Notification system, notification device, notification method, and program

Abstract

A notification system (1) comprises: a first acquisition unit (11), a second acquisition unit (12), and a processing unit (13). The first acquisition unit (11) acquires event information regarding an event that has occurred, from an information source device (3) or information source service (4) that is the source of the information notified from a notification device (2). The second acquisition unit (12) acquires a trigger indicating that the notification device (2) is activated. The processing unit (13) suspends the output of notification information indicating the content of the event from the notification device (2) until a trigger is obtained, and causes the notification device (2) to output notification information when the trigger is obtained.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a notification method and the like that causes a notification device to output notification information indicating details of an event when event information related to an event is acquired from an information source device or an information source service. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for causing a home appliance having a voice input / output function to speak by instructing the content and timing of speech to the home appliance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-151718 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a notification system and the like that makes it easier for a user to notice that an event that the user needs to respond to has occurred. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A notification system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first acquisition unit, a second acquisition unit, and a processing unit. The first acquisition unit acquires event information related to an event that has occurred from an information source device or an information source service that is the source of information notified from a notification device. The second acquisition unit acquires a trigger indicating that the notification device has started operating. The processing unit suspends output of notification information indicating the content of the event from the notification device until acquiring the trigger, and causes the notification device to output the notification information upon acquiring the trigger.

[0006] A notification device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes an instruction acquisition unit and an output unit, wherein the instruction acquisition unit acquires an instruction to output the notification information from the notification system, and the output unit outputs the notification information when the instruction acquisition unit acquires the instruction.

[0007] A notification method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: acquiring event information related to an event that has occurred from an information source device or an information source service that is the source of information notified from a notification device; acquiring a trigger indicating that the notification device has started operating; suspending output of notification information indicating the content of the event from the notification device until the trigger is acquired; and causing the notification device to output the notification information upon acquisition of the trigger.

[0008] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes one or more processors to execute the notification method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The notification method and the like according to the present disclosure has the advantage that it becomes easier for a user to notice that an event has occurred that the user needs to respond to. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration including a notification system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of notification information output by a notification device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the notification system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of data that the notification system according to the embodiment refers to in the first operation example. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a first operation example of the notification system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of data that the notification system according to the embodiment refers to in the second operation example. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a second operation example of the notification system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of data that the notification system according to the embodiment refers to in the third operation example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a third operation example of the notification system according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a fourth operation example of the notification system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) First, the inventor's point of view will be explained below.

[0012] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a conventional technology for causing a home appliance (notification device) equipped with a voice input / output function to speak by instructing the content and timing of the speech (notification) to the home appliance. This technology is used to notify a user who is not near a home appliance, for example, of the content of an event that has occurred in the home appliance, such as a washing machine, by causing the notification device equipped with a voice input / output function to speak the content of the event. The event may include, for example, the occurrence of an error in the home appliance or the completion of an operation that the home appliance was executing.

[0013] However, there are cases where the user is not near the notification device when the notification device notifies the user of the details of the event, for example, because the user is out or in a location different from where the notification device is installed, etc. In such cases, the notification from the notification device does not reach the user, and the user is unaware of the occurrence of an event that requires a response, which causes a problem of being unable to respond to the event.

[0014] In view of the above, the inventors have come up with the present disclosure.

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of well-known matters or redundant explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following explanation and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0016] The inventors have provided the accompanying drawings and the following description to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and do not intend for them to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0017] (Embodiment) [1-1. Overall structure] First, the overall configuration including a notification system 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration including a notification system 1 according to an embodiment. The notification system 1 is a system for causing a notification device 2 to output notification information indicating the contents of an event when event information related to an event is acquired from an information source device 3 or an information source service 4.

[0018] The notification device 2 is a device capable of notifying the user U1 (see FIG. 5, etc., described later) of the content of an event that has occurred in the information source device 3 or the information source service 4. In the embodiment, the notification by the notification device 2 is performed, for example, by outputting audio from a speaker. Note that the notification by the notification device 2 may be performed, for example, by displaying a character string or an image on a built-in display, or may be performed by both audio output and display.

[0019] The notification device 2 is, for example, a device installed in a facility where the user U1 resides, and is a device having the above-described audio output function or display function. In the embodiment, the notification device 2 is a home appliance. Specifically, the notification device 2 may include, for example, a smart speaker, a television receiver, a lighting fixture, a pet camera, an intercom master unit, an intercom slave unit, an air conditioner, or a robot vacuum cleaner. Note that the notification device 2 may also be a portable information device owned by the user U1, such as a portable television receiver, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a laptop personal computer.

[0020] The notification device 2 includes an instruction acquisition unit 21 and an output unit 22. In the embodiment, the notification device 2 includes a processor and a memory, and the notification device 2 realizes each of its components by causing the processor to execute a computer program stored in the memory.

[0021] The instruction acquisition unit 21 acquires an instruction to output notification information from the notification system 1. In the embodiment, the instruction acquisition unit 21 acquires the instruction contained in the instruction signal by receiving the instruction signal transmitted from the notification system 1 via a network such as the Internet (hereinafter simply referred to as "network").

[0022] The output unit 22 outputs notification information when the instruction acquisition unit 21 acquires an instruction. For example, if the notification device 2 has an audio output function, the output unit 22 accesses a sound source URL (Uniform Resource Locator) included in the instruction, downloads an audio message, and plays the audio message to output the notification information. The output unit 22 may play the audio message included in the instruction. Furthermore, if various audio messages are pre-stored in the memory of the notification device 2, the output unit 22 may read out and play the corresponding audio message from the memory in accordance with the instruction. Furthermore, if the notification device 2 has a function to automatically generate audio, the output unit 22 may generate and play the corresponding audio message in accordance with the instruction.

[0023] Furthermore, for example, if the notification device 2 has a display function, the output unit 22 outputs the notification information by displaying the character string, image, etc. included in the instruction on a display. Note that if various character strings, images, etc. are stored in advance in the memory of the notification device 2, the output unit 22 may read the corresponding character string, image, etc. from the memory in accordance with the instruction and display it on the display. Also, if the notification device 2 has a function to automatically generate character strings, images, etc., the output unit 22 may generate the corresponding character string, image, etc. in accordance with the instruction and display it on the display.

[0024] The information source device 3 is a device that is the source of information notified by the notification device 2. In the embodiment, the information source device 3 is a home appliance. Specifically, the information source device 3 is, for example, an air conditioner, a washing machine, a robot vacuum cleaner, a refrigerator, a rice cooker, or a microwave oven. Events that occur in the information source device 3 may include, for example, the start or end of operation of the information source device 3, the occurrence of an error in the information source device 3, or maintenance of the information source device 3.

[0025] The information source service 4 is a service that is the source of information notified by the notification device 2, and is, for example, a service provided to the user U1 from a server operated by a service provider. The information source service 4 is, for example, a transportation service or a weather forecast service. An event that occurs in the information source service 4 may include, for example, the start or end of a service by the information source service 4, or the occurrence of an error in the information source service 4.

[0026] [1-2. Notification System] Next, a description will be given of the details of the notification system 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the notification system 1 includes a first acquisition unit 11, a second acquisition unit 12, a processing unit 13, and a storage unit 14. Note that, although the notification system 1 includes the storage unit 14 in the embodiment, the storage unit 14 does not have to be a component of the notification system 1.

[0027] In the embodiment, the notification system 1 is realized by a server. The server has a processor and a memory, and the processor executes a computer program stored in the memory to realize each component of the notification system 1. In the embodiment, the memory is a storage unit 14.

[0028] The notification system 1 is configured to be able to communicate via a network with a notification device 2, an information source device 3, and an information source service 4. In the example shown in Fig. 1, there is one each of the notification device 2, information source device 3, and information source service 4, but there may be multiple of each.

[0029] The first acquisition unit 11 acquires event information related to an event that has occurred from the information source device 3 or the information source service 4. In the embodiment, the first acquisition unit 11 acquires the event information contained in a signal by receiving the signal transmitted from the information source device 3 or the information source service 4 via a network. The information source device 3 or the information source service 4 transmits the signal to the notification system 1 at the time when the event has occurred. Therefore, the first acquisition unit 11 acquires the event information approximately at the time when the event has occurred in the information source device 3 or the information source service 4. Note that the timing at which the first acquisition unit 11 acquires the event information may be later than the time when the event has occurred in the information source device 3 or the information source service 4.

[0030] The second acquisition unit 12 acquires a trigger indicating that the notification device 2 has started operating. In the embodiment, the second acquisition unit 12 receives a signal transmitted from the notification device 2 via a network, and acquires the trigger based on information contained in the signal indicating the state of the notification device 2. In the embodiment, the information indicating the state of the notification device 2 is an operation log of the notification device 2.

[0031] The trigger may differ depending on the type of notification device 2. For example, if the notification device 2 is a television receiver, the trigger is either the power of the television receiver (notification device 2) being switched from an off state to an on state, or the television receiver (notification device 2) returning from a standby state to an on state.

[0032] Here, the off state refers to a state in which the notification device 2 is not supplied with power to operate. The on state refers to a state in which the notification device 2 is supplied with power to operate and is performing its specific functions. The standby state refers to a state in which the notification device 2 is supplied with power to operate, but is not performing its specific functions. User U1 can switch the notification device 2 from the off state to the on state or from the standby state to the on state, for example, by directly operating the notification device 2 or by operating a remote controller attached to the notification device 2.

[0033] Furthermore, for example, if the notification device 2 is a robot vacuum cleaner, the trigger is when the notification device 2 is directly operated by the user U1. In this case, the second acquisition unit 12 does not acquire a trigger even if the notification device 2 is switched to the on state by the user U1 remotely operating the notification device 2 using an information terminal such as a smartphone. In addition, in this case, the second acquisition unit 12 does not acquire a trigger even if the notification device 2 is automatically switched to the on state according to a preset schedule. In other words, if the notification device 2 is a device that can be remotely operated or a device that can be scheduled for operation, the second acquisition unit 12 does not acquire a trigger unless the notification device 2 is directly operated.

[0034] The processing unit 13 suspends output of notification information indicating the contents of the event from the notification device 2 until a trigger is acquired, and upon acquiring the trigger, causes the notification device 2 to output the notification information. In other words, even if the first acquisition unit 11 has acquired event information, the processing unit 13 does not cause the notification device 2 to output notification information until the second acquisition unit 12 acquires a trigger. On the other hand, upon the second acquisition unit 12 acquiring a trigger, the processing unit 13 causes the notification device 2 to output notification information for each of the one or more pieces of event information that have not yet been output at the time the trigger was acquired.

[0035] In the embodiment, the processing unit 13 causes the notification device 2 to output notification information by transmitting an instruction signal to the notification device 2 via the network. In the embodiment, the processing unit 13 includes a sound source URL in the instruction signal and transmits it to the notification device 2. The sound source URL is a URL that can be accessed to download a voice message. In other words, in the embodiment, outputting an instruction to the notification device 2 corresponds to transmitting the sound source URL.

[0036] Specifically, the processing unit 13 causes a voice synthesis system (not shown) to generate a voice message, and stores the generated voice message and a sound source URL linked to the voice message in a notification database (not shown). The voice synthesis system acquires a character string indicating the notification content and parameters for the sound source to be used from the notification system 1 via the network, and generates the voice message by synthesizing a voice using the acquired character string and parameters. The notification database is a storage device that stores various voice messages transmitted from the notification system 1 via the network, linked to the sound source URL. The notification database is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory, but is not particularly limited and any known electronic information storage means can be used.

[0037] Then, the processing unit 13 transmits the sound source URL to the notification device 2 via the network, thereby outputting an instruction to the notification device 2 to output the voice message to the notification device 2. Furthermore, if an existing voice message exists in the notification database, the processing unit 13 reads out the sound source URL corresponding to the voice message from the notification database without causing the voice synthesis system to generate the voice message, and transmits the read sound source URL to the notification device 2.

[0038] The processing unit 13 may include, for example, a voice message in the instruction signal and transmit it to the notification device 2. Furthermore, if, for example, various voice messages are stored in advance in the memory of the notification device 2, or if the notification device 2 has a function for automatically generating voice messages, the processing unit 13 may include, in the instruction signal and transmit it to the notification device 2, a command specifying the voice message to be played by the notification device 2.

[0039] An example of notification information output by notification device 2 will now be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram of notification information output by notification device 2 according to an embodiment. In the table shown in Fig. 2, "information source" represents the information source device 3 or the information source service 4, and "event" represents an event that occurs in the information source device 3 or the information source service 4. Also, in the table shown in Fig. 2, "notification content" represents the content notified by notification device 2.

[0040] For example, if information source device 3 is a washing machine, when an event "washing finished" occurs, notification device 2 notifies by outputting a voice message saying, "Washing finished." Also, when an event "rain forecast when washing finished" occurs, that is, when the weather forecast predicts rain when washing finished, notification device 2 notifies by outputting a voice message saying, "Washing finished. The weather forecast predicts bad weather later."

[0041] Also, for example, if the information source device 3 is a robot vacuum cleaner, when an event called "additional charging" occurs, that is, when the robot vacuum cleaner automatically starts charging because its battery is dead, the notification device 2 notifies the user by outputting a voice message saying, "The battery is dead and it has returned to the charging base. Cleaning will resume after charging." Also, for example, if the information source service 4 is a delivery service, when an event called "absence notification" occurs, that is, when a delivery notice is placed in the mailbox because user U1 is absent when a package is delivered, the notification device 2 notifies the user by outputting a voice message saying, "A delivery notice has arrived."

[0042] The storage unit 14 is a storage device that stores information (such as computer programs) required for the processor of the notification system 1 to perform various controls. The storage unit 14 is realized, for example, by a semiconductor memory, but is not particularly limited and any known means for storing electronic information can be used. The storage unit 14 stores management data that links, for example, the identifier of the information source device 3 or the information source service 4 with event information. The storage unit 14 also stores, for example, instruction data included in an instruction signal transmitted to the notification device 2.

[0043] [2. Operation] The operation of the notification system 1 according to the embodiment (that is, the notification method) will be described below with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the notification system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0044] When an event occurs in the information source device 3 or the information source service 4, the information source device 3 or the information source service 4 transmits a signal including the event information via the network to the notification system 1. As a result, the first acquisition unit 11 acquires the event information via the network (S1).

[0045] Thereafter, the processing unit 13 holds the notification information from the notification device 2 and does not output it (S3) until the second acquisition unit 12 acquires a trigger via the network indicating that the notification device 2 has started operating (S2: No). On the other hand, when the second acquisition unit 12 acquires a trigger via the network indicating that the notification device 2 has started operating (S2: Yes), the processing unit 13 transmits an instruction signal including an instruction to the notification device 2 via the network, that is, outputs an instruction (S4). Upon receiving the instruction signal, the notification device 2 outputs the notification information in accordance with the instruction included in the instruction signal.

[0046] Below, examples of the operation of the notification system 1 according to the embodiment are listed. Note that the first to fourth examples of operation shown below are merely examples of the operation of the notification system 1, and it is not intended that the operation of the notification system 1 be limited to these examples of operation.

[0047] (First operation example) A first operation example of the notification system 1 according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of data referenced by the notification system 1 according to the embodiment in the first operation example. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the first operation example of the notification system 1 according to the embodiment. The data illustrated in FIG. 4 represents data referenced by the notification system 1 when the notification device 2 is a television receiver. As shown in FIG. 5, in the first operation example, the television receiver serving as the notification device 2 is installed in the living room, and the washing machine serving as the information source device 3 is installed in the bathroom. Also, (a) of FIG. 5 shows that the user U1 is out, and (b) of FIG. 5 shows that the user U1 has operated the remote controller 5 to turn on the television receiver.

[0048] As shown in (a) of FIG. 5, when the operation of the washing machine (information source device 3) ends, the washing machine outputs event information to the notification system 1. As a result, the first acquisition unit 11 of the notification system 1 acquires the event information. At the time when the first acquisition unit 11 acquires the event information, the television receiver (notification device 2) is in an off state, and therefore the notification system 1 has not acquired an operation log from the television receiver. In other words, the second acquisition unit 12 of the notification system 1 has not acquired a trigger indicating that the television receiver has been operated.

[0049] Therefore, as shown in Fig. 4, the processing unit 13 of the notification system 1 does not acquire an operation log from the television receiver (the second acquisition unit 12 does not acquire a trigger), and therefore suspends transmission of an instruction signal to the television receiver. Therefore, as shown in (a) of Fig. 5, the television receiver does not output a voice message (notification information) while the user U1 is out.

[0050] 5(b), when user U1 uses the remote controller 5 to turn on the television receiver (notification device 2), the television receiver changes from an off state to an on state and transmits an operation log indicating that the power has been turned on to the notification system 1. As a result, the second acquisition unit 12 of the notification system 1 acquires a trigger indicating that the television receiver has been turned on. This is because in this case, there is a high possibility that user U1 is near the television receiver.

[0051] For this reason, the processing unit 13 of the notification system 1 transmits an instruction signal to the television receiver by acquiring an operation log from the television receiver (the second acquisition unit 12 acquires a trigger), as shown in Fig. 4. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 5(b), when the user U1 performs an operation to turn on the television receiver, the television receiver outputs a voice message (notification information) saying "The washing is finished." This allows the user U1 to notice, by hearing the voice message, that an event that the user U1 must respond to (the end of washing by the washing machine) has occurred.

[0052] (Second operation example) Next, a second operation example of the notification system 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of data referenced by the notification system 1 according to the embodiment in the second operation example. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the second operation example of the notification system 1 according to the embodiment. The data illustrated in FIG. 6 represents data referenced by the notification system 1 when the notification device 2 is a robot vacuum cleaner. As illustrated in FIG. 7, in the second operation example, a robot vacuum cleaner, which is the notification device 2, is installed in the living room, and a washing machine, which is the information source device 3, is installed in the bathroom. Also, (a) of FIG. 7 represents that a user U1 is out, and (b) of FIG. 7 represents that a user U1 in a room other than the living room has remotely turned on the robot vacuum cleaner using an information terminal 6 such as a smartphone. Also, (c) of FIG. 7 represents that a user U1 in the living room has directly turned on the robot vacuum cleaner.

[0053] As shown in (a) of FIG. 7, when the operation of the washing machine (information source device 3) ends, the washing machine outputs event information to the notification system 1. As a result, the first acquisition unit 11 of the notification system 1 acquires the event information. At the time when the first acquisition unit 11 acquires the event information, the robot vacuum cleaner (notification device 2) is in the off state, so the notification system 1 has not acquired an operation log from the robot vacuum cleaner. In other words, the second acquisition unit 12 of the notification system 1 has not acquired a trigger indicating that the robot vacuum cleaner has operated.

[0054] Therefore, the processing unit 13 of the notification system 1 suspends transmission of an instruction signal to the robot cleaner because it has not acquired an operation log from the robot cleaner (the second acquisition unit 12 has not acquired a trigger), as shown in Fig. 6. Therefore, as shown in (a) of Fig. 7, the robot cleaner does not output a voice message (notification information) while the user U1 is out.

[0055] 7(b), when user U1 in a room other than the living room turns on the robot vacuum cleaner (notification device 2) using information terminal 6, the robot vacuum cleaner changes from an off state to an on state, and an operation log indicating that the power has been turned on by remote control is sent to notification system 1. In this case, second acquisition unit 12 of notification system 1 does not acquire a trigger indicating that the robot vacuum cleaner has been operated. This is because the robot vacuum cleaner is being remotely controlled, and it is unlikely that user U1 is near the robot vacuum cleaner.

[0056] Therefore, the processing unit 13 of the notification system 1 acquires the operation log from the robot cleaner as shown in Fig. 6, but the operation log is an operation log generated by remote control (the second acquisition unit 12 has not acquired a trigger), so transmission of an instruction signal to the robot cleaner is suspended. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 7(b), when the user U1 operates the robot cleaner by remote control, the robot cleaner does not output a voice message (notification information).

[0057] On the other hand, as shown in (c) of Fig. 7, when user U1 in the living room turns on the robot vacuum cleaner (notification device 2) by directly operating it, the robot vacuum cleaner changes from an off state to an on state, and an operation log indicating that the power was turned on by a direct operation is sent to the notification system 1. As a result, the second acquisition unit 12 of the notification system 1 acquires a trigger indicating that the robot vacuum cleaner has been operated. This is because in this case, there is a high possibility that user U1 is near the robot vacuum cleaner.

[0058] For this reason, as shown in Fig. 6, the processing unit 13 of the notification system 1 acquires an operation log from the robot vacuum cleaner, and because the operation log is a direct operation (the second acquisition unit 12 acquires a trigger), it transmits an instruction signal to the robot vacuum cleaner. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 7(c), when the user U1 turns on the robot vacuum cleaner by direct operation, the robot vacuum cleaner outputs a voice message (notification information) saying "The washing is finished." This allows the user U1 to notice, by hearing the voice message, that an event that the user U1 needs to respond to (the end of washing by the washing machine) has occurred.

[0059] (Third operation example) Next, a third operation example of the notification system 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of data that the notification system 1 according to the embodiment refers to in the third operation example. Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the third operation example of the notification system 1 according to the embodiment. The data shown in Fig. 8 represents data that the notification system 1 refers to when a television receiver and a lighting fixture that exist in the same space are notification devices 2.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 9, in the third operation example, a television receiver and a lighting fixture, which are notification devices 2, are installed in the living room, and a washing machine, which is information source device 3, is installed in the bathroom. Hereinafter, the television receiver will also be referred to as "notification device 2A," and the lighting fixture will also be referred to as "notification device 2B." Also, (a) in Fig. 9 shows that user U1 is out, and (b) in Fig. 9 shows that user U1 has operated remote controller 5 to turn on the television receiver, while the lighting fixture remains powered off.

[0061] As shown in (a) of FIG. 9, when the operation of the washing machine (information source device 3) ends, the washing machine outputs event information to the notification system 1. As a result, the first acquisition unit 11 of the notification system 1 acquires the event information. At the time when the first acquisition unit 11 acquires the event information, the television receiver (notification device 2A) and the lighting fixture (notification device 2B) are both off, and therefore the notification system 1 has not acquired operation logs from either the television receiver or the lighting fixture. In other words, the second acquisition unit 12 of the notification system 1 has not acquired triggers indicating that the television receiver and the lighting fixture have each been operated.

[0062] Therefore, as shown in Fig. 8, the processing unit 13 of the notification system 1 has not acquired an operation log from either the television receiver or the lighting fixture (the second acquisition unit 12 has not acquired a trigger), and therefore suspends transmission of an instruction signal to each of the television receiver and the lighting fixture. Therefore, as shown in (a) of Fig. 9, while the user U1 is out, neither the television receiver nor the lighting fixture outputs a voice message (notification information).

[0063] 9(b), when user U1 uses remote controller 5 to turn on the television receiver (notification device 2A), the television receiver changes from an off state to an on state and transmits an operation log indicating that the power has been turned on to notification system 1. As a result, second acquisition unit 12 of notification system 1 acquires a trigger indicating that the television receiver has been turned on. This is because in this case, there is a high possibility that user U1 is near the television receiver.

[0064] Therefore, as shown in Fig. 8, the processing unit 13 of the notification system 1 does not acquire an operation log from the lighting fixture, but does acquire an operation log from the television receiver (the second acquisition unit 12 acquires a trigger), and therefore transmits an instruction signal to the television receiver. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 9(b), when user U1 performs an operation to turn on the television receiver, the television receiver outputs a voice message (notification information) saying "The washing is finished." This allows user U1 to notice, by hearing the voice message, that an event that user U1 should respond to (the completion of washing by the washing machine) has occurred.

[0065] As described above, when multiple notification devices 2 exist in the same space, the second acquisition unit 12 of the notification system 1 acquires a trigger based on the operation logs of each of the multiple notification devices 2. In the third operation example, as shown in Fig. 8, the second acquisition unit 12 acquires a trigger when it acquires the operation log of at least one of a television receiver and a lighting fixture.

[0066] In the third operation example, the second acquirer 12 of the notification system 1 may acquire a trigger when it acquires operation logs of two or more specific notification devices 2 out of multiple notification devices 2 existing in the same space. For example, the second acquirer 12 may acquire a trigger when it acquires both an operation log indicating that the power of a television receiver (notification device 2A) has changed from an off state to an on state and an operation log indicating that the power of a lighting fixture (notification device 2B) has changed from an off state to an on state.

[0067] (Fourth operation example) Next, a fourth operation example of the notification system 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 10 . FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the fourth operation example of the notification system 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10 , in the fourth operation example, a stationary television receiver serving as the notification device 2 is installed in the living room / dining room, and a portable television receiver serving as the notification device 2 is installed in the kitchen. That is, in the fourth operation example, there are multiple notification devices 2. Hereinafter, the stationary television receiver will also be referred to as a "notification device 2C," and the portable television receiver will also be referred to as a "notification device 2D." Also, as shown in FIG. 10 , in the fourth operation example, a microwave oven and a refrigerator serving as IoT (Internet of Things) home appliances are installed in the kitchen. Hereinafter, these microwave oven and refrigerator will also be referred to as "external devices 7," which are devices other than the notification device 2. Although not shown, in the fourth operation example, a washing machine serving as the information source device 3 is installed in the bathroom.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 10, when user U1 returns home (see arrow (1) in the figure), he operates the remote controller 5 in the living room / dining room to turn on the power of the stationary television receiver (notification device 2C) (see arrow (2) in the figure), and then moves to the kitchen and opens and closes the door of the refrigerator (external device 7) (see arrow (3) in the figure).

[0069] Here, when the operation of the washing machine (information source device 3) ends, the washing machine outputs event information to notification system 1. As a result, first acquisition unit 11 of notification system 1 acquires the event information. At the time when first acquisition unit 11 acquires the event information, both the stationary television receiver (notification device 2C) and the portable television receiver (notification device 2D) are in the off state, and therefore notification system 1 has not acquired an operation log from either the stationary television receiver or the portable television receiver. In other words, second acquisition unit 12 of notification system 1 has not acquired a trigger indicating that each of the stationary television receiver and the portable television receiver has been operated.

[0070] Therefore, since the processing unit 13 of the notification system 1 has not acquired an operation log from either the stationary television receiver or the portable television receiver (the second acquisition unit 12 has not acquired a trigger), the processing unit 13 suspends transmission of an instruction signal to each of the stationary television receiver and the portable television receiver. Therefore, while the user U1 is out, neither the stationary television receiver nor the portable television receiver outputs a voice message (notification information).

[0071] Thereafter, when user U1 uses remote controller 5 to perform an operation to turn on the stationary television receiver (notification device 2C), the stationary television receiver changes from an off state to an on state and transmits an operation log indicating that the power has been turned on to notification system 1. As a result, second acquisition unit 12 of notification system 1 acquires a trigger indicating that the television receiver has been operated. However, in the fourth operation example, unlike the third operation example, processing unit 13 of notification system 1 does not transmit an instruction signal to the stationary television receiver at this stage.

[0072] Thereafter, when user U1 moves to the kitchen and opens and closes the door of the refrigerator (external device 7), the refrigerator outputs an operation log indicating that the door has been opened and closed to the notification system 1. As a result, the first acquisition unit 11 (or the second acquisition unit 12) of the notification system 1 acquires the operation log of the refrigerator. Then, the processing unit 13 of the notification system 1 estimates that user U1 is in the kitchen based on the acquired operation log. This is because the refrigerator door has been opened and closed, so there is a high possibility that user U1 is in the kitchen.

[0073] The refrigerator may output an operation log indicating a change in the amount of food or other items stored in the refrigerator to the notification system 1. In this case, the processing unit 13 of the notification system 1 can also estimate that user U1 is in the kitchen based on the acquired operation log. This is because the amount of food stored in the refrigerator has changed, which means that user U1 is using the refrigerator and there is a high possibility that user U1 is in the kitchen.

[0074] Then, when the trigger is acquired, the processing unit 13 of the notification system 1 estimates the area A1 (here, the kitchen) where the user U1 is present, and therefore transmits an instruction signal to the portable television receiver in the kitchen, rather than to the stationary television receiver. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, the portable television receiver outputs a voice message (notification information) saying "The laundry is done." This allows the user U1 in the kitchen to hear the voice message and realize that an event that requires the user U1's attention (the completion of the laundry by the washing machine) has occurred.

[0075] As described above, in the fourth operation example, when the processing unit 13 of the notification system 1 estimates the area A1 (here, the kitchen) where the user U1 is located based on the operation of an external device 7 (here, a refrigerator) other than the multiple notification devices 2, the processing unit 13 causes the notification device 2 (here, a portable television receiver) that is located in the area A1 to output notification information.

[0076] In the fourth operation example, the external device 7 is a refrigerator, but is not limited to this. For example, if the external device 7 is an air conditioner in a bedroom, the processing unit 13 of the notification system 1 can estimate the area A1 where the user U1 is located based on the operation log of the air conditioner. Specifically, when the air conditioner is started, the processing unit 13 can estimate that the user U1 is located in the bedroom. In this case, the processing unit 13 causes the notification device 2 in the bedroom to output notification information.

[0077] In the fourth operation example, the external device 7 is an IoT home appliance such as a microwave oven or a refrigerator, but is not limited to this. The external device 7 may be any device that outputs information necessary to estimate the area A1 where the user U1 is present, and may be, for example, a sensor (such as a human sensor or an illuminance sensor) provided in a home appliance, or a smart meter used in a HEMS (Home Energy Management System).

[0078] For example, if the external device 7 is a sensor, the processing unit 13 of the notification system 1 can estimate the area A1 where the user U1 is located based on the detection result of the sensor. Specifically, if the sensor is a motion sensor, and the motion sensor reacts, the processing unit 13 can estimate that the user U1 is located in the area A1 where the motion sensor is located. Also, if the sensor is an illuminance sensor, and the illuminance sensor detects brightness equal to or greater than a threshold, the processing unit 13 can estimate that the user U1 is located in the area A1 where the illuminance sensor is located.

[0079] Furthermore, for example, if the external device 7 is a smart meter, the processing unit 13 of the notification system 1 can estimate the area A1 where the user U1 is located based on the measurement results of the smart meter. Specifically, if there is a sudden change in the amount of water usage measured by the smart meter, the processing unit 13 can estimate that the user U1 is located in an area A1 where water is available, such as a kitchen.

[0080] [3. Advantages, etc.] The advantages of the notification system 1 (notification method) according to the embodiment will be described below.

[0081] As already mentioned, there are cases where user U1 is not near the notification device when the notification device 2 notifies the user of the details of the event, for example, because user U1 is out or in a location different from the location where notification device 2 is installed. In such cases, even if notification is sent by notification device 2, user U1 will not be aware that an event that requires a response has occurred, and will not be able to respond to the event, which is a problem.

[0082] In contrast, the notification system 1 (notification method) according to the embodiment causes the notification device 2 to issue a notification when a trigger indicating that the notification device 2 has been activated is acquired, that is, when there is a high possibility that the user U1 is present near the notification device 2. Therefore, the notification system 1 (notification method) according to the embodiment has the advantage that the user U1 is more likely to notice a notification from the notification device 2, and is more likely to notice that an event has occurred that the user U1 needs to respond to.

[0083] (Variation) As described above, the embodiments have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to these, and can be applied to embodiments in which appropriate modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above embodiments to create new embodiments.

[0084] Therefore, modifications of the embodiment will be exemplified below.

[0085] In the embodiment, when the processing unit 13 acquires a trigger in a case where it has acquired a plurality of pieces of event information corresponding to a plurality of events, the processing unit 13 may cause the notification device 2 to output summary information indicating a summary of the plurality of events as notification information. For example, assume that the first acquisition unit 11 has acquired a plurality of pieces of event information at the time the second acquisition unit 12 acquires a trigger. In this case, the processing unit 13 causes the notification device 2 to output the summary information by transmitting to the notification device 2 an instruction signal including a sound source URL from which an audio message (summary information) summarizing the plurality of events can be downloaded.

[0086] For example, assume that three events have occurred at the time the second acquisition unit 12 acquires a trigger: an event that the washing machine has finished operating, an event that the robot vacuum cleaner has finished cleaning, and an event that the water tank of the air purifier is low. In this case, the processing unit 13 causes the notification device 2 to output a voice message (summary information) such as "Three notifications have been received while the device was not operating. Please check your speech history."

[0087] The processing unit 13 may determine whether to cause the notification device 2 to output summary information depending on the number of occurrences of multiple events at the time when the second acquisition unit 12 acquires the trigger. For example, if the number of occurrences of events at that time is less than a threshold, the processing unit 13 may cause the notification device 2 to output notification information for each event. If the number of occurrences of events at that time is equal to or greater than the threshold, the processing unit 13 may cause the notification device 2 to output summary information. The threshold may be set appropriately by the user U1.

[0088] In the embodiment, the notification device 2 and the information source device 3 are separate entities, but this is not limited to this. For example, the information source device 3 may also function as the notification device 2. As an example, if there are multiple information source devices 3 and an event occurs in one of the information source devices 3, another information source device 3 other than the information source device 3 may function as the notification device 2.

[0089] Furthermore, for example, in the above embodiment, the notification system 1 is realized as a single device, but it may be realized by multiple devices. When the notification system 1 is realized by multiple devices, the components of the notification system 1 may be distributed in any way among the multiple devices. For example, some of the components of the notification system 1 in the above embodiment may be provided in the facility where user U1 resides. In other words, the present disclosure may be realized by cloud computing or edge computing.

[0090] Also, for example, in the above embodiment, all or some of the components of the notification system 1 of the present disclosure may be configured with dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or semiconductor memory.

[0091] Furthermore, the components of the notification system 1 of the present disclosure may be configured with one or more electronic circuits. Each of the one or more electronic circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0092] The one or more electronic circuits may include, for example, a semiconductor device, an integrated circuit (IC), or a large scale integration (LSI). The IC or LSI may be integrated on a single chip or on multiple chips. Although the IC or LSI is referred to here as an IC or LSI, the name may vary depending on the degree of integration, and may be called a system LSI, a very large scale integration (VLSI), or an ultra large scale integration (ULSI). Also, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), which is programmed after the LSI is manufactured, can be used for the same purpose.

[0093] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present disclosure may be realized as a system, device, method, integrated circuit, or computer program. Alternatively, the present disclosure may be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium, such as an optical disc, HDD, or semiconductor memory, on which the computer program is stored. For example, the present disclosure may be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute the air conditioning control method of the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, the program may be recorded on a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium, such as a CD-ROM, or may be distributed via a communication channel, such as the Internet.

[0094] As described above, the embodiments have been described as examples of the technology in the present disclosure, and for that purpose, the accompanying drawings and detailed description have been provided.

[0095] Therefore, the components shown in the accompanying drawings and detailed description may include not only essential components for solving the problem, but also components that are not essential for solving the problem in order to illustrate the above technology. Therefore, the fact that these non-essential components are shown in the accompanying drawings or detailed description should not be interpreted as immediately indicating that these non-essential components are essential.

[0096] Furthermore, since the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0097] (summary) As described above, the notification system 1 according to the first aspect includes a first acquisition unit 11, a second acquisition unit 12, and a processing unit 13. The first acquisition unit 11 acquires event information relating to an event that has occurred from the information source device 3 or the information source service 4 that is the source of the information notified from the notification device 2. The second acquisition unit 12 acquires a trigger indicating that the notification device 2 has started operating. The processing unit 13 suspends output of notification information indicating the content of the event from the notification device 2 until it acquires the trigger, and causes the notification device 2 to output the notification information once it acquires the trigger.

[0098] This has the advantage that the user U1 is more likely to notice the notification from the notification device 2, and is more likely to notice that an event has occurred that the user U1 needs to respond to.

[0099] In addition, in the notification system 1 of the second aspect, in the first aspect, the trigger is either the power of the notification device 2 switching from an off state to an on state, or the notification device 2 returning from a standby state to an on state.

[0100] This has the advantage that the user U1 is more likely to notice the notification from the notification device 2, since the operation of the notification device 2 by the user U1 near the notification device 2 can be regarded as a trigger.

[0101] In the notification system 1 according to the third aspect, in the first aspect, the trigger is the notification device 2 being directly operated by the user.

[0102] This has the advantage that the user U1 is more likely to notice the notification from the notification device 2, since the operation of the notification device 2 by the user U1 near the notification device 2 can be regarded as a trigger.

[0103] In addition, in the notification system 1 according to the fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, when there are multiple notification devices 2 in the same space, the second acquisition unit 12 acquires a trigger based on the operation logs of each of the multiple notification devices 2.

[0104] This has the advantage that it becomes easier to estimate whether the user U1 is present around the notification device 2 by referring to the operation logs of each of the notification devices 2 present in the same space.

[0105] Furthermore, in the notification system 1 according to the fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, there are a plurality of notification devices 2. When the processing unit 13 estimates the area A1 where the user U1 is located based on the operations of external devices 7 other than the plurality of notification devices 2, it causes the notification device 2 in the area A1 to output notification information from among the plurality of notification devices 2.

[0106] This has the advantage that when there are multiple notification devices 2, notification information is output from the notification device 2 in the area A1 where user U1 is estimated to be present, making it easier for user U1 to notice notifications from the notification device 2.

[0107] In addition, in the notification system 1 according to the sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, when the processing unit 13 acquires a trigger when it has acquired multiple pieces of event information corresponding to multiple events, it causes the notification device 2 to output summary information indicating a summary of the multiple events as notification information.

[0108] This has the advantage that the user U1 is less likely to feel uncomfortable compared to when the notification device 2 notifies each event.

[0109] Furthermore, the notification device 2 according to the seventh aspect includes an instruction acquisition unit 21 and an output unit 22. The instruction acquisition unit 21 acquires an instruction to output notification information from the notification system 1 according to any one of the first to sixth aspects. The output unit 22 outputs the notification information when the instruction acquisition unit 21 acquires the instruction.

[0110] This has the advantage that the user U1 is more likely to notice the notification from the notification device 2, and is more likely to notice that an event has occurred that the user U1 needs to respond to.

[0111] Furthermore, in a notification method according to an eighth aspect, event information relating to an event that has occurred is acquired (S1) from an information source device 3 or information source service 4 that is the source of the information notified from notification device 2. In this notification method, a trigger indicating that notification device 2 has started operating is acquired (S2). In this notification method, output of notification information indicating the content of the event from notification device 2 is suspended until the trigger is acquired (S3), and once the trigger is acquired, notification device 2 is caused to output the notification information (S4).

[0112] This has the advantage that the user U1 is more likely to notice the notification from the notification device 2, and is more likely to notice that an event has occurred that the user U1 needs to respond to.

[0113] A program according to a ninth aspect causes one or more processors to execute the notification method according to the eighth aspect.

[0114] This has the advantage that the user U1 is more likely to notice the notification from the notification device 2, and is more likely to notice that an event has occurred that the user U1 needs to respond to. [Industrial Applicability]

[0115] The present disclosure is applicable to a system that notifies a user of information regarding an event that occurs in a device or a service. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1. Notification System 11 First acquisition part 12 Second acquisition part 13 Processing section 14 Storage section 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D notification device 21 Instruction acquisition part 22 Output section 3 Information source device 4. Source Services 5 Remote Controller 6 Information terminals 7 External equipment A1 Area U1 User

Claims

1. a first acquisition unit that acquires event information related to an event that has occurred from an information source device or an information source service that is the source of information notified from the notification device; a second acquisition unit that acquires a trigger indicating that the notification device has been activated; a processing unit that suspends output of notification information indicating the content of the event from the notification device until the trigger is acquired, and causes the notification device to output the notification information when the trigger is acquired. Notification system.

2. the trigger is either a power supply of the notification device being switched from an off state to an on state or a power supply of the notification device being restored from a standby state to the on state; The notification system of claim 1 .

3. the trigger is a direct operation of the notification device by a user; The notification system of claim 1 .

4. When a plurality of the notification devices are present in the same space, the second acquisition unit acquires the trigger based on operation logs of each of the plurality of notification devices. The notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The notification device is a plurality of devices, when the processing unit estimates an area where the user is present based on operations of external devices other than the plurality of notification devices, the processing unit causes one of the plurality of notification devices that is located in the area to output the notification information. The notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. and when the processing unit acquires the trigger in a case where a plurality of pieces of event information corresponding to the plurality of events respectively have been acquired, the processing unit causes the notification device to output summary information indicating a summary of the plurality of events as the notification information. The notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. an instruction acquisition unit that acquires an instruction to output the notification information from the notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 3; an output unit that outputs the notification information when the instruction acquisition unit acquires an instruction, Notification device.

8. A notification method executed by a notification system, comprising: Acquires event information about the event that has occurred from an information source device or information source service that is the source of the information notified from the notification device; receiving a trigger indicating that the notification device has been activated; The output of notification information indicating the content of the event from the notification device is suspended until the trigger is acquired, and the notification information is output from the notification device when the trigger is acquired. Notification method.

9. one or more processors, Executing the notification method according to claim 8, program.

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