Space generation method, information processing device, and program

Abstract

An information processing device according to the present invention acquires layout information pertaining to a building that has a plurality of first spaces, acquires installation information pertaining to machinery and / or equipment that is installed in each of the first spaces, sets a usage application of each of the first spaces on the basis of the layout information and the installation information, defines at least one second space on the basis of the usage application, by grouping of the plurality of first spaces, said grouping including integration of two or more of the first spaces and / or division of one of the first spaces, and outputs a result of the grouping.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a space generation method, an information processing device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 below discloses a technology for proposing a living space based on information indicating a user's preferences.

[0003] However, depending on the lifestyle of the resident, multiple spaces such as a dining room and a kitchen may be used for a single purpose. In such cases, it is more convenient for the resident to manage the multiple spaces in the home collectively by purpose of use rather than managing them individually by space. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 139293 Summary of the Invention

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a space generation method, an information processing device, and a program that are capable of achieving optimal space management according to the intended use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A space generation method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an information processing device acquiring floor plan information of a building having a plurality of first spaces, acquiring installation information of at least one of equipment and facilities installed in each of the plurality of first spaces, setting a usage purpose for each of the first spaces based on the floor plan information and the installation information, defining at least one second space by grouping the plurality of first spaces based on the usage purpose, including at least one of integrating two or more first spaces and dividing one first space, and outputting the result of the grouping. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a home control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device to be controlled. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a system configuration. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a system configuration. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by a control unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a simplified example of floor plan information. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a simplified example of floor plan information. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a simplified example of related information. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a simplified diagram illustrating an example of a usage setting rule. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a simplified example of a space generation rule. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a simplified example of spatial information. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing an adjustment process executed by a space generation unit. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a simplified example of spatial information. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a system configuration according to a modified example, corresponding to FIG. 3. [Figure 15] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a system configuration according to a modified example, corresponding to FIG. 4. [Figure 16] 6 is a flowchart corresponding to FIG. 5 and showing the flow of processing executed by the control unit. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed on a display unit. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a simplified diagram showing an example of an inquiry screen for a user. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) In facilities such as homes that have multiple spaces, creating spaces by integrating two or more spaces or dividing one space for optimal space management has a significant impact on the convenience of the facility.

[0009] However, traditionally, space creation was often left to the user's own sensibilities, which made the process cumbersome for the user, and inappropriate division of space could actually reduce the convenience of the facility.

[0010] In order to solve such problems, the inventor discovered that optimal space management can be achieved by setting the usage purpose of each space based on the equipment and facilities installed in each space and automatically creating the space based on that usage purpose, and came up with the present disclosure.

[0011] Next, each aspect of the present disclosure will be described.

[0012] A space generation method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an information processing device acquiring floor plan information of a building having a plurality of first spaces, acquiring installation information of at least one of equipment and facilities installed in each of the plurality of first spaces, setting a usage purpose for each of the first spaces based on the floor plan information and the installation information, defining at least one second space by grouping the plurality of first spaces based on the usage purpose, including at least one of integrating two or more first spaces and dividing one first space, and outputting the result of the grouping.

[0013] According to this aspect, by setting the usage purpose of each first space based on floor plan information and installation information, and defining the second space by grouping multiple first spaces based on the usage purpose, it is possible to achieve optimal space management according to the usage purpose.

[0014] In the above aspect, the information processing device further acquires user information that associates each of the first spaces with each user, and sets the usage purpose based on the floor plan information, the installation information, and the user information.

[0015] According to this aspect, by setting the usage purpose based on floor plan information, installation information, and user information, it is possible to improve the accuracy when grouping multiple first spaces, thereby achieving more optimal space management.

[0016] In the above aspect, the information processing device further generates relationship information indicating a correspondence between the second space and at least one of the equipment and the facilities installed in the second space, and outputs the relationship information to a control device that controls the equipment and the facilities via a communication network.

[0017] According to this aspect, the user can control the devices and equipment for each second space using the control device, thereby improving user convenience.

[0018] In the above aspect, the information processing device performs the grouping according to the type of use of each of the first spaces.

[0019] According to this aspect, the information processing device performs grouping according to the type of use of each first space, thereby improving the accuracy of grouping and realizing more optimal space management.

[0020] In the above aspect, the information processing device sets the type of usage of each of the first spaces based on setting information in which the type of usage of each of the devices and the facilities is set.

[0021] According to this aspect, the information processing device sets the type of use of each first space based on the setting information, thereby improving the accuracy of grouping and realizing more optimal space management.

[0022] In the above aspect, the at least one second space includes a plurality of second spaces, and if, as a result of the grouping, the total number of the devices and facilities to be controlled that are installed in each of the plurality of second spaces is equal to or greater than a first threshold, the information processing device makes adjustments to further divide the second space.

[0023] According to this aspect, when the total number of devices and facilities to be controlled is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the second space is further divided, thereby avoiding a situation in which a huge number of devices and facilities are displayed simultaneously on the display screen of the control device, reducing visibility.

[0024] In the above aspect, the at least one second space includes multiple second spaces, and if the total number of the multiple second spaces is equal to or greater than a second threshold as a result of the grouping, the information processing device makes an adjustment to merge two or more second spaces.

[0025] According to this aspect, when the total number of multiple second spaces is equal to or greater than a second threshold, two or more second spaces are merged, thereby avoiding a situation in which the number of second spaces becomes enormous and the operability of the control device is reduced.

[0026] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires floor plan information of a building having a plurality of first spaces and installation information of at least one of equipment and facilities installed in each of the plurality of first spaces; a purpose setting unit that sets a usage purpose for each of the first spaces based on the floor plan information and the installation information acquired by the acquisition unit; a space generation unit that defines at least one second space by grouping the plurality of first spaces, including at least one of integrating two or more first spaces and dividing one first space, based on the usage purpose set by the purpose setting unit; and an output unit that outputs the result of the grouping by the space generation unit.

[0027] According to this aspect, by setting the usage purpose of each first space based on floor plan information and installation information, and defining the second space by grouping multiple first spaces based on the usage purpose, it is possible to achieve optimal space management according to the usage purpose.

[0028] A program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure causes an information processing device to function as an acquisition means for acquiring floor plan information of a building having a plurality of first spaces and installation information of at least one of equipment and facilities installed in each of the plurality of first spaces; a purpose setting means for setting the intended use of each of the first spaces based on the floor plan information and the installation information acquired by the acquisition means; a space generation means for defining at least one second space by grouping the plurality of first spaces, including at least one of integrating two or more first spaces and dividing one first space, based on the intended use set by the purpose setting means; and an output means for outputting the results of the grouping by the space generation means.

[0029] According to this aspect, by setting the usage purpose of each first space based on floor plan information and installation information, and defining the second space by grouping multiple first spaces based on the usage purpose, it is possible to achieve optimal space management according to the usage purpose.

[0030] The present disclosure can also be realized as a program that causes a computer to execute each characteristic configuration included in such a method or apparatus, or as a system operated by this program. Needless to say, such a computer program can be distributed on a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM or via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0031] (Embodiments of the present disclosure) Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Elements with the same reference numerals in different drawings indicate the same or corresponding elements. Furthermore, the components, their layout, connection, and order of operation shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. The present disclosure is limited only by the claims. Therefore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concept of the present disclosure are not necessarily required to achieve the objectives of the present disclosure, but are described as constituting more preferred embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a home control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The home control system includes a smart home 100, a communication network 500, and a server 400. Although only one smart home 100 is shown in FIG. 1 for the sake of simplicity, multiple smart homes may be provided. Note that the application of the present disclosure is not limited to homes such as the smart home 100, but may also include indoor facilities such as offices, restaurants, and commercial facilities. Furthermore, the application is not limited to indoor facilities, but may also include spaces that include both indoor and outdoor spaces.

[0033] The smart home 100 has multiple spaces (rooms, bathrooms, toilets, entrances, hallways, etc.) in which multiple devices 300 and multiple facilities 350 are installed. The devices 300 include electronic devices such as home appliances. The facilities 350 include appliances or furniture used in fixed locations. The smart home 100 also includes an integrated controller 200 for controlling the operation of the devices 300 and facilities 350 that are to be controlled among the multiple devices 300 and facilities 350. The integrated controller 200 can communicate data with the devices 300 and facilities 350 that are to be controlled via any communication network such as a wireless LAN or a public line network.

[0034] The server 400 is a cloud server, an edge server, or the like, and manages the entire home control system. The communication network 500 is any communication network such as a public line network. The server 400, the integrated controller 200, the devices 300, and the facilities 350 are connected to the communication network 500. This allows the server 400 to communicate data with the integrated controller 200, the devices 300, and the facilities 350 via the communication network 500.

[0035] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a control target device 300. As shown in this example, the control target device 300 is any IoT device such as an air conditioner, a TV, a refrigerator, a rice cooker, a light, etc. Each device 300 is connected to an integrated controller 200 as a control device via a communication network.

[0036] 3 is a diagram showing a first example of a system configuration. The home control system includes an integrated controller 200, devices 300 (and facilities 350, not shown), and a server 400.

[0037] The device 300 includes a control unit 301, a storage unit 303, and a communication unit 304. The control unit 301 is realized as a function of a CPU or the like by executing a predetermined program. The storage unit 303 is configured to include a flash memory or the like. The communication unit 304 is configured to include a communication module compatible with any communication method such as IP.

[0038] The integrated controller 200 includes a control unit 201, a display unit 202, a storage unit 203, and a communication unit 204. The control unit 201 is realized as a function of a CPU or the like by executing a predetermined program. The display unit 202 is a touch panel display using a liquid crystal or organic electroluminescence (EL) display or the like. The storage unit 203 is configured to include a HDD, SSD, flash memory, or the like. The communication unit 204 is configured to include a communication module compatible with any communication method such as IP. The integrated controller 200 may also be a smartphone or the like on which a predetermined application program is installed.

[0039] The server 400 includes a control unit 401, a storage unit 403, and a communication unit 404. The storage unit 403 is configured to include an HDD, an SSD, a flash memory, or the like. The storage unit 403 stores installation information 601, floor plan information 602, user information 603, use setting rules 604, space generation rules 605, and a program 606. The control unit 401 includes an acquisition unit 501, a use setting unit 502, a space generation unit 503, and an output unit 504 as functions realized by an information processing device such as a CPU executing the program 606 read from the storage unit 403 to a ROM, a RAM, or the like. Details of these functions will be described later. The communication unit 404 is configured to include a communication module compatible with any communication method such as IP.

[0040] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a second example of the system configuration. By implementing the functions of the server 400 shown in Fig. 3 in the integrated controller 200, the home control system includes the integrated controller 200 and the devices 300 (and the facilities 350, not shown).

[0041] The integrated controller 200 includes a control unit 201, a display unit 202, a storage unit 203, and a communication unit 204. The storage unit 203 stores installation information 601, floor plan information 602, user information 603, use setting rules 604, space generation rules 605, and a program 606. The control unit 201 includes an acquisition unit 501, a use setting unit 502, a space generation unit 503, and an output unit 504 as functions realized by an information processing device such as a CPU executing the program 606 read from the storage unit 203 to a ROM, a RAM, or the like.

[0042] The following describes the case where the system configuration shown in FIG. 3 is adopted.

[0043] 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the control unit 401 of the server 400. When the system is introduced and when the devices 300 or the facilities 350 are changed, such as added, removed, or replaced, the control unit 401 executes the following processing to generate spatial information, which will be described later.

[0044] First, in step S100, the acquisition unit 501 reads out the installation information 601, the floor plan information 602, and the user information 603 from the storage unit 403, thereby acquiring these pieces of information.

[0045] FIG. 6 is a simplified diagram illustrating an example of floor plan information 602. The floor plan information 602 is, for example, a CAD drawing for the architecture of the target smart home 100, and is stored in advance in the storage unit 403. The floor plan information 602 is created by an operator of a management company or the like when the system is installed in the smart home 100. However, the floor plan information 602 may be created by a user (resident) of the smart home 100 instead of the operator, or may be created after the system is installed. The CAD drawing may be a two-dimensional CAD drawing or a three-dimensional CAD drawing. The floor plan information 602 includes multiple first spaces. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the first spaces include an entrance 2, a staircase 3, a bathroom 4, a washroom 5, a performance room 6, a theater room 7, a storeroom 8, a hallway 9, a kitchen 11, a dining room 12, and a living room 13. The first spaces also include a tatami corner 10 that is connected to part of the living room 13 without being separated by a wall. Furthermore, a dropped ceiling 14 is provided in a portion of the living room 13. The floor plan information 602 includes coordinate data indicating the positions of the four or eight corners of each first space, or function data defining the boundary lines or boundary surfaces that form the boundaries between adjacent first spaces.

[0046] The control unit 401 creates floor plan information 700 by defining multiple first spaces based on the floor plan information 602 using publicly known technology for recognizing spaces from CAD drawings and assigning a space ID to each first space as identification information.

[0047] 7 is a simplified diagram showing an example of floor plan information 700. In the floor plan information 700, an entrance hall 2, a staircase 3, a bathroom 4, a washroom 5, a performance room 6, a theater room 7, a storeroom 8, a hallway 9, a tatami corner 10, a kitchen 11, a dining room 12, and a living room 13 are defined as first spaces X2 to X13, respectively. In the following description, it is assumed that each first space is assigned a space ID that is the same as the reference number.

[0048] Like the floor plan information 602, the installation information 601 and user information 603 are also created by an operator or a user when the system is installed or afterwards, and are stored in the storage unit 403 in advance.

[0049] The installation information 601 is information indicating the devices 300 and facilities 350 installed in each first space of the smart home 100. For example, an operator or a user displays an initial setting screen including floor plan information 700 and icons of representative devices and facilities on the display unit 202 of the integrated controller 200, and drags and drops the icon of each device or facility onto the first space in which it is installed. As a result, the devices 300 and facilities 350 are associated with each first space in the floor plan information 700 to create the installation information 601, and the information is transmitted to the server 400. Note that instead of using the drag-and-drop method of icons, an initial setting screen including the name of each first space in the floor plan information 700 and a text input field for each first space may be displayed on the display unit 202 of the integrated controller 200. In this case, the operator or a user enters the names or types, etc. of the devices 300 and facilities 350 installed in each first space in the input field in text format, corresponding to each first space in the floor plan information 700. The control unit 201 receives input from an operator or user, creates installation information 601, and transmits the information to the server 400. Note that if the floor plan information 602 already includes the installation information 601 of the devices 300 and the facilities 350, there is no need to create the installation information 601 separately from the floor plan information 602, 700.

[0050] The user information 603 is information indicating a user who mainly uses each first space of the smart home 100. For example, the operator or user displays an initial setting screen including floor plan information 700 and icons of representative users (father, mother, first child, second child, etc.) on the display unit 202 of the integrated controller 200, and drags and drops each user's icon onto the first space that the user mainly uses. As a result, the user and each first space in the floor plan information 700 are associated with each other to create the user information 603, and the created information is transmitted to the server 400. Note that, as with the installation information 601 described above, the user information 603 may be created by entering text in an input field instead of by dragging and dropping an icon. Furthermore, if the resident of the smart home 100 is a single resident, it is not necessary to input and create the user information 603. On the other hand, if the smart home 100 is inhabited by multiple people such as a family, and it is necessary to distinguish between multiple first spaces that have the same purpose of use but different users (for example, when distinguishing between bedrooms for each person), it is essential to input and create user information 603.

[0051] Based on the installation information 601, the floor plan information 602, and the user information 603, the control unit 401 creates association information 800 in which these pieces of information are associated with each other.

[0052] 8 is a simplified diagram illustrating an example of the related information 800. The related information 800 includes a correspondence relationship between identification information (space ID and space name) of each first space of the smart home 100, identification information (user ID and user name) of a user who mainly uses each first space, and identification information (appliance / facility ID and apparatus / facility name) of the device 300 and facility 350 installed in each first space.

[0053] In the example shown in FIG. 8, the living room (space ID: X13) is associated with all users (user ID: UA) representing all residents of the smart home 100, and is equipped with an air conditioner (apparatus ID: A01), a television (apparatus ID: A02), a main light (apparatus ID: A03), an indirect light (apparatus ID: A04), and a sofa (apparatus ID: A05). The dining room (space ID: X12) is associated with all users (user ID: UA), and is equipped with an air conditioner (apparatus ID: A06), a light (apparatus ID: A07), and a dining table (apparatus ID: A08). The kitchen (space ID: X11) is associated with all users (user ID: UA), and is equipped with a refrigerator (apparatus ID: A09), a stove (apparatus ID: A10), an oven (apparatus ID: A11), and a light (apparatus ID: A12).

[0054] Referring to FIG. 5, next, in step S200, use setting unit 502 sets the use of each first space in floor plan information 700 based on related information 800 and use setting rule 604.

[0055] FIG. 9 is a simplified diagram illustrating an example of the usage setting rule 604. The usage setting rule 604 defines a correspondence between the device and equipment names of the devices 300 and the facilities 350 and the types of usages that indicate user behavior. For example, the usage of "eating" is defined for a dining table. The usage of "cooking" is defined for a refrigerator, an induction cooking heater, a stove, an oven, and a pot. The usage of "relaxing" is defined for a television and a sofa. The usages of "playing music," "sleeping," and "getting ready" are defined for a piano, a bed, and a sink, respectively. In addition, priority items are set for devices 300 and facilities 350 with highly specialized or dedicated usages, indicating which items should be given priority in setting their usages. In the example shown in FIG. 9, priority items are set for a dining table specialized for the usage of "eating" and a piano specialized for the usage of "playing music." Furthermore, devices 300 and facilities 350 (air conditioners, lighting, etc.) that are used for purposes with very little specialization or exclusive use are excluded from the use setting rule 604.

[0056] The use setting unit 502 sets the type of use of each first space by identifying the type of use of the devices 300 and the facilities 350 installed in each first space in the related information 800 from the use setting rule 604. In the example shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , the use of the television and sofa installed in the living room 13 is both "relaxing," so the use setting unit 502 sets the use of the first space X13 corresponding to the living room 13 to "relaxing." Furthermore, the use of the dining table installed in the dining room 12 is "eating," so the use setting unit 502 sets the use of the first space X12 corresponding to the dining room 12 to "eating." Furthermore, the use of the refrigerator, stove, and oven installed in the kitchen 11 is all "cooking," so the use setting unit 502 sets the use of the first space X11 corresponding to the kitchen 11 to "cooking."

[0057] In addition, when multiple devices 300 and facilities 350 with different usage purposes are installed in one first space, the usage setting unit 502 sets the usage purpose to the device 300 or facility 350 for which a priority item is set if the device 300 or facility 350 is installed, and sets the usage purpose by majority vote if the device 300 or facility 350 for which a priority item is set is not installed. Alternatively, the usage setting unit 502 may set the usage purpose by majority vote, and in the event of a tie in the majority vote, set the usage purpose to the device 300 or facility 350 for which a priority item is set if the device 300 or facility 350 is installed, and set multiple usage purposes if the device 300 or facility 350 for which a priority item is set is not installed.

[0058] 5, next, in step S300, the space generation unit 503 generates a second space, which is a new space, by grouping a plurality of first spaces based on the space generation rule 605. This grouping includes at least one of generating one second space by integrating two or more first spaces and generating two or more second spaces by dividing one first space.

[0059] FIG. 10 is a simplified diagram showing an example of a space generation rule 605. The space generation rule 605 defines a correspondence between each group and one or more uses so that similar uses belong to the same group. In the example shown in FIG. 10, similar uses such as "cooking" and "eating" are classified into group G1, "relaxing" is classified into group G2, and "performing" is classified into group G3. Note that multiple space generation rules 605 may be prepared to be applied depending on the time of day. Furthermore, even if the uses are similar, uses related to human vision or hearing may be defined as separate groups. For example, even if the use is the same, "viewing," a performance room 6 (first space X6) for listening to music with one's ears and a theater room 7 (first space X7) for listening to music with one's ears may be defined as separate groups.

[0060] The space generation unit 503 generates space information 701 including a second space generated by grouping the first space.

[0061] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a simplified example of the space information 701. In the example shown in Fig. 11, the use of the kitchen 11, "cooking," and the use of the dining room 12, "eating," are classified into the same group G1, and therefore the first space X11 corresponding to the kitchen 11 and the first space X12 corresponding to the dining room 12 are integrated to generate a second space Y1 (dining kitchen). In addition, the use of the living room 13 and the tatami corner 10 are both "relaxing," and are classified into the same group G2, and therefore the first space X13 corresponding to the living room 13 and the first space X10 corresponding to the tatami corner 10 are integrated to generate a second space Y2.

[0062] 5, next, in step S400, the output unit 504 outputs space information 701 generated by the space generation unit 503. The space information 701 includes the result of generation of the second spaces Y1 and Y2 by the space generation unit 503. The output unit 504 may output the space information 701 as image information or as character information. The character information is, for example, text information indicating that the kitchen 11 and the dining room 12 have been integrated. The control unit 201 of the integrated controller 200 stores the space information 701 received from the server 400 in the storage unit 203, and can also display it on the display unit 202.

[0063] (Effects of the embodiment) According to this embodiment, the use setting unit 502 sets the use of each first space based on the floor plan information 700 and the installation information 601, and the space generation unit 503 generates (specifies) a second space by grouping multiple first spaces based on the use, thereby making it possible to achieve optimal space management according to the use.

[0064] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the purpose setting unit 502 sets the purpose of use of each first space based on the floor plan information 700, the installation information 601, and the user information 603, thereby improving the accuracy with which the space generation unit 503 groups multiple first spaces, thereby enabling more optimal space management to be achieved.

[0065] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the space generation unit 503 performs grouping according to the type of use of each first space, thereby improving the accuracy of grouping and enabling more optimal space management to be achieved.

[0066] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the use setting unit 502 sets the type of use of each first space based on the use setting rules 604 (setting information), thereby improving the accuracy of grouping by the space generation unit 503 and enabling more optimal space management to be achieved.

[0067] (First Modification) If, as a result of grouping the first spaces in step S300, the total number of devices 300 and facilities 350 to be controlled that are installed in each second space is equal to or greater than a first threshold, the space generation unit 503 may make adjustments to further divide the second spaces.

[0068] Furthermore, if the total number of second spaces is equal to or greater than a second threshold as a result of grouping the first spaces in step S300, the space generation unit 503 may perform adjustment to integrate two or more second spaces.

[0069] 12 is a flowchart showing the adjustment process executed by the space generation unit 503. Following step S300, in step S350, the space generation unit 503 determines whether or not the grouping executed in step S300 needs to be adjusted. As described above, the space generation unit 503 determines that the grouping needs to be adjusted if, as a result of the grouping in step S300, the total number of devices 300 and facilities 350 to be controlled that are installed in each second space is equal to or greater than a first threshold (for example, 10). Furthermore, the space generation unit 503 determines that the grouping needs to be adjusted if, as a result of the grouping in step S300, the total number of second spaces is equal to or greater than a second threshold (for example, 10).

[0070] If grouping adjustment is not required (step S350: NO), step S400 is executed.

[0071] If grouping adjustment is necessary (step S350: YES), then in step S351, the space generation unit 503 executes grouping adjustment processing.

[0072] If the total number of devices 300 and facilities 350 to be controlled installed in each second space is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the space generation unit 503 generates new space information 702 by further dividing the second space generated in step S300.

[0073] 13 is a simplified diagram showing an example of the space information 702. In the space information 701 shown in FIG. 11, the total number of devices 300 and facilities 350 to be controlled that are installed in the second space Y2 is equal to or greater than the first threshold, and therefore the second space Y2 is divided into two second spaces Y21 and Y22 in the space information 702. In this example, the space generation unit 503 divides the second space Y2 into two areas: an area (Y21) in which the dropped ceiling 14 is installed, and the other area (Y22). This makes it possible to avoid a situation in which a huge number of devices 300 and facilities 350 exceeding the first threshold are simultaneously displayed on the display unit 202, thereby reducing visibility.

[0074] Also, if the total number of second spaces is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the space generation unit 503 generates new space information 702 by making adjustments to integrate two or more second spaces generated in step S300.

[0075] For example, in a mode in which the control screen displayed on the display unit 202 is configured with a plurality of display tabs, and each display tab displays the devices 300 and facilities 350 in one second space, when the total number of second spaces (i.e., the total number of display tabs) is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the space generation unit 503 reduces the total number of second spaces by increasing the upper limit number of devices 300 and facilities 350 that can be displayed in one display tab. This makes it possible to avoid a situation in which the total number of second spaces (total number of display tabs) becomes enormous, thereby reducing the operability of the integrated controller 200.

[0076] Other examples of the content of the grouping adjustment process include the following.

[0077] If, as a result of grouping in step S300, multiple spaces not separated by walls are set as separate first spaces, these multiple first spaces may be integrated into a single second space. Multiple first spaces separated by movable objects other than walls (such as sliding doors or curtains) may also be integrated into a single second space. In this case, information indicating the presence or absence of walls between the multiple first spaces and information on the material of the boundaries between the multiple first spaces must be included in the floor plan information 602. Alternatively, the multiple first spaces to be integrated may be set by manual input by the user.

[0078] As a result of the grouping in step S300, if devices 300 and facilities 350 that are unlikely to be installed in the same space are included in the same second space, the second space may be divided into the original plurality of first spaces. For example, if a piano and a refrigerator are included in the same second space, it is highly likely that the grouping is incorrect, so an adjustment process is performed to return the second space to the original plurality of first spaces. A list of devices 300 and facilities 350 that are unlikely to be installed in the same space is created in advance and stored in the storage unit 403.

[0079] If a three-dimensional CAD drawing can be prepared as the floor plan information 602, one first space may be divided into multiple spaces by dividing the space with rectangular parallelepipeds as much as possible. For example, if a drop ceiling 14 or a down floor is provided in a portion of one first space, the first space can be divided into multiple spaces by dividing the portion into the remaining areas.

[0080] (Second Modification) 14 is a diagram showing a system configuration according to this modification, corresponding to FIG. 3. The control unit 401 further includes a device control unit 505.

[0081] 15 is a diagram showing a system configuration according to this modification, corresponding to FIG. 4. The control unit 201 further includes a device control unit 505.

[0082] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the control unit 401, corresponding to FIG.

[0083] In step S500 following step S300, the device control unit 505 assigns identification information (space ID and space name) to the second space created in step S300. The device control unit 505 then associates the identification information with the identification information of the devices 300 and equipment 350 installed in the second space, thereby generating relationship information indicating the correspondence between them. For example, if the dining room 12 and the kitchen 11 are integrated to create a new second space, the device control unit 505 assigns a new space ID and a new name (e.g., "dining kitchen") to the second space. The device control unit 505 also associates the new space ID with the device IDs of the controlled devices 300 and equipment 350 installed in the dining room 12 and the kitchen 11, thereby generating relationship information.

[0084] Next, in step S600, the output unit 504 outputs the relationship information generated in step S500.

[0085] 14, the related information output by the output unit 504 is input to the communication unit 404. The communication unit 404 transmits the input related information to the integrated controller 200 via the communication network 500. The communication unit 204 of the integrated controller 200 receives the related information and inputs the received related information to the control unit 201. The control unit 201 creates display data based on the input related information. The control unit 201 inputs the created display data to the display unit 202. The display unit 202 displays an operation screen based on the input display data. However, the mode of notification is not limited to display, and may be audio output, etc.

[0086] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed on the display unit 202. Below, an example of an operation screen will be described in which a new second space called a dining kitchen is generated by integrating the dining room 12 and the kitchen 11. According to the example shown in Figs. 8 and 17, the new second space called the dining kitchen is equipped with the air conditioner and lighting in the dining room 12 and the refrigerator, stove, oven, and lighting in the kitchen 11 as devices 300 and facilities 350 to be controlled.

[0087] 17, the display tab named "dining kitchen" displays icons for individually controlling the devices 300 and facilities 350 to be controlled. The user can control the power on or off of each device 300 and facility 350 by touching the icon.

[0088] According to this modification, the user can control the devices 300 and the facilities 350 in units of second spaces using the integrated controller 200 (control device), which can improve user convenience.

[0089] (Third Modification) The space generation unit 503 may not automatically reflect the grouping results, but may ask the user whether or not to reflect the results.

[0090] 18 is a simplified diagram showing an example of an inquiry screen for the user. When the space generation unit 503 attempts to generate a new second space by integrating the dining room 12 and the kitchen 11, an inquiry screen for inquiring the user as to whether or not to permit the integration is displayed on the display unit 202 of the integrated controller 200. This makes it possible to confirm the user's intention regarding whether or not to permit the integration. [Industrial Applicability]

[0091] The present disclosure is particularly useful when applied to a home control system equipped with a smart home in which IoT technology is introduced.

Claims

1. A computer that is an information processing device, acquiring floor plan information of a building having a plurality of first spaces; acquiring installation information of at least one of devices and facilities installed in each of the plurality of first spaces; Acquire setting information in which the intended use of each of the devices and the facilities is set; Setting a usage purpose of each of the first spaces based on the floor plan information, the installation information, and the setting information; defining at least one second space as a new space by grouping the plurality of first spaces based on the intended use such that similar intended uses belong to the same group; the grouping includes at least one of integrating two or more first spaces and dividing one first space; A space generation method that outputs the grouping results.

2. The computer further acquiring user information associating each of the first spaces with each user; The space generating method according to claim 1 , wherein the usage purpose is set based on the floor plan information, the installation information, and the user information.

3. The computer further comprises: generating relationship information indicating a correspondence relationship between the second space and at least one of the equipment and the facility installed in the second space; The space generating method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the relationship information is output to a control device that controls the devices and the facilities via a communication network.

4. the at least one second space includes a plurality of second spaces; A space generation method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, if the total number of the devices and facilities to be controlled that are installed in each of the plurality of second spaces as a result of the grouping is equal to or greater than a first threshold, the computer makes adjustments to further divide the second space.

5. the at least one second space includes a plurality of second spaces; A space generation method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the computer makes adjustments to integrate two or more second spaces if, as a result of the grouping, the total number of the plurality of second spaces is equal to or greater than a second threshold.

6. an acquisition unit that acquires floor plan information of a building having a plurality of first spaces, installation information of at least one of devices and facilities installed in each of the plurality of first spaces, and setting information in which the intended use of each of the devices and facilities is set; a usage setting unit that sets a usage purpose of each of the first spaces based on the floor plan information, the installation information, and the setting information acquired by the acquisition unit; a space generation unit that defines at least one second space as a new space by grouping the plurality of first spaces so that similar uses belong to the same group based on the use purposes set by the use setting unit; the grouping includes at least one of integrating two or more first spaces and dividing one first space; an output unit that outputs the result of the grouping by the space generation unit; An information processing device that is a computer.

7. A computer is an information processing device. an acquisition means for acquiring floor plan information of a building having a plurality of first spaces, installation information of at least one of devices and facilities installed in each of the plurality of first spaces, and setting information in which the intended use of each of the devices and facilities is set; a use setting means for setting a use of each of the first spaces based on the floor plan information, the installation information, and the setting information acquired by the acquisition means; a space generating means for defining at least one second space as a new space by grouping the plurality of first spaces so that similar uses belong to the same group based on the use purposes set by the use setting means; the grouping includes at least one of integrating two or more first spaces and dividing one first space; an output means for outputting the result of the grouping by the space generation means; A program to function as a

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