Control terminal, server device, and control method

Abstract

To provide a control system capable of limiting equipment control.SOLUTION: The control system 10 includes: a control unit 28 that controls equipment 30 based on a control instruction of equipment 30; and an acquisition unit 27 that acquires a first restriction instruction for restricting the control of equipment 30. The control unit 28 is configured so that, when the first restriction instruction is acquired, the control of equipment 30 based on the control instruction is not executed even when a control instruction of equipment 30 is issued.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control system and a control method. [Background technology]

[0002] Various techniques for controlling home appliances have been proposed. Patent Document 1 discloses a home appliance control system that allows remote control of home appliances via an external network. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-050603 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention provides a control system and a control method capable of restricting control of a device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A control system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a control unit that controls an appliance based on a control instruction for the appliance, and an acquisition unit that acquires a first restriction command for restricting the control of the appliance, and when the first restriction command is acquired, the control unit does not control the appliance based on the control instruction even if a control instruction for the appliance is issued.

[0006] A control method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a control step of controlling an appliance based on a control instruction of the appliance, an acquisition step of acquiring a first restriction command for restricting the control of the appliance, and a restriction step of, when the first restriction command is acquired, restricting the control of the appliance by not controlling the appliance based on the control instruction even if a control instruction of the appliance is issued.

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

[0008] The control system and control method of the present invention can limit the control of the device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a control system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram of a first operation example of the control system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen displayed on the control terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the error information database. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram of a second operation example of the control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen displayed on the mobile terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram of a third operation example of the control system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

[0011] In addition, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a precise illustration. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are used for substantially the same configurations, and duplicated explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0012] (Embodiment) [composition] First, the configuration of a control system according to an embodiment will be described below. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control system according to an embodiment.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the control system 10 includes a control terminal 20, a plurality of devices 30, a remote control server 40, a mobile terminal 50, an information terminal 61, and a recall information management system 62. The control terminal 20 and the plurality of devices 30 are installed in a facility 70, and the remote control server 40, the information terminal 61, and the recall information management system 62 are installed outside the facility 70. The mobile terminal 50 is located outside the facility 70, but may be located inside the facility 70. Specifically, the facility 70 is an apartment building, but may also be a detached house. The facility 70 may also be a facility other than a residence, such as an office building. Note that the control system 10 is only required to include at least one device 30.

[0014] The control system 10 can control the device 30 based on a user's operation on the operation reception unit 21 of the control terminal 20 or a user's operation on the mobile terminal 50. The control system 10 also has a function of invalidating the user's operation and restricting (for example, forcibly stopping) the control of the device 30. Details of such a function will be described later.

[0015] Each device included in the control system 10 will be described in detail below. The control terminal 20 is an example of an information terminal, and specifically, an EMS (Energy Management System) controller having an energy management function. The control terminal 20 manages the power consumption of the device 30 (hereinafter simply referred to as the device 30) installed in the same facility 70 (in the case of an apartment building, the same private area) as the control terminal 20. The control terminal 20 also controls the device 30 and displays the operating state of the device 30. The control of the device 30 includes, for example, starting the operation of the device 30, stopping the operation of the device 30, and changing the operating state of the device 30. The control of the device 30 is performed by transmitting a control signal from the control terminal 20 (second communication unit 26) to the device 30.

[0016] The control terminal 20 is not limited to an EMS controller, and may be another controller not having an energy management function, or a gateway device. The control terminal 20 includes an operation receiving unit 21, a display unit 22, an information processing unit 23, a storage unit 24, a first communication unit 25, and a second communication unit 26.

[0017] The operation reception unit 21 receives operations from a user (such as a resident of a house). The operation reception unit 21 is realized by, for example, a touch panel, but may also be realized by a hardware key or the like.

[0018] The display unit 22 displays an image. The display unit 22 is realized by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel.

[0019] The information processing unit 23 performs information processing related to the control of the device 30. The information processing unit 23 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The information processing unit 23 has an acquisition unit 27, a control unit 28, and a management unit 29 as functional components. The functions of the acquisition unit 27, the control unit 28, and the management unit 29 are realized, for example, by a microcomputer or a processor constituting the information processing unit 23 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 24. The functions of the acquisition unit 27, the control unit 28, and the management unit 29 will be described in detail later.

[0020] The storage unit 24 is a storage device that stores computer programs executed by the information processing unit 23. The storage unit 24 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory. Note that identification information of the device 30 that can be controlled by the control terminal 20 is stored in advance in the storage unit 24 as registration information.

[0021] The first communication unit 25 is a communication circuit for the control terminal 20 to communicate with the remote control server 40, the mobile terminal 50, the information terminal 61, the recall information management system 62, and the like via the wide area communication network 80. The first communication unit 25 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit for performing wireless communication, but may also be a wired communication circuit for performing wired communication. There is no particular limitation on the communication standard of the communication performed by the first communication unit 25.

[0022] The second communication unit 26 is a communication circuit for the control terminal 20 to communicate with the device 30 via a local communication network. The second communication unit 26 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit for performing wireless communication, but may also be a wired communication circuit for performing wired communication. There is no particular limitation on the communication standard of the communication performed by the second communication unit 26.

[0023] The device 30 is a device controlled by the control terminal 20, in other words, a device that is the target of control by the control terminal 20. The device 30 is installed within the premises of the facility 70. The device 30 includes, for example, a communication circuit (communication module) for communicating with the control terminal 20 (second communication unit 26). Specifically, the device 30 is a lighting device, an air conditioner, an electric shutter, an electric lock, or the like.

[0024] The remote control server 40 is a cloud server used for remotely controlling the device 30 from outside the facility 70. When a user operates the mobile terminal 50 from outside the facility 70, a remote control command transmitted by the mobile terminal 50 is transmitted to the control terminal 20 via the remote control server 40, and the device 30 is controlled by the control terminal 20. The remote control server 40 is used, for example, by a business entity (hereinafter also referred to as a device provider entity) that manufactures or sells the control terminal 20 and the device 30. Specifically, the remote control server 40 includes a communication unit 41, an information processing unit 42, and a storage unit 43.

[0025] The communication unit 41 is a communication circuit that enables the remote control server 40 to communicate with the control terminal 20, the mobile terminal 50, the information terminal 61, the recall information management system 62, and the like through the wide area communication network 80. The communication unit 41 is, for example, a wired communication unit that performs wired communication, but may also be a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication. There is no particular limitation on the communication standard of the communication performed by the communication unit 41.

[0026] The information processing unit 42 processes information related to the remote control of the device 30. Specifically, the information processing unit 42 is realized by a microcomputer or a processor. The information processing unit 42 has, as functional components, an acquisition unit 44, a control unit 45, and a management unit 46. The functions of the acquisition unit 44, the control unit 45, and the management unit 46 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 42 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 43. The functions of the acquisition unit 44, the control unit 45, and the management unit 46 will be described in detail later.

[0027] The storage unit 43 is a storage device that stores various information necessary for the above information processing, the above computer programs, etc. The storage unit 43 is realized by, for example, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but may also be realized by a semiconductor memory.

[0028] The mobile terminal 50 is a portable information terminal operated by a resident of the facility 70 to remotely control the device 30 in the facility 70 from outside the facility 70. Specifically, the mobile terminal 50 is a smartphone or a tablet terminal. Note that a dedicated application program for realizing remote control and designation of the device 30 whose control is restricted (Modification 1 of Operation Example 1 described later) is pre-installed in the mobile terminal 50.

[0029] The information terminal 61 is an example of a first system, and specifically, an information terminal operated by a management company of a plurality of facilities 70 (more specifically, an employee of the management company) to restrict control of the device 30. The management company here is, for example, a company that specializes in the management of collective housing such as the facilities 70. The information terminal 61 is specifically a stationary information terminal such as a personal computer, but may also be a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or tablet terminal.

[0030] The recall information management system 62 is an example of a second system, and specifically, is a server device (or a server system) used by an equipment provider. The recall information management system 62 provides recall information to the control terminal 20. The recall information is information including identification information (information indicating the type, product number, serial number, etc.) of the equipment to be recalled (i.e., the equipment having a defect).

[0031] [Example 1] As described above, the control system 10 has a function of restricting (prohibiting) the control of the device 30. Hereinafter, an operation example (operation example 1) in which the control of the device 30 is restricted by disabling operations on the control terminal 20 will be described. Fig. 2 is a sequence diagram of operation example 1 of the control system 10.

[0032] When a user performs an operation to instruct control of the device 30, the operation acceptance unit 21 of the control terminal 20 accepts such an operation (S11). Based on the accepted operation, the control unit 28 transmits a control signal indicating the control content specified by the operation to the device 30 specified by the operation (S12). The control signal is specifically transmitted by the second communication unit 26.

[0033] Upon receiving the control signal, the device 30 operates (or stops) according to the control content indicated by the received control signal (S13).

[0034] In this way, when there is no restriction on the control of the device 30, the control system 10 can control the device 30 based on a user's operation on the operation reception unit 21 of the control terminal 20.

[0035] Meanwhile, recall information management system 62 transmits a first restriction command including the recall information to control terminal 20 at a predetermined timing, such as the timing when a recalled device occurs (S14). As described above, the recall information includes identification information of the recalled device (information indicating the type, product number, serial number, etc.).

[0036] The first communication unit 25 of the control terminal 20 receives the first restriction command. The acquisition unit 27 acquires the received first restriction command (S15). The control unit 28 determines whether or not the devices 30 (devices 30 registered as control targets) include devices that are subject to recall, based on the recall information included in the acquired first restriction command (S16). The control unit 28 can determine whether or not the devices 30 include devices that are subject to recall, for example, by collating the registration information (identification information of the devices 30) stored in the storage unit 24 with the recall information (identification information of the devices that are subject to recall).

[0037] If the devices 30 include devices that are subject to recall, the control unit 28 registers the devices 30 in the storage unit 24 as devices that are subject to restriction (S17). The control unit 28 registers the devices 30 as devices that are subject to restriction, for example, by adding a flag to the registration information of the devices 30. Note that if the devices 30 do not include devices that are subject to recall, the process of step S17 is not performed.

[0038] In addition, the control unit 28 transmits a second restriction command to the device 30 registered as a restricted device, for restricting the device 30 from receiving a control command (S18). The second restriction command is transmitted by the second communication unit 26, specifically.

[0039] When the device 30 receives the second restriction command, it transitions to the restriction mode in accordance with the received second restriction command and does not accept any control command (S19). The control command here means a direct control command to the device 30 based on a user's operation on a dedicated remote controller (such as an infrared remote controller) for the device 30 or a user's operation on a button or the like provided on the device 30 (in other words, a control command from a terminal other than the control terminal 20). In other words, the device 30 that has transitioned to the restriction mode cannot be controlled by a user's operation on a dedicated remote controller or a user's operation on a button or the like provided on the device 30.

[0040] For example, if the device 30 that has transitioned to the restricted mode is an electric shutter, opening and closing control is prohibited. If the device 30 that has transitioned to the restricted mode is an air conditioner, operation of the air conditioner (power on) is prohibited. If the device 30 that has transitioned to the restricted mode is an electric lock, authentication processing using an authentication medium such as a mobile terminal (locking and unlocking using the authentication medium) is prohibited. If the device 30 that has transitioned to the restricted mode is a lighting device, lighting of the lighting device (power on) is prohibited.

[0041] The processes of steps S18 and S19 are performed when the device 30 registered as a restricted device has a restricted mode (restriction function), and are omitted when the device 30 registered as a restricted device does not have the restricted mode. Whether the device 30 has the restricted mode can be specified by, for example, referring to the registration information stored in the storage unit 24.

[0042] Thereafter, when the user performs an operation to instruct control of the device 30 registered as a restricted device, the operation reception unit 21 of the control terminal 20 receives such an operation (S20). However, the control unit 28 does not regard such an operation as a control instruction and does not transmit a control signal. The control unit 28 also displays a notification screen on the display unit 22 to notify the user that the control of the device 30 is restricted (S21). FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of such a notification screen. In other words, the device 30 registered as a restricted device cannot be controlled by the user's operation on the control terminal 20.

[0043] For example, if the device 30 registered as a restricted device is an electric shutter, opening and closing control is prohibited. If the device 30 registered as a restricted device is an air conditioner, operation (power on) of the air conditioner is prohibited. If the device 30 registered as a restricted device is a lighting device, lighting (power on) of the lighting device is prohibited. In other words, all control of the device 30 registered as a controlled device is prohibited.

[0044] As described above, for a device 30 registered as a restricted device based on recall information, even if a control instruction is given, the control system 10 does not control the device 30 based on the control instruction. Specifically, even if a user operation is given as a control instruction, the control system 10 does not control the device 30 based on the operation. In addition, the control system 10 transmits a second restriction command to the device 30 registered as a restricted device to restrict the device 30 from receiving a control instruction.

[0045] Such a control system 10 can restrict the device 30 from being controlled when the device 30 is a device subject to recall and it is inappropriate to control the device 30.

[0046] Note that, for example, all control of the device 30 registered as a restricted device is prohibited, but only specific control may be prohibited. For example, if the device 30 is an air conditioner, cooling operation may be prohibited and heating operation may be permitted. In such a case, the first restriction command includes information indicating the content of the control to be restricted, in addition to information indicating the restricted device 30 (for example, identification information of the device 30).

[0047] [Modification 1 of Operation Example 1] In the above-described operation example 1, the control of the device 30 is restricted based on the first restriction command (recall information) transmitted by the recall information management system 62. However, the control of the device 30 may be restricted based on the first restriction command transmitted by another system or device.

[0048] For example, there may be a case where a user (e.g., a mother) wants to restrict another user (e.g., a child) in the facility 70 from controlling the device 30 while the user is out of the facility 70. In such a case, the first restriction command may be transmitted from the mobile terminal 50 to the control terminal 20 via the remote control server 40 based on the user's operation on the mobile terminal 50. The acquisition unit 27 of the control terminal 20 acquires the first restriction command transmitted by the mobile terminal 50, and the control unit 28 registers the device 30 as a device to be restricted based on the acquired first restriction command. Note that the user can specify which device 30 is to be the device to be restricted by operating the mobile terminal 50, and the first restriction command includes information indicating which device 30 is to be restricted (such as identification information of the device 30).

[0049] [Modification 2 of Operation Example 1] In addition, when the facility 70 is an apartment house, there is no need to control the device 30 installed in the private section of the apartment house from when a resident moves out until the next resident starts living there, and the management company of the facility 70 needs to suppress the control of unauthorized devices 30. In such a case, the first restriction command may be transmitted from the information terminal 61 to the control terminal 20 based on the operation of the management company (more specifically, an employee of the management company) on the information terminal 61. The acquisition unit 27 of the control terminal 20 acquires the first restriction command transmitted by the information terminal 61, and the control unit 28 registers the device 30 as a device to be restricted based on the acquired first restriction command. In this case, all devices 30 registered in the control terminal 20 are regarded as devices to be restricted, but it may be possible to specify which devices 30 are to be restricted by operating the information terminal 61. In this case, the first restriction command includes information indicating which devices 30 are to be restricted (such as identification information of the devices 30).

[0050] [Modification 3 of Operation Example 1] Furthermore, the control unit 28 may restrict the control of a device 30 in which many errors occur, based on an error information database stored in the storage unit 24 of the control terminal 20. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the error information database.

[0051] When an error occurs, the device 30 installed in the facility 70 transmits an error notification to the control terminal 20. The error notification includes identification information of the device 30 (device ID in FIG. 4) and an error code indicating the content of the error that has occurred. By accumulating such error notifications, the management unit 29 can generate an error information database as shown in FIG. 4 and store it in the memory unit 24. The error information database is updated, for example, every time an error notification is received. In this way, the management unit 29 manages the occurrence status of errors in the device 30.

[0052] Here, when the error information database is updated, the management unit 29 performs a process for identifying a device 30 in which many errors occur by referring to the updated error information database. Specifically, the management unit 29 identifies a device 30 in which a predetermined number of errors or more have occurred within a predetermined period. The predetermined period is, for example, the most recent one month period, and the predetermined number is, for example, an integer equal to or greater than 2 (specifically, 5, etc.). When counting the number of errors, the management unit 29 may, for example, count the number of errors regardless of the content of the errors, or may count the number of errors taking into account the content of the errors (error code). When the content of the errors is taken into account, a device 30 in which a predetermined number of errors with the same error code or more have occurred within a predetermined period is identified.

[0053] When the management unit 29 identifies the device 30 in which many errors occur, it outputs a first restriction command for restricting control of the identified device 30. The first restriction command includes, for example, identification information of the identified device 30. The acquisition unit 27 acquires the first restriction command output by the management unit 29, and the control unit 28 registers the device 30 as a device to be restricted based on the acquired first restriction command. This restricts control of the device 30 in which many errors occur.

[0054] [Example 2] Next, a description will be given of an operation example (operation example 2) in which remote control of the device 30 is restricted by disabling operations on the mobile terminal 50. Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram of the operation example 2 of the control system 10.

[0055] In the second operational example, a user operates the mobile terminal 50 outside the facility 70 to remotely control the device 30 within the facility 70. When the user performs an operation to instruct remote control of the device 30, the mobile terminal 50 accepts such an operation (S31). Based on the accepted operation, the mobile terminal 50 transmits a remote control command to control the device 30 specified by the operation (S32). The remote control command is relayed by the remote control server 40 and transmitted to the control terminal 20.

[0056] The first communication unit 25 of the control terminal 20 receives the remote control command. The control unit 28 transmits a control signal indicating the control content specified in the remote control command to the device 30 specified in the remote control command based on the received remote control command (S33). The control signal is specifically transmitted by the second communication unit 26.

[0057] Upon receiving the control signal, the device 30 operates (or stops) according to the control content indicated by the received control signal (S34).

[0058] In this manner, the control system 10 can remotely control the device 30 based on the user's operation on the mobile terminal 50.

[0059] Thereafter, similarly to the operation example 1, the acquisition unit 27 acquires a first restriction command (S35). Although details are not shown in Fig. 5, the first restriction command acquired by the acquisition unit 27 may be transmitted by the recall information management system 62 or may be transmitted by the mobile terminal 50. Moreover, the first restriction command acquired by the acquisition unit 27 may be transmitted by the information terminal 61 or may be output by the management unit 29.

[0060] The control unit 28 registers the device 30 specified in the first restriction command as a restricted device in the storage unit 24 based on the acquired first restriction command (S36). The control unit 28 registers the device 30 as a restricted device, for example, by adding a flag to the registration information of the device 30.

[0061] In addition, the control unit 28 transmits a second restriction command to the device 30 registered as a restricted device, for restricting the device 30 from receiving a control command (S37). The second restriction command is transmitted by the second communication unit 26, specifically.

[0062] When the device 30 receives the second restriction command, it transitions to the restriction mode in accordance with the received second restriction command and does not accept control instructions (S38). As in the first operation example, the device 30 that has transitioned to the restriction mode cannot be controlled by a user's operation on a dedicated remote controller or a user's operation on a button or the like provided on the device 30. Note that the processes of steps S37 and S38 are omitted if the device 30 registered as a device to be restricted does not have the restriction mode.

[0063] Thereafter, when the user performs an operation to instruct remote control of the device 30 registered as a restricted device, the mobile terminal 50 accepts such an operation (S39). Based on the accepted operation, the mobile terminal 50 transmits a remote control command to control the device 30 specified by the operation (S40). The remote control command is relayed by the remote control server 40 and transmitted to the control terminal 20.

[0064] The first communication unit 25 of the control terminal 20 receives the remote control command. However, the control unit 28 does not regard the received remote control command as a control instruction and does not transmit a control signal. The control unit 28 also transmits a response to the remote control command, indicating that the control of the device 30 is restricted (S41). Such a response is specifically transmitted by the first communication unit 25. The response transmitted by the first communication unit 25 is relayed by the remote control server 40 and transmitted to the mobile terminal 50.

[0065] The mobile terminal 50 receives the response and displays a notification screen for notifying the user that the control of the device 30 will be restricted based on the received response (S42). Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of such a notification screen. In other words, the device 30 registered as a restricted device cannot be remotely controlled by the user's operation on the mobile terminal 50.

[0066] As described above, even if a control instruction is issued for a device 30 registered as a restricted device, the control system 10 does not control the device 30 based on the control instruction. Specifically, when the control system 10 acquires a first restriction instruction, even if a remote control instruction is received as a control instruction, the control system 10 does not control the device 30 based on the remote control instruction.

[0067] Such a control system 10 can restrict remote control of the device 30. For example, when the first restriction command is transmitted by the recall information management system 62, the control system 10 can restrict remote control of the device 30 that is the subject of recall. Also, when the first restriction command is transmitted by the mobile terminal 50 of a user, the control system 10 can restrict remote control of the device 30 of another user.

[0068] Furthermore, when the first restriction command is transmitted by the information terminal 61 used by the management company of the facility 70 (apartment building), the control system 10 can restrict the device 30 from being remotely controlled by a previous resident of the apartment building (a person who had the authority to remotely control the device 30 while living there).When the first restriction command is output by the management unit 29, the control system 10 can restrict the device 30 with many errors from being remotely controlled.

[0069] [Example 3] In the above-mentioned operation example 2, the information processing for restricting the remote control of the device 30 was mainly performed by the control terminal 20, but it may be mainly performed by the remote control server 40. Such an operation example (operation example 3) will be described below. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram of operation example 3 of the control system 10. Note that in the following operation example 3, the registration information of the device 30 and the error information database are shared by the control terminal 20 and the remote control server 40, and are also stored in the memory unit 43 of the remote control server 40.

[0070] The acquisition unit 44 of the remote control server 40 acquires a first restriction command (S51). Although not shown in detail in FIG. 7, the first restriction command acquired by the acquisition unit 44 may be transmitted from the recall information management system 62 to the remote control server 40 (communication unit 41), or the first restriction command may be transmitted from the mobile terminal 50 to the remote control server 40. The first restriction command acquired by the acquisition unit 44 may be transmitted from the information terminal 61 to the remote control server 40. The first restriction command acquired by the acquisition unit 44 may be output by the management unit 46 that manages the occurrence status of an error in the device 30 based on the error information database stored in the storage unit 43.

[0071] The control unit 45 registers the device 30 specified in the first restriction command as a restricted device in the storage unit 24 based on the acquired first restriction command (S52). The control unit 45 registers the device 30 as a restricted device, for example, by adding a flag to registration information of the device 30 (for example, registration information stored in the storage unit 43).

[0072] Thereafter, when the user performs an operation to instruct remote control of the device 30 registered as a restricted device, the mobile terminal 50 accepts such an operation (S53). Based on the accepted operation, the mobile terminal 50 transmits a remote control command to control the device 30 specified by the operation (S54).

[0073] The communication unit 41 of the remote control server 40 receives the remote control command. When the device 30 is not registered as a restricted device, the control unit 45 regards the remote control command as a control instruction and transmits the remote control command to the control terminal 20 to control the device 30. However, in this case, the device 30 is registered as a restricted device, so the control unit 45 does not regard the received remote control command as a control instruction and does not transmit the remote control command to the control terminal 20.

[0074] Furthermore, the control unit 45 transmits a response to the remote control command, which response indicates that the control of the device 30 is to be restricted (S55). Specifically, such a response is transmitted by the communication unit 41.

[0075] The mobile terminal 50 receives the response, and based on the received response, displays a notification screen (for example, see FIG. 6) for notifying the user that the control of the device 30 will be restricted (S56). In other words, the device 30 registered as a restricted device cannot be remotely controlled by the user's operation on the mobile terminal 50.

[0076] As described above, restrictions on remote control of the device 30 can also be realized by information processing executed primarily by the remote control server 40.

[0077] [Effects, etc.] As described above, the control system 10 includes the control unit 28 that controls the device 30 based on a control instruction for the device 30, and the acquisition unit 27 that acquires a first restriction command for restricting the control of the device 30. When the first restriction command is acquired, the control unit 28 does not control the device 30 based on the control instruction even if a control instruction for the device 30 is issued.

[0078] Such a control system 10 can limit the control of the device 30 by the control system 10 .

[0079] Furthermore, for example, when the control unit 28 acquires the first restriction command, the control unit 28 transmits to the device 30 a second restriction command for restricting the device 30 from receiving a control command.

[0080] Such a control system 10 can restrict the device 30 from receiving control instructions.

[0081] Furthermore, for example, the device 30 is installed in an apartment building. The acquisition unit 27 acquires the first restriction command transmitted by an information terminal 61 used by a management company of the apartment building. The information terminal 61 is an example of a first system.

[0082] Such a control system 10 can restrict control of the device 30 in response to a request from the management company of the apartment complex.

[0083] Also, for example, the acquisition unit 27 acquires a first restriction command transmitted by the mobile terminal 50 used by the user of the device 30.

[0084] Such a control system 10 can limit the control of the device 30 in response to a request from a user of the device 30 .

[0085] Also, for example, the acquisition unit 27 acquires a first restriction command transmitted by a recall information management system 62 used by a business entity that manufactures the device 30. The recall information management system 62 is an example of a second system.

[0086] Such a control system 10 can restrict control of a recalled device 30 in response to a request from the business entity that controls the device 30.

[0087] For example, the device 30 further includes a management unit that manages the occurrence status of an error, and the acquisition unit 27 acquires the first restriction command output by the management unit 29.

[0088] Such a control system 10 can restrict the control of a device 30 in which many errors occur.

[0089] Also, for example, the control system 10 is realized as a device (for example, the control terminal 20) installed in a facility 70 in which the equipment 30 is installed.

[0090] Such a control system 10 can be realized as an edge computer installed in the same facility 70 as the equipment 30.

[0091] Also, for example, the control system 10 is realized as a device (for example, a remote control server 40) installed outside the facility 70 in which the device 30 is installed. In this case, the control system 10 includes a control unit 45 that controls the device 30 based on a control instruction of the device 30, and an acquisition unit 44 that acquires a first restriction command for restricting the control of the device 30, and when the first restriction command is acquired, the control unit 45 does not control the device 30 based on the control instruction even if a control instruction for the device 30 is issued.

[0092] Such a control system 10 can be realized as a cloud computer.

[0093] Also, for example, the control instruction is performed based on a user's operation on the above-mentioned device (for example, the control terminal 20). When the first restriction command is acquired, even if a user's operation is performed as a control instruction, the control unit 28 does not control the device 30 based on the operation.

[0094] Such a control system 10 can disable a user's operation on the control terminal 20 for controlling the device 30.

[0095] Also, for example, the control instruction is performed based on a remote control command transmitted in response to a user's operation on the mobile terminal 50. When the first restriction command is acquired, the control unit 28 does not control the device 30 based on the remote control command even if the remote control command is received as a control instruction.

[0096] Such a control system 10 can disable a user's operation on the mobile terminal 50 for remotely controlling the device 30.

[0097] In addition, the control method executed by a computer such as the control system 10 includes a control step of controlling the device 30 based on a control instruction for the device 30, an acquisition step of acquiring a first restriction command for restricting the control of the device 30, and a restriction step of, when the first restriction command is acquired, restricting the control of the device 30 by not controlling the device 30 based on the control instruction even if a control instruction for the device 30 is issued.

[0098] Such a control method may limit the control of the device 30 .

[0099] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0100] For example, in the above embodiment, the control system is realized by a plurality of devices, but may be realized as a single device. For example, the control system may be realized as a single device corresponding to a control terminal or a server device. When the control system is realized by a plurality of devices, the components of the control system may be distributed in any manner among the plurality of devices.

[0101] For example, the method of communication between the devices in the above-described embodiment is not particularly limited. In addition, a relay device (such as a wireless router) (not shown) may be involved in the communication between the devices.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the processes executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. The order of multiple processes may be changed, or multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

[0103] In the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

[0104] Furthermore, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or an integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit, or a dedicated circuit.

[0105] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0106] For example, the present invention may be realized as a control terminal or a server device. The present invention may be realized as a control method executed by a computer such as a control system. The present invention may be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute such a control method. Furthermore, the present invention may be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0107] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art may think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 10. Control System 20 Control terminal (equipment installed in the facility) 27, 44 Acquisition Department 28, 45 Control section 29, 46 Management Department 30 equipment 40 Remote control server (device installed outside the facility) 50 Mobile Devices 61 Information terminal (first system) 62 Recall Information Management System (Second System) 70 Facilities

Claims

1. A control terminal, A control unit that controls the device based on a control instruction of the device; a communication unit that receives a first restriction command for restricting control of the device from a device or system other than the device; an acquisition unit that acquires the received first restriction command, When the first restriction command is acquired, the control unit does not control the device based on a control instruction even if the control instruction is issued, The control instruction is performed based on a user's operation on the control terminal, or based on a remote control command transmitted in response to the user's operation on a mobile terminal different from the control terminal. Control terminal.

2. The control instruction is performed based on a user's operation on the control terminal, When the control unit acquires the first restriction command, the control unit transmits to the device a second restriction command for restricting the device from receiving control commands from terminals other than the control terminal. The control terminal according to claim 1.

3. The device is installed in an apartment building, The communication unit receives the first restriction command transmitted by a first system used by a management company of the apartment complex and different from the control terminal.

3. A control terminal according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The communication unit receives the first restriction command transmitted by the mobile terminal.

3. A control terminal according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The communication unit receives the first restriction command transmitted by a second system used by a business entity that manufactures the device and different from the control terminal.

3. A control terminal according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The control terminal is installed in the facility where the device is installed. A control terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the control instruction is performed based on an operation of the user on the control terminal; When the first restriction command is acquired, the control unit does not control the device based on an operation performed by the user as the control command. A control terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. the control instruction is performed based on a remote control command transmitted in response to an operation of the user on the mobile terminal, When the first restriction command is acquired, the control unit does not control the device based on the remote control command even if the remote control command is received as the control command. A control terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. A communication unit that receives a remote control command for a device transmitted by a mobile terminal in response to a user's operation on the mobile terminal; A control unit that controls the device based on the received remote control command; an acquisition unit that acquires a first restriction command received by the communication unit from a device or system other than the appliance, the first restriction command being for restricting control of the appliance; When the first restriction command is acquired, the control unit does not control the device based on the remote control command even if the remote control command is received. Server device.

10. The server device is installed outside the facility in which the device is installed. The server device according to claim 9.

11. A control method executed by a control terminal, comprising: a control step of controlling the device based on a control instruction of the device; a receiving step of receiving a first restriction command for restricting control of the appliance from a device or system other than the appliance; an acquisition step of acquiring the received first restriction command; a restriction step of restricting control of the device by not controlling the device based on a control instruction when the first restriction command is acquired, even if the control instruction is issued, and The control instruction is performed based on a user's operation on the control terminal, or based on a remote control command transmitted in response to the user's operation on a mobile terminal different from the control terminal. Control methods.

12. A control method executed by a server device, comprising: a receiving step of receiving a remote control command for a device transmitted by a mobile terminal in response to a user's operation on the mobile terminal; a control step of controlling the device based on the received remote control command; acquiring a first restriction command received from a device or system other than the appliance, the first restriction command being for restricting control of the appliance; and a limiting step of limiting control of the device by not controlling the device based on the remote control command even if the remote control command is received when the first limiting command is acquired. Control methods.

13. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 11 or 12.

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