Service setting device, in-home control system, service management method, and program

Abstract

A network search unit (32) collects function information indicating the functions of devices connected to an in-house network. A service management unit (33) specifies available services that can be provided by combining the functions of the devices on the basis of the function information collected by the network search unit (32) and a service list in which services are associated with the functions required for the services. A display unit (37) displays the available services specified by the service management unit (33).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a service setting device, an in-home control system, a service management method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Home control systems are known that utilize IoT (Internet of Things) technology to link and control multiple devices placed in a home, improving the comfort and convenience of the living environment. In these home control systems, communication specifications such as frame formats and connection sequences have been standardized to enable mutual communication between devices. However, there has been no specification as to how to realize services that utilize the functions of multiple devices.

[0003] A technology for such an in-home control system is disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 1. The in-home control system of Patent Document 1 controls devices based on information obtained from the devices connected to a home network. In particular, the in-home control system of Patent Document 1 includes a home gateway device through which the in-home devices are remotely controlled, and this home gateway device periodically detects the devices in the network and manages the latest device information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-53530 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The home control system described above makes it possible to provide services that combine the functions of multiple devices, but in reality, a specialized technician must understand the devices connected to the home network and their functions, and then configure communication settings between the devices, settings related to the data to be collected, and settings for the necessary control logic in the devices.In other words, unless a user asks a technician to do the work, the current situation is that users do not know what services can be provided by combining the functions of the devices connected to their home network.

[0006] Furthermore, even after a user has requested a technician to perform the work and is able to use a service that combines the functions of multiple devices, it is often the case that a new device needs to be added to the home network or an existing device needs to be replaced with a new device. In such cases, the user must request the technician to perform the work again, which is extremely troublesome for the user.

[0007] For this reason, there was a need for technology that could present users with services that could be provided by combining the functions of devices connected to a home network, and allow the user to simply enable the service.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a service setting device, an in-home control system, a service management method, and a program that can present available services to users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, a service setting device according to the present disclosure includes: a collection means for collecting function information indicating functions possessed by devices connected to a home network; In the function information collected by the collecting means, when the same device has a plurality of functions, Among the multiple functions of the same device, only the functions selected by the user are retained. a processing means for processing the functional information; a specifying means for specifying a service that can be provided by combining the functions of the device based on the function information processed by the processing means and a list that associates services with functions required for the services; and a display means for displaying the available services identified by the identification means; Equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] In the service setting device according to the present disclosure, a collection unit collects function information of devices connected to a home network, a specification unit specifies available services that can be provided by combining the functions of the devices based on the function information and the list, and a display unit displays the available services specified by the specification unit, thereby making it possible to present the available services to a user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of an in-home control system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a service setting device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a service list; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of function information according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating how a list of available services is generated according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating how a list of unavailable services is generated according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 7] A schematic diagram to explain how to set up the target device [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a notification screen. [Figure 9] Flowchart for explaining an example of collection processing [Figure 10]Flowchart for explaining an example of a list generation process [Figure 11] Flowchart for explaining an example of setting processing [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a service setting device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of function information according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a selection screen; [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating how a list of available services is generated according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating how a list of unavailable services is generated according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 17] Flowchart for explaining an example of processing DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that identical or corresponding parts in the drawings are designated by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the following description will be given as an example of a home control system that controls appliances in a home. However, as will be described later, the present disclosure can also be applied to home control systems that control appliances in facilities such as offices and factories. In other words, the embodiments described below are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, those skilled in the art may employ embodiments in which some or all of the elements are replaced with equivalents, and these embodiments are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a home control system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The home control system 1 is, for example, a system for controlling various devices arranged in a house H, and includes an access point 10, a plurality of devices 20 (devices 20-1 to 20-5), and a service setting device 30. The access point 10, the plurality of devices 20, and the service setting device 30 are communicably connected via a home network 90. ​​The home network 90 is, for example, a network such as a wired LAN (Local Area Network) or a wireless LAN.

[0014] The access point 10 is, for example, a wired or wireless communication device, and establishes a home network 90 that allows devices 20 to communicate with each other.

[0015] The devices 20 (devices 20-1 to 20-5) are various devices installed in the house H, and are capable of communicating via the home network 90. ​​For example, the devices 20 communicate with each other through an application layer in the home network 90. ​​Note that the communication protocol may use "Matter," a standard for smart homes.

[0016] Hereinafter, a case will be described in which device 20-1 is a controller, device 20-2 is an air conditioner, device 20-3 is a fan, device 20-4 is a temperature sensor, and device 20-5 is a humidity sensor, as a specific example of device 20. The controller of device 20-1 is, for example, a HEMS (Home Energy Management System) controller.

[0017] The service setting device 30 is, for example, a smartphone, a laptop computer, or the like used by a user, and presents to the user services that can be realized by combining the functions of the devices 20. The service setting device 30 also performs necessary settings on the target devices 20 so that the presented services can actually be provided. Note that the service setting device 30 is not limited to a smartphone, a laptop computer, or the like, and may be any other device equipped with a user interface, such as a television, a smart speaker, a gateway, or the like.

[0018] Details of the service setting device 30 will be described below with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the service setting device 30 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] 2, the service setting device 30 includes a storage unit 31, a network search unit 32 which is an example of a collection unit, a service management unit 33 which is an example of a specification unit, a service setting unit 34 which is an example of a setting unit, an application unit 35, a communication control unit 36, a display unit 37 which is an example of a display unit, and an operation unit 38. The network search unit 32, the service management unit 33, the service setting unit 34, and the application unit 35 are realized, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) using a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a work memory and appropriately executing programs stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory).

[0020] The storage unit 31 is a solid state drive (SSD), a hard disk, or the like, and stores a service list SL. The service list SL is predefined information about services that can be realized by combining the functions of devices that can be installed in an ordinary home. A specific example of the service list SL is shown in FIG. 3.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 3, the Service List SL specifies the service items, which are the details of the service, in association with the required device functions. In other words, the Service List SL is a table in which the function of each device required to realize the service item is indicated by "o" and the function of each device that is not required for the service item is indicated by "-". Based on this Service List SL, for example, it can be deduced that to realize a service item such as "air conditioner control by remote control," a device with an "HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) control" function and a device with a "remote control" function are required.

[0022] Note that such a service list SL is stored in advance in the storage unit 31 as an example, and alternatively, a service list SL managed by a server on the Internet may be referenced as needed.

[0023] 2, the network search unit 32 searches the home network 90, for example, via the communication control unit 36, and collects function information from the devices 20 connected to the home network 90. ​​As an example, the network search unit 32 performs the network search using DNS-SD (DNS-Based Service Discovery) standardized by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), but the network search may also be performed using other protocols.

[0024] For example, the network search unit 32 collects function information from the devices 20-1 to 20-5 after establishing connections with each of the devices 20-1 to 20-5. More specifically, the network search unit 32 collects function information of "remote control" from the device 20-1, which is a controller, and collects function information of "HVAC control" from the device 20-2, which is an air conditioner. Similarly, the network search unit 32 collects function information of "air blowing control" from the device 20-3, which is a fan, collects function information of "temperature measurement" from the device 20-4, which is a temperature sensor, and collects function information of "humidity measurement" from the device 20-5, which is a humidity sensor.

[0025] Specifically, the network search unit 32 collects function information FI as shown in Fig. 4. That is, the network search unit 32 collects function information FI that associates devices with functions. Note that the network search unit 32 periodically collects function information FI from the device 20 in order to respond to function changes that accompany updates to the device 20. The network search unit 32 may also collect function information FI from the device 20 when the device 20 is removed from the home network 90 or when a new device 20 is connected to the home network 90. ​​The network search unit 32 then notifies the service management unit 33 of the collected function information FI.

[0026] 2, the service management unit 33 creates various lists by comparing the function information FI notified from the network search unit 32 with the service list SL stored in the storage unit 31. For example, the service management unit 33 creates an available service list indicating available services that can be provided by combining the functions possessed by each device 20, and an unavailable service list indicating unavailable services that cannot be provided even when the functions possessed by the devices 20 are combined.

[0027] For example, as shown in Fig. 5, the service management unit 33 identifies service items in the service list SL that can be realized by the functions included in the function information FI, and creates an available service list ASL. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 6, the service management unit 33 identifies service items in the service list SL that cannot be realized by only the functions included in the function information FI, and creates an unavailable service list USL. This unavailable service list USL also includes missing devices that indicate devices that have functions that are missing in the unavailable service. In other words, the service management unit 33 selects missing devices that are new devices that have the missing functions to realize the unavailable service, and creates an unavailable service list USL that includes the missing devices.

[0028] 5 and 6 show the case where only the air conditioning control service is the target for ease of explanation, but in reality, the service management unit 33 creates the available service list ASL and the unavailable service list USL for other services such as lighting control service as well. The service management unit 33 also generates a notification screen (described later) based on the available service list ASL and the unavailable service list USL. The display unit 37 (described later) then displays the generated notification screen.

[0029] 2 , when a notification screen (described later) is displayed on the display unit 37 and the user instructs activation of a service via the operation unit 38, the service setting unit 34 performs settings, including necessary control logic, on the target device 20. That is, to realize the service activated by the user, in addition to the data model and communication protocol standardized by Matter, it is necessary to perform service settings such as data elements to be collected from the target device 20 and a data collection cycle, and settings of control logic that the target device 20 should perform based on the collected data. Therefore, the service setting unit 34 instructs the target device 20 to establish a connection and performs service settings and control logic settings on the target device 20.

[0030] For example, information for setting a service and a program for setting a control logic are directly distributed from the service setting unit 34, i.e., the service setting device 30, to the target device 20. Instead of directly distributing the information from the service setting device 30 to the target device 20, the service setting unit 34 may instruct the target device 20 to download the information from a server on the Internet.

[0031] The manner in which the service setting unit 34 sets the service and the control logic for the target device 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 shows, as an example, the manner in which the service setting unit 34 sets the service and the control logic for the target device 20 when a service item called "automatic air conditioning control based on temperature and humidity" is enabled.

[0032] 7, the service setting unit 34 instructs the device 20-1, which is the controller, to establish necessary connections to the device 20-2, which is an air conditioner, the device 20-4, which is a temperature sensor, and the device 20-5, which is a humidity sensor. In other words, to be able to provide the service item "automatic air conditioning control based on temperature and humidity," it is necessary to establish three connections: between the device 20-1 and the device 20-2, between the device 20-1 and the device 20-4, and between the device 20-1 and the device 20-5. Therefore, the service setting unit 34 instructs the device 20-1 to establish connections to the device 20-2, the device 20-4, and the device 20-5.

[0033] Next, the service setting unit 34 sets the data elements to be collected and the data collection period for the target device 20. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the service setting unit 34 sets the device 20-2, which is an air conditioning device, to collect indoor temperature information and humidity information, for example, every minute, from the device 20-4, which is a temperature sensor, and the device 20-5, which is a humidity sensor. The service setting unit 34 also sets a control logic for the target device 20. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the service setting unit 34 sets a control logic for the device 20-2, which is an air conditioning device, to turn the air conditioning operation on / off and change the set temperature in accordance with the collected temperature information and humidity information. Note that such control logic setting may be performed by enabling a function previously installed in the device 20, or by installing a control logic program into the target device 20 from the service setting device 30 or a server on the Internet.

[0034] Returning to FIG. 2, the application unit 35 generates communication data between the devices 20 according to, for example, a specified protocol.

[0035] The communication control unit 36 ​​is, for example, a communication unit, and transmits and receives packets for communication.

[0036] The display unit 37 is a display unit such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Organic Electro Luminescence), and displays various screens for notifying the user. As an example, the display unit 37 displays a notification screen AT as shown in FIG. 8, which is generated by the service management unit 33 based on the available service list ASL and the unavailable service list USL described above. This notification screen AT includes a list of available services and a list of unavailable services. The list of available services includes a button for instructing activation. The list of unavailable services also includes missing equipment information indicating missing equipment.

[0037] Returning to FIG. 2, the operation unit 38 is, for example, a touch panel, and accepts user operations on the screen displayed on the display unit 37. For example, when a notification screen AT as shown in FIG. When the user touches a button for instructing activation while the service is displayed on the display unit 37, activation of the service is accepted.

[0038] The operation of the service setting device 30 having such a configuration will be described below with reference to Figs. 9 to 11. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a collection process according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a list generation process according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a setting process according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] First, the collection process will be described with reference to Fig. 9. This collection process is, for example, repeatedly executed periodically by the network search unit 32.

[0040] First, the network search unit 32 searches for the device 20 in the home network 90 (step S101). For example, the network search unit 32 performs a network search using DNS-SD standardized by the IETF. Note that the network search unit 32 may also perform a network search using other protocols.

[0041] The network search unit 32 establishes a connection with the device 20 (step S102). Each time step S102 is repeated, the network search unit 32 establishes a connection with one device 20 in turn from among the devices 20-1 to 20-5.

[0042] The network search unit 32 collects function information from the device 20 (step S103). That is, the network search unit 32 collects function information about functions possessed by the device 20 from the device 20 with which a connection has been established in the above step S102. Note that step S103 is an example of a collection step.

[0043] The network search unit 32 determines whether or not function information has been collected from all devices 20 (step S104).

[0044] If the network search unit 32 determines that function information has not been collected from all of the devices 20 (step S104; No), the process returns to step S102 described above.

[0045] On the other hand, if it is determined that function information has been collected from all devices 20 (step S104; Yes), the network search unit 32 ends the collection process.

[0046] Through such collection processing, the network search unit 32 collects, for example, the function information FI as shown in FIG. 4 described above.

[0047] Next, the list generation process will be described with reference to Fig. 10. This list generation process is executed by the service management unit 33 after the collection process in Fig. 9 described above is completed.

[0048] First, the service management unit 33 acquires the service list SL (step S201). For example, the service management unit 33 acquires the service list SL stored in the storage unit 31. Note that the service management unit 33 may acquire the service list SL managed by a server on the Internet from that server.

[0049] The service management unit 33 receives the function information of each device 20 (step S202). For example, the service management unit 33 receives the function information FI as shown in FIG.

[0050] The service management unit 33 generates an available service list (step S203). For example, as shown in Fig. 5 above, the service management unit 33 identifies service items in the service list SL that can be realized by the functions included in the function information FI, and creates the available service list ASL.

[0051] The service management unit 33 generates an unavailable service list including the missing devices (step S204). For example, as shown in FIG. 6 above, the service management unit 33 identifies service items in the service list SL that cannot be realized with only the functions included in the function information FI, and creates an unavailable service list USL. This unavailable service list USL also includes missing devices that indicate devices having functions that are missing in the unavailable services. In other words, the service management unit 33 selects missing devices that are new devices having functions that are missing to realize the unavailable services, and creates an unavailable service list USL that includes the missing devices. Note that step S204 is an example of an identification step.

[0052] The service management unit 33 generates a notification screen and displays it on the display unit 37 (step S205). For example, the service management unit 33 displays the notification screen AT of Fig. 8 generated based on the available service list ASL and the unavailable service list USL on the display unit 37. Note that step S205 is an example of a display step.

[0053] Next, the setting process will be described with reference to Fig. 11. This setting process is executed by the service setting unit 34 when the user instructs activation of any service while the notification screen AT as shown in Fig. 8 described above is displayed on the display unit 37.

[0054] First, the service setting unit 34 instructs the establishment of a connection (step S301). That is, the service setting unit 34 instructs the target device 20 to establish a connection in order to realize a service that the user has instructed to be enabled. For example, when an instruction is given to enable a service item called "automatic air conditioning control based on temperature and humidity," the service setting unit 34 instructs the device 20-1, which is a controller, to establish connections to the device 20-2, which is an air conditioning device, the device 20-4, which is a temperature sensor, and the device 20-5, which is a humidity sensor, as shown in FIG. 7 described above.

[0055] The service setting unit 34 sets the data elements to be collected and the collection period (step S302). For example, when an instruction is given to enable a service item called "automatic air conditioning control based on temperature and humidity," the service setting unit 34 sets the device 20-2, which is an air conditioning device, to collect indoor temperature information and humidity information every minute from the device 20-4, which is a temperature sensor, and the device 20-5, which is a humidity sensor, as shown in Fig. 7.

[0056] The service setting unit 34 sets the control logic (step S303). For example, when an instruction is given to enable a service item called "automatic air conditioning control based on temperature and humidity," the service setting unit 34 sets, for device 20-2, which is an air conditioning device, control logic for turning air conditioning operation on / off and changing the set temperature according to the collected temperature information and humidity information, as shown in Fig. 7. Setting of such control logic may be performed by enabling a function that is pre-installed in device 20, or by installing a control logic program from the service setting device 30 or a server on the Internet.

[0057] Through these collection processes and list generation processes, it is possible to present to the user available services that can be provided by combining the functions possessed by the devices 20 connected to the home network 90. ​​In addition, by presenting the missing devices that are lacking in unavailable services, it is also possible to encourage the user to purchase the missing devices. Furthermore, through such setting processes, the necessary settings are performed simply by the user instructing activation of a service, so that the specified service can be provided to the user without having to request the work from a dedicated worker.

[0058] As a result, it is possible to present to the user the services that can be provided.

[0059] (Embodiment 2) In the above-described first embodiment, a case has been described in which the same function does not exist duplicately in the function information collected from the devices 20 in the home network 90, and one device 20 has only one function. However, in reality, there are cases in which the same function is duplicated in multiple devices 20, or one device 20 has multiple functions. In these cases, it is expected that it will be difficult to issue a connection instruction to the device 20 and to configure the device 20. Therefore, a service setting device 30 according to a second embodiment will be described below, which can appropriately handle cases in which multiple devices 20 in the home network 90 have the same function, or in which one device 20 has multiple functions.

[0060] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a service setting device 30 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] 12, the service setting device 30 includes a device management unit 39, a storage unit 31, a network search unit 32 which is an example of a collection unit, a service management unit 33 which is an example of a specification unit, a service setting unit 34 which is an example of a setting unit, an application unit 35, a communication control unit 36, a display unit 37 which is an example of a display unit, and an operation unit 38. In other words, the service setting device 30 shown in Fig. 12 has a configuration in which the device management unit 39 is added to the service setting device 30 shown in Fig. 2 described above. The device management unit 39, the network search unit 32, the service management unit 33, the service setting unit 34, and the application unit 35 are realized, for example, by a CPU using a RAM as a work memory and appropriately executing programs stored in a ROM.

[0062] The device management unit 39 manages the devices 20 in the home network 90 and instructs the service management unit 33 on the devices 20 with which a connection is to be established.

[0063] For example, the device management unit 39 checks the function information collected by the network search unit 32 to determine whether there are multiple devices with the same function and whether there are devices 20 with multiple functions. If it is determined that there are multiple devices with the same function or that there are devices 20 with multiple functions, it generates a selection screen, which will be described later, and displays it on the display unit 37.

[0064] The following describes a case where the device 20-2, which is an air conditioning device, has the function of "HVAC control" and the function of "temperature measurement."

[0065] For example, the network search unit 32 establishes connections with each of the devices 20-1 to 20-5, and then collects function information from the devices 20-1 to 20-5. More specifically, the network search unit 32 collects function information of "remote control" from the device 20-1, which is a controller, and collects function information of "HVAC control" and "temperature measurement" from the device 20-2, which is an air conditioner. Similarly, the network search unit 32 collects function information of "air blow control" from the device 20-3, which is a fan, collects function information of "temperature measurement" from the device 20-4, which is a temperature sensor, and collects function information of "humidity measurement" from the device 20-5, which is a humidity sensor.

[0066] Specifically, the network search unit 32 collects function information FI2 as shown in FIG. 13. That is, the network search unit 32 collects function information FI2 that associates devices with functions. This function information FI2 indicates that only the air conditioner has two functions: "HVAC control" and "temperature measurement." The network search unit 32 periodically collects function information FI2 from the device 20 to accommodate function changes accompanying updates to the device 20. The network search unit 32 may also collect function information FI2 from the device 20 when the device 20 is removed from the home network 90 or when a new device 20 is connected to the home network 90. ​​The network search unit 32 then notifies the device management unit 39 of the collected function information FI2.

[0067] Returning to FIG. 12 , the device management unit 39 checks the function information FI2 collected by the network search unit 32 to determine whether there are multiple identical functions and whether there are devices 20 that have multiple functions. In the case of the function information FI2 shown in FIG. 13 described above, the device management unit 39 determines that there are devices 20 that have multiple functions, and therefore generates a selection screen SE as shown in FIG. 14 and displays it on the display unit 37. This selection screen SE allows the user to select one of the "HVAC control" and "temperature measurement" functions that the air conditioning device has. When the user selects one of the functions with the selection screen SE displayed on the display unit 37, the device management unit 39 notifies the service management unit 33 of the function information FI2 that has been processed in accordance with the selection.

[0068] The following describes a case where the "HVAC control" function is selected by the user on the selection screen SE.

[0069] Returning to Figure 12, the service management unit 33 creates a list of available services ALS2 and a list of unavailable services USL by comparing the function information FI2 notified from the equipment management unit 39, i.e., the function information FI2 processed according to the selection, with the service list SL stored in the memory unit 31.

[0070] For example, as shown in Fig. 15, the service management unit 33 identifies service items in the service list SL that can be realized by the functions included in the processed function information FI2, and creates an available service list ASL2. This available service list ASL2 also includes information on related devices that support the services. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 16, the service management unit 33 identifies service items in the service list SL that cannot be realized by only the functions included in the processed function information FI2, and creates an unavailable service list USL.

[0071] 15 and 16 show the case where only the air conditioning control service is the target for ease of explanation, but in reality, the service management unit 33 will also create the available service list ASL2 and the unavailable service list USL for other services such as lighting control service. Furthermore, the service management unit 33 generates a notification screen AT as shown in Fig. 8 based on the available service list ASL2 and the unavailable service list USL. The display unit 37 then displays the generated notification screen AT.

[0072] Then, as in the first embodiment, when the notification screen is displayed on the display unit 37 and the user instructs the activation of any of the services, the service setting unit 34 performs settings including the necessary control logic for the target device 20.

[0073] Hereinafter, the operation of the service setting device 30 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] First, the device management unit 39 acquires function information from the network search unit 32 (step S401). For example, the device management unit 39 acquires function information FI2 collected by the network search unit 32 as shown in FIG.

[0075] The device management unit 39 determines whether or not there is a device 20 that has multiple functions (step S402). For example, the device management unit 39 determines whether or not there is a device 20 that has multiple functions by referring to the function information FI2 in FIG.

[0076] If the device management unit 39 determines that there is no device 20 having multiple functions (step S402; No), the process proceeds to step S404, which will be described later.

[0077] On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a device 20 having multiple functions (step S402; Yes), the device management unit 39 prompts the user to select one of the functions (step 403). For example, the device management unit 39 generates a selection screen SE as shown in Fig. 14 described above, displays it on the display unit 37, and prompts the user to select one of the functions.

[0078] The device management unit 39 determines whether there are a plurality of identical functions (step S404). That is, the device management unit 39 determines whether there are duplicated identical functions by referring to the function information FI2 in FIG.

[0079] If the device management unit 39 determines that there are no multiple devices with the same function (step S404; No), the process proceeds to step S406, which will be described later.

[0080] On the other hand, if it is determined that there are multiple devices 20 with the same function (step S404; Yes), the device management unit 39 prompts the user to select a device 20 to be used for the service (step 405). That is, the device management unit 39 lists the devices 20 with the same function, generates a selection screen for selecting one device 20 from the list, displays it on the display unit 37, and prompts the user to select one of the devices 20.

[0081] The device management unit 39 processes the function information in accordance with the user's selection (step S406). For example, when the "HVAC control" function is selected with the selection screen SE of Fig. 14 displayed on the display unit 37, the device management unit 39 processes the function information FI2 so that the "temperature measurement" function, which was not selected, is disabled, as shown in Figs. 15 and 16.

[0082] The device management unit 39 notifies the service management unit 33 of the processed function information FI2 (step S407).

[0083] Through this processing, even when there are multiple identical functions or when one device 20 has multiple functions, the processed function information FI2 is notified to the service management unit 33. Therefore, the service management unit 33 can generate the available service list ASL2 as shown in FIG. 15 described above, and can also generate the unavailable service list USL as shown in FIG. 16 described above. As a result, similar to the first embodiment described above, it is possible to present to the user available services that can be provided by combining the functions of the devices 20 connected to the home network 90. ​​Furthermore, by presenting missing devices that are missing for unavailable services, it is possible to encourage the user to purchase the missing devices. Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment described above, the necessary settings are performed simply by the user instructing activation of a service, so that the requested service can be provided to the user without having to request a dedicated technician to perform the work.

[0084] As a result, it is possible to present to the user the services that can be provided.

[0085] (Other embodiments) In the above-described second embodiment, a selection screen SE as shown in Fig. 14 is displayed on the display unit 37 to allow the user to select a device 20. However, the device management unit 39 may automatically select a device 20. For example, from the viewpoint of energy conservation, the device management unit 39 may select a device 20 that can reduce the total power consumption.

[0086] In the above embodiments 1 and 2, an in-home control system 1 that controls equipment 20 installed in a house H has been described as an example, but the present disclosure can also be applied to other in-home control systems that control equipment in facilities such as offices and factories.

[0087] In the above-described embodiments, the programs executed by the service setting device 30 can be stored and distributed on computer-readable recording media such as CD-ROMs (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), MOs (Magneto-Optical Disks), USB (Universal Serial Bus) memories, memory cards, etc. By installing such programs on a specific or general-purpose computer, the computer can be made to function as the service setting device 30 according to the above-described first and second embodiments.

[0088] The above program may also be stored on a disk device of a server device on a communication network such as the Internet, and then downloaded to a computer, for example, by superimposing the program on a carrier wave. The above process can also be achieved by launching and executing the program while transferring it via the communication network. Furthermore, the above process can also be achieved by running all or part of the program on a server device, and having a computer execute the program while transmitting and receiving information related to the process via the communication network.

[0089] In addition, when the above-mentioned functions are shared and realized by the OS (Operating System) or by the OS working together with an application, only the parts other than the OS may be stored on the above-mentioned recording medium and distributed, or may be downloaded to a computer.

[0090] The present disclosure allows various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are intended to explain the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. That is, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the meaning of the disclosure equivalent thereto are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0091] The present disclosure can be suitably adopted in a service setting device, a home control system, a service management method, and a program that can present available services to a user. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1 In-home control system, 10 Access point, 20 (20-1 to 20-5) Device, 30 Service setting device, 31 Memory unit, 32 Network search unit, 33 Service management unit, 34 Service setting unit, 35 Application unit, 36 Communication control unit, 37 Display unit, 38 Operation unit, 39 Device management unit, 90 In-home network

Claims

1. a collection means for collecting function information indicating functions possessed by devices connected to a home network; a processing means for processing the function information collected by the collecting means when the same device has a plurality of functions so as to leave only the function selected by the user among the plurality of functions that the same device has; a specifying means for specifying a service that can be provided by combining the functions of the device based on the function information processed by the processing means and a list that associates services with functions required for the services; and a display means for displaying the available services identified by the identification means; A service setting device comprising:

2. The specifying means specifies an unavailable service that cannot be provided even when functions possessed by the devices connected to the home network are combined, and selects a missing device having a function that is lacking in the specified unavailable service; the display means displays the missing device selected by the identification means. The service setting device according to claim 1 .

3. The home network system further includes a setting unit that performs setting, including necessary control logic, on a target device among the devices connected to the home network in order to realize the available service identified by the identifying unit.

3. The service setting device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the setting means provides the available services by establishing a connection between target devices among the devices connected to the home network to enable cooperation between the devices; 4. The service setting device according to claim 3.

5. A home control system in which a device and a service setting device are connected to a home network, The service setting device a collection means for collecting function information indicating functions possessed by the device; a processing means for processing the function information collected by the collecting means when the same device has a plurality of functions so as to leave only the function selected by the user among the plurality of functions that the same device has; a specifying means for specifying a service that can be provided by combining the functions of the device based on the function information processed by the processing means and a list that associates services with functions required for the services; and a display unit that displays the available service identified by the identification unit, In-home control system.

6. a collection step of collecting function information indicating functions possessed by devices connected to the home network; a processing step of processing the function information collected in the collecting step, when the same device has a plurality of functions, so as to leave only a function selected by a user among the plurality of functions that the same device has; a specifying step of specifying a service that can be provided by combining the functions of the device based on the function information processed in the processing step and a list that associates services with functions required for the services; a display step of displaying the available service identified in the identification step on a display unit; A service management method comprising:

7. Computer, a collection means for collecting function information indicating functions possessed by devices connected to a home network; a processing means for processing the function information collected by the collecting means when the same device has a plurality of functions so as to leave only the function selected by the user among the plurality of functions that the same device has; a specifying means for specifying a service that can be provided by combining the functions of the device based on the function information processed by the processing means and a list that associates services with functions required for the services; a display means for displaying the available services identified by the identification means; A program that functions as a

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