Control infrastructure server, device control system, method and program

Abstract

To realize flexible control in an apparatus control system which generates a control instruction according to a plurality of pieces of application software dependent on one another to a control object appliance.SOLUTION: A control board server stores application priority showing priority of an execution authority of an appliance control instruction set to each of pieces of application software executed by an appliance control server, receives the appliance control instruction from the appliance control server, acquires a priority threshold set to a control object appliance from an appliance attribute management server, determines whether or not the application priority has the priority higher than the priority threshold by comparing the application priority set to the appliance control server which has generated the received appliance control instruction with the priority threshold set to the control object appliance to be an object of the appliance control instruction, and transmits the appliance control instruction to the appliance attribute management server only when the application priority has the priority higher than the priority threshold.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control infrastructure server and a device control system using the same, and more particularly to a control infrastructure server and a device control system that generate control commands for devices to be controlled according to a plurality of independent application software programs. [Background technology]

[0002] Device control systems, such as smart houses and HEMS (Home Energy Management Systems), have been proposed for some time. These device control systems are capable of remotely controlling target devices such as storage batteries, EV chargers, heat pump water heaters, and solar power generators, and are known to improve the quality of life by making energy use visible and increasing convenience.

[0003] In a device control system, application software (hereinafter referred to as "apps") provided by various application vendors can be used to enable the controlled devices to perform various functions. For example, if the controlled device is an EV charger / discharger, a timer charging app can be used to enable the EV charger to perform a timer charging function, and an emergency departure app can be used to enable emergency charging when going out.

[0004] However, because each application software generates device control commands according to its own independent algorithm, multiple application software may generate conflicting device control commands for the same controlled device. When conflicting device control commands are generated, the device control commands interfere with each other, resulting in malfunction of all the functions based on the device control commands issued by the application software.

[0005] Furthermore, with the recent liberalization of the electricity market, a technology called resource aggregation is becoming widespread. This technology uses information and communication technology to remotely control and aggregate electricity from dispersed virtual power generation facilities, making it function as if it were a single power plant (a virtual power plant (VPP)). With resource aggregation, a resource aggregator that manages electricity consumers with virtual power generation facilities performs demand response (hereinafter also referred to as "DR") on the electricity consumer side according to the electricity supply and demand situation, and an equipment control system remotely controls the controlled equipment of the electricity consumer in accordance with the DR, thereby balancing the electricity supply and demand.

[0006] Patent Document 1 describes an equipment control system that compares the priority of equipment control information transmitted from application software with a threshold value for an electric equipment set by threshold setting information included in power supply and demand coordination request information, and does not execute operation control of an electric equipment based on equipment control information below the set threshold value. According to this equipment control system, when a power supply and demand coordination request such as demand response is made, it is possible to prioritize control aimed at power supply and demand coordination for the equipment and facilities on the power consumer side, and to restrict control aimed at improving quality of life. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-41201 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] In the equipment control system of Patent Document 1, as long as the threshold value of an electrical equipment set by the threshold setting information included in the power supply and demand coordination request information is set to a high value, control based on equipment control information sent from other application software cannot be performed, even if control is not performed for the purpose of demand response.

[0009] However, as long as control aimed at demand response is not performed, there is no problem in achieving a balance between supply and demand for electricity in resource aggregation even if control aimed at improving quality of life is not restricted.

[0010] In addition, when an electricity consumer finds themselves in a situation where they need to go out in an emergency using their car, they may want to prioritize control of their EV charger / discharger to enable emergency charging using an emergency outing app over demand response control.

[0011] In other words, for the widespread adoption of equipment control systems, it is important that the systems operate stably and with flexible control that does not cause inconvenience to the daily lives and work of users who are electricity consumers, and that contributes to the smooth running of business for resource aggregators and other related parties.

[0012] Therefore, the inventors of the present application have considered the need for a technology that realizes flexible control in a device control system that generates control commands for devices to be controlled according to a plurality of independent application software programs.

[0013] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a control infrastructure server and an equipment control system that can realize flexible control in an equipment control system that generates control commands for the equipment to be controlled according to multiple independent application software. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] A control infrastructure server according to a representative embodiment of the present invention is a control infrastructure server communicatively connected to a device attribute management server that manages device attribute values ​​of control target devices and to a plurality of device control servers that generate device control commands including control commands for the control target devices, and is equipped with: an application priority storage unit that stores application priorities that are set for each of application software executed by the device control servers and indicate the priority of execution authority for the device control commands; a receiving unit that receives the device control commands from the device control servers; an acquisition unit that acquires from the device attribute management server a priority threshold that is set for the control target devices; a comparison and determination unit that compares the application priority that is set for the application software executed by the device control server that generated the received device control command with a priority threshold that is set for the control target devices that are the target of the device control command, and determines whether the application priority is higher than the priority threshold; and a control permission unit that permits the control command for the control target devices by transmitting the device control command to the device attribute management server only if, as a result of the comparison and determination, the application priority is higher than the priority threshold. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a control infrastructure server and an equipment control system that can realize flexible control in an equipment control system that generates control commands for the equipment to be controlled according to multiple independent application software. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a device control system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a connection configuration between a device attribute management server and devices in the device control system according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a device attribute value table. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an application priority table. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a device status table. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of priority control processing. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a device control command. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a combination of a control command and a control value. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a processing flow of status recognition and status change processing. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a device control command inquiry. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a processing flow of a latest update information inquiry process. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a priority threshold last update information query. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] 1. Overview of the embodiment First, a typical embodiment of the invention disclosed in this application will be outlined. In the following description, for example, reference numerals in the drawings corresponding to components of the invention are written in parentheses.

[0018] [1] A control infrastructure server according to a representative embodiment of the present invention is a control infrastructure server communicatively connected to a device attribute management server that manages device attribute values ​​of control target devices and to a plurality of device control servers that generate device control commands including control commands for the control target devices, and is equipped with: an application priority storage unit that stores application priorities that are set for each of application software executed by the device control servers and indicate the priority of execution authority for the device control commands; a receiving unit that receives the device control commands from the device control servers; an acquiring unit that acquires from the device attribute management server a priority threshold that is set for the control target devices; a comparison and determination unit that compares the application priority that is set for the application software executed by the device control server that generated the received device control command with a priority threshold that is set for the control target devices that are the target of the device control command, and determines whether the application priority is higher than the priority threshold; and a control permission unit that permits the control command for the control target devices by transmitting the device control command to the device attribute management server only if, as a result of the comparison and determination, the application priority is higher than the priority threshold.

[0019] [2] In the control infrastructure server described in [1] above, the application priority and the priority threshold may be set using the same number of stages, which may be three or more stages.

[0020] [3] In the control infrastructure server described in [1] or [2] above, the device control command may include a control command for responding to a request for power supply and demand coordination.

[0021] [4] In the control infrastructure server described in [3] above, the application priority stored in the application priority storage unit may be a fixed value previously set for each application software executed by the device control server, may include a value previously determined between the requester of power supply and demand coordination and the user of the controlled device, and may be a value that cannot be updated based on the device control command from the device control server.

[0022] [5] The control infrastructure server described in [1] to [4] above may further include a notification unit, and when the receiving unit receives an inquiry regarding whether the device control command can be executed, the comparison and judgment unit compares and judges the application priority set for the application software executed by the device control server that generated the device control command related to the received inquiry with the priority threshold set for the controlled device that is the target of the device control command, and the notification unit notifies the device control server of information regarding whether the device control command can be executed corresponding to the result of the comparison and judgment, and the control permission unit may not send the device control command to the device attribute management server regardless of the result of the comparison and judgment.

[0023] [6] In the control infrastructure server described in [5] above, when the receiving unit receives an inquiry about the latest update information of the priority threshold set for the controlled device, the acquiring unit may acquire the device attribute value of the controlled device from the device attribute management server, and the notifying unit may notify the device control server of the acquired device attribute value.

[0024] [7] In the control infrastructure server described in [1] to [6] above, the device attribute value may include a priority threshold set for the controlled device, a last-update application ID that identifies application software executed by the device control server that generated the device control command including a control command instructing updating to the priority threshold, and a last-update date and time indicating the date and time of the update.

[0025] [8] A representative embodiment of the present invention provides a device control system comprising a device attribute management server that manages the device attribute values ​​of the controlled devices, a plurality of device control servers that generate device control commands including control commands for the controlled devices, and a control infrastructure server described in [1] to [7], wherein the device control server generates device control commands including control commands for changing the priority threshold set for the controlled devices, and the device attribute management server has a device attribute value storage unit that stores the device attribute values ​​of the controlled devices, and upon receiving a device control command including a control command to change the priority threshold set for the controlled devices, updates the information on the priority threshold set for the controlled devices, which is included in the device attribute values ​​stored in the device attribute value storage unit.

[0026] [9] In the device control system described in [8] above, the device control server may generate a device control command including a control command for changing the priority threshold set for the controlled device within a range of values ​​not exceeding the application priority value set for the application software to be executed.

[0027]

[10] In the device control system described in [8] above, the device control server may have a device status storage unit that stores information indicating the control status for each of the control target devices, and when the device control server receives a notification of information on whether the device control command can be executed, the device control server may update the information indicating the control status stored in the device status storage unit for each of the control target devices.

[0028]

[11] A method according to a representative embodiment of the present invention is a method executed in a control infrastructure server communicably connected to a device attribute management server that manages device attribute values ​​of control target devices and to a plurality of device control servers that generate device control commands including control commands for the control target devices, and includes the steps of: storing application priorities that are set for each of application software executed by the device control servers and indicate the priority of execution authority for the device control commands; receiving the device control commands from the device control servers; acquiring a priority threshold set for the control target devices from the device attribute management server; comparing the application priority set for the application software executed by the device control server that generated the received device control command with a priority threshold set for the control target devices that are the targets of the device control commands, and determining whether the application priority is higher than the priority threshold; and permitting the control command for the control target devices by transmitting the device control command to the device attribute management server only if the application priority is higher than the priority threshold as a result of the comparison and determination.

[0029]

[12] A program according to a representative embodiment of the present invention causes a control infrastructure server communicably connected to a device attribute management server that manages device attribute values ​​of control target devices and to a plurality of device control servers that generate device control commands including control commands for the control target devices to function as: means for storing application priorities that indicate the priority of execution authority for the device control commands, set for each of application software executed by the device control servers; means for receiving the device control commands from the device control servers; means for acquiring a priority threshold set for the control target devices from the device attribute management server; means for comparing the application priority set for the application software executed by the device control server that generated the received device control command with a priority threshold set for the control target devices that are the targets of the device control commands, and determining whether the application priority has a higher priority than the priority threshold; and means for permitting the control command for the control target devices by transmitting the device control command to the device attribute management server only if the application priority has a higher priority than the priority threshold as a result of the comparison and determination.

[0030] 2. Specific examples of embodiments Hereinafter, specific examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components common to the embodiments will be designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated description will be omitted.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a device control system according to this embodiment.

[0032] The device control system has device attribute management servers 100A, 100B, and 100C, a control infrastructure server 200, and device control servers 300A, 300B, and 300C connected to each other via networks N1 and N2 so that they can communicate with each other. When there is no need to distinguish between the device attribute management servers 100A, 100B, and 100C, the device control servers 300A, 300B, and 300C, and devices M1, M2, and M3, they may be simply referred to as the "device attribute management server 100," the "device control server 300," and the "device M."

[0033] The device attribute management servers 100A, 100B, and 100C, the control infrastructure server 200, and the device control servers 300A, 300B, and 300C may each be implemented as a single computer, or multiple servers may be implemented as a single computer. For example, the device attribute management servers 100A, 100B, and 100C may each be implemented as a single computer, or the device attribute management servers 100A, 100B, and 100C may each be implemented as a single computer. Similarly, the control infrastructure server 200 and the device attribute management servers 100A, 100B, and 100C may each be implemented as a single computer, or may each be implemented as a single computer. Each computer may have communication capabilities. The device attribute management servers 100A, 100B, and 100C, the control infrastructure server 200, and the device control servers 300A, 300B, and 300C implement various functions, described below, using programs installed in each. Application software that realizes various control functions by generating device control commands for devices M to be controlled is installed in the device control server 300. Examples of control functions realized by generating device control commands include, but are not limited to, a resource aggregator (power supply and demand coordination requester) in resource aggregation issuing a DR (demand response) command to a power consumer (user of device M) according to the power supply and demand situation, and remote control of device M such as an EV charger according to conditions such as a timer. Different application software is installed in the device control server 300 for each of these various control functions. The application software is a program installed in the device control server 300, and when executed by the device control server 300, it not only generates device control commands for the controlled devices M, but also realizes functions (hereinafter also referred to as application functions) such as generating inquiries about the device control commands, changing the record of the control status of the controlled devices, and inquiring about the latest update information of the priority thresholds of the controlled devices. In this specification, the processing realized by the device control server 300, on which the program of the application software is installed, executing the installed application software may be described as the application software being the subject of the processing. Note that, in this embodiment, a case where one piece of application software is installed on one device control server 300 will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. Multiple pieces of application software may be installed on one device control server 300. In this case, one device control server 300 executes multiple pieces of application software, and one device control server 300 realizes multiple types of control functions in accordance with the multiple pieces of application software.

[0034] In the device control system according to this embodiment, the network N1 and the network N2 can be the Internet or a dedicated network. The network N1 and the network N2 may be configured as separate networks, or may be configured using the same network.

[0035] In the device control system according to this embodiment, devices M1, M2, and M3 are further connected to the device attribute management servers 100A, 100B, and 100C in a manner that allows communication. When there is no need to distinguish between the devices M1, M2, and M3, they may be simply referred to as "device M."

[0036] Device M is a "device to be controlled (controlled device)" in this embodiment. Device M includes a storage battery, an EV charger / discharger, a heat pump water heater, a solar power generator, and the like, as well as home appliances such as an air conditioner and a lighting fixture.

[0037] The device attribute management servers 100A, 100B, and 100C respond to inquiries from the control infrastructure server 200 and manage the control states of the devices M1, M2, and M3, which are the control target devices, respectively.

[0038] The device attribute management servers 100A, 100B, and 100C respectively include device connection units 101A, 101B, and 101C, device attribute value tables 102A, 102B, and 102C, and device attribute management units 103A, 103B, and 103C. When there is no need to distinguish between the device connection units 101A, 101B, and 101C, the device attribute value tables 102A, 102B, and 102C, and the device attribute management units 103A, 103B, and 103C, they may be simply referred to as the "device connection unit 101," the "device attribute value table 102," and the "device attribute management unit 103."

[0039] The device connection unit 101 is an interface that is connected to the device M directly or indirectly so as to be able to communicate with it, and is also connected to the control infrastructure server 200 so as to be able to communicate with it.

[0040] The device attribute value table 102 is a table that stores device attribute values ​​for managing device attributes including priority thresholds of devices M to be controlled, and is accessed by the device attribute management unit 103 .

[0041] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the device attribute value table.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 3, the device attribute value table 102 is configured as a data table linking a priority threshold, a last-updated application ID, and a last-updated date and time for each device M. In the example of Fig. 3, only a device attribute value for one device is stored. The device attribute value includes a device ID, a priority threshold, a last-updated application ID, and a last-updated date and time for each device M. When the device attribute management server 100 manages multiple devices, multiple device attribute values ​​can be stored by linking the device attribute value in Fig. 3 to the device ID of the corresponding device M.

[0043] The priority threshold is a value set in the device M, and is used in comparison and determination in the control infrastructure server 200 as a criterion for determining whether or not a device control command of application software can be executed. The priority threshold is set using the same number of stages as the application priority, which will be described later. The priority threshold is updated by the device control command of the application software.

[0044] The last updated application ID is the application ID of the application software that last updated the priority threshold of device M. Application IDs will be described later. The last updated date and time is a value indicating the date and time when the priority threshold of device M was last updated. The last updated application ID and the last updated date and time are updated when the priority threshold of device M is updated.

[0045] The device attribute management unit 103 is a functional unit executed by a program installed in the device attribute management server 100, and manages device attribute values ​​including priority thresholds of device M while accessing the device attribute value table 102. Specifically, the device attribute management unit 103 sends a device control command sent from the control infrastructure server 200 to device M to execute control, and returns device attribute values ​​stored in the device attribute value table 102 based on an inquiry from the control infrastructure server 200.

[0046] The device attribute management unit 103 updates the priority threshold value in the device attribute value table 102 based on the control command for setting the priority threshold value.

[0047] The control infrastructure server 200 is a server that executes processing based on information received from the device control server 300. When the control infrastructure server 200 receives a device control command for a control target device or an inquiry about a device control command, it determines whether or not the device control command can be executed based on a comparison between the application priority associated with the application ID included in the device control command and the priority threshold associated with the device ID included in the device control command. Details of this comparison will be described later. As a result of the comparison, the control infrastructure server 200 sends executable device control commands to the device attribute management server 100 and notifies the device control server 300 of the comparison result.

[0048] Furthermore, when the control infrastructure server 200 receives an inquiry about the latest update information from the device control server 300 , it acquires the device attribute value from the device attribute management server 100 and returns it to the device control server 300 .

[0049] The control infrastructure server 200 includes an interconnection unit 201 (receiving unit), an application priority table 202 (corresponding to an application priority storage unit), and a priority control unit 203 (corresponding to an acquisition unit, a comparison and determination unit, a control permission unit, and a notification unit).

[0050] Interconnection unit 201 is an interface that is communicatively connected to device attribute management servers 100A, 100B, and 100C via network N1, and communicatively connected to device control servers 300A, 300B, and 300C via network N2.

[0051] The application priority table 202 is a table that stores information on application priorities set for each piece of application software, and is accessed by the priority control unit 203 when making a comparison with a priority threshold value.

[0052] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the application priority table.

[0053] The application priority table 202 is configured as a data table that associates application IDs with application priorities, as shown in Fig. 4. The application IDs are IDs set to identify application software installed on each of the device control servers 300A, 300B, and 300C.

[0054] The application priority is a value (for example, a higher numerical value indicates a higher priority) used when determining whether a device control command by the associated application software executes control on a controlled device, and is a value compared with a priority threshold. For example, if there is a higher possibility that control should be executed, the priority is set higher. In this way, the application priority is a value used for comparison with the priority threshold, and is not compared with application priorities associated with other application software.

[0055] In the example shown in Figure 4, consider application software with an application ID of AP2 and application software with an application ID of AP3. According to Figure 4, the application priority of AP2 is "3" and the application priority of AP3 is "5." Therefore, when the priority threshold of the control target device is "3," both AP2 and AP3 are controllable. However, when the priority threshold of the control target device is "5," AP3 is controllable but AP2 is not. However, when both AP2 and AP3 are controllable, both are controllable, and the control infrastructure server 200 executes the device control commands in the order in which they are received. The application priority is preset, and the device control servers 300A, 300B, and 300C cannot change their own application priority.

[0056] The application priority is set using the same number of stages as the priority threshold. The number of stages is set to be three or more. The application priority stored in the application priority table 202 is a fixed value set in advance for each of the device control servers 300A, 300B, and 300C, and may include a value determined in advance between the power supply and demand cooperation requester and the user of the device M.

[0057] A power supply and demand cooperation requester is a resource aggregator that performs DR (Demand Response) on the side of a power consumer (user of device M) that manages a virtual power generation facility in resource aggregation, depending on the power supply and demand situation. In resource aggregation, in order to balance power supply and demand, a contract is concluded between the power consumer that owns the virtual power generation facility and the resource aggregator to enable the device control server 300 managed by the power supply and demand cooperation requester to remotely control the device M managed by the power consumer through DR. When making this contract, it is possible to determine the degree of priority to be given to DR execution, and by setting the application priority of the device control server 300 to a high value, DR can be executed with priority over device control commands from other application software.

[0058] The application priority is a preset value that cannot be updated based on a device control command from the device control server 300 on which the application software is installed, as will be described later. The application priority may be set by a control unit (not shown) in the control infrastructure server 200.

[0059] The priority control unit 203 is a functional unit executed by a program installed in the control infrastructure server 200, and upon receiving a device control command for a control target device or an inquiry about the device control command from the device control server 300, performs the above-mentioned comparison and judgment, and executes processing based on the result of the comparison and judgment. Upon receiving a last updater information inquiry from the device control server 300, the priority control unit 203 obtains the necessary information from the device attribute management server 100 and returns it to the device control server 300.

[0060] Here, we will explain the comparison and determination in the priority control unit 203. When the priority control unit 203 (corresponding to the acquisition unit) receives a device control command for a control target device or an inquiry about the device control command from the device control server 300, it accesses the application priority table 202 to acquire the application priority value associated with the application ID included in the device control command, and also requests and acquires from the device attribute management server 100 the priority threshold value associated with the device ID included in the device control command.

[0061] The priority control unit 203 (corresponding to the comparison / determination unit) compares the acquired application priority value with the priority threshold value to determine whether or not a device control command can be executed. When the application priority value is compared with the priority threshold value and the application priority is found to be higher than the priority threshold value, the priority control unit 203 determines that the device control command should be executed. For example, consider a case where a high value between the application priority and the priority threshold is defined as a high priority. In this case, the application priority is considered to be higher than the priority threshold value when the application priority value is equal to or greater than the priority threshold value. Therefore, when the application priority value is equal to or greater than the priority threshold value, the priority control unit 203 determines that control can be executed, and when the application priority value is less than the priority threshold value, the priority control unit 203 determines that control cannot be executed. Conversely, for example, a low value between the application priority and the priority threshold may be defined as a high priority. In this case, when the application priority value is equal to or less than the priority threshold, the application priority is considered to have a higher priority than the priority threshold. Therefore, when the application priority value is equal to or less than the priority threshold, it is determined that control is executable, and when the application priority value is greater than the priority threshold, it is determined that control is not executable.

[0062] When a device control command has been received, the priority control unit 203 (corresponding to a control permission unit) transmits the device control command to the device attribute management server 100 only when the application priority is higher than the priority threshold (when it is determined that control execution is possible), thereby permitting the control command to the control target device. When the application priority is not higher than the priority threshold (when it is determined that control execution is impossible) or when the received command is an inquiry about a device control command, the priority control unit 203 does not transmit the device control command to the device attribute management server 100.

[0063] The priority control unit 203 (corresponding to a notification unit) notifies the device control server 300 of information on whether or not the device control command can be executed, corresponding to the result of the comparison and determination.

[0064] The device control server 300 is a server managed by an application vendor (Company α, Company β, and Company γ in FIG. 1). The application vendor is an entity that provides application software that generates device control commands. The application software is a program installed on the device control server 300, and is executed by the device control server 300 to realize application functions.

[0065] The device control servers 300A, 300B, and 300C respectively include communication units 301A, 301B, and 301C, device status management tables 302A, 302B, and 302C, and application function units 303A, 303B, and 303C. When there is no need to distinguish between the communication units 301A, 301B, and 301C, the device status management tables 302A, 302B, and 302C, and the application function units 303A, 303B, and 303C, they may be simply referred to as "communication unit 301," "device status management table 302," and "application function unit 303."

[0066] The communication unit 301 is an interface that is communicably connected to the control infrastructure server 200 via the network N2.

[0067] The device status management table 302 stores an application ID for identifying application software and a device status table that records the control status of the device to be controlled.

[0068] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the device status table.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 5, the device status table is configured as a data table linking device IDs with control states. The device ID is an ID for identifying the control target device M. The control state is information indicating the execution state of a control command, and stores values ​​such as "under control" indicating that a control command has been sent and is being executed, "pause" indicating that a control command has been sent but not executed, and "not controlled" indicating that no control command has been sent. The control state for the control target device M can be managed based on the states stored in the device status table.

[0070] The application function unit 303 is a function unit that realizes the function of executing processing by application software. Specifically, it accesses the device status management table 302 as needed, generates device control commands, generates device control command inquiries, changes the control status records of controlled devices, and generates inquiries about last update information.

[0071] The device control command may include a control command for responding to a request for power supply and demand coordination. A control command for responding to a request for power supply and demand coordination is a DR (Demand Response) command issued by a resource aggregator (power supply and demand coordination requester) in resource aggregation to a power consumer (user of device M) in accordance with the power supply and demand situation. A device control server 300 used by the resource aggregator (power supply and demand coordination requester) generates a device control command including a control command for responding to the power supply and demand coordination request. As a result, the device control server 300 generates a device control command including a DR for the power consumer in accordance with the power supply and demand situation, and remotely controls the control target devices of the power consumer, thereby balancing the power supply and demand.

[0072] In the device control system of the present embodiment described above, the device attribute management server 100, the control infrastructure server 200, and the device control server 300 each execute the above-described processes, thereby performing priority control processing, status assessment and status change processing, and causer identification processing. Here, the "priority control processing" refers to processing that allows only device control commands from application software with a higher priority than the priority threshold set for the device to be controlled to be executed. The "status assessment and status change processing" refers to processing that checks whether the generated device control command is executable and reflects the confirmed control status in the device status management table. The "causer identification processing" refers to processing that makes it possible to identify the application software that generated the device control command that caused the control status to be interrupted and the date and time the cause occurred. The specific processing flows for the priority control processing, status assessment and status change processing, and causer identification processing are described below.

[0073] In the device control system of this embodiment, the "priority control process" can reject device control commands from application software with a lower priority than the priority threshold, and execute only device control commands from application software with a higher priority than the priority threshold. By setting the priority, highly flexible control can be achieved.

[0074] In the device control system of this embodiment, the "situation recognition and status change processing" allows the application software to appropriately check whether the generated device control command is executable as needed. The application software can reflect the results of the situation recognition processing in the control status of device M, which is a control target device managed in the device status management table 302, by status change processing.

[0075] Furthermore, in the device control system of this embodiment, the "cause identification process" allows the application software to identify the application software that generated the device control command that caused the interruption and the date and time when the cause occurred when a device control command is interrupted.

[0076] For example, consider the case where an equipment control command, including a demand response, is interrupted. When a demand response is interrupted, the resource aggregator's processing could be to start controlling another device in its place and impose a contractual penalty on the interrupted device. However, by identifying the application software that generated the equipment control command that caused the interruption, it is possible to increase the degree of flexibility in the contract. If the application software that generated the equipment control command that caused the interruption is an emergency outing app, it is possible to enter into a contract that exempts the supplier from liability for demand response interruptions up to two times a month. On the other hand, if the application software that generated the control command that caused the interruption is a breaker trip prevention app, it is possible to enter into a contract that exempts the supplier from liability for demand response interruptions in consideration of user convenience.

[0077] These processes will now be described in more detail. [Priority control processing] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of the priority control processing.

[0078] The device control server 300 generates a device control command and sends it to the control infrastructure server 200 (S101).

[0079] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a device control command, and Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a combination of a control command and a control value.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 7, a device control command is a command that includes an application ID, a device ID, a control command, and a control value. The application ID is the application ID of the application software that generated the device control command. The device ID is the device ID of the controlled device that is the target of the device control command. The control command and control value can be selected from predetermined combinations such as those shown in FIG. 8. That is, if the control command is "charging setting," the control value can be either "start charging" or "stop charging." Similarly, if the control command is "charging allowable power setting," the power value to be set can be the control value, and if the control command is "priority threshold setting," the priority threshold to be set can be the control value.

[0081] The device control server 300 can generate device control commands, including control commands for changing the priority threshold set for a controlled device in accordance with application software, within a range of values ​​not exceeding the application priority set for the application software. The device control command, including the control command for changing the priority threshold, is not executed if the application priority set for the application software executed by the device control server 300 is lower than the priority threshold set for the controlled device. As a result, the device control server 300 can change the priority threshold only when the application priority is equal to or greater than the priority threshold. Furthermore, the device control server 300 can prevent the device control server 300 from controlling the controlled device in accordance with other application software with an application priority lower than that value by using a "priority threshold setting" control command.

[0082] When the control infrastructure server 200 receives the device control command, it accesses the application priority table 202 and acquires the application priority value associated with the application ID included in the device control command (step S102).

[0083] The control infrastructure server 200 further requests and acquires the priority threshold value associated with the device ID included in the device control command from the device attribute management server 100 (step S103). In step S103, in response to the request from the control infrastructure server 200, the device attribute management server 100 extracts the priority threshold value included in the device attribute value associated with the requested device ID from the device attribute value table 102 and passes it to the control infrastructure server 200.

[0084] The control infrastructure server 200 compares the acquired application priority value with the priority threshold value to determine whether the device control command can be executed (step S104). If the application priority is higher than the priority threshold value, specifically, if the application priority value is equal to or greater than the priority threshold value (step S104: YES), the control infrastructure server 200 determines that the control can be executed. On the other hand, if the application priority is not higher than the priority threshold value, specifically, if the application priority value is less than the priority threshold value (step S104: NO), the control infrastructure server 200 determines that the control cannot be executed.

[0085] If the control infrastructure server 200 determines that control cannot be executed (step S104: NO), it notifies the device control server 300 of the result of the comparison that control is rejected (step S105).

[0086] If the control infrastructure server 200 determines that control can be executed (step S104: YES), it notifies the device control server 300 that control is permitted (control execution) as a result of the comparison determination (step S106), and sends a device control command to the device attribute management server 100 that obtained the priority threshold (step S107).

[0087] When the device control server 300 receives a notification of control denial or control permission, it can update the control status of the control target device in the device status table stored in the device status management table 302 .

[0088] Upon receiving the device control command, the device attribute management server 100 causes the device M to execute the control command (step S108), and transmits the control result of the device control command to the control infrastructure server 200 (step S109).

[0089] When the control infrastructure server 200 receives the control result of the device control command, it transmits the control result to the device control server 300 corresponding to the application ID included in the device control command (step S110). [Situation awareness and status change processing] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a processing flow of the status recognition and status change processing.

[0090] The device control server 300 generates a device control command inquiry and sends it to the control infrastructure server 200 (S201).

[0091] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a device control command inquiry.

[0092] The device control command inquiry inquires whether a device control command can be executed. As shown in FIG. 10, the device control command inquiry is an inquiry that includes an application ID, a device ID, a control command, and a control value, just like a device control command. In the device control server 300, the application function unit 303 selects a device whose control status is "under control" in the device status management table 302 and generates a device control command inquiry. Note that the application function unit 303 may also generate a device control command inquiry for a device control command whose control status is other than "under control" in the device status management table 302. The application function unit 303 may generate a device control command inquiry at predetermined time intervals.

[0093] When the control infrastructure server 200 receives the device control command, it accesses the application priority table 202 and acquires the application priority value associated with the application ID included in the device control command (step S202).

[0094] The control infrastructure server 200 further requests and acquires the priority threshold value associated with the device ID included in the device control command from the device attribute management server 100 (step S203). In step S203, in response to the request from the control infrastructure server 200, the device attribute management server 100 extracts the priority threshold value included in the device attribute value associated with the requested device ID from the device attribute value table 102 and passes it to the control infrastructure server 200.

[0095] The control infrastructure server 200 compares the acquired application priority value with the priority threshold value to determine whether the device control command can be executed (step S204). If the application priority is higher than the priority threshold value, specifically, if the application priority value is equal to or greater than the priority threshold value (step S204: YES), the control infrastructure server 200 determines that the control can be executed. On the other hand, if the application priority is not higher than the priority threshold value, specifically, if the application priority value is less than the priority threshold value (step S204: NO), the control infrastructure server 200 determines that the control cannot be executed.

[0096] If the control infrastructure server 200 determines that control cannot be executed (step S204: NO), it notifies the device control server 300 that control is denied (step S205), and if it determines that control can be executed (step S204: YES), it notifies the device control server 300 that control is permitted (control permitted) (step S206).

[0097] When the device control server 300 receives the notification, it determines from the notification whether control execution was possible (step S207), and if it determines that control execution was possible (step S207: YES), it waits for a certain period of time to periodically check the control status of device M (step S208), and then returns to the inquiry processing of step S201.

[0098] If it is determined in step S207 that control execution is not possible (step S207: NO), the control status in the device status table stored in the device status management table 302 is changed to "pause" (step S209). After the control status is changed, causer identification processing is performed as necessary. [Causal party identification process] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a processing flow of the latest update information inquiry processing.

[0099] The device control server 300 generates a latest update information inquiry and sends it to the control infrastructure server 200 (S301).

[0100] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a last update information query.

[0101] The latest update information inquiry includes a device ID, as shown in Fig. 12. The device ID included in this inquiry indicates that the latest update information of device M linked to this device ID is to be obtained.

[0102] When the control infrastructure server 200 receives the latest update information inquiry, it requests and acquires the device attribute values ​​associated with the device ID included in the device control command, i.e., the priority threshold, the latest updated application ID, and the latest update date and time, from the device attribute management server 100 (step S302). In step S302, in response to the request from the control infrastructure server 200, the device attribute management server 100 extracts the device attribute values ​​associated with the requested device ID from the device attribute value table 102 and passes them to the control infrastructure server 200.

[0103] The control infrastructure server 200 transmits the acquired device attribute values ​​associated with the device ID, that is, the priority threshold, the last updated application ID, and the last updated date and time, to the device control server 300 (step S303).

[0104] The device control server 300 identifies the last-updated application ID based on the device attribute value associated with the transmitted device ID (step S304).

[0105] In the device control system of this embodiment described above, for example, consider a case where application software of device control server 300B with an application priority of "3" generates a device control command and executes it, and then application software of device control server 300C with an application priority of "5" generates a device control command and changes the priority threshold as shown in Figure 3.

[0106] The device control server 300B executes periodic status assessment and status change processing at 11:20:00. The device control server 300B sends a device control command query to the control infrastructure server 200 (S201). The control infrastructure server 200 acquires the application priority associated with the application ID and the priority threshold associated with the device ID included in the device control command query (steps S202 and S203), and because the application priority "3" is lower than the priority threshold "5," notifies the device control server 300B of a control denial (step S205).

[0107] Upon receiving the notification, the device control server 300B determines whether or not control is being executed (step S207), and since it determines that control is not being executed, it changes the control status in the device status management table (step S209) and executes causer identification processing.

[0108] In the causer identification process, the device control server 300B generates a last update information inquiry (step S301). The control infrastructure server 200 acquires a device attribute value associated with the device ID included in the last update information inquiry (step S302) and transmits it to the device control server 300B (step S303).

[0109] As shown in Figure 3, the device attribute values ​​include a priority threshold of "5," a last-updated app ID of "AP3," and a last-updated date and time of "2021 / 5 / 31 11:19:55." Based on these values, the device control server 300B can determine that the application software with the app ID of "AP3" set the priority threshold to 5, and that the priority threshold change occurred at "2021 / 5 / 31 11:19:55." Based on these values, the device control server 300B can generate any further necessary device control commands.

[0110] The control infrastructure server 200 according to the embodiment described above is communicably connected to a device attribute management server 100 that manages device attribute values ​​of control target devices and a plurality of device control servers 300 that generate device control commands including control commands for the control target devices, and includes an application priority storage unit (202) that stores application priorities that indicate the priority of execution authority for device control commands and are set for each of application software executed by the device control server 300, a receiving unit (201) that receives device control commands from the device control server 300, and a priority threshold value set for the control target devices (M1, M2, M3) that is received from the device attribute management server (100A, 100B, 100C). a comparison and determination unit (203) that compares an application priority set for application software executed by the device control server (300A, 300B, 300C) that generated the received device control command with a priority threshold set for the control target devices (M1, M2, M3) that are the targets of the device control command to determine whether the application priority is higher than the priority threshold, and a control permission unit (203) that transmits the device control command to the device attribute management server (100A, 100B, 100C) only if the application priority is higher than the priority threshold as a result of the comparison and determination. This makes it possible to realize flexible control in a device control system that generates control commands for control target devices according to multiple independent application software.

[0111] The application priority and the priority threshold may be set using the same number of stages, such as three or more. This allows the setting of values ​​that do not cause inconvenience to the daily lives and work of users who are electricity consumers and that contribute to the smooth operation of business for resource aggregators and other related parties.

[0112] The appliance control command may also include a control command for responding to a power supply and demand coordination request. In this case, the appliance control server 300 generates an appliance control command including a DR for the power consumer side according to the power supply and demand situation, and remotely controls the control target appliances of the power consumer, thereby balancing the power supply and demand.

[0113] Furthermore, the application priority stored in the application priority storage unit may be a fixed value preset for each piece of application software executed by the device control server, include a value determined in advance between the power supply and demand cooperation requester and the user of the controlled device, and be a value that cannot be updated based on a device control command from the device control server. In this way, when the device control server 300 managed by the power supply and demand cooperation requester concludes a contract to enable remote control of the device M managed by the power consumer through DR, the device control server 300 can reflect the determined level of priority for executing DR as the setting value of the application priority of the device control server 300.

[0114] The control infrastructure server 200 according to the embodiment may further include a notification unit, and when the receiving unit receives an inquiry about whether a device control command can be executed, the comparison / determination unit compares the application priority set for application software executed by the device control server that generated the device control command related to the received inquiry with a priority threshold set for the control target device that is the target of the device control command, and the notification unit notifies the device control server of information about whether the device control command can be executed corresponding to the result of the comparison / determination, and the control permission unit may not send the device control command to the device attribute management server regardless of the result of the comparison / determination. In this way, the device control server can know whether its device control command has been accepted or rejected, even after some time has passed since the device control command was generated.

[0115] In the control infrastructure server 200 according to the embodiment, when the receiving unit receives an inquiry about the latest update information of the priority threshold set for the control target device, the acquiring unit may acquire the device attribute value of the control target device from the device attribute management server, and the notifying unit may notify the acquired device attribute value to the device control server. In this way, when the device control server finds out that a device control command it generated has been rejected, it can know the cause of such a result.

[0116] In the control infrastructure server 200 according to the embodiment, the device attribute value may include a priority threshold value set for the controlled device, a last-updated application ID that identifies application software executed by the device control server that generated a device control command including a control command instructing updating to the priority threshold value, and a last-updated date and time indicating the date and time of the update. In this way, when the device control server finds out that a device control command it generated has been rejected, it can know which application's operation caused that result and when.

[0117] The device control system according to the embodiment described above includes a device attribute management server that manages device attribute values ​​of control-target devices, multiple device control servers that generate device control commands including control commands for the control-target devices, and the control infrastructure server. The device control server generates device control commands including control commands for changing a priority threshold set for the control-target devices, and the device attribute management server has a device attribute value storage unit that stores the device attribute values ​​of the control-target devices. When the device control server receives a device control command including a control command for changing the priority threshold set for the control-target devices, the device attribute management server updates the information on the priority threshold set for the control-target devices, which is included in the device attribute values ​​stored in the device attribute value storage unit. This allows the device control server to set the priority threshold as needed.

[0118] In the device control system according to the embodiment described above, the device control server may generate a device control command including a control command for changing the priority threshold set for the controlled device within a range of values ​​not exceeding the application priority value set for the application software to be executed. By setting the priority threshold equal to its own application priority, the device control server can prevent the device control server 300 from controlling the controlled device in accordance with other application software with an application priority lower than that value.

[0119] In the device control system according to the embodiment described above, the device control server may have a device status storage unit that stores information indicating the control status of each control-target device, and upon receiving a notification of information indicating whether a device control command can be executed, the device control server may update the information indicating the control status stored in the device status storage unit for each control-target device. This allows the device control server to know the control status of the control-target device.

[0120] (Extended embodiments) The invention made by the present inventors has been specifically described above based on an embodiment, but it goes without saying that the invention is not limited thereto and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0121] For example, in the configuration example shown in Fig. 1, the device attribute management server 100 and the device M are connected in the manner shown in Fig. 2(a) in which they are directly connected to the device, but the present invention is not limited to this and the device may be connected in another manner shown in Fig. 2(a) to (c). Furthermore, the manners shown in Fig. 2(a) to (c) may be mixed. Also, although a configuration in which one device M is connected to one device attribute management server 100 is described, a configuration in which multiple devices M are connected to one device attribute management server 100 may also be used.

[0122] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the connection configuration between a device attribute management server and devices in a device control system according to this embodiment. In FIG. 2, (a) shows a case where the device is directly connected, (b) shows a case where the device is connected via a device server, and (c) shows a case where the device is connected via a controller.

[0123] As shown in Fig. 2, the device attribute management server 100 is communicably connected to a device M installed in a home or the like of an electric power consumer via the Internet. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2(a), the device attribute management server 100 and the device M are directly communicably connected. In this case, the device M has a communication function via the Internet. 2(b), the device attribute management server 100 and device M are communicatively connected via a device server 401. In this case, device M also has a communication function via the Internet. The device server 401 has an interface function between device M and device attribute management server 100. 2(c), the device attribute management server 100 and device M are communicatively connected via a controller 402. In this case, the controller 402 has a communication function via the Internet, and the controller 402 and device M are communicatively connected via a wired connection or other wireless communication function. The controller 402 can be used to input manual control for the device, in addition to remote control.

[0124] 6, 9, and 11. For example, the order of the processes in S102 and S103 in Fig. 6 and the order of the processes in S202 and S203 in Fig. 9 may be reversed.

[0125] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, it has been described that a priority and a priority threshold value having a larger value are given priority, but a priority may be given to a smaller value.

[0126] In the above embodiment, the control of the demand and supply of power in the control target device has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied to controlling devices that are not managed by an administrator. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 100 (100A, 100B, 100C)...device attribute management server, N1, N2...network, M1, M2, M3...device, 101 (101A, 101B, 101C)...device connection unit, 102 (102A, 102B, 102C)...device attribute value table, 103 (103A, 103B, 103C)...device attribute management unit, 200...control infrastructure server, 201...interconnection unit, 202...application priority table, 203...priority control unit, 300 (300A, 300B, 300C)...device control server, 301 (301A, 301B, 301C)...communication unit, 302 (302A, 302B, 302C)...device status management table, 303 (303A, 303B, 303C)...application function unit

Claims

1. A control infrastructure server that is communicably connected to a device attribute management server that manages device attribute values ​​of control target devices and a plurality of device control servers that generate device control commands including control commands for the control target devices, an application priority storage unit that stores application priorities that are set for each piece of application software executed by the device control server and indicate priorities of execution authority for the device control command; a receiving unit that receives the device control command from the device control server; an acquisition unit that acquires the priority threshold set for the control target device from the device attribute management server; a comparison and determination unit that compares an application priority set for application software executed by a device control server that generated the received device control command with a priority threshold set for a control target device that is the target of the device control command, and determines whether the application priority is higher than the priority threshold; a control permission unit that transmits the device control command to the device attribute management server only when the application priority is higher than the priority threshold as a result of the comparison and determination, thereby permitting the control command to be issued to the control target device. Control infrastructure server.

2. The control infrastructure server according to claim 1, The application priority and the priority threshold are set to the same number of stages, which is equal to or greater than three. Control infrastructure server.

3. 3. The control infrastructure server according to claim 1, The equipment control command includes a control command for responding to a power supply and demand coordination request. Control infrastructure server.

4. The control infrastructure server according to claim 3, the application priority stored in the application priority storage unit is a fixed value previously set for each application software executed by the device control server, includes a value previously determined between a power supply and demand coordination requester and a user of the control target device, and is a value that cannot be updated based on the device control command from the device control server; Control infrastructure server.

5. The control infrastructure server according to any one of claims 1 to 4, Further comprising a notification unit, When the receiving unit receives an inquiry about whether or not the device control command can be executed, the comparison and determination unit compares and determines an application priority set for application software executed by a device control server that generated the device control command related to the received inquiry with a priority threshold set for a control target device that is the target of the device control command, the notification unit notifies the device control server of information about whether or not the device control command can be executed, which corresponds to the result of the comparison and determination, and the control permission unit does not transmit the device control command to the device attribute management server regardless of the result of the comparison and determination. Control infrastructure server.

6. The control infrastructure server according to claim 5, When the receiving unit receives an inquiry about last update information of the priority threshold set for the control target device, the acquiring unit acquires a device attribute value of the control target device from the device attribute management server, and the notifying unit notifies the device control server of the acquired device attribute value. Control infrastructure server.

7. 7. The control infrastructure server according to claim 1, the device attribute value includes a priority threshold set for the control target device, a last-updated application ID that identifies application software executed by a device control server that generated a device control command including a control command instructing updating to the priority threshold, and a last-updated date and time that indicates the date and time of the update; Control infrastructure server.

8. 8. A device control system comprising: a device attribute management server that manages device attribute values ​​of the control target devices; a plurality of device control servers that generate device control commands including control commands for the control target devices; and the control infrastructure server according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the device control server generates a device control command including a control command for changing a priority threshold set for the control-target device; the device attribute management server has a device attribute value storage unit for storing device attribute values ​​of the control target devices, and when receiving a device control command including a control command for changing the priority threshold set for the control target devices, updates information on the priority threshold set for the control target devices, which information is included in the device attribute values ​​stored in the device attribute value storage unit; Equipment control system.

9. 9. The device control system according to claim 8, the device control server generates a device control command including a control command for changing the priority threshold set for the control target device within a range of values ​​not exceeding the application priority value set for the application software to be executed; Equipment control system.

10. The device control system according to claim 8 or 9, which relies on claim 5, the device control server has a device status storage unit that stores information indicating a control status for each of the control target devices, when the device control server receives the notification of the information on whether the device control command can be executed, the device control server updates the information indicating the control status stored in the device status storage unit for each of the control target devices. Equipment control system.

11. A method executed in a control infrastructure server communicably connected to a device attribute management server that manages device attribute values ​​of control target devices and a plurality of device control servers that generate device control commands including control commands for the control target devices, comprising: storing application priorities that indicate priorities of execution authority for the device control commands, set for each of the application software executed by the device control server; receiving the device control command from the device control server; acquiring a priority threshold set for the control target device from the device attribute management server; comparing an application priority set for application software executed by the device control server that generated the received device control command with a priority threshold set for a control target device that is the target of the device control command, and determining whether the application priority is higher than the priority threshold; and permitting a control command to be issued to the control target device by transmitting the device control command to the device attribute management server only when the application priority is higher than the priority threshold as a result of the comparison and determination. method.

12. a control infrastructure server communicably connected to a device attribute management server that manages device attribute values ​​of control target devices and a plurality of device control servers that generate device control commands including control commands for the control target devices; a means for storing application priority levels set for each application software executed by the device control server, the application priority levels indicating the priority levels of execution authority for the device control commands; means for receiving the device control command from the device control server; means for acquiring a priority threshold set for the control target device from the device attribute management server; means for comparing an application priority set for application software executed by a device control server that generated the received device control command with a priority threshold set for a control target device that is the target of the device control command, and determining whether the application priority is higher than the priority threshold; and causing the device attribute management server to function as a means for permitting a control command to be issued to a control target device by transmitting the device control command to the device attribute management server only when the application priority is higher than the priority threshold as a result of the comparison and determination. program.

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