Control device, information terminal, control method, and program

Abstract

A control apparatus (30) comprises: a communication unit that communicates with an information terminal (10); a plurality of circuit units (for example, a first circuit unit (35a), a second circuit unit (35b), and a third circuit unit (35c)) that perform switching of connection and disconnection between a power supply and a plurality of devices (for example, a first device (40a), a second device (40b), and a third device (40c)); and a control unit (32) that controls the plurality of circuit units and the plurality of devices. The control unit (32), upon acquiring an instruction from the information terminal (10) to disconnect one circuit unit (for example, the first circuit unit (35a)) among the plurality of circuit units, if the one device (for example, the first device (40a)) corresponding to the one circuit unit is a device capable of wireless communication, does not disconnect the one circuit unit (for example, the first circuit unit (35a)) but outputs an instruction to the one device (for example, the first device (40a)) via wireless communication to stop the operation of the one device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, an information terminal, a control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART In recent years, a control system for remotely operating a device capable of wireless communication has been disclosed (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2020-51970 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, if a switch that connects and disconnects the device from a power source is pressed and power is not being supplied to the device, the user cannot remotely operate the wirelessly capable device.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides a control device, an information terminal, a control method, and a program that can stably remotely control a device that is capable of wireless communication. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A control device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a communication unit that communicates with an external terminal, a plurality of circuit units that switch between connecting and disconnecting a power source to a plurality of devices, and a control unit that controls the plurality of circuit units and the plurality of devices, and when the control unit receives an instruction from the external terminal to disconnect one of the plurality of circuit units, if one device corresponding to the one circuit unit is capable of wireless communication, the control unit does not disconnect the one circuit, but instead outputs an instruction to the one device via wireless communication to stop operation of the one device.

[0007] An information terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a reception unit that receives user instructions, a control unit that controls, based on the instructions, a control device having multiple devices and multiple circuit units that switch the connection and disconnection of the multiple devices to a power source, and a database in which, for each of the multiple devices, identification information of the device, information on whether the device has wireless communication functionality, and identification information of the circuit unit that supplies power to the device are stored in association with each other, and when the control unit receives an instruction from the reception unit to disconnect one of the multiple circuit units, if the device linked to the one circuit unit based on the database is a device capable of wireless communication, the control unit does not output an instruction to the control device to disconnect the one circuit unit, but outputs an instruction to the one device to stop operation of the one device.

[0008] An information terminal according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a presentation unit that presents objects, a reception unit that receives user operations on the objects, a database in which, for each of a plurality of devices, identification information of the device, information on whether the device has wireless communication capabilities, and identification information of a circuit unit that switches the connection and disconnection of the device to a power source are stored in a linked manner, and a control unit that controls the presentation unit and the reception unit, and the control unit, based on the database, for a device among the plurality of devices that is capable of wireless communication, does not cause the presentation unit to present an object that accepts an instruction to disconnect the circuit unit linked to the wireless communication capable device, but instead causes the presentation unit to present an object that accepts an instruction to connect the circuit unit.

[0009] A control method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a control method executed by a computer, and includes a receiving step of receiving a user's instruction, and a control step of controlling, based on the instruction, a control device having a plurality of devices and a plurality of circuit units that switch between connecting and disconnecting the plurality of devices to a power source.In the control step, when an instruction to disconnect one of the plurality of circuit units is obtained, if the one device connected to the power source by the one circuit unit is a device capable of wireless communication, an instruction to disconnect the one circuit unit is not output to the control device, and an instruction to stop operation of the one device is output to the one device.

[0010] A control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a control method executed by a computer, and includes, for each of a plurality of devices, a presentation step of presenting an object that accepts an instruction to disconnect a circuit unit that connects the device to a power source, a reception step of accepting a user's operation on the object, and a control step of controlling the presentation step and the reception step, wherein, in the control step, for a device among the plurality of devices that is capable of wireless communication, the presentation step controls to not present an object that accepts an instruction to disconnect a circuit unit that switches between connecting and disconnecting the wireless communication capable device to the power source, but to present an object that accepts an instruction to connect the circuit unit.

[0011] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute any one of the above control methods. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] A control device, an information terminal, a control method, and a program according to one aspect of the present invention are capable of stably remotely controlling a device capable of wireless communication. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the control device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating another example of the control device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the control system 100 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the control system 100 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a reception screen of the information terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the control system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a reception screen of the information terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] 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 placement and connection forms, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not recited in independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0015] It should be noted that the drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily strict illustrations. In addition, in the drawings, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0016] (Embodiment 1) [1. Configuration] A description will be given of a control system including a control device according to Embodiment 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control system according to Embodiment 1.

[0017] The control system 100 is a system capable of remotely controlling multiple devices installed in a building via a wide area communication network 5 such as the Internet. A user can, for example, operate an information terminal 10 to control the power on / off and operation of at least one of the first device 40a, the second device 40b, and the third device 40c. The building is, for example, a residence such as an apartment building or a detached house, but may also be a facility other than a residence, such as an office.

[0018] The control system 100 includes, for example, an information terminal 10, a repeater 20, a control device 30, a first device 40a, a second device 40b, and a third device 40c. Each component will be described below.

[0019] [1-1. Information terminal] The information terminal 10 is a terminal device that receives instructions input by a user and outputs the received instructions to the control device 30. More specifically, the information terminal 10 is a portable terminal device that a user operates to input instructions to power on or off a device and to start or stop the operation of the device. The information terminal 10 is, for example, a portable terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). The information terminal 10 may also be a dedicated terminal used in the control system 100.

[0020] The information terminal 10 includes, for example, a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, a storage unit 13, a reception unit 14, and a presentation unit 15.

[0021] [Communications Department] The communication unit 11 is a communication circuit (communication module) for the information terminal 10 to communicate with the repeater 20, the control device 30, the first device 40a, the second device 40b, and the third device 40c. The communication unit 11 may include a communication circuit (communication module) for communicating via a wide area communication network 5 such as the Internet, and a communication circuit (communication module) for communicating via a local communication network. The communication unit 11 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit for performing wireless communication. Note that the communication standard for the communication performed by the communication unit 11 is not particularly limited.

[0022] [Control Unit] The control unit 12 is a control circuit that performs information processing to control the operation of the information terminal 10. The control unit 12 has a processor and performs various controls by the processor executing programs stored in the storage unit 13. The control unit 12 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit.

[0023] [Storage] The storage unit 13 is a storage device that stores control programs and the like executed by the control unit 12. The storage unit 13 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0024] [Reception] The reception unit 14 is an input interface that receives operation inputs from a user. For example, the reception unit 14 receives user operations on an object presented on the presentation unit 15. Specifically, the reception unit 14 is realized by a touch panel display or the like. For example, if the reception unit 14 is equipped with a touch panel display, the touch panel display functions as the presentation unit 15 and the reception unit 14. Note that the reception unit 14 is realized by, for example, a touch panel, but may also be realized by a mouse, a keyboard, a hardware button, a microphone, or the like.

[0025] The reception unit 14 may include a speaker (not shown). The speaker outputs a voice (mechanical voice) in response to the speech captured by the microphone, for example. This allows the user to interactively input instructions for executing scene control.

[0026] [Presentation part] The presentation unit 15 is a display device that displays image information including, for example, characters and symbols. The presentation unit 15 presents, for example, an object that accepts a user's instruction. More specifically, the presentation unit 15 presents an object that accepts an instruction to connect or disconnect a circuit unit that switches between connection and disconnection of a device that is the control target (in other words, a subordinate device) of the control device 30 and a power source, and an object that accepts an instruction to start or stop the operation of the controlled device. Furthermore, the presentation unit may include an audio output device that outputs audio information. The display device is, for example, a display that includes a liquid crystal (LC) panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel as a display device. The audio output device is, for example, a speaker.

[0027] [1-2. Repeater] The repeater 20 relays between the control device 30, the local network to which the first device 40a, the second device 40b, and the third device 40c are connected, and the Internet.

[0028] [1-3. Control device] The control device 30 includes a plurality of circuit units (here, a first circuit unit 35a, a second circuit unit 35b, and a third circuit unit 35c) that switch between connection and disconnection between a plurality of devices (here, a first device 40a, a second device 40b, and a third device 40c) and a power source (not shown), and controls the plurality of circuit units and the plurality of devices. For example, the control device 30 is a switch for the plurality of devices, and is a so-called wall switch that is attached to the wall of a building. A specific description will be given below with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 3. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the control device 30. Figure 3 is a diagram showing another example of the control device 30.

[0029] The control device 30 includes a communication unit 31, a control unit 32, a storage unit 33, a reception unit 34, a first circuit unit 35a, a second circuit unit 35b, and a third circuit unit 35c.

[0030] [Communications Department] The communication unit 31 is a communication circuit (communication module) through which the control device 30 communicates with the information terminal 10, the repeater 20, the first device 40a, the second device 40b, and the third device 40c. The communication unit 31 is, for example, a communication circuit (communication module) for communicating via a local communication network, but may also be provided with a communication circuit (communication module) for communicating via a wide area communication network 5 such as the Internet. The communication unit 31 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit for performing wireless communication. Note that the communication standard for communication performed by the communication unit 31 is not particularly limited.

[0031] [Control Unit] The control unit 32 performs information processing to control a plurality of circuit units (e.g., first circuit unit 35a, second circuit unit 35b, third circuit unit 35c) and a plurality of devices (e.g., first device 40a, second device 40b, third device 40c) that are the control targets (in other words, subordinate devices). More specifically, the control unit 32 performs control to disconnect or connect the plurality of circuit units and control to start or stop the operation of the plurality of devices. The control unit 32 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor.

[0032] For example, when the control unit 32 receives an instruction to disconnect one of multiple circuit units from an external terminal (e.g., information terminal 10), if one device corresponding to one circuit unit is a device capable of wireless communication, the control unit 32 does not disconnect the one circuit unit, but outputs an instruction to the one device via local wireless communication to stop the operation of the one device.

[0033] Furthermore, for example, when the control unit 32 receives an instruction from an external terminal (e.g., information terminal 10) to start operation of one of the multiple devices, if the one device is capable of wireless communication and one circuit unit that switches the connection and disconnection between the one device and a power source is disconnected, the control unit 32 connects the one device to a power source via the one circuit unit.

[0034] For example, when the control unit 32 receives the instruction from an external terminal (for example, the information terminal 10), the control unit 32 may determine whether or not one device is a device capable of wireless communication based on a database (not shown) described later.

[0035] Furthermore, for example, when a disconnection operation for one of the multiple circuit parts is received by the receiving part 34 described later, the control part 32 determines whether or not one device linked to the one circuit part is a device capable of wireless communication based on a database described later, and if it is determined that the one device is a device capable of wireless communication, the control part 32 does not disconnect the one circuit part, but outputs an instruction to the one device via local wireless communication to stop the operation of the one device.

[0036] [Storage] The memory unit 33 is a storage device that stores control programs and the like executed by the control unit 32. The memory unit 33 stores, for example, a database (not shown). The database stores, for each of a plurality of devices, identification information of the device, information on whether the device has a wireless communication function, and identification information of a circuit unit that switches between connecting and disconnecting the device to a power source, all of which are linked together. The identification information of the device is, for example, an Internet Protocol (IP) address. The identification information of the circuit unit is, for example, a character string consisting of alphabets, numbers, etc. The memory unit 33 is specifically realized by a semiconductor memory or the like.

[0037] [Reception] The reception unit 34 receives a switching operation for connecting and disconnecting a plurality of circuit units corresponding to each of a plurality of devices. The reception unit 34 may include, for example, a switch button corresponding to each of the plurality of circuit units. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the reception unit 34 may include a first reception unit 34a (in other words, a first switch button), a second reception unit 34b (in other words, a second switch button), and a third reception unit 34c (in other words, a third switch button). The first reception unit 34a receives a switching operation for connecting and disconnecting the first circuit unit 35a. The second reception unit 34b receives a switching operation for connecting and disconnecting the second circuit unit 35b. The third reception unit 34c receives a switching operation for connecting and disconnecting the third circuit unit 35c.

[0038] 2, the control device 30 has a switch button similar to a normal wall switch, but is not limited to this example. The reception unit 34 may have a touch function as an input function and a display function as an output function. In other words, it may be an image switch button instead of a mechanical switch button, and is not particularly limited.

[0039] [Circuit section] The circuit unit includes a circuit that switches the connection and disconnection between the power source and the devices controlled by the control device 30 (i.e., subordinate devices). More specifically, the circuit is located on a branch circuit (i.e., on a power line) from the building's power system to the devices and turns the electrical connection between the power system and the devices on and off. The circuit may be a circuit that structurally opens and closes electrical contacts, such as a relay circuit, or a semiconductor switching circuit element, such as a power transistor. The circuit unit includes a first circuit unit 35a that switches the power supply from the power source to the first device 40a on and off, a second circuit unit 35b that switches the power supply from the power source to the second device 40b on and off, and a third circuit unit 35c that switches the power supply from the power source to the third device 40c on and off. Note that the circuit unit is required to include at least one circuit (in other words, a switching circuit). In other words, it is sufficient for the circuit unit to directly switch the power supply to at least one device on and off. Note that, in this specification, the connection and disconnection of a circuit refers to the circuit being connected or disconnected.

[0040] The circuit unit may also include, for example, the above-described circuit and a light-emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). For example, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the first circuit unit 35a may include a light-emitting element 36a, the second circuit unit 35b may include a light-emitting element 36b, and the third circuit unit 35c may include a light-emitting element 36c. These light-emitting elements may, for example, as shown in FIG. 2A, light when the circuit is disconnected and light when the circuit is connected. Note that, as shown in FIG. 2B, when the receiving unit 34 receives a disconnection operation for the third circuit unit 35c and the device corresponding to the third circuit unit 35c (here, the third device 40c) is a device capable of wireless communication, the light-emitting element 36c may blink to indicate that the third circuit unit 35c is not disconnected. In other words, the light-emitting element 36c may blink to indicate that the user's operation on the third circuit unit 35c is invalid.

[0041] [Notification Department] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the control device 30 may further include a notification unit having a light-emitting element. The notification unit notifies that one device corresponding to one circuit unit is a device capable of wireless communication by using the light-emitting pattern of the light-emitting element. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the notification unit may include a third notification unit 37c, which notifies the third circuit unit 35c. By The device may also be notified that a device connected to the power source (e.g., third device 40c) is a device capable of wireless communication. For example, if first device 40a and second device 40b are devices without wireless communication capabilities, the light-emitting elements of first notification unit 37a and second notification unit 37b will not emit light, thereby notifying the user that the devices corresponding to these circuit units are not capable of wireless communication. This reduces the possibility that the power supply to the device capable of wireless communication will be cut off by the user manually operating the reception unit, making it easier to maintain the power supply to the device capable of wireless communication.

[0042] [1-4.Equipment] The devices are devices that are controlled by (i.e., subordinate to) the control device 30. The devices are, for example, home appliances or home facilities installed in a building such as a house or facility. Examples of home appliances include lighting equipment such as lighting fixtures, air conditioning equipment such as air conditioners, video equipment such as televisions or recorders, audio equipment such as audio devices or speakers, and aroma equipment such as aroma diffusers. Examples of home facilities include bathrooms, toilets, kitchens, plumbing equipment such as water heaters, and air conditioning equipment such as ventilation systems. The devices are, for example, the first device 40a, the second device 40b, and the third device 40c. As described above, the devices are installed, for example, inside a building, but may also be installed outside the building. Switching on and off of the power supply from the power system (so-called power source) to the devices is controlled by a circuit unit of the control device 30.

[0043] Furthermore, although not shown, among the multiple devices, devices capable of wireless communication include a communication circuit (communication module) for performing local wireless communication with information terminal 10, repeater 20, and control device 30, and receive control signals transmitted via communication unit 11 included in information terminal 10 and communication unit 31 included in control device 30. In other words, the devices capable of wireless communication can acquire an instruction to start or stop an operation (control signal) output by information terminal 10 via repeater 20, and start or stop an operation based on the acquired control signal, or can start or stop an operation based on the control signal acquired via control device 30.

[0044] [2. Operation] Next, the operation of the control system 100 according to the first embodiment will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, disconnecting a circuit unit means stopping the power supply to the device corresponding to the circuit unit (i.e., turning off the main power supply of the device), and connecting a circuit unit means starting the power supply to the device corresponding to the circuit unit (i.e., turning on the main power supply of the device).

[0045] 4 and 5 are sequence diagrams showing an example of the operation of the control system 100 in Embodiment 1. FIG.

[0046] When the reception unit 14 of the information terminal 10 receives an instruction to disconnect the first circuit unit 35a (hereinafter also referred to as a disconnection instruction) (S01), the control unit 12 outputs the disconnection instruction received in step S01 to the control device 30 via the communication unit 11 (S02). The disconnection instruction output in step S02 is output to the control device 30 via the repeater 20.

[0047] When the control unit 32 of the control device 30 receives an instruction from the information terminal 10 to disconnect the first circuit unit 35a, it reads information about one device (here, the first device 40a) corresponding to the first circuit unit 35a from the database (not shown in Figure 1) of the memory unit 33 (S03), and determines whether the first device 40a is a device capable of wireless communication (S04).

[0048] When the control unit 32 of the control device 30 determines that the first device 40a is a device capable of wireless communication (Yes in S04), it determines to perform control to stop the operation of the first device 40a without disconnecting the first circuit unit 35a (S05). Then, the control unit 32 outputs an instruction to stop the operation of the first device (hereinafter also referred to as a stop instruction) to the first device 40a via the communication unit 31 (S06).

[0049] When the first device 40a receives the instruction to stop the operation from the control device 30, the first device 40a stops the operation (S07).

[0050] On the other hand, if the control unit 32 of the control device 30 determines in step S04 that the first device 40a is not a device capable of wireless communication (No in S04), it disconnects the first circuit unit 35a (S08).

[0051] 6, when the user touches an object displayed on the reception screen (reception unit 14 and presentation unit 15) of information terminal 10, reception unit 14 receives an instruction indicated by the object. For example, when the user touches the "ON" button of the second device displayed on the touch panel, reception unit 14 of information terminal 10 receives an instruction to start operation of second device 40b (hereinafter also referred to as a start instruction) (S09).

[0052] The control unit 12 of the information terminal 10 outputs the start instruction received in step S09 to the control device 30 via the communication unit 11 (S10). The start instruction output in step S10 is output to the control device 30 via the repeater 20.

[0053] The control unit 32 of the control device 30 receives the information from the information terminal 10. 2nd device 40b When the control unit 32 receives an instruction to start the operation of the second device 40b, it reads information about the second device 40b from a database (not shown in FIG. 1) in the storage unit 33 (S11) and determines whether the second device 40b is a device capable of wireless communication (S12). If the control unit 32 determines that the second device 40b is not a device capable of wireless communication (No in S12), it connects the second circuit unit 35b (S14).

[0054] On the other hand, if it is determined that the second device 40b is a device capable of wireless communication (Yes in S12), it determines whether the second circuit unit 35b is disconnected (S13). If it is determined that the second circuit unit 35b is disconnected (Yes in S13), the control unit 32 connects the second circuit unit 35b (S14). More specifically, the control unit 32 causes the second circuit unit 35b to connect the second device 40b and the power source.

[0055] On the other hand, in step S13, if the control unit 32 determines that the second circuit unit 35b is not disconnected (No in S13), it outputs an instruction to start operation of the second device 40b (a so-called start instruction) to the second device via the communication unit 31 (S15).

[0056] When the second device 40b receives the start instruction in step S15, it starts operating (S16).

[0057] Next, when the user presses the third reception unit 34c (see, for example, FIG. 2(a)) of the control device 30, the third reception unit 34c receives an instruction to disconnect the third circuit unit 35c (S17).

[0058] When the control unit 32 of the control device 30 receives the instruction to disconnect the third circuit unit 35c received in step S17, the control unit 32 reads information about the device (here, the third device 40c) linked to the third circuit unit 35c from a database (not shown in FIG. 1) in the storage unit 33 (S18). Then, the control unit 32 determines whether the third device 40c is a device capable of wireless communication based on the database (S19).

[0059] If the control unit 32 determines that the third device 40c is a device capable of wireless communication (Yes in S19), it determines not to disconnect the third circuit unit 35c but to stop the operation of the third device 40c (S20).Then, the control unit 32 outputs an instruction to stop the operation of the third device 40c (hereinafter also referred to as a stop instruction) to the third device 40c via the communication unit 31 (S21).

[0060] When the third device 40c receives the stop instruction output from the control device 30 in step S21, it stops operating (S22).

[0061] On the other hand, if the control unit 32 of the control device 30 determines in step S19 that the third device 40c is not a device capable of wireless communication (No in S19), it disconnects the third circuit unit 35c (S23).

[0062] As described above, when the control system 100 including the control device 30 according to the first embodiment receives a control instruction for a circuit unit or a device from an external terminal (for example, the information terminal 10), it determines the control of the circuit unit and the device depending on whether the device is a device capable of wireless communication. This allows the power supply to the device capable of wireless communication to be kept uninterrupted, allowing the user to remotely control the device capable of wireless communication at a desired timing.

[0063] [Modified Operation] In the above operation example, when the circuit unit that switches between connection and disconnection between the wireless communication-enabled device and the power source is disconnected, the control unit 32 of the control device 30 switches the circuit unit from disconnection to connection.

[0064] In a modified example of the operation example, the user is notified that the circuit unit corresponds to a device capable of wireless communication, which reduces the possibility that the user will press a reception unit (e.g., a switch button) of the control device 30 and disconnect the circuit unit corresponding to the device capable of wireless communication.

[0065] 3, the notification unit has a light-emitting element. For example, if the first device 40a corresponding to the first circuit unit 35a and the second device 40b corresponding to the second circuit unit 35b are not devices capable of wireless communication, the first notification unit 37a and the second notification unit 37b turn off the light-emitting element to notify the user that the devices corresponding to the first circuit unit 35a and the second circuit unit 35b (here, the first device 40a and the second device 40b) are not devices capable of wireless communication. This allows the user to recognize from the lit state of the first notification unit 37a and the second notification unit 37b that they may perform an operation to switch between disconnection and connection of the first circuit unit 35a and the second circuit unit 35b.

[0066] Furthermore, for example, if the third device 40c corresponding to the third circuit unit 35c is a device capable of wireless communication, the third notification unit 37c lights up the light-emitting element to notify the user that the device corresponding to the third circuit unit 35c (here, the third device 40c) is a device capable of wireless communication. This allows the user to recognize from the lit state of the third notification unit 37c that it is better not to disconnect the third circuit unit 35c. This reduces the possibility that the power supply to the device capable of wireless communication will be cut off by a user operation, making it easier to maintain the power supply to the device capable of wireless communication. Therefore, the control device 30 can stably remotely control the device capable of wireless communication.

[0067] [3. Effects, etc.] As described above, the control device 30 includes a communication unit that communicates with an external terminal (e.g., the information terminal 10 in FIG. 1), a plurality of circuit units (e.g., the first circuit unit 35a, the second circuit unit 35b, and the third circuit unit 35c in FIG. 1) that switch between connection and disconnection between a plurality of devices (e.g., the first device 40a, the second device 40b, and the third device 40c in FIG. 1) and a power source (not shown in FIG. 1), and a control unit 32 that controls the plurality of circuit units and the plurality of devices. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the control unit 32 receives an instruction from an external terminal (information terminal 10) to disconnect one of the multiple circuit units (e.g., the first circuit unit 35a) (step S01), if one device (e.g., the first device 40a) corresponding to the one circuit unit is a device capable of wireless communication (Yes in step S04), the control unit 32 does not disconnect the one circuit unit (e.g., the first circuit unit 35a), but outputs an instruction to the one device (e.g., the first device 40a) via wireless communication to stop the operation of the one device (e.g., the first device 40a) (step S06).

[0068] Such a control device 30 does not disconnect the circuitry that switches on and off the power supply to the wireless communication enabled device, and therefore can stably remotely control the wireless communication enabled device.

[0069] For example, in the control device 30, as shown in FIG. 4, when the control unit 32 receives an instruction from an external terminal (e.g., the information terminal 10 in FIG. 1) to start operation of one of the multiple devices (e.g., the second device 40b) (step S09), if the one device is capable of wireless communication (Yes in step S12) and one circuit unit (e.g., the second circuit unit 35b) that switches the connection and disconnection of the one device to the power source is disconnected (Yes in step S13), the control unit 32 connects the one device to the power source via the one circuit unit (e.g., the second circuit unit 35b) (step S14).

[0070] When such a control device 30 receives an instruction to start operation of a device capable of wireless communication, it connects a circuit unit corresponding to the device capable of wireless communication, thereby being able to control the device capable of wireless communication.

[0071] For example, the control device 30 further includes a database (not shown in FIG. 1) in which, for each of a plurality of devices, identification information of the device, information on whether the device has a wireless communication function, and identification information of a circuit section that switches the connection and disconnection of the device to a power source are stored in association with each other, and when the control section 32 receives the above instruction from an external terminal (e.g., information terminal 10 in FIG. 1), it determines, based on the database, whether one device is a device capable of wireless communication (e.g., step S04, step S12 in FIG. 4).

[0072] The control device 30 can appropriately remotely control a wirelessly communicable device when it receives either a control instruction for the circuit unit or a control instruction for the device.

[0073] For example, the control device 30 further includes a reception unit 34 (e.g., a first reception unit 34a, a second reception unit 34b, and a third reception unit 34c in FIG. 2A) that receives an operation to connect and disconnect a circuit unit corresponding to each of the plurality of devices. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the reception unit 34 (e.g., the third reception unit 34c) receives an operation to disconnect one of the plurality of circuit units (e.g., the third circuit unit 35c) (step S17), the control unit 32 determines, based on the database, whether one device (e.g., the third device 40c) linked to the one circuit unit (e.g., the third circuit unit 35c) is a device capable of wireless communication (step S19). If it is determined that the one device is a device capable of wireless communication (Yes in step S19), the control device 30 does not disconnect the one circuit unit, and outputs an instruction to the one device via wireless communication to stop the operation of the one device (step S21).

[0074] In such a control device 30, even if a user's operation to disconnect the circuit unit is accepted, if the device corresponding to the circuit unit is a device capable of wireless communication, the power supply to the device is not stopped, so that the next time remote operation is performed, the device capable of wireless communication can be remotely operated quickly.

[0075] For example, the control device 30 further includes a notification unit (e.g., the first notification unit 37a, the second notification unit 37b, and the third notification unit 37c in FIG. 3) having a light-emitting element, and the notification unit (e.g., the third notification unit 37c) notifies that one device (e.g., the third device 40c) corresponding to one circuit unit (e.g., the third circuit unit 35c) is a device capable of wireless communication based on the light-emitting pattern of the light-emitting element.

[0076] Such a control device 30 notifies the user whether it is a reception unit that accepts operations to disconnect and connect a circuit unit that switches the power supply to a wireless communication-enabled device on and off, and therefore can prevent the power supply to the wireless communication-enabled device from being cut off by a user operation.

[0077] (Embodiment 2) [1. Configuration] Next, the configuration of a control system 100 including an information terminal 10 according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0078] In embodiment 1, when the control device 30 receives an instruction output from the information terminal 10, it determines whether the device corresponding to the circuit unit targeted by the instruction, or whether the device targeted by the instruction, is a device capable of wireless communication, and controls the circuit unit and the device.

[0079] In the second embodiment, when the information terminal 10 receives an instruction received by the receiving unit 14, it determines whether the device corresponding to the circuit unit targeted by the instruction, or whether the device targeted by the instruction is a device capable of wireless communication, and controls the circuit unit and the device. The following description will focus on differences from the first embodiment, and explanations of overlapping content will be omitted or simplified. Note that in the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 1, the control system 100 in the second embodiment includes, for example, an information terminal 10, a repeater 20, a control device 30, and a plurality of devices (here, a first device 40a, a second device 40b, and a third device 40c).

[0081] [1-1. Information terminal] The following describes the differences from the information terminal 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0082] [Control Unit] The control unit 12 controls a plurality of devices based on the instruction received by the reception unit 14. ( Here, the control unit 32 performs information processing for controlling a first device 40a, a second device 40b, and a third device 40c) and a control device 30 including a plurality of circuit units (here, a first circuit unit 35a, a second circuit unit 35b, and a third circuit unit 35c) that switch between connection and disconnection of the plurality of devices to a power source. The control unit 32 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor.

[0083] When the control unit 12 receives an instruction from the receiving unit 14 to disconnect one of the multiple circuit units, if a device linked to the one circuit unit based on the database is a device capable of wireless communication, the control unit 12 does not output an instruction to disconnect the one circuit unit to the control device 30, but outputs an instruction to the one device to stop the operation of the one device.

[0084] [Storage] The storage unit 13 is a storage device that stores the control program executed by the control unit 12, etc. The storage unit 13 also stores a database (not shown). The database stores, for each of a plurality of devices, identification information of the device, information on whether the device has a wireless communication function, and identification information of a circuit unit that switches between connecting and disconnecting the device to a power source, all linked together. The storage unit 13 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory or the like.

[0085] [1-2. Control device] The following describes the differences from the control device 30 according to the first embodiment.

[0086] [Control Unit] The control unit 12 performs information processing to control multiple circuit units (e.g., first circuit unit 35a, second circuit unit 35b, third circuit unit 35c) and multiple devices to be controlled (i.e., subordinate devices) (e.g., first device 40a, second device 40b, third device 40c) in accordance with instructions output by the information terminal 10.

[0087] [2. Operation] Next, the operation of the control system 100 in the second embodiment will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the control system 100 in the second embodiment.

[0088] When the reception unit of the information terminal 10 receives an instruction to disconnect the first circuit unit 35a (a so-called disconnection instruction) (S31), the control unit 12 reads out information about the device (here, the first device 40a) linked to the circuit unit (here, the first circuit unit 35a) that is the target of the disconnection instruction received in step S31 from the database (not shown in Figure 1) of the memory unit 13 (S32).

[0089] The control unit 12 of the information terminal 10 determines whether the first device 40a is a device capable of wireless communication (S33), and if it is determined that the first device 40a is a device capable of wireless communication (Yes in S33), it determines not to disconnect the first circuit unit 35a but to stop the operation of the first device 40a (S34).Then, the control unit 12 outputs an instruction to stop the operation of the first device 40a (a so-called stop instruction) to the first device 40a via the repeater 20 (S35).

[0090] On the other hand, if the control unit 12 of the information terminal 10 determines in step S33 that the first device is not a device capable of wireless communication (No in S33), it decides to disconnect the first circuit unit 35a (S36). Then, the control unit 12 outputs an instruction to disconnect the first circuit unit 35a (a so-called disconnection instruction) to the control device 30 via the repeater 20 (S37).

[0091] When the control device 30 receives the instruction to disconnect the first circuit unit 35a from the information terminal 10, the control device 30 disconnects the first circuit unit 35a (S38).

[0092] As described above, even if the receiving unit 14 receives an instruction to disconnect the circuit unit, if the device corresponding to the circuit unit is a device capable of wireless communication, the information terminal 10 according to the second embodiment does not disconnect the circuit unit, but outputs an instruction to the device to stop the operation of the device corresponding to the circuit unit. This maintains the power supply from the power source to the device capable of wireless communication, and the control system 100 including the information terminal 10 can stably remotely control the device capable of wireless communication.

[0093] [3. Effects, etc.] As described above, the information terminal 10 includes a reception unit 14 that receives instructions from a user, a control unit 12 that controls, based on the instructions, a control device 30 that includes multiple devices (e.g., first device 40a, second device 40b, and third device 40c in FIG. 1) and multiple circuit units (e.g., first circuit unit 35a, second circuit unit 35b, and third circuit unit 35c in FIG. 1) that switch between connecting and disconnecting the multiple devices to a power source (not shown in FIG. 1), and a database (not shown in FIG. 1) in which, for each of the multiple devices, identification information of the device, information on whether the device has a wireless communication function, and identification information of the circuit unit that supplies power to the device are stored in association with each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when the control unit 12 of the information terminal 10 receives an instruction from the receiving unit 14 to disconnect one of the multiple circuit units (e.g., the first circuit unit 35a), if one device (e.g., the first device 40a) linked to the one circuit unit based on the database is a device capable of wireless communication (Yes in step S33), the control unit 12 does not output an instruction to disconnect the one circuit unit (e.g., the first circuit unit 35a) to the control device 30, but outputs an instruction to stop the operation of the one device (e.g., the first device 40a) to the one device (step S35).

[0094] In such an information terminal 10, even if an instruction to disconnect a circuit unit is received by the receiving unit 14, if the device corresponding to the circuit unit is a device capable of wireless communication, the information terminal 10 does not disconnect the circuit unit, but outputs an instruction to the device to stop the operation of the device corresponding to the circuit unit. This maintains the power supply from the power source to the device capable of wireless communication, so that the control system 100 including the information terminal 10 can stably remotely control the device capable of wireless communication.

[0095] The control method is a control method executed by a computer such as the information terminal 10, and includes a receiving step (step S31 in FIG. 7) of receiving a user instruction, and a control step (step S41 in FIG. 7) of controlling, based on the instruction, a control device 30 including a plurality of devices (for example, the first device 40a, the second device 40b, and the third device 40c in FIG. 1) and a plurality of circuit units (for example, the first circuit unit 35a, the second circuit unit 35b, and the third circuit unit 35c in FIG. 1) that switch between connection and disconnection between the plurality of devices and a power source (not shown in FIG. 1). In the control step, when an instruction to disconnect one of the plurality of circuit units (e.g., the first circuit unit 35a) is acquired, and one device (e.g., the first device 40a) connected to the power source by one circuit unit is a device capable of wireless communication (Yes in step S33), an instruction to disconnect the one circuit unit (e.g., the first circuit unit 35a) is not output to the control device 30, and an instruction to stop the operation of the one device (e.g., the first device 40a) is output to the one device (step S35).

[0096] In this control method, even if an instruction to disconnect the circuit unit is received, if the device corresponding to the circuit unit is a device capable of wireless communication, the circuit unit is not disconnected and an instruction to stop the operation of the device corresponding to the circuit unit is output to the device. As a result, according to the control method, power supply from the power source to the device capable of wireless communication is maintained, so that the device capable of wireless communication can be stably remotely controlled.

[0097] (Embodiment 3) [1. Configuration] Next, the configuration of a control system 100 including an information terminal 10 according to the third embodiment will be described.

[0098] In the second embodiment, when the information terminal 10 receives an instruction received by the receiving unit 14, it determines whether the device corresponding to the circuit unit targeted by the instruction, or whether the device targeted by the instruction, is a device capable of wireless communication, and controls the circuit unit and the device.

[0099] In the third embodiment, the information terminal 10 does not present an object that accepts an instruction to disconnect a circuit unit corresponding to a device that is capable of wireless communication, but presents an object that accepts an instruction to disconnect a circuit unit corresponding to the device for a device that is not capable of wireless communication. The following description will focus on differences from the second embodiment, and explanations of overlapping content will be omitted or simplified. Note that in the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments will be used in the description.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 1, the control system 100 in the third embodiment includes, for example, an information terminal 10, a repeater 20, a control device 30, and a plurality of devices (here, a first device 40a, a second device 40b, and a third device 40c).

[0101] [Information terminal] The following describes the differences from the information terminal 10 according to the second embodiment.

[0102] [Control Unit] The control unit 12 performs information processing to control the presentation unit 15 and the reception unit 14. In addition, the control unit 12 controls a plurality of devices in accordance with instructions received by the reception unit 14. ( Here, the control unit 32 performs information processing for controlling a first device 40a, a second device 40b, and a third device 40c) and a control device 30 including a plurality of circuit units (here, a first circuit unit 35a, a second circuit unit 35b, and a third circuit unit 35c) that switch between connection and disconnection of the plurality of devices to a power source. The control unit 32 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor.

[0103] Based on a database (not shown in Figure 1), the control unit 12 causes the presentation unit 15 to present an object that accepts an instruction to connect a circuit unit linked to a device that is capable of wireless communication, rather than presenting an object that accepts an instruction to disconnect the circuit unit linked to the device that is capable of wireless communication.

[0104] [Storage] The storage unit 13 is a storage device that stores the control program executed by the control unit 12, etc. The storage unit 13 also stores a database (not shown). The database stores, for each of a plurality of devices, identification information of the device, information on whether the device has a wireless communication function, and identification information of a circuit unit that switches between connecting and disconnecting the device to a power source, all linked together. The storage unit 13 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory or the like.

[0105] [Presentation part] The presentation unit 15 is a display device that displays image information including, for example, characters and symbols. The presentation unit 15 presents, for example, an object that accepts a user's instruction. More specifically, the presentation unit 15 presents an object that accepts an instruction to connect or disconnect a circuit unit that switches between connection and disconnection of a device that is the control target (in other words, a subordinate device) of the control device 30 and a power source, and an object that accepts an instruction to start or stop the operation of the controlled device. More specifically, for example, in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 12, the presentation unit 15 does not present an object that accepts an instruction to disconnect a circuit unit linked to a wirelessly capable device, but presents an object that accepts an instruction to connect the circuit unit. Furthermore, the presentation unit may include an audio output device that outputs audio information. The display device is, for example, a display including a liquid crystal (LC) panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel as a display device. The audio output device is, for example, a speaker.

[0106] [2. Operation] Next, the operation of the control system 100 in the third embodiment will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a reception screen.

[0107] 8, when the receiving unit 14 receives an instruction to display a screen (e.g., "switch mode") for instructing switching between connection and disconnection of a plurality of circuit units, the control unit 12 of the information terminal 10 causes the presentation unit 15 to present icons of a plurality of switches corresponding to the plurality of circuit units (e.g., first circuit unit 35a, second circuit unit 35b, and third circuit unit 35c). The first switch, second switch, and third switch presented on the presentation unit 15 correspond to the first reception unit 34a, second reception unit 34b, and third reception unit 34c shown in FIG. 2(a), respectively.

[0108] At this time, based on a database (not shown in FIG. 1) in the memory unit 13, the control unit 12 of the information terminal 10 causes the presentation unit 15 to present an object (e.g., the "OFF" button in FIG. 8) that accepts an instruction to disconnect a circuit unit (e.g., the first circuit unit 35a) linked to a wireless communication-capable device (e.g., the first device 40a) among the multiple devices (e.g., the first device 40a, the second device 40b, and the third device 40c), but instead presents an object (e.g., the "ON" button in FIG. 8) that accepts an instruction to connect the circuit unit.

[0109] For example, when the user touches the "ON" button of the first switch presented on the presentation unit 15, the reception unit 14 receives an instruction to connect the first circuit unit 35a. Then, the control unit 12 of the information terminal 10 outputs the connection instruction for the first circuit unit 35a received by the reception unit 14 to the control device 30 via the repeater 20.

[0110] The control device 30 connects the first circuit unit 35a in accordance with the connection instruction output by the information terminal 10. As a result, the power source and the first device 40a are connected, and power is supplied to the first device 40a.

[0111] For example, for a device that is not capable of wireless communication, when the user touches the "ON" or "OFF" button of the second switch or the third switch presented on the presentation unit 15, the reception unit 14 receives the user's operation on the object. Then, the control unit 12 of the information terminal 10 outputs the instruction received by the reception unit 14 to the control device 30.

[0112] The control device 30 connects or disconnects the second circuit unit 35b and the third circuit unit 35c in accordance with an instruction output by the information terminal 10.

[0113] As described above, the information terminal 10 according to the third embodiment does not present an object that accepts an instruction to disconnect a circuit unit corresponding to a device that is capable of wireless communication, and presents an object that accepts an instruction to disconnect a circuit unit corresponding to a device that is not capable of wireless communication, based on the database. As a result, an instruction to disconnect a circuit unit corresponding to a device that is capable of wireless communication is not accepted, and the control system 100 including the information terminal 10 can stably remotely control devices that are capable of wireless communication.

[0114] [3. Effects, etc.] As described above, the information terminal 10 includes a presentation unit 15 that presents objects, a reception unit 14 that receives user operations on the objects, a database (not shown in FIG. 1) that stores, for each of a plurality of devices (for example, the first device 40a, the second device 40b, and the third device 40c in FIG. 1), identification information of the device, information on whether the device has a wireless communication function, and identification information of a circuit unit that switches between connection and disconnection of the device to a power source, in a linked manner, and a control unit 12 that controls the presentation unit 15 and the reception unit 14. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 12 of the information terminal 10, based on the database, for a device capable of wireless communication (e.g., the first device 40a) among multiple devices (e.g., the first device 40a, the second device 40b, and the third device 40c), causes the presentation unit 15 to present an object (e.g., the “OFF” button of the first switch) that accepts an instruction to disconnect the circuit unit (the first circuit unit 35a) linked to the wireless communication capable device, but instead presents an object (e.g., the “ON” button of the first switch) that accepts an instruction to connect the circuit unit.

[0115] Such information terminal 10 does not present an object that accepts an instruction to disconnect a circuit unit corresponding to a wireless communication-enabled device, and therefore the instruction is not accepted. Therefore, control system 100 including information terminal 10 can stably remotely control wireless communication-enabled devices.

[0116] In addition, the control method is a control method executed by a computer, and includes, for each of a plurality of devices, a presentation step of presenting an object that accepts an instruction to disconnect a circuit unit that connects the device to a power source, a reception step of accepting a user's operation on the object, and a control step of controlling the presentation step and the reception step, and in the control step, for a device among the plurality of devices that is capable of wireless communication, the presentation step performs control such that an object that accepts an instruction to disconnect a circuit unit that switches between connecting and disconnecting the wireless communication capable device to a power source is not presented, but an object that accepts an instruction to connect the circuit unit is presented.

[0117] According to this control method, an object that accepts an instruction to disconnect a circuit unit corresponding to a wireless communication-enabled device is not presented, and therefore the instruction is not accepted. Therefore, according to the control method, it is possible to stably remotely control the wireless communication-enabled device.

[0118] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, in the above embodiments, the components (functions) of each system may be distributed among multiple devices in any manner.

[0119] Furthermore, for example, the communication method between the devices in the above-described embodiment is not particularly limited. Furthermore, a relay device (not shown) may be involved in the communication between the devices. Furthermore, the information transmission path described in the above-described embodiment is not limited to the transmission path shown in the sequence diagram.

[0120] In the above-described embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. The order of multiple processing operations may be changed, or multiple processing operations may be performed in parallel.

[0121] In the above-described embodiments, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for that component, or by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0122] Furthermore, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or 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.

[0123] 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 as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0124] For example, the present invention may be realized as a control device, an information terminal, or a control system equivalent to the control device or information terminal according to the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, the present invention may be realized as a control method executed by a computer such as a control device or information terminal, or as a program for causing a computer to execute such a control method. The present invention may also be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0125] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art would think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope of the present invention.

[0126] (Addendum) Hereinafter, examples of inventions that can be obtained from the disclosure of this specification will be given, and the effects and the like that can be obtained from these inventions will be explained.

[0127] [Invention 1] a communication unit that communicates with an external terminal; a plurality of circuit units that switch between connection and disconnection between a plurality of devices and a power source; a control unit that controls the plurality of circuit units and the plurality of devices; Equipped with When the control unit receives an instruction to disconnect one of the plurality of circuit units from the external terminal, if one device corresponding to the one circuit unit is a device capable of wireless communication, the control unit does not disconnect the one circuit unit, but outputs an instruction to the one device via wireless communication to stop operation of the one device. Control device.

[0128] [Effects of Invention 1] Such a control device does not disconnect the circuitry that switches on and off the power supply to the wireless communication enabled device, and therefore can stably remotely control the wireless communication enabled device.

[0129] [Invention 2] when the control unit receives an instruction from the external terminal to start operation of one of the plurality of devices, and if the one device is capable of wireless communication and one circuit unit that switches between connection and disconnection of the one device and the power source is disconnected, the control unit connects the one device to the power source via the one circuit unit; The control device according to invention 1.

[0130] [Effects of Invention 2] When such a control device receives an instruction to start operation of a wireless communication capable device, it connects a circuit unit corresponding to the wireless communication capable device, thereby controlling the wireless communication capable device.

[0131] [Invention 3] Further, a database is provided in which, for each of the plurality of devices, identification information of the device, information on whether the device has a wireless communication function, and identification information of a circuit unit that switches between connection and disconnection of the device and the power source are stored in association with each other, When the control unit receives the instruction from the external terminal, the control unit determines whether the one device is a device capable of wireless communication based on the database. The control device according to invention 1 or 2.

[0132] [Effects of Invention 3] Such a control device can appropriately remotely control a wirelessly communicable device when it receives either a control instruction for the circuit unit or a control instruction for the device.

[0133] [Invention 4] Further, a receiving unit is provided for receiving a switching operation of connection and disconnection of a plurality of circuit units corresponding to each of the plurality of devices, The control unit When the receiving unit receives a disconnection operation for one of the plurality of circuit units, it determines whether or not one device associated with the one circuit unit is a device capable of wireless communication based on the database; If it is determined that the one device is capable of wireless communication, an instruction to stop the operation of the one device is output to the one device via the wireless communication without disconnecting the one circuit unit. A control device according to invention 3.

[0134] [Effects of Invention 4] Even if such a control device accepts a user's operation to disconnect the circuit unit, if the device corresponding to that circuit unit is a device capable of wireless communication, the power supply to the device will not be stopped, so the next time remote operation is performed, the device capable of wireless communication can be quickly remotely operated.

[0135] [Invention 5] Further, a notification unit having a light emitting element is provided, the notification unit notifies that the one device corresponding to the one circuit unit is a device capable of wireless communication, based on the light emission pattern of the light-emitting element. The control device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention.

[0136] [Effects of Invention 5] Such a control device notifies the user whether it is a reception unit that accepts operations to disconnect and connect a circuit unit that switches the power supply to a wireless communication-enabled device on and off, thereby preventing the power supply to the wireless communication-enabled device from being cut off by a user operation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0137] 10 Information terminals 30 Control device 32 Control section 35a 1st circuit section 35b 2nd circuit section 35c 3rd circuit section 40a 1st device 40b 2nd device 40c 3rd device 100 Control System

Claims

1. a communication unit that communicates with an external terminal; a plurality of circuit units that switch between connection and disconnection between a plurality of devices and a power source; a control unit that controls the plurality of circuit units and the plurality of devices; Equipped with When the control unit receives an instruction to disconnect one of the plurality of circuit units from the external terminal, if one device corresponding to the one circuit unit is capable of wireless communication, the control unit does not disconnect the one circuit unit, but outputs an instruction to the one device via wireless communication to stop operation of the one device. Control device.

2. When the control unit receives an instruction from the external terminal to start operation of one of the plurality of devices, if the one device is capable of wireless communication and one circuit unit that switches between connection and disconnection of the one device and the power source is disconnected, the control unit connects the one device to the power source via the one circuit unit. The control device according to claim 1 .

3. Further, a database is provided in which, for each of the plurality of devices, identification information of the device, information on whether the device has a wireless communication function, and identification information of a circuit unit that switches between connection and disconnection of the device and the power source are stored in association with each other, When the control unit receives the instruction from the external terminal, the control unit determines whether the one device is a device capable of wireless communication based on the database. The control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Further, a receiving unit is provided for receiving a switching operation of connection and disconnection of a plurality of circuit units corresponding to each of the plurality of devices, The control unit When the receiving unit receives a disconnection operation for one of the plurality of circuit units, it determines whether or not one device associated with the one circuit unit is a device capable of wireless communication based on the database; When it is determined that the one device is a device capable of wireless communication, an instruction to stop the operation of the one device is output to the one device via the wireless communication without disconnecting the one circuit unit. The control device according to claim 3 .

5. Further, a notification unit having a light emitting element is provided, the notification unit notifies the user that the one device corresponding to the one circuit unit is a device capable of wireless communication, based on the light emission pattern of the light-emitting element. The control device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. a reception unit that receives instructions from a user; a control unit that controls a plurality of devices and a control device including a plurality of circuit units that switch between connection and disconnection of the plurality of devices and a power source based on the instruction; a database in which, for each of the plurality of devices, identification information of the device, information on whether the device has a wireless communication function, and identification information of a circuit unit that supplies power to the device are stored in association with each other; Equipped with When the control unit receives an instruction to disconnect one of the plurality of circuit units from the reception unit, and if one device linked to the one circuit unit based on the database is a device capable of wireless communication, the control unit does not output an instruction to disconnect the one circuit unit to the control device, but outputs an instruction to stop operation of the one device to the one device. Information terminal.

7. a presentation unit that presents an object; a reception unit that receives a user's operation on the object; a database in which, for each of a plurality of devices, identification information of the device, information on whether the device has a wireless communication function, and identification information of a circuit unit that switches between connection and disconnection of the device and a power source are stored in association with each other; a control unit that controls the presentation unit and the reception unit; Equipped with The control unit and causing the presentation unit to present, based on the database, an object that accepts an instruction to connect a circuit unit associated with a device capable of wireless communication among the plurality of devices, without presenting an object that accepts an instruction to disconnect the circuit unit associated with the device capable of wireless communication. Information terminal.

8. 1. A computer-implemented control method comprising: a receiving step of receiving a user instruction; a control step of controlling a plurality of devices and a control device including a plurality of circuit units that switch between connection and disconnection of the plurality of devices and a power source based on the instruction; Including, In the control step, when an instruction to disconnect one circuit unit among the plurality of circuit units is acquired, if one device connected to the power source by the one circuit unit is a device capable of wireless communication, an instruction to disconnect the one circuit unit is not output to the control device, and an instruction to stop operation of the one device is output to the one device. Control method.

9. 1. A computer-implemented control method comprising: a presentation step of presenting, for each of the plurality of devices, an object that receives an instruction to disconnect a circuit unit that connects the device to a power source; a receiving step of receiving a user's operation on the object; a control step of controlling the presentation step and the reception step; Including, In the control step, for a device capable of wireless communication among the plurality of devices, control is performed in the presentation step to not present an object that accepts an instruction to disconnect a circuit unit that switches between connection and disconnection between the device capable of wireless communication and the power source, but to present an object that accepts an instruction to connect the circuit unit. Control method.

10. A method for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 8 or 9, program.

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