Information output method, information output device, and program

Abstract

To appropriately report apparatus information to be reported to a user suitable for the apparatus information.SOLUTION: An information output method includes a computer: acquiring apparatus information on a first apparatus; acquiring a rule in which apparatus information to be reported is associated with a candidate group of a reporting target; referring to the apparatus information on the first apparatus and the rule to determine a reporting target person of the apparatus information on the first apparatus; determining a second apparatus existing at a location at which the reporting target person exists, as a reporting target apparatus of the apparatus information on the first apparatus; and transmitting an instruction to output the apparatus information on the first apparatus to the reporting target apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for notifying a user of device information. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there has been known a technique for notifying information about devices (hereinafter referred to as device information) in a facility, such as the status and settings of the devices, to a home controller installed in the facility and a mobile terminal of a user of the device.

[0003] In such a technique, Patent Document 1 proposes determining whether or not to transmit event occurrence information based on the state of the mobile terminal or the surroundings of the mobile terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6795437 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration determining a notification recipient suitable for device information, determining a device suitable for the notification recipient, and notifying the device information.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to present an information output method, an information output device, and a program that can appropriately notify device information that requires notification to a user who is suitable for that device information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information output method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a computer acquiring device information of a first device, acquiring rules that associate device information requiring notification with a group of candidate notification recipients, determining a recipient of the device information of the first device by referring to the device information of the first device and the rules, determining a second device present in a location where the recipient is present as a device to be notified of the device information of the first device, and sending an instruction to the device to be notified to output the device information of the first device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, device information that requires notification can be appropriately notified to a user suited to the device information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of an information output system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a server. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of device data. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of user data. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a device information notification process. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of a process for determining a notification target device. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a second example of a process for determining a notification target device. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a third example of a process for determining a notification target device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (Background to this disclosure) As described above, there has been known a technique for notifying a home controller installed in a facility and a mobile terminal of a user of the device of device information of the device in the facility. However, if this technique is used to unconditionally notify the home controller installed in the facility and the mobile terminal of a user of the device, the user may feel annoyed by being notified of the same device information multiple times or of device information of a device that the user is not interested in at the time of notification.

[0011] Therefore, as described above, Patent Document 1 proposes determining whether to transmit event occurrence information to a mobile device based on the state of the mobile device or the state of the mobile device's surroundings. This prevents the mobile device from receiving duplicate notifications of event occurrence information. However, Patent Document 1 does not consider determining a notification recipient suitable for receiving the event occurrence information, determining a device suitable for the notification recipient, and notifying the event occurrence information.

[0012] For this reason, in Patent Document 1, there is a risk that event occurrence information that needs to be notified to a specific user may be determined to be unsendable based on the state of the user's mobile terminal or the state of the surroundings of the mobile terminal, which causes a problem that the event occurrence information that needs to be notified to the user cannot be notified to the user.

[0013] Therefore, the present inventors have conducted extensive research into technologies for appropriately notifying device information that requires notification to a user suited to that device information, and have arrived at the following aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] An information output method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a computer acquiring device information of a first device, acquiring rules that associate device information requiring notification with a group of candidate notification recipients, determining a recipient of the device information of the first device by referring to the device information of the first device and the rules, determining a second device present in a location where the recipient is present as a device to be notified of the device information of the first device, and sending an instruction to the device to be notified to output the device information of the first device.

[0015] According to this configuration, a notification recipient of the device information of the first device is determined by referring to the device information of the first device and the rule in which the device information requiring notification is associated with a group of candidates for notification. Therefore, when notification of the device information of the first device is required, a notification recipient suitable for the device information can be determined from the group of candidates associated with the device information in the rule.

[0016] According to this configuration, a second device present in the location where the notification target person is present is determined as a notification target device for the device information of the first device, and an instruction to output the device information of the first device is transmitted to the notification target device. This allows the notification target device to output the device information of the first device. As a result, the device information of the first device can be appropriately notified to a notification target person present in the location where the notification target device is present and who is suitable for the device information of the first device.

[0017] In the above-mentioned information output method, a priority is assigned to each of the one or more candidates included in the group of candidates, and in determining the person to be notified, the candidate with the highest priority who has not yet been determined as the person to be notified among the one or more candidates is determined as the person to be notified, and a process may be executed to determine the person to be notified, determine the device to be notified, and send the instruction in that order each time a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0018] According to this configuration, the device information of the first device can be notified to each of one or more candidates associated with the device information of the first device in the rule, in order of priority.

[0019] In the above information output method, information indicating a first device group that can output device information of the first device may further be obtained, and in determining the notification target device, the second device included in the first device group may be determined to be the notification target device.

[0020] According to this configuration, even if the device owned by the notification target is not present at the location where the notification target is present, the instruction can be transmitted to a device that is present at the location where the notification target is present and that is capable of outputting device information of the first device. Therefore, this configuration is useful when notifying device information that is highly urgent.

[0021] In the above information output method, information indicating a first device group capable of outputting device information of the first device and information indicating the owners of one or more devices included in the first device group may be further acquired, and in determining the device to be notified, the second device included in the first device group and whose owner is the notification target may be determined as the device to be notified.

[0022] According to this configuration, the instruction is transmitted to a device owned by the notification target that is present in the location of the notification target and capable of outputting device information of the first device. This prevents the device information of the first device from being notified to users other than the notification target. Therefore, this configuration is useful when notifying device information that should not be known to others.

[0023] In the above information output method, information indicating a first device group capable of outputting device information of the first device and information indicating a second device group shared by multiple users may be acquired, and in determining the device to be notified, the second device that is included in the first device group and also included in the second device group may be determined to be the device to be notified.

[0024] According to this configuration, the instruction is transmitted to a device that is present in the location of the notification target, is capable of outputting device information of the first device, and is shared by multiple users. Therefore, even if the notification target is unable to use the device, the device information of the first device can be notified to other users who are present in the location of the notification target and can use the device.

[0025] This allows the notification target to be notified of the device information of the first device via the other user. Therefore, this configuration is useful when notifying device information in a facility where there are output devices such as home controllers or smart speakers shared by multiple users.

[0026] In the above information output method, information indicating the planned activity of the person to be notified and information indicating a third group of devices capable of audio output may further be acquired, and during a time period when the person to be notified is scheduled to perform a predetermined activity, the second device that is not included in the third group of devices may be determined as the device to be notified in preference to the second device that is included in the third group of devices.

[0027] According to this configuration, during the time period when the notification target person is scheduled to perform a predetermined action, the instruction is sent to the second device that cannot output audio in priority over the second device that can output audio. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the notification target person's predetermined action will be hindered by the audio output indicating the device information of the first device.

[0028] In the above information output method, information indicating the planned actions of the person to be notified may further be acquired, and during a time period when the person to be notified is scheduled to perform a predetermined action, an instruction to output text information representing device information of the first device may be sent in sending the instruction.

[0029] According to this configuration, during a time period when the notification target person is scheduled to perform a predetermined action, an instruction to output text information representing the device information of the first device is transmitted to the notification target device. As a result, by outputting audio representing the device information of the first device from the notification target device, it is possible to appropriately notify the notification target person of the device information of the first device while reducing the possibility that the notification target person's predetermined action will be hindered.

[0030] In the above information output method, information indicating the planned activity of the notification target person and information indicating a second group of devices shared by multiple users may be acquired, and during a time period when the notification target person is scheduled to perform a predetermined activity, the second device included in the second group of devices may be determined to be the notification target device.

[0031] According to this configuration, during the time period when the notification target is scheduled to perform a predetermined action, the instruction is transmitted to a second device shared by multiple users. Therefore, even if the device that received the instruction is unavailable because the notification target is performing the predetermined action, the device information of the first device can be notified to another user of the device that received the instruction, who is present in the location of the notification target. As a result, after the notification target has completed the predetermined action, the device information of the first device can be notified to the notification target via the other user.

[0032] In the above information output method, information indicating the planned actions of the person to be notified may further be obtained, and during the time period when the person to be notified is scheduled to perform a predetermined action, after the execution of the process, the next process may be executed before the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0033] According to this configuration, during a time period when the notification target is scheduled to perform a predetermined action, after the execution of the process, the process is executed for the next highest priority candidate as the notification target before a predetermined time has elapsed. Therefore, even if the device information of the first device cannot be notified to the candidate performing the predetermined action, the device information of the first device can be notified to the candidate with the next highest priority more quickly than usual.

[0034] In the above information output method, first location information indicating the location of each of one or more candidates included in the candidate group may further be obtained, and when determining the device to be notified, the first location information may be referenced to identify the location where the person to be notified is located.

[0035] According to this configuration, the location of the notification target person can be accurately identified by referring to the acquired first location information.

[0036] In the above information output method, second location information indicating the locations of devices owned by each of the one or more candidates and devices shared by the one or more candidates may further be obtained, and when determining the device to be notified, the second device may be identified by referring to the second location information.

[0037] According to this configuration, it is possible to accurately identify the second device that is present in the location where the notification target person is present by referring to the acquired second location information.

[0038] An information output device according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a first acquisition unit that acquires device information of a first device, a second acquisition unit that acquires rules that associate device information that requires notification with a group of candidate notification targets, a first determination unit that determines a notification target of the device information of the first device by referring to the device information of the first device and the rules, a second determination unit that determines a second device that is present in a location where the notification target is present as a notification target device of the device information of the first device, and a transmission unit that transmits an instruction to the notification target device to output the device information of the first device.

[0039] According to this configuration, the same effects as those of the above-described information output method can be obtained.

[0040] A program according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a program that causes a computer to function, and causes the computer to function as a first acquisition unit that acquires device information of a first device, a second acquisition unit that acquires rules that associate device information that requires notification with a group of candidate notification recipients, a first determination unit that determines a notification recipient of the device information of the first device by referring to the device information of the first device and the rules, a second determination unit that determines a second device that is present in a location where the notification recipient is present as a notification recipient of the device information of the first device, and a transmission unit that transmits an instruction to the notification recipient device to output the device information of the first device.

[0041] According to this configuration, the same effects as those of the above-described information output method can be obtained.

[0042] The present disclosure can also be realized as a system operated by such a program. Needless to say, such a computer program can be distributed on a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0043] Note that the embodiments described below each illustrate a specific example of the present disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, components, steps, and step orders shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in an independent claim that represents a superordinate concept are described as optional components. Furthermore, in all embodiments, the respective contents can be combined.

[0044] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information output system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The information output system 1 includes a plurality of devices 300 and a plurality of sensors 400 arranged in a facility, and a server 1000 (an example of an information output device).

[0045] The plurality of devices 300, the plurality of sensors 400, and the server 1000 are communicably connected to each other via a network 900. The network 900 is, for example, a public communication line such as the Internet. The network 900 may also be a local area network.

[0046] The device 300 and the sensor 400 are installed in a facility of a user. The device 300 and the sensor 400 may be communicably connected via a local network within the facility. The facility is, for example, a residence. The residence may be an apartment building or a single-family home. Alternatively, the facility may be an office. If the facility is a residence, the user of the device 300 is a resident. If the facility is an office, the user of the device 300 is a user of the office. Hereinafter, the residents and users of the facility will be referred to as users.

[0047] The devices 300 include electronic devices installed at predetermined locations within the facility, such as a washing machine, a rice cooker, a refrigerator, a microwave oven, an air conditioner, and an electronic lock, as well as mobile electronic devices such as a cleaning robot, a smartphone, and a laptop computer.

[0048] The device 300 periodically transmits log information indicating its own operating status to the server 1000. The log information includes the current date and time, identification information of the device 300, information indicating whether the device 300 is operating, information indicating the content of the operation of the device 300 if it is operating, the start time of the operation, and information indicating whether or not an abnormality has occurred during the operation.

[0049] Furthermore, the device 300 transmits, at a predetermined timing, information (hereinafter, notification request information) requesting notification of information relating to the device 300 (hereinafter, device information) to the server 1000. Furthermore, the device 300 transmits, at a predetermined timing, information (hereinafter, notification termination request information) requesting termination of notification of the device information to the server 1000.

[0050] Specifically, notification of device information means transmitting information (hereinafter, instruction information) indicating an instruction to output the device information to the notification target device 300. In other words, upon receiving the instruction information, the notification target device 300 outputs the device information in accordance with the instruction indicated by the instruction information. As a result, the device information is notified to the user of the notification target device 300.

[0051] For example, when the washing machine completes the washing, it transmits notification request information requesting notification of device information indicating that the washing machine has completed the washing. The device information is, for example, text information and / or voice data indicating "Washing is complete. Please remove the laundry." In this case, after transmitting the notification request information, the washing machine transmits notification end request information to server 1000 when it detects that the laundry has been removed.

[0052] When the rice cooker has finished cooking rice, it transmits notification request information requesting notification of device information indicating that the rice cooker has finished cooking rice. The device information is, for example, text information and / or voice data indicating "Rice cooking is complete." In this case, the rice cooker transmits notification end request information to the server 1000 when it detects that a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has passed since transmitting the notification request information.

[0053] When the refrigerator detects that the door has been open for a predetermined time or more, it transmits notification request information requesting notification of device information indicating that the refrigerator door has been open. The device information is, for example, text information and / or voice data indicating "The door is open. Please close it." In this case, after transmitting the notification request information, the refrigerator transmits notification end request information to server 1000 when it detects that the door has been closed for a predetermined time or more.

[0054] When cooking is complete, the microwave oven transmits notification request information requesting notification of device information indicating that the microwave oven has completed cooking. The device information is, for example, text information and / or audio data indicating, "Cooking is complete. Please remove the contents from the microwave oven." In this case, after transmitting the notification request information, the microwave oven transmits notification end request information to server 1000 when it detects that the ingredients have been removed.

[0055] When the cleaning robot detects that it is in a state where it cannot travel autonomously, it periodically (e.g., every 30 seconds) transmits notification request information requesting notification of device information indicating that the cleaning robot is in that state. The device information is, for example, text information and / or voice data indicating, "The cleaning robot is stuck on a step. Please move the cleaning robot." In this case, after transmitting the notification request information, the cleaning robot transmits notification end request information to the server 1000 when it detects that the cleaning robot has been lifted.

[0056] Furthermore, when the cleaning robot detects that the dust box is full, it periodically (e.g., every 30 seconds) transmits notification request information requesting notification of device information indicating that the dust box of the cleaning robot is full. The device information is, for example, text information and / or voice data indicating "The dust box is full. Please empty it." In this case, after transmitting the notification request information, the cleaning robot transmits notification end request information to the server 1000 when it detects that the dust box is empty.

[0057] When the air conditioner detects that the room temperature has exceeded a predetermined temperature, it transmits notification request information requesting notification of device information indicating that the air conditioner is operating with the room temperature exceeding the predetermined temperature. The device information is, for example, text information and / or audio data stating, "The room temperature is high and there is a risk of heatstroke. Please be careful." In this case, after transmitting the notification request information, the cleaning robot transmits notification end request information to the server 1000 when it detects that the dust box is empty. In this case, the air conditioner transmits the notification end request information to the server 1000 when it detects that a predetermined time (e.g., 30 seconds) has elapsed since transmitting the notification request information.

[0058] When the electronic lock detects that it has been unlocked at an unusual time, it transmits notification request information requesting notification of device information indicating that the electronic lock was unlocked at an unusual time. The device information is, for example, text information and / or voice data indicating, "The electronic lock was unlocked at midnight. Please confirm that the lock was unlocked as expected." In this case, the electronic lock transmits notification termination request information to the server 1000 when it detects that a predetermined time (e.g., 30 seconds) has elapsed since transmitting the notification request information.

[0059] The sensor 400 includes, for example, a human presence sensor that detects the presence of a person in a room of the facility, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature in the room, a humidity sensor that detects the humidity in the room, and the like.

[0060] The human presence sensor is composed of an image sensor that detects the presence of a person from an image captured by a camera. Note that the human presence sensor may also be composed of an infrared sensor that detects the presence of a person by a person touching radiated infrared rays, or a beacon sensor that detects the presence and location of a person by receiving a beacon signal transmitted from a mobile terminal carried by the person.

[0061] The sensor 400 transmits detected information (hereinafter, detection information) to the server 1000. For example, when the human presence sensor detects the presence of a person in a room, it transmits to the server 1000 detection information including a captured image of the person and information indicating the position where the person is present.

[0062] The server 1000 is configured with a cloud server, an edge server in a facility, a personal computer, etc. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server 1000. The server 1000 includes a communication circuit 120, a processor 100, and a memory 110.

[0063] The communication circuit 120 is a communication circuit compatible with a communication method using a network 900 such as Ethernet (registered trademark), and connects the server 1000 to the network 900 .

[0064] The communication circuit 120 receives log information from the device 300 via the network 900. The communication circuit 120 also receives detection information from the sensor 400 via the network 900. The communication circuit 120 outputs various pieces of information received via the network 900 to the processor 100. The communication circuit 120 also transmits various pieces of information via the network 900 to external devices connected to the network 900 under the control of the processor 100.

[0065] The processor 100 is configured by, for example, a CPU. The processor 100 includes a first acquisition unit 101, a second acquisition unit 102, a first determination unit 103, a second determination unit 104, and a transmission unit 105. The first acquisition unit 101 to the transmission unit 105 may be realized by the processor 100 executing a predetermined program, or may be configured by a dedicated hardware circuit.

[0066] The first acquisition unit 101 acquires information received by the communication circuit 120 from the device 300 and the sensor 400. The second acquisition unit 102 acquires information stored in the memory 110. The first determination unit 103 to the transmission unit 105 perform predetermined processing based on the information acquired by the first acquisition unit 101 and the second acquisition unit 102. The first acquisition unit 101 to the transmission unit 105 will be described in detail later.

[0067] The memory 110 is configured by a nonvolatile rewritable semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or the like.

[0068] Information regarding the floor plan of the facility (hereinafter referred to as floor plan information) is stored in memory 110. The floor plan information includes information indicating the shapes and positions of partitioned spaces within the facility, as well as information indicating the locations of devices 300 and sensors 400. If the facility is a residence, the partitioned spaces within the facility include a living room, dining room, toilet, hallway, etc. If the facility is an office, the partitioned spaces within the facility include an office, work room, conference room, kitchen, toilet, hallway, etc.

[0069] Furthermore, matching data used to recognize a user is stored in the memory 110. The matching data includes a facial image of the user and data indicating the feature amounts of the user's face.

[0070] Furthermore, the processor 100 stores in the memory 110 log information received from the plurality of devices 300 .

[0071] The memory 110 also stores data (hereinafter, referred to as device data) related to notification of device information of the multiple devices 300. The device data is an example of a rule in the present disclosure that associates device information requiring notification with a group of candidates to be notified.

[0072] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of device data. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 3, the device data includes a registration number (e.g., "1") indicating the registration order of the device 300, identification information of the device 300 (e.g., "Device A"), information indicating the location of the device 300 (hereinafter, device location information) (e.g., "Space 1"), and information indicating the owner of the device 300 (hereinafter, owner information) (e.g., "User A"). The device location information is an example of second location information in the present disclosure.

[0073] 3 includes owner information "shared." This indicates that the device 300 corresponding to the identification information "Device C" included in the device data is a device 300 shared by multiple users.

[0074] The device data further includes information (hereinafter, notification availability information) indicating whether the device 300 is available as a notification target device (hereinafter, notification target device). The availability state as a notification target device indicates a state in which an instruction to output device information of another device 300 is received and the device information of the other device 300 indicated by the received instruction can be output.

[0075] For example, in FIG. 3, the device data including the identification information "Device A" and "Device C" includes the communication availability information "Available." This indicates that the two devices 300 (an example of a first device group) corresponding to the identification information "Device A" and "Device C" are available as notification target devices and are able to output device information of the other devices 300. On the other hand, the device data including the identification information "Device B" includes the communication availability information "Not Available." This indicates that the device 300 corresponding to the identification information "Device B" is not available as a notification target device and is unable to output device information of the other devices 300.

[0076] When the device 300 switches from a usable state to an unavailable state as a notification target device or from a unavailable state to a usable state as a notification target device, the device 300 transmits log information including notification availability information indicating whether the device 300 is in a usable state as a notification target device. The first acquisition unit 101 acquires the log information received by the communication circuit 120 from the device 300, and updates the notification availability information included in the device data based on the log information.

[0077] The device data further includes information indicating whether or not it is necessary to notify other devices 300 of device information related to the device 300 (hereinafter, notification necessity information).

[0078] For example, in FIG. 3, the device data including the identification information "Device A" includes the communication necessity information "Needed." This indicates that the device information of the device 300 corresponding to the identification information "Device A" needs to be notified to the other devices 300. On the other hand, the device data including the identification information "Device B" includes the communication necessity information "Not Needed." This indicates that the device information of the device 300 corresponding to the identification information "Device B" does not need to be notified to the other devices 300.

[0079] When the communication circuit 120 receives notification request information from the device 300, the first acquisition unit 101 acquires the notification request information and updates the notification availability information to "required" that is included in the device data including the identification information of the device 300. On the other hand, when the communication circuit 120 receives notification termination request information from the device 300, the first acquisition unit 101 acquires the notification termination request information and updates the notification availability information to "not required" that is included in the device data including the identification information of the device 300.

[0080] The device data further includes information indicating a group of candidates (hereinafter, candidate information) to which device information related to the device 300 itself is to be notified. Priority is assigned to each of one or more candidates included in the candidate group indicated by the candidate information.

[0081] For example, in FIG. 3, the device data including the identification information "Device C" of device 300 includes candidate information "User B, User C, User A." The candidate information indicates that the group of candidates to be notified of the device information includes three candidates corresponding to the three identification information "User B," "User C," and "User A." The candidate information also indicates that the candidate corresponding to the identification information "User B" has the highest priority, followed by the candidate corresponding to the identification information "User C," and the candidate corresponding to the identification information "User A." In other words, the candidate information indicates that the candidate corresponding to the identification information "User B" has the highest priority, and the candidate corresponding to the identification information "User A" has the lowest priority.

[0082] In FIG. 3, the device data including the identification information "Device B" of the device 300 includes the candidate information "All." The candidate information indicates that all users in the same facility as the user corresponding to the identification information "User B," who is the owner of the device 300 corresponding to the identification information "Device B," are candidates. In this case, the priority assigned to each of the users is the same. In other words, the candidate information "All" indicates that the device information of the device 300 is to be notified simultaneously to all users in the same facility as the owner of the device 300.

[0083] Furthermore, the memory 110 stores data (hereinafter, user data) relating to users who use the multiple devices 300. The user data is an example of first location information in the present disclosure.

[0084] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of user data. As shown in FIG. 4, the user data includes user identification information (e.g., "User A") and information indicating the user's location (hereinafter, referred to as user location information) (e.g., "Space 1").

[0085] For example, in FIG. 4, user data including user identification information "User A" includes user location information "Space 1." This indicates that the user corresponding to user identification information "User A" is present in "Space 1" indicated by the user location information. Also, in FIG. 4, user data including user identification information "User C" includes location information "Outside Home." This indicates that the user corresponding to identification information "User C" is out and not present within the facility.

[0086] The processor 100 recognizes the user and identifies the user's location using publicly known technology such as image recognition technology based on information indicating the user's captured image and location within the facility, which is included in the detection information transmitted from the sensor 400 to the server 1000, floor plan information and matching data stored in the memory 110, etc. The processor 100 updates the user location information of the user included in the user data using the information indicating the identified user's location. However, without being limited to this, the user location information may be editable by an administrator operating the server 1000.

[0087] Next, a description will be given of the flow of device information notification processing in the server 1000. In this description, details will be given of the first acquisition unit 101 to the transmission unit 105. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of device information notification processing.

[0088] When the communication circuit 120 receives notification request information requesting notification of device information related to the device 300 from the device 300, the first acquisition unit 101 acquires the notification request information from the communication circuit 120 (step S101). Step S101 is an example of a process of acquiring device information of a first device in the present disclosure.

[0089] In step S101, when the first acquisition unit 101 acquires the notification request information received by the communication circuit 120 from the device 300, it updates the notification availability information included in the device data record including the identification information of the device 300 stored in the memory 110 to “required.”

[0090] Next, the second acquisition unit 102 acquires a group of candidates to be notified of device information related to the device 300 (hereinafter, notifying source device) that is the sender of the notification request information acquired in step S101 (step S102).

[0091] Specifically, in step S102, the second acquisition unit 102 acquires device data including identification information of the notification source device (hereinafter, referred to as device data of the notification source device) from the memory 110. This process is an example of a process in the present disclosure for acquiring a rule in which device information requiring notification is associated with a group of candidates to be notified. Then, the second acquisition unit 102 acquires candidate information included in the acquired device data of the notification source device. As a result, the second acquisition unit 102 acquires one or more candidates indicated by the acquired candidate information as a group of candidates to be notified of the device information of the notification source device.

[0092] Next, the first determination unit 103 determines the candidate with the highest priority who has not been determined as the notification recipient of the device information of the notification source device from among one or more candidates included in the group of candidates acquired in step S102 as the notification recipient (step S103).

[0093] Furthermore, if the candidate information acquired in step S102 indicates "everyone," as described above, all users in the same facility as the owner of the notification source device are treated as notification recipients, and the processing from step S104 onwards is executed simultaneously in parallel.

[0094] In step S104, the second determination unit 104 determines whether or not it is necessary to notify the device information of the notification source device (step S104).

[0095] Specifically, in step S104, the second determination unit 104 refers to notification necessity information included in the device data of the notification source device stored in the memory 110. If the referenced notification necessity information indicates that the device information of the notification source device needs to be notified to the other device 300, the second determination unit 104 determines that the device information of the notification source device needs to be notified. If the referenced notification necessity information indicates that the device information of the notification source device does not need to be notified to the other device 300, the second determination unit 104 determines that the device information of the notification source device does not need to be notified.

[0096] If the second decision unit 104 determines in step S104 that it is not necessary to notify the device information of the notification source device (NO in step S104), the process ends.

[0097] On the other hand, if the second decision unit 104 determines in step S104 that it is necessary to notify the device information of the notification source device (YES in step S104), it identifies the location where the notification target is located (hereinafter, notification target location) (step S105).

[0098] Specifically, in step S105, the second determination unit 104 refers to the user data (FIG. 4) including the identification information of the notification target person (e.g., "User A") determined in step S103, which is stored in the memory 110. The second determination unit 104 identifies the location indicated by the user location information (e.g., "Space 1") included in the referenced user data as the notification target location.

[0099] Next, the second determination unit 104 identifies a group of devices present in the notification target location identified in step S105, and determines from the group of devices a device to be notified of the device information of the notification source device (hereinafter, notification target device) (step S106). That is, steps S105 and S106 are an example of a process for determining a notification target device in the present disclosure. Details of step S106 will be described later.

[0100] If the notification target device is determined in step S106 (YES in step S107), the transmitting unit 105 transmits instruction information indicating an instruction to output device information of the notification source device to the notification target device (step S108).

[0101] When the notification target device receives the instruction information, it outputs the device information of the notification source device in accordance with the instruction information. Specifically, if the notification target device has a display device such as a liquid crystal display, the notification target device displays text information representing the device information of the notification source device (e.g., "Laundry is done. Please remove the laundry.") on the display device. If the notification target device has an audio output device such as a speaker, it outputs audio representing the device information of the notification source device (e.g., "Laundry is done. Please remove the laundry.") from the audio output device.

[0102] After step S108, the first determining unit 103 waits until a predetermined time has elapsed (step S109). When the predetermined time has elapsed after step S108, or if the first determining unit 103 was unable to determine the notification target device in step S106 (NO in step S107), the first determining unit 103 proceeds to step S110.

[0103] In step S110, the first determining unit 103 determines whether or not the device information has been notified to all candidates acquired in step S102 (step S110). Specifically, in step S110, the first determining unit 103 determines whether or not the device information has been notified to all candidates, depending on whether or not all of the one or more candidates included in the candidate group acquired in step S102 have been determined as notification recipients in step S103.

[0104] If the first determining unit 103 determines in step S110 that the device information has not been notified to some of the candidates acquired in step S102 (NO in step S110), it performs step S103. On the other hand, if the first determining unit 103 determines in step S110 that the device information has been notified to all of the candidates acquired in step S102 (YES in step S110), it ends the process.

[0105] Furthermore, when the communication circuit 120 receives the above-mentioned notification termination request information from the device 300, the first acquisition unit 101 acquires the notification termination request information and updates the notification availability information included in the record containing the identification information of the device 300 included in the device data to “not required.”

[0106] According to this configuration, when notification of device information of a notification source device is required, the notification recipient suitable for the device information can be determined from a group of candidates indicated by the candidate information included in the device data corresponding to the communication source device, in order of highest priority candidate.

[0107] According to this configuration, the device 300 present in the location where the notification recipient is present is determined as the notification target device for the device information of the notification source device, and an instruction to output the device information is sent to the notification target device. This allows the notification target device to output the device information. As a result, the device information of the notification source device can be appropriately notified to the notification recipient, who is present in the location where the notification target device is present and is suitable for the device information.

[0108] <First example of the process for determining the device to be notified> A first example of the process of determining the notification target device in step S106 will be described below. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the first example of the process of determining the notification target device.

[0109] In a first example of the process for determining the notification target device, the second determination unit 104 acquires information indicating a group of devices (an example of a first device group) that can output device information of the communication source device, and determines a device 300 (an example of a second device) that is included in the group of devices and that is present at the notification target location identified in step S105 as the notification target device.

[0110] Specifically, when the second determination unit 104 starts step S106 (FIG. 5), it executes step S201 as shown in FIG.

[0111] In step S201, the second determination unit 104 acquires a device data group whose notification availability information indicates that the device can be used as a notification target device, from the memory 110. As a result, the second determination unit 104 acquires a device group corresponding to the identification information group of the device 300 included in the device data group as a device group that can output device information of the communication source device.

[0112] Furthermore, in step S201, the second determination unit 104 obtains, from the obtained device data groups, a device data group whose location information indicates the same location as the notification target location identified in step S105. The second determination unit 104 extracts, as candidate device groups that are candidates for notification target devices, a device group that corresponds to the identification information group of the device 300 included in the obtained device data group.

[0113] Then, if the number of devices 300 included in the candidate device group extracted in step S201 is greater than 0 (YES in step S202), the second determination unit 104 determines one device 300 included in the candidate device group as the notification target device (step S203).

[0114] For example, in step S203, the second determination unit 104 refers to the device data with the smallest registration number from the device data group including the identification information of the candidate device group extracted in step S201. The second determination unit 104 determines the device 300 corresponding to the identification information of the device 300 included in the referred device data as the notification target device. Hereinafter, the device 300 corresponding to the identification information of the device 300 included in the device data will be abbreviated as the device 300 corresponding to the device data.

[0115] In step S203, the second determination unit 104 may refer to the device data with the largest registration number among the device data group including the identification information of the candidate device group extracted in step S201, and determine the device 300 corresponding to the referred device data as the notification target device. Alternatively, the second determination unit 104 may randomly select one device data from the device data including the identification information of the candidate device group extracted in step S201, and determine the device 300 corresponding to the selected one device data as the notification target device.

[0116] On the other hand, if the number of devices 300 included in the candidate device group extracted in step S201 is 0 (NO in step S202), the second determination unit 204 determines that there is no notification target device (step S204).

[0117] When the first example of the process for determining the notification target device is adopted in step S106, even if the device 300 owned by the notification target person is not present in the notification target location, the instruction can be transmitted to a device 300 that is present in the location where the notification target person is present and that is capable of outputting device information. For this reason, this example is useful when notifying device information of high urgency.

[0118] <Second example of process for determining the device to be notified> Next, a second example of the process of determining the notification target device in step S106 will be described below. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the second example of the process of determining the notification target device.

[0119] In a second example of the process for determining the notification target device, the second determination unit 104 acquires information indicating a device group that can output device information of the communication source device and information indicating the owners of one or more devices 300 included in the device group. Then, the second determination unit 104 determines, as the notification target device, a device 300 (an example of a second device) included in the device group, whose owner is the notification target and which is present in the notification target location identified in step S105.

[0120] Specifically, when the second determination unit 104 starts step S106 (FIG. 5), it executes step S211 as shown in FIG.

[0121] In step S211, similarly to step S201 (FIG. 6), the second determination unit 104 acquires a device data group whose notification availability information indicates that the device 300 can be used as a notification target device from the memory 110. As a result, the second determination unit 104 acquires a device group corresponding to the identification information group of the device 300 included in the device data group as a device group that can output device information of the communication source device.

[0122] Furthermore, in step S211, the second determination unit 104 refers to the owner information included in the acquired device data group, thereby acquiring information indicating the owner of each of one or more devices 300 included in the device group that can output device information of the communication source device.

[0123] Then, in step S211, the second determination unit 104 obtains, from the obtained device data group, a device data group whose owner information indicates the notification target person determined in step S103 and whose location information indicates the notification target location identified in step S105. The second determination unit 104 extracts, as a candidate device group that is a candidate for notification target devices, a device group that corresponds to the identification information group of the device 300 included in the obtained device data group.

[0124] Then, if the number of devices 300 included in the candidate device group extracted in step S211 is greater than 0 (YES in step S212), the second determination unit 104 determines one device 300 included in the candidate device group as the notification target device (step S213), similar to step S203 (FIG. 6).

[0125] On the other hand, if the number of devices 300 included in the candidate device group extracted in step S211 is 0 (NO in step S212), the second determination unit 204 determines that there is no notification target device (step S214).

[0126] When the second example of the process for determining the notification target device is adopted in step S106, the instruction is transmitted to a device 300 that is present in the location of the notification target, is capable of outputting the device information of the notification source device, and is owned by the notification target. This makes it possible to prevent the device information of the notification source device from being notified to users other than the notification target. Therefore, this example is useful when notifying device information that should not be known to others.

[0127] Note that instead of step S214, the processes from step S201 onwards shown in Fig. 6 may be executed. As a result, if there is no device 300 owned by the notification target that is capable of outputting the device information of the notification source device in the location where the notification target is present, the instruction may be transmitted to any device 300 that is present in the location where the notification target is present and that is capable of outputting the device information of the notification source device.

[0128] <Third example of the process for determining the device to be notified> Next, a third example of the notification target device determination process in step S106 will be described below. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the third example of the notification target device determination process.

[0129] In a third example of the process of determining the notification target device, the second determination unit 104 acquires information indicating a device group (hereinafter referred to as a first device group) that can output device information of the communication source device and information indicating a device group (hereinafter referred to as a second device group) that is shared by multiple users. Then, the second determination unit 104 determines, as the notification target device, the device 300 that is included in the first device group and the second device group and that is present in the notification target location identified in step S105.

[0130] Specifically, when the second determination unit 104 starts step S106 (FIG. 5), it executes step S221 as shown in FIG.

[0131] In step S221, similarly to step S201 (FIG. 6), the second determining unit 104 acquires a device data group (hereinafter referred to as a first device data group) whose notification availability information indicates that the device can be used as a notification target device, from the memory 110. As a result, the second determining unit 104 acquires a device group corresponding to the identification information group of the device 300 included in the first device data group as a first device group that can output device information of the communication source device.

[0132] Furthermore, in step S221, the second determination unit 104 acquires a device data group whose owner information is "shared" (hereinafter referred to as a second device data group) from the memory 110. As a result, the second determination unit 104 acquires a device group corresponding to the identification information group of the devices 300 included in the second device data group as a second device group shared by multiple users.

[0133] Then, in step S221, the second determination unit 104 acquires a device data group whose location information indicates the notification target location identified in step S105 and is included in both the first device data group and the second device data group. Alternatively, by simplifying this, the second determination unit 104 may acquire a device data group whose owner information is "shared" in the first device data group and whose location information indicates the notification target location identified in step S105.

[0134] The second determination unit 104 extracts a device group corresponding to the identification information group of the device 300 included in the acquired device data group as a candidate device group that is a candidate for notification target devices.

[0135] Then, if the number of devices 300 included in the candidate device group extracted in step S221 is greater than 0 (YES in step S222), the second determination unit 104 determines one device 300 included in the candidate device group as the notification target device (step S223), similar to step S203 (FIG. 6).

[0136] On the other hand, if the number of devices 300 included in the candidate device group extracted in step S221 is 0 (NO in step S222), the second determination unit 204 determines that there is no notification target device (step S224).

[0137] When the third example of the process for determining the notification target device is adopted in step S106, the instruction is sent to device 300 that is shared by multiple users, is present in the location where the notification target person is present, and is capable of outputting device information of the notification source device.

[0138] Therefore, even if the notification target is unable to use the device 300, the device information of the notification source device can be notified to another user who is present in the location of the notification target and who can use the device 300. This allows the notification target to be notified of the device information of the notification source device via the other user. Therefore, this example is useful when notifying device information in a facility where there is an output device such as a home controller or a smart speaker that is shared by multiple users.

[0139] Note that instead of step S224, the processing from step S201 onwards shown in Fig. 6 may be executed. As a result, if there is no device 300 that is shared by multiple users and that can output the device information of the notification source device in the location where the notification target person is present, the instruction may be transmitted to any one of the devices 300 that is present in the location where the notification target person is present and that can output the device information of the notification source device.

[0140] The present disclosure can employ the following modifications.

[0141] (1) If the notification target location identified in step S105 (FIG. 5) is "outside the home," the priority of the notification target determined in step S103 (FIG. 5) may be changed to the lowest priority, and the processing from step S103 onward may be executed. This may give priority to notifying device information to users inside the facility over notifying device information to users who are out.

[0142] (2) Schedule information indicating the planned activities of each user may be stored in the memory 110. Furthermore, the device data (FIG. 3) may further include information indicating whether each device 300 is capable of audio output. In this case, the second determination unit 104 may refer to (acquire) the schedule information stored in the memory 110 in step S106 (FIG. 5).

[0143] When the time period during which step S106 is performed is a time period during which the person to be notified is scheduled to perform a predetermined action, such as a web conference, the second determination unit 104 may refer to the device data in step S203 (FIG. 6), step S213 (FIG. 7), and step S223 (FIG. 8) and determine that a device 300 that cannot output audio is to be the device to be notified, giving priority to a device 300 that can output audio.

[0144] In this case, during the time period when the notification target person is scheduled to perform a predetermined action, the instruction is sent to the device 300 that cannot output audio, with priority given to the device 300 that can output audio. This reduces the possibility that the notification target person will be prevented from performing a predetermined action by outputting audio indicating device information.

[0145] (3) As in the modification (2), schedule information indicating the planned activities of each user may be stored in the memory 110. Then, the second determination unit 104 may refer to (acquire) the schedule information stored in the memory 110 in step S106 (FIG. 5).

[0146] Then, when the time period during which step S106 is performed is a time period during which the person to be notified is scheduled to perform a predetermined action, such as a web conference, the second determination unit 104 may adopt a third example of the process for determining the device to be notified in step S106, and determine that the device 300 shared by multiple users is the device to be notified.

[0147] In this case, the instruction is transmitted to device 300 shared by multiple users during the time period when the notification target is scheduled to perform a predetermined action. Therefore, even if the device 300 that received the instruction is unavailable because the notification target is performing the predetermined action, the device information can be notified to another user of device 300 that received the instruction and is present in the location where the notification target is present. As a result, after the notification target has completed the predetermined action, the device information can be notified to the notification target via the other user.

[0148] (4) As in the modified examples (2) and (3), schedule information indicating the planned activities of each user may be stored in memory 110. Then, in step S108 (FIG. 5), transmission unit 105 may refer to (acquire) the schedule information stored in memory 110, and if the time period in which step S108 is performed is the time period in which the notification target person is scheduled to perform a predetermined activity, transmit an instruction to output text information representing device information.

[0149] In this case, by outputting a sound indicating the device information from the device to be notified, the device information can be properly notified to the person to be notified while reducing the possibility that the person to be notified will be hindered from performing a specified action.

[0150] (5) As in the modified examples (2) to (4), schedule information indicating the planned behavior of each user may be stored in the memory 110. Then, in step S109 (FIG. 5), the first determination unit 103 may refer to (acquire) the schedule information stored in the memory 110, and if the time period in which step S109 is performed is a time period in which the notification target person is scheduled to perform a predetermined behavior, may wait until a time period that is shorter than the predetermined time by a predetermined shortened time (= predetermined time - shortened time) has elapsed.

[0151] In this case, during the time period when the notification target is scheduled to perform a predetermined action, the process from step S103 (FIG. 5) onwards is executed with the next highest priority candidate as the notification target before the predetermined time has elapsed. Therefore, even if it is not possible to notify the device information to the candidate who is performing the predetermined action among the one or more candidates acquired in step S102, it is possible to notify the next highest priority candidate of the device information more quickly than usual. [Industrial Applicability]

[0152] According to the present disclosure, device information that requires notification can be appropriately notified to users who are appropriate for that device information, which is useful in notifying users of device information without causing inconvenience to users in facilities where many devices are installed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0153] 1000: Server (information output device) 100: Processor (computer) 101: First Acquisition Department 102:Second Acquisition Department 103: First decision section 104:Second decision section 105: Transmission unit 204:Second decision section 300:Equipment

Claims

1. The computer Obtaining device information of a first device; Obtaining a rule that associates device information that requires notification with a group of candidates to be notified; By referring to the device information of the first device and the rule, determine a notification recipient of the device information of the first device from a group of candidates associated with the device information of the first device in the rule; determining a second device present at the location where the notification target person is present as a notification target device of the device information of the first device; transmitting an instruction to the notification target device to output device information of the first device; Information output method.

2. each of the one or more candidates included in the candidate pool is assigned a priority; In determining the recipients of the notification, Determine, among the one or more candidates, the candidate with the highest priority who has not been determined as the person to be notified, as the person to be notified; executing a process of determining the notification recipient, determining the notification recipient device, and transmitting the instruction in this order every time a predetermined time elapses; The information output method according to claim 1 .

3. Further, information indicating a first device group capable of outputting device information of the first device is acquired; In determining the notification target device, determining the second device included in the first device group as the notification target device; 3. The information output method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Furthermore, information indicating a first device group capable of outputting device information of the first device and information indicating the owners of one or more devices included in the first device group are acquired; In determining the notification target device, determining the second device included in the first device group and whose owner is the notification target person as the notification target device; 3. The information output method according to claim 1 or 2.

5. Furthermore, information indicating a first device group capable of outputting device information of the first device and information indicating a second device group shared by a plurality of users are acquired; In determining the notification target device, determining the second device that is included in the first device group and also included in the second device group as the notification target device; 3. The information output method according to claim 1 or 2.

6. Further, information indicating the action schedule of the notification target person and information indicating a third device group capable of audio output are acquired; During a time period when the notification target person is scheduled to perform a predetermined action, the second device that is not included in the third device group is determined as the notification target device with priority over the second device that is included in the third device group. The information output method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. Furthermore, information indicating the notification target person's planned activities is acquired, During a time period when the notification target person is scheduled to perform a predetermined action, the transmission of the instruction includes transmitting an instruction to output text information representing device information of the first device. The information output method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Furthermore, information indicating the planned activity of the notification target person and information indicating a second device group shared by a plurality of users are acquired; In determining the notification target device during a time period when the notification target person is scheduled to perform a predetermined action, the second device included in the second device group is determined to be the notification target device. The information output method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. Furthermore, information indicating the notification target person's planned activities is acquired, In a time period in which the notification target person is scheduled to perform a predetermined action, after the execution of the process, the next process is executed before the predetermined time has elapsed. The information output method according to claim 2 .

10. Furthermore, first location information indicating the location of each of the one or more candidates included in the candidate group is acquired; In determining the notification target device, Identifying the location of the person to be notified by referring to the first location information; The information output method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Further, second location information indicating the locations of devices owned by each of the one or more candidates and devices shared by the one or more candidates is acquired; In determining the notification target device, Identifying the second device by referring to the second location information; The information output method according to claim 10.

12. a first acquisition unit that acquires device information of a first device; a second acquisition unit that acquires a rule in which device information that requires notification is associated with a group of candidates to be notified; a first determination unit that refers to the device information of the first device and the rule, and determines a notification recipient of the device information of the first device from a candidate group associated with the device information of the first device in the rule; a second determination unit that determines a second device present in a location where the notification target person is present as a notification target device of the device information of the first device; a transmitting unit that transmits an instruction to the notification target device to output device information of the first device.

13. A program that causes a computer to function, The computer a first acquisition unit that acquires device information of a first device; a second acquisition unit that acquires a rule in which device information that requires notification is associated with a group of candidates to be notified; a first determination unit that refers to the device information of the first device and the rule, and determines a notification recipient of the device information of the first device from a candidate group associated with the device information of the first device in the rule; a second determination unit that determines a second device present in a location where the notification target person is present as a notification target device of the device information of the first device; a transmission unit that transmits an instruction to the notification target device to output device information of the first device; A program that functions as a

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