Control device, program, and control method

Abstract

According to the present invention, in the case where a control device is used at a doorway, a space creating unit combines two or more first spaces to create a second space on the basis of placement information obtained by an acquisition unit, an appliance control unit generates relationship information indicating the correspondence relationship between identification information of the second space and identification information of two or more appliances that are installed in the second space among a plurality of appliances, and a notification unit reports at least one of collective control information used to collectively control the two or more appliances installed in the second space and individual control information used to individually control the two or more appliances installed in the second space, on the basis of the relationship information generated by the appliance control unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

[0003] The home controller disclosed in Patent Document 1 manages devices on a room-by-room basis in a house.

[0004] However, depending on the lifestyle of the residents of a house, multiple rooms may be used as a single activity space, such as a living, dining, and kitchen. In such cases, it is more convenient for the residents to manage multiple devices installed in the house on an activity space basis rather than on a room-by-room basis.

[0005] In this case, there is a demand for a home controller placed near the entrance of the activity space to display all of the devices installed in the activity space and to operate them collectively or individually. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2014 / 128801 Summary of the Invention

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a control device, a program, and a control method that are capable of executing optimal device control depending on the location of the control device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a control device that controls a plurality of devices installed in a building having a plurality of first spaces, and includes an acquisition unit that acquires installation information and arrangement information, a space generation unit, an equipment control unit, and a notification unit, wherein the installation information includes a correspondence relationship between identification information of each of the plurality of first spaces and identification information of each of the plurality of devices installed in each of the first spaces, and the arrangement information includes identification information of the control device, identification information of a specific first space in which the control device is installed among the plurality of first spaces, entrance / exit correspondence information indicating whether the control device corresponds to an entrance / exit, and two or more information items that are combined when the control device corresponds to an entrance / exit among the plurality of first spaces. and when the control device corresponds to an entrance / exit, the space generation unit generates a second space by combining the two or more first spaces based on the placement information acquired by the acquisition unit, the device control unit generates relationship information indicating a correspondence between the identification information of the second space and identification information of two or more devices installed in the second space among the plurality of devices, and the notification unit notifies at least one of collective control information for collectively controlling the two or more devices installed in the second space and individual control information for individually controlling the two or more devices installed in the second space, based on the relationship information generated by the device control unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a home control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a device. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a floor plan of a smart home. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a system configuration. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a system configuration. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a third example of a system configuration. [Figure 7]10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by a control unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a simplified example of installation information. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a simplified diagram illustrating an example of placement information. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific process for generating a space. [Figure 11] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed on a display unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed on a display unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed on a display unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing a first example of a switching condition. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing a second example of a switching condition. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed on a display unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed on a display unit according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) In smart homes and the like where IoT technology is introduced, a control device (home controller) may be used to comprehensively control multiple devices installed in multiple rooms of a house. For example, Patent Document 1 above discloses a home controller for turning on or off the power of multiple devices installed in multiple rooms of a house. The home controller manages the devices on a room-by-room basis.

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

[0012] Here, when multiple home controllers are placed within an activity space, there is a desire to have the home controller placed near the entrance / exit of the activity space display all of the multiple devices installed within the activity space and operate them collectively or individually, while the home controller placed away from the entrance / exit of the activity space wants to operate only the devices installed in the vicinity of that home controller. While it is conceivable that the resident could perform such settings manually, the setting work is cumbersome, and therefore it is desirable to realize a means for automatic setting.

[0013] In order to solve this problem, the inventor discovered that by setting a management unit for multiple devices based on the installation information of the multiple devices and the location information of the control device including entrance / exit correspondence information, the management unit for multiple devices can be optimally set according to the location of the control device, and came up with the present disclosure.

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

[0015] A control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a control device that controls a plurality of devices installed in a building having a plurality of first spaces, and includes an acquisition unit that acquires installation information and arrangement information, a space generation unit, an equipment control unit, and a notification unit, wherein the installation information includes a correspondence relationship between identification information of each of the plurality of first spaces and identification information of each of the plurality of devices installed in each of the first spaces, and the arrangement information includes identification information of the control device, identification information of a specific first space in which the control device is installed among the plurality of first spaces, entrance / exit correspondence information indicating whether the control device corresponds to an entrance / exit, and identification information of a specific first space in which the control device is installed among the plurality of first spaces. and a correspondence relationship between the identification information of the second space and identification information of two or more devices installed in the second space among the plurality of devices, and the notification unit notifies, based on the relationship information generated by the device control unit, of collective control information for collectively controlling the two or more devices installed in the second space.

[0016] According to this aspect, when the control device corresponds to the entrance / exit, the notification unit notifies the user of collective control information for collectively controlling two or more devices installed in the second space. Therefore, the user can collectively control two or more devices installed in the second space using the control device installed near the entrance / exit, thereby improving user convenience.

[0017] In the above aspect, if the control device does not correspond to an entrance / exit, the equipment control unit generates relationship information indicating the correspondence between the identification information of the specific first space and the identification information of two or more devices among the multiple devices that are installed in the specific first space, and the notification unit notifies, based on the relationship information generated by the equipment control unit, of collective control information for collectively controlling the two or more devices installed in the specific first space.

[0018] According to this aspect, if the control device does not correspond to the entrance / exit, the notification unit notifies the user of collective control information for collectively controlling two or more devices installed in a specific first space. Therefore, the user can use the control device installed away from the entrance / exit to control only the devices installed in the specific first space where the control device is installed, thereby improving user convenience.

[0019] In the above aspect, the device further includes a detection unit that detects a person other than the operator of the control device within the second space, and when the detection unit detects the person, the device control unit generates relationship information indicating a correspondence between the identification information of the specific first space and the identification information of two or more devices among the plurality of devices that are installed in the specific first space, and the notification unit notifies control information for controlling the two or more devices installed in the specific first space based on the relationship information generated by the device control unit.

[0020] According to this aspect, when the detection unit detects a person, the notification unit notifies the user of control information for controlling two or more devices installed in a specific first space. Therefore, when a person other than the user is present in the second space, the user can use the control device to control only the devices installed in the specific first space where the control device is located, thereby improving user convenience.

[0021] In the above aspect, if the current time does not fall within a predetermined designated time period, the equipment control unit generates relationship information indicating the correspondence between the identification information of the specific first space and the identification information of two or more devices among the multiple devices that are installed in the specific first space, and the notification unit notifies control information for controlling the two or more devices installed in the specific first space based on the relationship information generated by the equipment control unit.

[0022] According to this aspect, when the current time does not fall within the designated time period, the notification unit notifies control information for controlling two or more devices installed in a specific first space. Therefore, by presetting a time period during which the resident frequently enters and leaves the room as the designated time period, when the current time does not fall within the designated time period, the user can use the control device to control only the devices installed in the specific first space where the control device is located, thereby improving user convenience.

[0023] In the above aspect, the alarm unit has a display unit, and the display unit displays identification information of the second space, identification information of each of the two or more devices installed in the second space, and an icon as the collective control information for controlling the two or more devices collectively.

[0024] According to this aspect, the display unit displays identification information of the second space (e.g., the space name), identification information of two or more devices installed in the second space (e.g., the device names), and an icon for controlling the two or more devices collectively, thereby providing a user interface that is easy for the user to understand and operate.

[0025] In the above aspect, the notification unit further notifies, based on the relationship information, individual control information for individually controlling the two or more devices installed in the second space.

[0026] According to this aspect, by notifying individual control information for individually controlling two or more devices installed in the second space together with collective control information, it is possible to further improve user convenience.

[0027] In the above aspect, the second space includes at least two of a living room, a dining room, and a kitchen.

[0028] According to this aspect, by introducing a control device according to this aspect into a home with a layout in which the living room, dining room, and kitchen are not separated by walls, it is possible to enhance the benefits of introducing the control device.

[0029] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer mounted on a control device that controls a plurality of devices installed in a building having a plurality of first spaces to function as an acquisition means for acquiring installation information and layout information, a space generation means, a device control means, and an output means, wherein the installation information includes a correspondence relationship between identification information of each of the plurality of first spaces and identification information of each of the plurality of devices installed in each of the first spaces, and the layout information includes identification information of the control device and identification information of a specific first space among the plurality of first spaces in which the control device is installed, The control device includes a correspondence relationship between entrance / exit correspondence information indicating whether the control device corresponds to an entrance / exit, and identification information of two or more first spaces to be combined when the control device corresponds to an entrance / exit among the plurality of first spaces, and when the control device corresponds to an entrance / exit, the space generation means generates a second space by combining the two or more first spaces based on the arrangement information acquired by the acquisition means, the device control means generates relationship information indicating a correspondence relationship between the identification information of the second space and identification information of two or more devices installed in the second space among the plurality of devices, and the output means outputs the relationship information to the device control means. means The relationship information is output to an alarm unit that notifies collective control information for collectively controlling the two or more devices installed in the second space based on the relationship information generated by the alarm unit.

[0030] According to this aspect, when the control device corresponds to the entrance / exit, the notification unit notifies the user of collective control information for collectively controlling two or more devices installed in the second space. Therefore, the user can collectively control two or more devices installed in the second space using the control device installed near the entrance / exit, thereby improving user convenience.

[0031] A control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for controlling a plurality of devices installed in a building having a plurality of first spaces, the method comprising: The control device acquires the installation information and the placement information, The installation information includes a correspondence relationship between identification information of each of the plurality of first spaces and identification information of each of the plurality of devices installed in each of the first spaces, and the arrangement information includes a correspondence relationship between identification information of the control device, identification information of a specific first space in which the control device is installed among the plurality of first spaces, entrance / exit correspondence information indicating whether the control device corresponds to an entrance / exit, and identification information of two or more first spaces combined when the control device corresponds to an entrance / exit among the plurality of first spaces, and when the control device corresponds to an entrance / exit , take Based on the obtained arrangement information, a second space is generated by combining the two or more first spaces, relationship information is generated that indicates the correspondence between the identification information of the second space and the identification information of two or more devices among the plurality of devices that are installed in the second space, and the relationship information is output to an alarm unit that notifies, based on the relationship information, of collective control information for collectively controlling the two or more devices installed in the second space.

[0032] According to this aspect, when the control device corresponds to the entrance / exit, the notification unit notifies the user of collective control information for collectively controlling two or more devices installed in the second space. Therefore, the user can collectively control two or more devices installed in the second space using the control device installed near the entrance / exit, thereby improving user convenience.

[0033] A control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a control device that controls a plurality of devices installed in a building having a plurality of first spaces, and includes an acquisition unit that acquires installation information and arrangement information, a space generation unit, an equipment control unit, and a notification unit, wherein the installation information includes a correspondence relationship between identification information of each of the plurality of first spaces and identification information of each of the plurality of devices installed in each of the first spaces, and the arrangement information includes identification information of the control device, identification information of a specific first space in which the control device is installed among the plurality of first spaces, entrance / exit correspondence information indicating whether the control device corresponds to an entrance / exit, and identification information of a specific first space in which the control device is installed among the plurality of first spaces. and a correspondence relationship between the identification information of the second space and identification information of two or more devices installed in the second space among the plurality of devices, and the notification unit notifies individual control information for individually controlling the two or more devices installed in the second space, based on the relationship information generated by the device control unit.

[0034] According to this aspect, when the control device corresponds to the entrance / exit, the notification unit notifies individual control information for individually controlling two or more devices installed in the second space. Therefore, the user can individually control two or more devices installed in the second space using the control device installed near the entrance / exit, thereby improving user convenience.

[0035] In the above aspect, if the control device does not correspond to an entrance / exit, the equipment control unit generates relationship information indicating the correspondence between the identification information of the specific first space and the identification information of two or more devices among the multiple devices that are installed in the specific first space, and the notification unit notifies individual control information for individually controlling the two or more devices installed in the specific first space based on the relationship information generated by the equipment control unit.

[0036] According to this aspect, if the control device does not correspond to the entrance / exit, the notification unit notifies individual control information for individually controlling two or more devices installed in a specific first space. Therefore, the user can control only the devices installed in the specific first space where the control device is installed, using the control device installed in a location away from the entrance / exit, thereby improving user convenience.

[0037] In the above aspect, the device further includes a detection unit that detects a person other than the operator of the control device within the second space, and when the detection unit detects the person, the device control unit generates relationship information indicating a correspondence between the identification information of the specific first space and the identification information of two or more devices among the plurality of devices that are installed in the specific first space, and the notification unit notifies control information for controlling the two or more devices installed in the specific first space based on the relationship information generated by the device control unit.

[0038] According to this aspect, when the detection unit detects a person, the notification unit notifies the user of control information for controlling two or more devices installed in a specific first space. Therefore, when a person other than the user is present in the second space, the user can use the control device to control only the devices installed in the specific first space where the control device is located, thereby improving user convenience.

[0039] In the above aspect, if the current time does not fall within a predetermined designated time period, the equipment control unit generates relationship information indicating the correspondence between the identification information of the specific first space and the identification information of two or more devices among the multiple devices that are installed in the specific first space, and the notification unit notifies control information for controlling the two or more devices installed in the specific first space based on the relationship information generated by the equipment control unit.

[0040] According to this aspect, when the current time does not fall within the designated time period, the notification unit notifies control information for controlling two or more devices installed in a specific first space. Therefore, by presetting a time period during which the resident frequently enters and leaves the room as the designated time period, when the current time does not fall within the designated time period, the user can use the control device to control only the devices installed in the specific first space where the control device is located, thereby improving user convenience.

[0041] In the above aspect, the notification unit has a display unit, and the display unit displays identification information of the second space, identification information of each of the two or more devices installed in the second space, and icons as the individual control information for individually controlling the two or more devices.

[0042] According to this aspect, the display unit displays identification information of the second space (e.g., the space name), identification information of two or more devices installed in the second space (e.g., the device names), and icons for individually controlling the two or more devices, thereby providing a user interface that is easy for the user to understand and operate.

[0043] In the above aspect, the second space includes at least two of a living room, a dining room, and a kitchen.

[0044] According to this aspect, by introducing a control device according to this aspect into a home with a layout in which the living room, dining room, and kitchen are not separated by walls, it is possible to enhance the benefits of introducing the control device.

[0045] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer mounted on a control device that controls a plurality of devices installed in a building having a plurality of first spaces to function as an acquisition means for acquiring installation information and layout information, a space generation means, a device control means, and an output means, wherein the installation information includes a correspondence relationship between identification information of each of the plurality of first spaces and identification information of each of the plurality of devices installed in each of the first spaces, and the layout information includes identification information of the control device and identification information of a specific first space among the plurality of first spaces in which the control device is installed, The control device includes a correspondence relationship between entrance / exit correspondence information indicating whether the control device corresponds to an entrance / exit, and identification information of two or more first spaces to be combined when the control device corresponds to an entrance / exit among the plurality of first spaces, and when the control device corresponds to an entrance / exit, the space generation means generates a second space by combining the two or more first spaces based on the arrangement information acquired by the acquisition means, the device control means generates relationship information indicating a correspondence relationship between the identification information of the second space and identification information of two or more devices installed in the second space among the plurality of devices, and the output means outputs the relationship information to the device control means. means The relationship information is output to an alarm unit that notifies individual control information for individually controlling the two or more devices installed in the second space based on the relationship information generated by the alarm unit.

[0046] According to this aspect, when the control device corresponds to the entrance / exit, the notification unit notifies individual control information for individually controlling two or more devices installed in the second space. Therefore, the user can individually control two or more devices installed in the second space using the control device installed near the entrance / exit, thereby improving user convenience.

[0047] A control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for controlling a plurality of devices installed in a building having a plurality of first spaces, the method comprising: The control device acquires the installation information and the placement information,The installation information includes a correspondence relationship between identification information of each of the plurality of first spaces and identification information of each of the plurality of devices installed in each of the first spaces, and the arrangement information includes a correspondence relationship between identification information of the control device, identification information of a specific first space in which the control device is installed among the plurality of first spaces, entrance / exit correspondence information indicating whether the control device corresponds to an entrance / exit, and identification information of two or more first spaces combined when the control device corresponds to an entrance / exit among the plurality of first spaces, and when the control device corresponds to an entrance / exit , take Based on the obtained arrangement information, a second space is generated by combining the two or more first spaces, relationship information is generated that indicates the correspondence between the identification information of the second space and the identification information of two or more devices among the plurality of devices that are installed in the second space, and the relationship information is output to an alarm unit that notifies individual control information for individually controlling the two or more devices installed in the second space based on the relationship information.

[0048] According to this aspect, when the control device corresponds to the entrance / exit, the notification unit notifies individual control information for individually controlling two or more devices installed in the second space. Therefore, the user can individually control two or more devices installed in the second space using the control device installed near the entrance / exit, thereby improving user convenience.

[0049] The present disclosure can also be realized as a program that causes a computer to execute each characteristic configuration included in such an apparatus, or as a system operated by this program. Needless to say, such a computer program can be distributed on a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM or via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0050] (Embodiments of the present disclosure) Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Elements with the same reference numerals in different drawings indicate the same or corresponding elements. Furthermore, the components, their layout, connection, and order of operation shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. The present disclosure is limited only by the claims. Therefore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concept of the present disclosure are not necessarily required to achieve the objectives of the present disclosure, but are described as constituting more preferred embodiments.

[0051] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a home control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The home control system includes a smart home 100, a communication network 500, and a server 400. For simplicity of explanation, Fig. 1 shows only one smart home 100, but multiple smart homes may be provided.

[0052] The smart home 100 has multiple spaces (rooms, bathrooms, toilets, entrances, corridors, etc.) in which multiple devices 300 to be controlled are installed. The smart home 100 also has an integrated controller 200 for controlling the operations of these multiple devices 300. The integrated controller 200 can communicate data with each device 300 via any communication network such as a wireless LAN or a public line network.

[0053] The server 400 is a control device for managing and controlling the entire home control system. The communication network 500 is any communication network such as a public line network. The server 400, the integrated controller 200, and the devices 300 are connected to the communication network 500. This allows the server 400 to perform data communication with the integrated controller 200 and the devices 300 via the communication network 500.

[0054] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a device 300. As shown in this example, the device 300 is any IoT device such as an air conditioner, a TV, a refrigerator, a rice cooker, a light, etc. Each device 300 is connected to the integrated controller 200 via a communication network.

[0055] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of a living room 151, a dining room 152, and a kitchen 153 provided in the smart home 100. In this example, there are no walls between the living room 151, the dining room 152, and the kitchen 153, and these multiple rooms can be used as a single activity space called a living-dining-kitchen (LDK) 150.

[0056] The living room 151 is provided with a doorway 161 having a door 171, and the dining room 152 is provided with a doorway 162 having a door 172. An integrated controller 200A is disposed in the living room 151, and an integrated controller 200B is disposed in the dining room 152. The integrated controller 200A is disposed away from the doorways 161, 162, and the integrated controller 200B is disposed within a vicinity area 190 of the doorway 162. The vicinity area 190 is an area in which a user entering or leaving the dining room 152 from the doorway 162 can operate the integrated controller 200B.

[0057] Furthermore, a camera 180 is installed in the dining room 152 to detect people present in the living / dining kitchen 150. A vicinity area 190 of the entrance / exit 162 is excluded from the detection target area of ​​the camera 180. As a result, the camera 180 functions as a detection unit that detects people other than the operator of the integrated controller 200B within the living / dining kitchen 150. Note that the detection unit may be configured using a human presence sensor or the like instead of the camera 180.

[0058] 4 is a diagram showing a first example of a system configuration. The home control system includes an integrated controller 200, devices 300, and a server 400 (control device).

[0059] The device 300 includes a control unit 301, a storage unit 303, and a communication unit 304. The control unit 301 is realized as a function of a CPU or the like by executing a predetermined program. The storage unit 303 is configured to include a flash memory or the like. The communication unit 304 is configured to include a communication module compatible with any communication method such as IP.

[0060] The integrated controller 200 comprises a control unit 201, a display unit 202, a storage unit 203, and a communication unit 204. The control unit 201 is realized as a function of a CPU or the like by executing a predetermined program. The display unit 202 is a touch panel display using a liquid crystal or organic electroluminescence (EL) display or the like. The storage unit 203 is configured to include a HDD, SSD, flash memory, or the like. The communication unit 204 is configured to include a communication module compatible with any communication method such as IP.

[0061] The server 400 includes a control unit 401, a storage unit 403, and a communication unit 404. The storage unit 403 is configured to include an HDD, an SSD, a flash memory, or the like. The storage unit 403 stores installation information 601, placement information 602, and a program 603. The control unit 401 includes an acquisition unit 501, a space generation unit 502, a device control unit 503, and an output unit 504 as functions realized by a CPU or the like executing the program 603 read from the storage unit 403 to a ROM, a RAM, or the like. Details of these functions will be described later. The communication unit 404 is configured to include a communication module compatible with any communication method such as IP.

[0062] 5 is a diagram showing a second example of the system configuration. The home control system includes an integrated controller 200 (control device), devices 300, and a server 400.

[0063] The integrated controller 200 includes a control unit 201, a display unit 202, a storage unit 203, and a communication unit 204. A program 603 is stored in the storage unit 203. The control unit 201 includes an acquisition unit 501, a space generation unit 502, a device control unit 503, and an output unit 504 as functions realized by a CPU or the like executing the program 603 read from the storage unit 203 to a ROM, a RAM, or the like.

[0064] The server 400 includes a control unit 401, a storage unit 403, and a communication unit 404. The storage unit 403 stores installation information 601 and placement information 602.

[0065] 6 is a diagram showing a third example of the system configuration. The home control system includes an integrated controller 200 (control device) and devices 300.

[0066] The integrated controller 200 includes a control unit 201, a display unit 202, a storage unit 203, and a communication unit 204. The storage unit 203 stores installation information 601, placement information 602, and a program 603. The control unit 201 includes an acquisition unit 501, a space generation unit 502, a device control unit 503, and an output unit 504 as functions realized by a CPU or the like executing the program 603 read from the storage unit 203 to a ROM, a RAM, or the like.

[0067] The following describes the case where the system configuration shown in FIG. 4 is adopted.

[0068] 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the control unit 401 of the server 400. When the system is introduced or when a device 300 is changed, such as added, removed, or replaced, the control unit 401 executes the following processing to generate relationship information, which will be described later.

[0069] First, in step S100 , the acquisition unit 501 reads out the installation information 601 from the storage unit 403 , thereby acquiring the installation information 601 .

[0070] 8 is a diagram showing a simplified example of the installation information 601. When there are multiple smart homes 100 to be managed, the installation information 601 is created for each smart home 100. The installation information 601 is created by an operator of a management company or the like when the system is installed in the smart home 100. However, the installation information 601 may be created by a resident of the smart home 100 instead of the operator, or may be created after the system is installed.

[0071] The installation information 601 includes a correspondence between identification information (room ID and room name) of each of multiple rooms in the smart home 100 and identification information (device ID and device name) of each device 300 installed in each room. In this example, an air conditioner (device ID: A01), main lighting (device ID: A02), indirect lighting (device ID: A03), and a television (device ID: A04) are installed in the living room (room ID: R1). A main lighting (device ID: A05), indirect lighting (device ID: A06), and an air conditioner (device ID: A07) are installed in the dining room (room ID: R2). A lighting (device ID: A08) and a ventilation fan (device ID: A09) are installed in the kitchen (room ID: R3). Note that the objects to be managed are not limited to rooms (spaces surrounded by walls), and may also be spaces not surrounded by walls (such as an entrance, staircase, or hallway). If the integrated controller 200 is placed on a staircase, for example, the residents of the smart home 100 can use the integrated controller 200 to operate the multiple devices 300 installed on each floor when going up and down the stairs.

[0072] 7, next, in step S200, acquiring unit 501 reads out arrangement information 602 from storage unit 403, thereby acquiring arrangement information 602.

[0073] 9 is a diagram showing a simplified example of the placement information 602. The placement information 602 is created by an operator of a management company or the like when the system is installed in the smart home 100. However, the placement information 602 may be created by a resident of the smart home 100 instead of the operator, or may be created after the system is installed.

[0074] The placement information 602 includes the identification information (controller ID) of the integrated controller 200, the identification information (placement room ID) of the room in which the integrated controller 200 is placed, entrance / exit correspondence information indicating whether the integrated controller 200 corresponds to an entrance / exit, and the correspondence relationship between the identification information (combined room IDs) of two or more rooms to be combined when the integrated controller 200 corresponds to an entrance / exit.

[0075] For the integrated controller 200A located away from the entrances 161 and 162, the following are set: Controller ID: C1, Placement room ID: R1, Entrance correspondence: 0, and Combined room ID: None. For the integrated controller 200B located near the entrance 162, the following are set: Controller ID: C2, Placement room ID: R2, Entrance correspondence: 1, and Combined room IDs: R1, R2, R3. Entrance correspondence: 0 indicates no entrance correspondence, and entrance correspondence: 1 indicates entrance correspondence.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 7, next, in step S300, the space generation unit 502 generates a new space (second space) by combining two or more spaces included in the room IDs to be combined out of the multiple spaces (first spaces) that the smart home 100 has, based on the placement information 602 acquired by the acquisition unit 501.

[0077] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific process of step S300. First, in step S301, the space generation unit 502 determines whether each integrated controller 200 corresponds to an entrance / exit based on the placement information 602. The space generation unit 502 determines that the integrated controller 200B, for which entrance / exit correspondence: 1 is set in the placement information 602, corresponds to an entrance / exit, and determines that the integrated controller 200A, for which entrance / exit correspondence: 0 is set, does not correspond to an entrance / exit.

[0078] If the integrated controller 200 corresponds to an entrance / exit (step S301: YES), the space generation unit 502 next acquires the combination target room ID from the arrangement information 602 in step S302.

[0079] Next, in step S303, the space generation unit 502 generates a new space by combining the multiple rooms included in the combination target room IDs acquired in step S302. For the integrated controller 200B with controller ID: C2, the entrance / exit correspondence is 1, and the combination target room IDs are R1, R2, and R3. Therefore, the space generation unit 502 generates the living / dining / kitchen kitchen 150 as a new space for the integrated controller 200B.

[0080] If the integrated controller 200 does not correspond to an entrance / exit (step S301: NO), then in step S304, the space generation unit 502 acquires a placement room ID from the placement information 602 and treats the space indicated by the placement room ID as a new space. For the integrated controller 200A with controller ID: C1, entrance / exit correspondence: 0 and placement room ID: R1. Therefore, the space generation unit 502 treats the living room 151 as a new space for the integrated controller 200A.

[0081] In step S300, a new space is generated that differs from the space that has been defined up to that point in the installation information 601. In the installation information 601 that is initially created by the operator of the management company or a resident, etc., a correspondence relationship between the identification information of each room and the identification information of each device 300 is registered for each room name that is described in the architectural drawings or floor plans of each floor. Therefore, the new space generated in step S300 is generated as a space that is not expressed by a room name in the architectural drawings or floor plans of each floor.

[0082] 7, next, in step S400, the device control unit 503 assigns identification information (ID and name) to the new space generated in step S300. The device control unit 503 then associates the identification information with the identification information of two or more devices installed in the new space, thereby generating relationship information indicating the correspondence between them. For example, with respect to the integrated controller 200B, if a new space called LDK150 is generated by combining the living room 151, dining room 152, and kitchen 153, the device control unit 503 assigns a new room ID and a new name (e.g., "living-dining-kitchen") to the new space. The device control unit 503 also associates the new room ID with the device IDs (A01 to A09) of two or more devices 300 installed in LDK150, thereby generating relationship information.

[0083] Next, in step S500, the output unit 504 outputs the relationship information generated in step S400.

[0084] 1 and 4, the related information output by the output unit 504 is input to the communication unit 404. The communication unit 404 transmits the input related information to the integrated controller 200 via the communication network 500. The communication unit 204 of the integrated controller 200 receives the related information and inputs the received related information to the control unit 201. The control unit 201 creates display data based on the input related information. The control unit 201 inputs the created display data to the display unit 202. The display unit 202 displays an operation screen based on the input display data. However, the notification mode is not limited to display, and may be audio output, etc. The notification mode also includes output of display data or audio data to a device having a display unit or audio output unit.

[0085] (First embodiment) 11 is a diagram showing a first example of an operation screen displayed on the display unit 202B of the integrated controller 200B corresponding to the entrance / exit, in relation to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Below, an example of the operation screen will be described for a case where a new space called LDK150 is generated by combining a living room 151, a dining room 152, and a kitchen 153. According to the example shown in FIG. 8, the new space called LDK150 is equipped with an air conditioner (device ID: A01), main lighting (device ID: A02), indirect lighting (device ID: A03), and a television (device ID: A04) in the living room 151, main lighting (device ID: A05), indirect lighting (device ID: A06), and an air conditioner (device ID: A07) in the dining room, and lighting (device ID: A08) and a ventilation fan (device ID: A09) in the kitchen.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 11, the operation screen includes text indicating the name "living dining kitchen", individual control information for individually controlling the multiple devices 300 installed in the LDK 150, and collective control information for collectively controlling all the devices 300 installed in the LDK 150.

[0087] The individual control information includes text representing the name of each device 300 ("living room air conditioner," "living room main light," "living room indirect light," "living room TV," "dining room main light," "dining room indirect light," "dining room air conditioner," "kitchen light," and "kitchen exhaust fan") and an icon to be touched to turn the power of each device 300 on or off. For example, when the power-on icon for the "dining room main light" is touched, the integrated controller 200B turns on the power of the main light installed in the dining room 152 by remote control via the communication network. Also, for example, when the power-off icon for the "kitchen exhaust fan" is touched, the integrated controller 200B turns off the power of the exhaust fan installed in the kitchen 153 by remote control via the communication network.

[0088] The collective control information includes the text "All Devices," a power-on icon, and a power-off icon. When the power-on icon is touched, the integrated controller 200B turns on the power of all devices 300 installed in the living room kitchen 150 ("living room air conditioner," "living room main light," "living room indirect light," "living room TV," "dining room main light," "dining room indirect light," "dining room air conditioner," "kitchen light," and "kitchen exhaust fan") by remote control via the communication network. When the power-off icon is touched, the integrated controller 200B turns off the power of all devices 300 installed in the living room kitchen 150 by remote control via the communication network.

[0089] In addition, the collective control information is not limited to an example in which all devices 300 installed in the new space are to be controlled, but may be configured so that the user can manually configure the information to exclude or add desired devices 300 from the targets, or to configure detailed settings for the desired devices 300.

[0090] 12 is a diagram showing a second example of an operation screen displayed on the display unit 202B of the integrated controller 200B corresponding to the entrance / exit, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation screen includes collective control information including icons that resemble the layout of the living / dining / kitchen area 150, and individual control information for individually controlling the multiple appliances 300 installed in the living room 151, dining room 152, and kitchen 153.

[0091] Regarding the collective control information, for example, if an icon displayed as "LDK" is touched for a shorter time than a specified time, the integrated controller 200B turns on the power of all devices 300 installed in the LDK 150 by remote control via the communication network. Also, for example, if an icon displayed as "LDK" is touched for a longer time than the specified time, the integrated controller 200B turns off the power of all devices 300 installed in the LDK 150 by remote control via the communication network. As a modified example, although not shown in FIG. 12 , instead of controlling the on / off of the collective control operation based on the length of the touch, an icon for turning on and off the collective control operation may be explicitly displayed.

[0092] Regarding the individual control information, for example, the icon of an operating device 300 is lit, and the icon of a stopped device 300 is unlit. When a lit icon is touched, the integrated controller 200B turns off the power of the device 300 corresponding to that icon by remote control via the communication network. When an unlit icon is touched, the integrated controller 200B turns on the power of the device 300 corresponding to that icon by remote control via the communication network. As a modified example, although not shown in FIG. 12, an icon for turning on and an icon for turning off individual control operation may be displayed for each device 300 as shown in FIG. 11.

[0093] In the operation screens shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the operation icons of the multiple devices 300 installed in the multiple rooms (first spaces) are displayed together, and therefore, this type of display method is referred to as "summary display."

[0094] 13 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed on the display unit 202A of the integrated controller 200A that does not correspond to an entrance / exit, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation screen includes icons representing the layouts of the living room 151, dining room 152, and kitchen 153, and a pop-up screen is added to the icon marked "L." The pop-up screen includes individual control information for individually controlling the multiple devices 300 installed in the living room 151, and collective control information for collectively controlling the multiple devices 300 installed in the living room 151.

[0095] Regarding the individual control information, for example, the icon of an operating device 300 is lit, and the icon of a stopped device 300 is unlit. When a lit icon is touched, the integrated controller 200A remotely controls via the communication network to turn off the power of the device 300 corresponding to that icon. When an unlit icon is touched, the integrated controller 200A remotely controls via the communication network to turn on the power of the device 300 corresponding to that icon. As a modified example, although not shown in FIG. 13, an icon for turning on and an icon for turning off individual control operations may be displayed for each device 300 as shown in FIG. 11.

[0096] Regarding the collective control information, for example, if an icon labeled "ALL" is touched for a shorter period of time than a specified time, the integrated controller 200A turns on the power of all the devices 300 installed in the living room 151 by remote control via the communication network. Also, for example, if an icon labeled "ALL" is touched for a longer period of time than the specified time, the integrated controller 200A turns off the power of all the devices 300 installed in the living room 151 by remote control via the communication network. As a modified example, although not shown in FIG. 13 , instead of controlling the on / off of the collective control operation based on the length of the touch, an on icon and an off icon for the collective control operation may be explicitly displayed.

[0097] The operation screen shown in FIG. 13 displays operation icons for multiple devices 300 installed in one room (first space), and this type of display method is referred to as "normal display" to distinguish it from the above-mentioned "summary display."

[0098] The integrated controller 200B corresponding to the entrance / exit does not necessarily have to always perform the summary display, but may switch between the summary display and the normal display according to a predetermined switching condition.

[0099] 14 is a flowchart showing a first example of a switching condition. In this example, the integrated controller 200B switches between the summarized display and the normal display depending on whether or not a person other than the operator of the integrated controller 200B is detected in the LDK 150.

[0100] First, in step S351, the device control unit 503 determines whether or not a person has been detected near the entrance / exit 162. A person near the entrance / exit 162 can be detected by a touch sensor (not shown) mounted on the integrated controller 200B, or by a camera or human presence sensor (neither of which is shown) whose detection target area is the area 190 near the entrance / exit 162.

[0101] If a person is detected near the entrance / exit 162 (step S351: YES), then in step S352, the device control unit 503 determines whether or not a person has been detected in a room, excluding the vicinity of the entrance / exit 162, of the second space (LDK 150) generated by the space generation unit 502. A person in a room, excluding the vicinity of the entrance / exit 162, can be detected by the camera 180 shown in Fig. 3, a human presence sensor, speech detection, power consumption detection targeting the LDK 150, or the like.

[0102] If no person is detected in the room (step S352: NO), then in step S353, the device control unit 503 performs a summary display.

[0103] If no person is detected near the entrance / exit 162 (step S351: NO), or if a person is detected inside the room (step S352: YES), then in step S354, the device control unit 503 performs normal display.

[0104] This allows the user to use the integrated controller 200B to control only the devices 300 installed in the dining room 152 where the integrated controller 200B is located when there are other people in the living / dining / kitchen kitchen 150, thereby improving user convenience.

[0105] 15 is a flowchart showing a second example of a switching condition. In this example, the integrated controller 200B switches between the summary display and the normal display depending on whether the current time falls within a predetermined designated time period. This designated time period is set in advance as a time period during which the frequency of entry and exit through the entrance / exit 162 is higher than a predetermined threshold, based on operation history information of the integrated controller 200 or the device 300, etc. The setting information for the designated time period is stored in advance in a non-volatile memory that can be referenced by the device control unit 503.

[0106] First, in step S361, the device control unit 503 acquires time information indicating the current time.

[0107] Next, in step S362, the device control unit 503 determines whether the current time falls within the designated time period.

[0108] If the current time falls within the specified time period (step S362: YES), then in step S363, the device control unit 503 performs a summary display.

[0109] If the current time does not fall within the designated time period (step S362: NO), then in step S364, the device control unit 503 performs normal display.

[0110] As a result, when the current time does not fall within the specified time period, the user can use the integrated controller 200B to control only the devices 300 installed in the dining room 152 where the integrated controller 200B is located, thereby improving user convenience.

[0111] According to the home control system of the present embodiment, when the integrated controller 200 is the integrated controller 200B corresponding to the entrance / exit, the display unit 202A (alert unit) displays integrated control information for collectively controlling two or more devices 300 installed in the living / dining kitchen 150 (second space). Therefore, the user can collectively control two or more devices 300 installed in the living / dining kitchen 150 using the integrated controller 200B installed near the entrance / exit 162, thereby improving user convenience.

[0112] Furthermore, according to the home control system of the present embodiment, when the integrated controller 200 is the integrated controller 200A that does not correspond to an entrance / exit, the display unit 202B notifies the user of integrated control information for collectively controlling two or more devices 300 installed in the living room 151 (specific first space). Therefore, the user can use the integrated controller 200A installed away from the entrances 161, 162 to control only the devices 300 installed in the living room 151 where the integrated controller 200A is installed, thereby improving user convenience.

[0113] (Second embodiment) 16 is a diagram showing a first example of an operation screen displayed on the display unit 202B of the integrated controller 200B corresponding to the entrance / exit, in accordance with the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Below, an example of the operation screen will be described for a case where a new space called LDK150 is generated by combining a living room 151, a dining room 152, and a kitchen 153. According to the example shown in FIG. 8, the new space called LDK150 is equipped with an air conditioner (device ID: A01), main lighting (device ID: A02), indirect lighting (device ID: A03), and a television (device ID: A04) in the living room 151, main lighting (device ID: A05), indirect lighting (device ID: A06), and an air conditioner (device ID: A07) in the dining room, and lighting (device ID: A08) and a ventilation fan (device ID: A09) in the kitchen.

[0114] 16, the operation screen includes text indicating the name "living-dining-kitchen" and individual control information for individually controlling a plurality of devices 300 installed in LDK 150.

[0115] The individual control information includes text representing the name of each device 300 ("living room air conditioner," "living room main light," "living room indirect light," "living room TV," "dining room main light," "dining room indirect light," "dining room air conditioner," "kitchen light," and "kitchen exhaust fan") and an icon to be touched to turn the power of each device 300 on or off. For example, when the power-on icon for the "dining room main light" is touched, the integrated controller 200B turns on the power of the main light installed in the dining room 152 by remote control via the communication network. Also, for example, when the power-off icon for the "kitchen exhaust fan" is touched, the integrated controller 200B turns off the power of the exhaust fan installed in the kitchen 153 by remote control via the communication network.

[0116] 17 is a diagram showing a second example of an operation screen displayed on the display unit 202B of the integrated controller 200B corresponding to the entrance / exit, in accordance with the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation screen includes text indicating the name "LDK" and individual control information for individually controlling the multiple appliances 300 installed in the living room 151, dining room 152, and kitchen 153.

[0117] Regarding the individual control information, for example, the icon of an operating device 300 is lit, and the icon of a stopped device 300 is unlit. When a lit icon is touched, the integrated controller 200B turns off the power of the device 300 corresponding to that icon by remote control via the communication network. When an unlit icon is touched, the integrated controller 200B turns on the power of the device 300 corresponding to that icon by remote control via the communication network. As a modified example, although not shown in FIG. 17, an icon for turning on and an icon for turning off individual control operation may be displayed for each device 300 as shown in FIG. 16.

[0118] According to the home control system of this embodiment, when the integrated controller 200 is the integrated controller 200B corresponding to the entrance / exit, the display unit 202A (notification unit) displays individual control information for individually controlling two or more devices 300 installed in the living / dining kitchen 150 (second space). Therefore, the user can use the integrated controller 200B placed near the entrance / exit 162 to collectively display and individually control two or more devices 300 installed in the living / dining kitchen 150, thereby improving user convenience.

[0119] Furthermore, according to the home control system of the present embodiment, when the integrated controller 200 is the integrated controller 200A that does not correspond to an entrance / exit, the display unit 202B notifies individual control information for individually controlling two or more devices 300 installed in the living room 151 (specific first space). Therefore, the user can use the integrated controller 200A installed away from the entrances 161, 162 to control only the devices 300 installed in the living room 151 where the integrated controller 200A is installed, thereby improving user convenience. [Industrial Applicability]

[0120] The present disclosure is particularly useful when applied to a home control system equipped with a smart home in which IoT technology is introduced.

Claims

1. A control device that controls a plurality of devices installed in a building having a plurality of first spaces, an acquisition unit that acquires installation information and placement information; a space generation unit; an equipment control unit; The notification department, Equipped with the installation information includes a correspondence relationship between identification information of each of the plurality of first spaces and identification information of each of the plurality of devices installed in each of the first spaces, the placement information includes a correspondence relationship between identification information of the control device, identification information of a specific first space in which the control device is placed among the plurality of first spaces, entrance / exit correspondence information indicating whether the control device corresponds to an entrance / exit, and identification information of two or more first spaces to be combined when the control device corresponds to an entrance / exit among the plurality of first spaces; If the control device corresponds to an entrance / exit, the space generation unit generates a second space by combining the two or more first spaces based on the arrangement information acquired by the acquisition unit; the device control unit generates relationship information indicating a correspondence relationship between identification information of the second space and identification information of two or more devices installed in the second space among the plurality of devices; The notification unit notifies at least one of collective control information for collectively controlling the two or more devices installed in the second space and individual control information for individually controlling the two or more devices installed in the second space based on the relationship information generated by the device control unit.

2. the notification unit notifies the collective control information, If the control device is not compatible with the entrance / exit, the device control unit generates relationship information indicating a correspondence relationship between identification information of the specific first space and identification information of two or more devices installed in the specific first space among the plurality of devices; The control device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies collective control information for collectively controlling the two or more devices installed in the specific first space based on the relationship information generated by the device control unit.

3. the notification unit notifies the collective control information, The notification unit has a display unit, The control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display unit displays identification information of the second space, identification information of each of the two or more devices installed in the second space, and an icon as the collective control information for controlling the two or more devices collectively.

4. 4. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the general control information and the individual control information.

5. the notification unit notifies the individual control information, If the control device is not compatible with the entrance / exit, the device control unit generates relationship information indicating a correspondence relationship between identification information of the specific first space and identification information of two or more devices installed in the specific first space among the plurality of devices; The control device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies individual control information for individually controlling the two or more devices installed in the specific first space based on the relationship information generated by the device control unit.

6. the notification unit notifies the individual control information, The notification unit has a display unit, The control device described in claim 1 or 5, wherein the display unit displays identification information of the second space, identification information of each of the two or more devices installed in the second space, and an icon as the individual control information for individually controlling the two or more devices.

7. a detection unit that detects a person other than the operator of the control device in the second space, If the detection unit detects the person, the device control unit generates relationship information indicating a correspondence relationship between identification information of the specific first space and identification information of two or more devices installed in the specific first space among the plurality of devices; The control device described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the notification unit notifies control information for controlling the two or more devices installed in the specific first space based on the relationship information generated by the device control unit.

8. If the current time does not fall within the specified time period, the device control unit generates relationship information indicating a correspondence relationship between identification information of the specific first space and identification information of two or more devices installed in the specific first space among the plurality of devices; The control device described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the notification unit notifies control information for controlling the two or more devices installed in the specific first space based on the relationship information generated by the device control unit.

9. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second space includes at least two of a living room, a dining room, and a kitchen.

10. a computer installed in a control device that controls a plurality of devices installed in a building having a plurality of first spaces, An acquisition means for acquiring installation information and placement information; A space generating means; Device control means; An output means; A program for functioning as the installation information includes a correspondence relationship between identification information of each of the plurality of first spaces and identification information of each of the plurality of devices installed in each of the first spaces, the placement information includes a correspondence relationship between identification information of the control device, identification information of a specific first space in which the control device is placed among the plurality of first spaces, entrance / exit correspondence information indicating whether the control device corresponds to an entrance / exit, and identification information of two or more first spaces to be combined when the control device corresponds to an entrance / exit among the plurality of first spaces; If the control device corresponds to an entrance / exit, the space generating means generates a second space by combining the two or more first spaces based on the arrangement information acquired by the acquiring means; the device control means generates relationship information indicating a correspondence relationship between the identification information of the second space and the identification information of two or more devices installed in the second space among the plurality of devices; The output means outputs the relationship information to an alarm unit that notifies at least one of collective control information for collectively controlling the two or more devices installed in the second space and individual control information for individually controlling the two or more devices installed in the second space based on the relationship information generated by the device control means.

11. A control method for controlling a plurality of devices installed in a building having a plurality of first spaces, comprising: The control device Acquire installation information and placement information, the installation information includes a correspondence relationship between identification information of each of the plurality of first spaces and identification information of each of the plurality of devices installed in each of the first spaces, the placement information includes a correspondence relationship between identification information of the control device, identification information of a specific first space in which the control device is placed among the plurality of first spaces, entrance / exit correspondence information indicating whether the control device corresponds to an entrance / exit, and identification information of two or more first spaces to be combined when the control device corresponds to an entrance / exit among the plurality of first spaces; If the control device corresponds to an entrance / exit, generating a second space by combining the two or more first spaces based on the acquired arrangement information; generating relationship information indicating a correspondence relationship between identification information of the second space and identification information of two or more devices installed in the second space among the plurality of devices; A control method that outputs the relationship information to an alarm unit that notifies at least one of collective control information for collectively controlling the two or more devices installed in the second space based on the relationship information and individual control information for individually controlling the two or more devices installed in the second space.

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