controlled device to the client terminal, if the client terminal moves outside the control area of ​​the controlled device, a notification is sent to the client terminal allowing the client terminal to choose whether or not to continue control of the controlled device. (Appendix 21) The program according to claim 17, wherein in the identifying step, the controlled device located closest to the client terminal is identified as the controlled device corresponding to the position of the client terminal. (Appendix 22) A receiver or a transmitter is associated with each of the controlled devices; The location information indicates, for each of the receivers, a reception strength when the receiver receives radio waves transmitted from the client terminal, or indicates, for each of the transmitters, a reception strength when the client terminal receives radio waves transmitted from the transmitter; The program described in Appendix 17, wherein in the identification step, the controlled device corresponding to the receiver or the transmitter associated with the maximum receiving strength in the location information is identified as the controlled device corresponding to the location of the client terminal. (Appendix 23) A virtual machine or a container is provided for each of the controlled devices to control the controlled device; A program described in any one of Appendix 17 to 22, in which, in the providing step, an operation screen of the virtual machine or container for controlling the identified controlled device is provided to the client terminal as the control interface of the controlled device. (Appendix 24) A control authority for each controlled device is determined for each user or group of users, In the providing step, determining whether or not a user of the client terminal or a group to which the user belongs has authority to control the specified controlled device; A program described in any one of Appendices 17 to 23, which provides the control interface of the identified controlled device to the client terminal when it is determined that the user of the client terminal or a group to which the user belongs has the authority to control the identified controlled device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 10 Client Terminal 20 Location information 30 Controlled device 40 Control Interface 50 users 60 Control Area 100 Control Screen 110 Selection Area 120 Control Execution Area 200 notifications 210 Notification 220 notifications 500 Computers 502 Bus 504 Processor 506 Memory 508 Storage Devices 510 Input / Output Interface 512 Network Interface 2000 Control interface providing device 2020 Acquisition Department 2040 Specific section 2060 Providing Department

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires location information representing a location of a client terminal; an identification unit that identifies, from among a plurality of controlled devices, the controlled device corresponding to the location of the client terminal; a providing unit that provides the control interface of the specified controlled device to the client terminal; A control area is defined for each of the plurality of controlled devices, the control area being a range of positions corresponding to the controlled device; The identification unit identifies the controlled device corresponding to the control area including the position of the client terminal as the controlled device corresponding to the position of the client terminal; When the client terminal moves outside the control area of ​​the controlled device after providing the control interface of the controlled device to the client terminal, the providing unit transmits a notification to the client terminal to allow the client terminal to select whether or not to continue control of the controlled device. A control interface providing device.

2. The control interface providing device according to claim 1 , wherein the size of the control area varies for each of the controlled devices.

3. 2 . The control interface providing device according to claim 1 , wherein the identifying unit identifies the controlled device that is closest to the client terminal as the controlled device corresponding to the position of the client terminal.

4. A receiver or a transmitter is associated with each of the controlled devices; The location information indicates, for each of the receivers, a reception strength when the receiver receives radio waves transmitted from the client terminal, or indicates, for each of the transmitters, a reception strength when the client terminal receives radio waves transmitted from the transmitter; The control interface providing device of claim 1 , wherein the identification unit identifies the controlled device corresponding to the receiver or transmitter associated with the maximum receiving strength in the location information as the controlled device corresponding to the location of the client terminal.

5. A virtual machine or a container is provided for each of the controlled devices to control the controlled device; 5. The control interface providing device according to claim 1, wherein the providing unit provides an operation screen of the virtual machine or container for controlling the identified controlled device to the client terminal as the control interface of the controlled device.

6. A control authority for each controlled device is determined for each user or group of users, The providing unit is determining whether or not a user of the client terminal or a group to which the user belongs has authority to control the specified controlled device; A control interface providing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, which provides the control interface of the identified controlled device to the client terminal when it is determined that the user of the client terminal or a group to which the user belongs has the authority to control the identified controlled device.

7. 1. A computer-implemented method for providing a control interface, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring location information representing a location of the client terminal; a step of identifying a controlled device corresponding to a position of the client terminal from among a plurality of controlled devices; providing the control interface of the specified controlled device to the client terminal; A control area is defined for each of the plurality of controlled devices, the control area being a range of positions corresponding to the controlled device; The identification step includes identifying the controlled device corresponding to the control area including the location of the client terminal as the controlled device corresponding to the location of the client terminal; The providing step includes, when the client terminal moves outside the control area of ​​the controlled device after providing the control interface of the controlled device to the client terminal, sending a notification to the client terminal to allow the client terminal to select whether or not to continue controlling the controlled device. A method for providing a control interface.

8. On the computer, an acquisition step of acquiring location information representing a location of the client terminal; a step of identifying a controlled device corresponding to a position of the client terminal from among a plurality of controlled devices; providing the control interface of the specified controlled device to the client terminal; A control area is defined for each of the plurality of controlled devices, the control area being a range of positions corresponding to the controlled device; The identification step includes identifying the controlled device corresponding to the control area including the location of the client terminal as the controlled device corresponding to the location of the client terminal; The providing step includes, when the client terminal moves outside the control area of ​​the controlled device after providing the control interface of the controlled device to the client terminal, sending a notification to the client terminal to allow the client terminal to select whether or not to continue controlling the controlled device. program.

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