Information output method, information output device, and program

Abstract

An information processing device according to the present invention acquires first relationship information that indicates a correspondence relationship between space identification information for identifying a space in a building and device / facility information indicating a device or facility associated with the space identification information, acquires modification information for modifying the association between the space identification information and the device / facility information of the first relationship information, generates second relationship information that indicates a new association between the space identification information and the device / facility information on the basis of the modification information, and outputs the second relationship information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information output method, an information output device, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique that enables icons indicating each of a plurality of devices installed in a building to be displayed in a list on a display for each room, and the operation of each device can be controlled from each icon.

[0003] However, in Patent Document 1, no consideration is given to easily modifying the correspondence between a room and a device according to the user's lifestyle or the like. To modify the correspondence, re-initialization is required.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to obtain an information output method, an information output device, and a program that can easily modify relationship information including the correspondence between a space and a device or equipment.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information output method according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: an information processing device acquires first relationship information indicating a correspondence between space identification information for identifying a space in a building and device / equipment information indicating a device or equipment associated with the space identification information; acquires correction information for correcting the association between the space identification information and the device / equipment information in the first relationship information; generates second relationship information indicating a new association between the space identification information and the device / equipment information based on the correction information; and outputs the second relationship information.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the overall configuration of the home control system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram shows a simplified configuration of the server device. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart that outlines the processing flow performed by the information processing unit. [Figure 4] This diagram shows a simplified example of the first type of related information. [Figure 5] This diagram shows a simplified example of an input screen for generating correction information related to integration. [Figure 6] This diagram shows a simplified example of an input screen for generating correction information related to integration. [Figure 7] This diagram shows a simplified example of the second type of related information. [Figure 8] This diagram shows a simplified example of an input screen for generating correction information related to changes. [Figure 9] This diagram shows a simplified example of an input screen for generating correction information related to changes. [Figure 10] This diagram shows a simplified example of an input screen for generating correction information related to the division. [Figure 11] This diagram shows a simplified example of an input screen for generating correction information related to the division. [Figure 12] This diagram shows a simplified configuration of the server device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] This flowchart schematically shows the processing flow executed by the information processing unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a flowchart that schematically shows the flow of processing performed by the information processing unit according to the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] (Knowledge that forms the basis of this disclosure) There is a technology that uses an integrated controller to control the operation of equipment or facilities installed in each of multiple spaces within a building. The integrated controller displays a control screen for the equipment or facilities in each space, based on relational information that includes the correspondence between the space and the equipment or facilities installed in that space. Here, relational information is entered by an operator or user during the initial setup when the system is installed.

[0009] There are times when it is necessary to modify the correspondence between spaces and equipment or facilities, as indicated by the relationship information entered during the initial setup, in accordance with changes in the user's lifestyle. However, the underlying technology did not have a mechanism to easily modify such correspondences, so it was necessary to perform the initial setup again in order to modify the correspondences, and this modification work was cumbersome.

[0010] To solve these problems, the inventors have come up with the idea of ​​this disclosure, based on the realization that related information can be easily modified by creating modified information including the content of the modification of related information through user operation, inputting said modified information into an information processing device, and having the information processing device modify the related information based on said modified information.

[0011] Next, we will describe each aspect of this disclosure.

[0012] The information output method according to the first aspect of this disclosure involves an information processing device acquiring first relationship information indicating a correspondence between spatial identification information that identifies a space within a building and equipment information indicating equipment or facilities associated with the spatial identification information, acquiring modification information that modifies the correspondence between the spatial identification information and the equipment information in the first relationship information, generating second relationship information indicating a new correspondence between the spatial identification information and the equipment information based on the modification information, and outputting the second relationship information.

[0013] According to the first embodiment, it becomes possible to easily modify the first relationship information, which shows the correspondence between spatial identification information that identifies a space and equipment information that indicates equipment or facilities installed in that space, based on modification information.

[0014] The information output method according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, the correction information includes integrating two or more spatial identification information included in the first relationship information into one spatial identification information. In the step of generating the second relationship information, the first equipment information associated with the first spatial identification information in the first relationship information and the second equipment information associated with the second spatial identification information in the first relationship information may be associated with the third spatial identification information in the second relationship information.

[0015] According to the second aspect, it becomes possible to integrate two or more spatial identification information included in the first relationship information into one spatial identification information by correction.

[0016] The information output method according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, the correction information includes changing the association of the equipment information from one spatial identification information to another spatial identification information in the first relationship information. In the step of generating the second relationship information, the first spatial identification information associated with the first equipment information in the first relationship information may be associated with the second spatial identification information in the second relationship information.

[0017] According to the third aspect, it becomes possible to change the spatial identification information with which the first equipment information is associated in the first relationship information from the first spatial identification information to the second spatial identification information by correction.

[0018] The information output method according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, the correction information includes dividing one spatial identification information included in the first relationship information into a plurality of spatial identification information. In the step of generating the second relationship information, the first equipment information and the second equipment information associated with the first spatial identification information in the first relationship information may be respectively associated with the second spatial identification information and the third spatial identification information in the second relationship information.

[0019] According to the fourth aspect, it becomes possible to divide one spatial identification information included in the first relationship information into a plurality of spatial identification information by correction.

[0020] The information output method according to the fifth aspect of this disclosure further outputs image information for displaying an image on a display screen in any one of the first to fourth aspects, and in the step of outputting the image information, the output of image information that changes the display state of the equipment information related to the correction information on the display screen from a first state to a second state.

[0021] According to the fifth aspect, by changing the display state on the display screen, the user can confirm equipment and facility information related to the correction information.

[0022] In the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the information output method is such that, in the fifth aspect, the first state is a normal display state of the graphic representing the equipment information, and the second state is a highlighted display state of the graphic representing the equipment information.

[0023] According to the sixth aspect, it becomes possible to improve the accuracy when users check equipment and facility information related to correction information.

[0024] The information output method according to the seventh aspect of this disclosure may further output control information that changes the operating state of the equipment or facility related to the modification information from a first state to a second state, in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0025] According to the seventh aspect, a change in the operating state allows the user to confirm the equipment or facilities related to the correction information.

[0026] In the seventh embodiment, the information output method according to the eighth aspect of this disclosure is such that the first state is one of the operating states of the device or equipment being powered on or powered off, and the second state is the other operating state of the device or equipment being powered on or powered off.

[0027] According to the eighth aspect, it becomes possible to improve the accuracy of users when they check the equipment or facilities related to the modifications.

[0028] The information output method relating to the ninth aspect of this disclosure may, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, further output a recommendation notice indicating a recommended modification of the first related information when the modification information is obtained.

[0029] According to the ninth aspect, the output of a recommendation notification makes it possible to notify the user of the desired modification method.

[0030] The information output method relating to the tenth aspect of this disclosure may, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, output a deprecation notice indicating that the modification information is not recommended when the modification is obtained and the modification is not recommended.

[0031] According to the tenth aspect, it is possible to notify the user that the modified form is undesirable by outputting a deprecation notice.

[0032] The information output method according to the 11th aspect of this disclosure may, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, retain time information indicating the time when the first relational information was last modified, and if the time difference between the time when the modification information was acquired this time and the time when the first relational information was last modified is less than a predetermined value, it may further output a confirmation notice asking whether or not to modify the first relational information.

[0033] According to the 11th embodiment, it becomes possible to adjust discrepancies in settings among users when multiple users are living together in the same residence, etc.

[0034] The information output method according to the twelfth aspect of this disclosure, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, may retain user information indicating the user who previously modified the first relationship information, and if the user who entered the modification information this time is different from the user who previously modified the first relationship information, it may further output a confirmation notice asking whether or not to modify the first relationship information.

[0035] According to the 12th embodiment, it becomes possible to adjust for discrepancies in settings among users, such as when multiple users are living together in the same residence.

[0036] The information output method according to the 13th aspect of this disclosure may, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, maintain frequency information indicating the frequency of use for each user with respect to the first relational information, and if there is a user with a higher frequency of use than the user who entered the modification information, it may further output a confirmation notice asking whether or not to modify the first relational information.

[0037] According to the 13th embodiment, it becomes possible to adjust for discrepancies in settings among users, such as when multiple users are living together in the same residence.

[0038] An information output device according to a 14th aspect of this disclosure comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires spatial identification information that identifies a space within a building, first relationship information that indicates a correspondence between spatial identification information and equipment information that indicates equipment or facilities associated with the spatial identification information, and correction information that corrects the correspondence between the spatial identification information and the equipment information in the first relationship information; a generation unit that generates second relationship information that indicates a new correspondence between the spatial identification information and the equipment information based on the correction information; and an output unit that outputs the second relationship information.

[0039] According to the 14th aspect, it becomes possible to easily modify the first relationship information, which shows the correspondence between spatial identification information that identifies a space and equipment information that indicates equipment or facilities installed in that space, based on the modification information.

[0040] A program according to a 15th aspect of this disclosure causes an information processing device to function as an acquisition means for acquiring spatial identification information that identifies a space within a building, first relationship information that indicates a correspondence between spatial identification information and equipment information that indicates equipment or facilities associated with the spatial identification information, modification information that modifies the correspondence between the spatial identification information and the equipment information in the first relationship information, generation means for generating second relationship information that indicates a new correspondence between the spatial identification information and the equipment information based on the modification information, and output means for outputting the second relationship information.

[0041] According to the 15th aspect, it becomes possible to easily modify the first relationship information, which shows the correspondence between spatial identification information that identifies a space and equipment information that indicates equipment or facilities installed in that space, based on modification information.

[0042] This disclosure can also be implemented as a program that causes a computer to execute each characteristic configuration included in such a method or apparatus, or as a system that operates using such a program. It goes without saying that such a computer program can be distributed via a computer-readable, non-temporary recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0043] (Embodiments of the present disclosure) The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Elements denoted by the same reference numeral in different drawings refer to the same or corresponding elements. Furthermore, the components, their arrangement, connection configurations, and operating sequences shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit this disclosure. This disclosure is limited only by the claims. Therefore, among the components in the following embodiments, those not described in the independent claims representing the highest-level concepts of this disclosure are described as constituting a more preferable configuration, even though they are not necessarily required to achieve the object of this disclosure.

[0044] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 shows the overall configuration of a home control system 1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. The home control system 1 includes an integrated controller 10, a plurality of devices 11 and a plurality of equipment 12, a monitor 13, and a camera 14, all installed in a smart home 100. The home control system 1 also includes a server device 30. Although only one smart home 100 is shown in Figure 1 for the sake of simplicity, multiple smart homes 100 may be provided. The scope of application of this disclosure is not limited to residences such as smart homes 100, but may also include indoor facilities such as offices, restaurants, hotels, and commercial facilities. Furthermore, it may not be limited to indoor facilities, but may include spaces that include both indoor and outdoor spaces.

[0045] The smart home 100 has multiple spaces in which multiple devices 11 and multiple facilities 12 are installed. A space refers to an expansive area. In this disclosure, a space includes not only a planar layout but also vertical expanse and areas partitioned by structures such as walls or partitions so that spaces are adjacent to each other. Examples of spaces include halls, grand halls, banquet halls, rooms, living rooms, bathrooms, toilets, entrances, and corridors. Devices 11 include electronic devices such as home appliances. Electronic devices include washing machines, air conditioners, TVs, refrigerators, rice cookers, microwave ovens, and any IoT devices such as lighting. Facilities 12 include fixtures or furniture used in a fixed location.

[0046] Furthermore, the smart home 100 is equipped with a monitor 13 and a camera 14. The monitor 13 is an LCD or organic EL display, etc. The monitor 13 is installed in any space within the smart home 100. The camera 14 captures the situation when a user residing in the smart home 100 operates the integrated controller 10.

[0047] Furthermore, the smart home 100 is equipped with an integrated controller 10 for remotely controlling the operation of the devices 11 and equipment 12 to be controlled, among the multiple devices 11 and multiple facilities 12. The integrated controller 10 can communicate data with the devices 11 and equipment 12 to be controlled via a communication network 20 such as a public telephone network (or wireless LAN, etc.). The integrated controller 10 has a monitor 15 such as an LCD or organic EL display. The integrated controller 10 can accept data input from the user via the touch panel monitor 15 or by button operation. Alternatively, a communication terminal such as a smartphone owned by the user may be registered in advance, and information may be presented to the user and data input may be received from the user via that communication terminal.

[0048] The server device 30 is a cloud server or edge server, and manages the entire home control system 1. The server device 30 can communicate data with the integrated controller 10, equipment 11, facilities 12, monitor 13, and camera 14 via the communication network 20. Alternatively, the functions of the server device 30 may be implemented in the integrated controller 10.

[0049] Figure 2 is a simplified diagram showing the configuration of the server device 30. The server device 30 comprises a communication unit 40, an information processing unit 50, and a storage unit 60.

[0050] The communication unit 40 is configured with a communication module that supports any communication method such as IP.

[0051] The storage unit 60 is configured to include an HDD, SSD, or flash memory. The storage unit 60 stores floor plan information 62, user information 63, relationship information 64, and a program 69. Floor plan information 62 is information that shows the floor plan of multiple spaces (rooms, corridors, etc.) that the smart home 100 has, and is, for example, CAD data such as a design drawing or floor plan of the smart home 100. User information 63 is information that shows the users who reside in the smart home 100. If multiple users reside in the smart home 100, each user is assigned a user ID that can identify them. Relationship information 64 is information that shows the correspondence between each of the multiple spaces that the smart home 100 has and the equipment or facilities installed in each space, and will be described in detail later.

[0052] The information processing unit 50 has an acquisition unit 71, a modification unit 72 (generation unit), and an output unit 73, which are functions realized by the CPU executing a program 69 read from the storage unit 60 into ROM or RAM, etc. In other words, the program 69 is a program that causes the information processing unit 50, which is installed in the server device 30 as an information output device, to function as these multiple processing units. The acquisition unit 71 acquires first relational information 64A from the storage unit 60. The first relational information 64A corresponds to relational information 64 before modification. The acquisition unit 71 also acquires modification information, including the modification details of relational information 64, from the integrated controller 10 via the communication network 20 and the communication unit 40. The modification unit 72 generates second relational information 64B by modifying the first relational information 64A based on the modification information. The second relational information 64B corresponds to the modified relational information 64. The output unit 73 outputs the second relational information 64B. The second relationship information 64B output by the output unit 73 is stored in the storage unit 60 and transmitted from the communication unit 40 to the integrated controller 10 via the communication network 20.

[0053] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the general flow of processing performed by the information processing unit 50. First, in step S100, the acquisition unit 71 acquires modification information, including the modifications to the relational information 64, from the integrated controller 10 via the communication network 20 and the communication unit 40. Next, in step S200, the acquisition unit 71 acquires first relational information 64A, which corresponds to the relational information 64 before modification, from the storage unit 60. Next, in step S300, the modification unit 72 modifies the first relational information 64A acquired in step S200 into second relational information 64B based on the modification information acquired in step S100. In other words, the modification unit 72 generates second relational information 64B, which indicates a new correspondence between spatial identification information and equipment information, based on the modification information. Second relational information 64B corresponds to the modified relational information 64. Next, in step S400, the output unit 73 outputs the second relational information 64B. The second relationship information 64B output by the output unit 73 is stored in the storage unit 60 and transmitted from the communication unit 40 to the integrated controller 10 via the communication network 20. Details of the processing in each step will be described later.

[0054] Figure 4 is a simplified diagram showing an example of the first relational information 64A. The first relational information 64A shows the correspondence between spatial identification information such as a space ID assigned to each of the multiple spaces in the smart home 100, the space name of each space, equipment information such as an equipment ID assigned to the equipment 11 or equipment 12 installed in each space, and the name of the equipment 11 or equipment 12 (equipment name). For example, it is shown that the living room with space ID X11 has an air conditioner with equipment ID A01, a television with equipment ID A02, a main light with equipment ID A03, an indirect light with equipment ID A04, and a sofa with equipment ID A05. It is also shown that the dining room with space ID X12 has an air conditioner with equipment ID A06, a light with equipment ID A07, and a dining table with equipment ID A08. Furthermore, it is shown that the kitchen with space ID X13 has a refrigerator with equipment ID A09, a stove with equipment ID A10, an oven with equipment ID A11, and a light with equipment ID A12.

[0055] In this embodiment, three types of modifications are provided for the modification of the first relational information 64A: integration, modification, and division. Integration involves combining two or more spaces contained in the first relational information 64A into a single space in the second relational information 64B. Modification involves changing the space to which a certain device 11 or equipment 12 is associated in the first relational information 64A to a different space in the second relational information 64B. Division involves dividing a single space contained in the first relational information 64A into multiple spaces in the second relational information 64B. Note that the modification types are not limited to the above examples and may include other types such as deletion. Deletion involves erasing a device 11 or equipment 12 associated with a certain space in the first relational information 64A in the second relational information 64B.

[0056] Figures 5 and 6 show simplified examples of input screens G1 and G2 for generating correction information related to integration. Image data for input screens G1 and G2 is generated by the correction unit 72 of the server device 30 and transmitted from the communication unit 40 to the integration controller 10 via the communication network 20. Input screens G1 and G2 are displayed on the monitor 15 of the integration controller 10, and correction information is generated when the user touches input screens G1 and G2.

[0057] Referring to Figure 5, on input screen G1, icons K01 to K06, which represent equipment 11 or facility 12 associated with the living room, are displayed below the icon 81 representing the living room, based on the first relationship information 64A. The equipment 11 or facility 12 represented by icons K01 to K06 corresponds to the equipment 11 or facility 12 that has been assigned equipment equipment IDs (A01 to A05) associated with the living room in the first relationship information 64A. In addition, icons K07 to K11, which represent equipment 11 or facility 12 associated with the dining room, are displayed below the icon 82 representing the dining room. The equipment 11 or facility 12 represented by icons K07 to K11 corresponds to the equipment 11 or facility 12 that has been assigned equipment equipment IDs (A06 to A08) associated with the dining room in the first relationship information 64A.

[0058] Additionally, the input screen G1 displays icons 91 indicating integration, 92 indicating modification, and 93 indicating splitting. Furthermore, the input screen G1 also displays icon 83 indicating selection complete.

[0059] After the user taps the integration icon 91, they select the multiple spaces to be integrated (in this example, the living room and dining room) and then tap the icon 82 representing the dining room. This causes the integration controller 10 to change the display mode of icons K07-K11, which represent the equipment 11 or facilities 12 associated with the dining room, from normal display to highlighted display. Normal display is, for example, monochrome, while highlighted display is, for example, color. Alternatively, normal display is, for example, solid, while highlighted display is, for example, blinking. This improves the accuracy of the user's visual confirmation of the equipment 11 or facilities 12 related to the modifications. When the user taps the icon 83 indicating selection completion, the integration controller 10 switches from input screen G1 to input screen G2.

[0060] On input screen G2, below the icon 84 representing the living-dining area, which is a combined living and dining space, icons K01 to K11 representing the equipment 11 or facilities 12 associated with the living-dining area are displayed. Regarding the name of the new space after integration, the modification unit 72 or the integration controller 10 infers the name of the new space based on the function or use of the equipment 11 or facilities 12 installed in the new space. Alternatively, the modification unit 72 or the integration controller 10 may present multiple candidates for the name of the new space and allow the user to select one. Alternatively, the modification unit 72 or the integration controller 10 may allow the user to input the name of the new space as text. Furthermore, an icon 85 indicating confirmation complete (OK) is displayed on input screen G2. When the user taps the confirmation complete icon 85, the integration controller 10 confirms the integration details and sends the modified information indicating the confirmed details to the server device 30 via the communication network 20. The modified information is acquired by the acquisition unit 71. The correction information includes the name of the new space after integration and information indicating the correspondence between that space and the equipment 11 or facility 12 installed therein.

[0061] Based on the modification information acquired by the acquisition unit 71, the modification unit 72 integrates the living room (first space) and dining room (second space) in the first relationship information 64A to define the living-dining room (third space) in the second relationship information 64B.

[0062] Figure 7 is a simplified diagram showing an example of the second relational information 64B. Due to the integration of the living room and dining room in the first relational information 64A, in the second relational information 64B, the living-dining room with space ID Y1 is associated with the following equipment: air conditioner with equipment ID A01, television with equipment ID A02, main lighting with equipment ID A03, indirect lighting with equipment ID A04, sofa with equipment ID A05, air conditioner with equipment ID A06, lighting with equipment ID A07, and dining table with equipment ID A08.

[0063] Figures 8 and 9 are simplified diagrams showing examples of input screens G3 and G4 for generating correction information related to changes. Image data for input screens G3 and G4 is generated by the correction unit 72 of the server device 30 and transmitted from the communication unit 40 to the integrated controller 10 via the communication network 20. Input screens G3 and G4 are displayed on the monitor 15 of the integrated controller 10, and correction information is generated when the user touches input screens G3 and G4.

[0064] Referring to Figure 8, the input screen G3 displays icons 81-83, 91-93, and K01-K11, similar to the input screen G1 shown in Figure 5.

[0065] After the user taps icon 92 indicating a change, they select the space containing the equipment 11 or facility 12 to be changed (in this example, the living room) and the destination space (in this example, the dining room), and then tap icon K01 indicating the equipment 11 or facility 12 to be changed. This causes the integrated controller 10 to change the display mode of icon K01 from normal display to highlighted display. When the user taps icon 83 indicating that the selection is complete, the integrated controller 10 switches input screen G3 to input screen G4.

[0066] On input screen G4, icon K01 is displayed, having moved from below icon 81, which represents the living room, to below icon 82, which represents the dining room. When the user taps icon 85, which indicates confirmation is complete, the integrated controller 10 confirms the changes and sends the correction information indicating the confirmed changes to the server device 30 via the communication network 20. The correction information is acquired by the acquisition unit 71. The correction information includes information indicating the correspondence between the names of the original and modified spaces and the equipment 11 or facilities 12 installed in each modified space.

[0067] Based on the modification information acquired by the acquisition unit 71, the modification unit 72 associates the equipment 11 or facility 12 corresponding to the icon K01 associated with the living room (first space) in the first relationship information 64A with the dining room (second space) in the second relationship information 64B.

[0068] Figures 10 and 11 show simplified examples of input screens G5 and G6 for generating correction information related to division. Image data for input screens G5 and G6 is generated by the correction unit 72 of the server device 30 and transmitted from the communication unit 40 to the integrated controller 10 via the communication network 20. Input screens G5 and G6 are displayed on the monitor 15 of the integrated controller 10, and correction information is generated when the user touches input screens G5 and G6.

[0069] Referring to Figure 10, on input screen G5, based on the first relationship information 64A, icons K01 to K11, which represent the equipment 11 or facilities 12 associated with the living and dining area, are displayed below the icon 84 that represents the living and dining area.

[0070] Furthermore, the input screen G5 displays icons 83, 91-93, similar to the input screen G1 shown in Figure 5.

[0071] After the user taps icon 93 indicating division, they select the space to be divided (in this example, the living and dining area) and tap icons K01 to K06 indicating the equipment 11 or facility 12 to be divided. The integrated controller 10 then changes the display mode of icons K01 to K06 from normal to highlighted. When the user taps icon 83 indicating selection completion, the integrated controller 10 switches input screen G5 to input screen G6.

[0072] Referring to Figure 11, on input screen G6, as in Figure 5, icons K01 to K06 are displayed below icon 81 representing the living room, and icons K07 to K11 are displayed below icon 82 representing the dining room. The name of the new space after division is inferred by the modification unit 72 or integrated controller 10 based on the function or use of the equipment 11 or facilities 12 installed in each space. Alternatively, the modification unit 72 or integrated controller 10 may present multiple candidates for the name of the new space and allow the user to select one. Alternatively, the modification unit 72 or integrated controller 10 may allow the user to input the name of the new space as text. When the user taps icon 85 indicating confirmation is complete, the integrated controller 10 confirms the division and transmits the correction information indicating the confirmed content to the server device 30 via the communication network 20. The correction information is acquired by the acquisition unit 71. The correction information includes information showing the correspondence between the name of each new space after division and the equipment 11 or facilities 12 installed in each space.

[0073] Based on the modification information acquired by the acquisition unit 71, the modification unit 72 associates the equipment 11 or facility 12 corresponding to icons K01 to K06 with the living room (second space) in the second relationship information 64B, and associates the equipment 11 or facility 12 corresponding to icons K07 to K11 with the dining room (third space) in the second relationship information 64B.

[0074] In the above description, the modification unit 72 of the server device 30 outputs image data (image information) for displaying the images of input screens G1 to G6 on display screens such as monitors 13 and 15, and outputs image information to change the display state of the equipment 11 or facility 12 related to the modification content on the display screen from normal display (first state) to highlighted display (second state). Instead of changing the display mode on the display screen in this way, the modification unit 72 of the server device 30 may output control information to change the operating state of the equipment 11 or facility 12 related to the modification content from the first state to the second state. For example, the first state is one of the operating states of the equipment 11 or facility 12 being powered on or powered off, and the second state is the other of the operating states of the equipment 11 or facility 12 being powered on or powered off. The control information is transmitted from the server device 30 to the equipment 11 or facility 12 via the communication network 20, and the equipment 11 or facility 12 changes its operating state according to the received control information. Such changes in operating status also improve the accuracy with which users visually inspect the equipment 11 or facility 12 related to the modifications.

[0075] According to this embodiment, the first relationship information 64A, which includes the correspondence between a space and the equipment 11 or facility 12 installed in that space, can be easily modified based on the modification information without requiring a re-initial setup.

[0076] (Second Embodiment) A second embodiment of this disclosure is configured such that, when the modification content indicated in the modification information received by the server device 30 is not recommended, it sends a deprecation notice to the integrated controller 10 indicating that the modification content is not recommended. Figure 12 is a simplified diagram showing the configuration of the server device 30 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. In addition to the configuration shown in Figure 2, the storage unit 60 further stores installation information 61 and setting information 65. Installation information 61 is information pre-entered by an operator or the like, indicating the installation locations of the equipment 11, facilities 12, monitor 13, camera 14, and integrated controller 10 in each space of the smart home 100. Setting information 65 is information pre-set with various deprecation conditions under which modification of the related information 64 is not recommended, and is, for example, table information in which multiple rule data indicating these multiple deprecation conditions are listed.

[0077] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating the general flow of processing performed by the information processing unit 50 according to this embodiment. First, in step S100, the acquisition unit 71 acquires modification information indicating the modification content of the relational information 64 from the integrated controller 10 via the communication network 20 and the communication unit 40. Next, in step S200, the acquisition unit 71 acquires the first relational information 64A and the setting information 65 from the storage unit 60. Next, in step S250, the modification unit 72 determines whether the modification content is deprecated based on the setting information 65 by determining whether the modification content indicated by the modification information acquired by the acquisition unit 71 falls under any of the multiple deprecation conditions included in the setting information 65. If the modification content is deprecated (step S250: YES), then in step S251, the modification unit 72 generates a deprecation notice indicating that the modification content is deprecated, and the output unit 73 outputs the deprecation notice. The deprecation notice output by the output unit 73 is transmitted from the communication unit 40 of the server device 30 to the integrated controller 10 via the communication network 20 and displayed on the monitor 15 of the integrated controller 10.

[0078] Next, in step S252, the modification unit 72 determines, based on the response signal from the integrated controller 10, whether the user has accepted that the first relationship information 64A should not be modified. If the user has accepted that the first relationship information 64A should not be modified (step S252: YES), the modification unit 72 terminates processing without modifying the first relationship information 64A. If the modification is not deprecated (step S250: NO), or if the user has not accepted that the first relationship information 64A should not be modified (step S252: NO), then in step S300, the modification unit 72 modifies the first relationship information 64A to the second relationship information 64B based on the modification information acquired in step S100. Next, in step S400, the output unit 73 outputs the second relationship information 64B. The second relationship information 64B output by the output unit 73 is stored in the storage unit 60 and transmitted from the communication unit 40 to the integrated controller 10 via the communication network 20.

[0079] Examples of deprecated conditions regarding integration are as follows:

[0080] The first example of a deprecated condition regarding integration is that the two spaces to be integrated have a symmetrical spatial structure. For example, the modification unit 72, by referring to the installation information 61 and the floor plan information 62, determines whether the positions of doors, lighting, and air conditioners in two adjacent spaces separated by a partition are symmetrical with respect to the partition. If they are symmetrical, the modification unit 72 determines that the modification information for integrating the two spaces satisfies the deprecated condition.

[0081] A second example of a deprecated condition regarding integration is that the same equipment 11 or facility 12 is installed in the two spaces to be integrated. For example, the modification unit 72, by referring to the first relational information 64A, determines whether the multiple equipment 11 or facility 12 installed in one space and the multiple equipment 11 or facility 12 installed in the other space are identical. If they are identical, the modification unit 72 determines that the modification information for integrating the two spaces satisfies the deprecated condition.

[0082] The first and second examples demonstrate that combining rooms is not recommended when there is a high probability that one large room will be divided and used as two separate children's rooms in the future.

[0083] A third example of a deprecated condition regarding integration is that the total number of devices 11 or equipment 12 associated with the integrated space exceeds a predetermined upper limit. This upper limit corresponds to the maximum number of device 11 or equipment 12 icons that can be simultaneously displayed on the monitor 15 without scrolling. For example, the modification unit 72 calculates the total number of devices 11 or equipment 12 installed in one of the spaces to be integrated and the total number of devices 11 or equipment 12 installed in the other space by referring to the first relationship information 64A, and determines whether the total number exceeds the upper limit. If the total number exceeds the upper limit, the modification unit 72 determines that the modification information targeting the integration of the two spaces satisfies the deprecated condition. Integration is deprecated because if the total number exceeds the upper limit, user scrolling becomes necessary, reducing usability. However, if the total number exceeds the upper limit, the modification unit 72 may reduce the size of the icons at the user's option, allowing all icons to be simultaneously displayed on the monitor 15.

[0084] A fourth example of a discouragement condition regarding integration is when the scope of integration exceeds a predetermined upper limit. This upper limit is predetermined to be, for example, "living-dining-kitchen (LDK)". If another space (entrance, hallway, etc.) is further integrated into the LDK, its practicality is impaired. Therefore, integration is discouraged. For example, the modification unit 72, by referring to the first relational information 64A, determines whether the scope of the new space after integrating the multiple spaces to be integrated exceeds the said upper limit. If the scope of the new space exceeds the said upper limit, the modification unit 72 determines that the modification information targeting the integration of those multiple spaces satisfies the discouragement condition. The modification unit 72 may also determine that integration is discouraged if the number of spaces to be integrated exceeds a predetermined upper limit (for example, 3).

[0085] A fifth example of a condition that discourages integration is when the total communication load of the devices 11 or equipment 12 associated with the integrated space exceeds a predetermined upper limit. If the total communication load exceeds this upper limit, remote operation of the devices 11 or equipment 12 by the integration controller 10 becomes slow and operability deteriorates, making integration discouraged. For example, information indicating the communication load of each device 11 or equipment 12 is added to the first relationship information 64A. The modification unit 72 refers to the first relationship information 64A to determine whether the total communication load of the devices 11 or equipment 12 associated with the new space after integrating the multiple spaces that are the target of integration exceeds the upper limit. If the total communication load exceeds the upper limit, the modification unit 72 determines that the modification information targeting the integration of the multiple spaces satisfies the discouragement condition.

[0086] Examples of deprecation conditions for changes are as follows:

[0087] The first example of a deprecation condition regarding changes is when, in the integrated controller 10, a change is made to the number of times the room tabs, which are the operation screens for each room's equipment 11 or facility 12, are used, from a room with a high number of room tab usages to a room with a low number of room tab usages. For example, the modification unit 72 aggregates and records the number of times the room tabs have been used for each room from the start of system operation to the present. If the number of times the room tabs for the changed room are used is less than the number of times the room tabs for the room before the change are used, the modification unit 72 determines that the modification information regarding the change satisfies the deprecation condition.

[0088] A second example of a deprecation condition regarding changes is when there is a user who has performed more operations on the equipment 11 or facility 12 from the integrated controller 10 than the user who entered the correction information. For example, the correction unit 72 aggregates the number of operations on the integrated controller 10 from the start of system operation to the present for each user and records it, for example, as additional information to the user information 63. If there is another user who has performed more operations than the user who entered the correction information, the correction unit 72 determines that the correction information satisfies the deprecation condition. The correction unit 72 can identify the user operating the integrated controller 10 by using the login information if the login information includes user information, or by analyzing the video footage captured by the camera 14. User information included in the login information includes biometric information such as vocal cord information and fingerprint information, or the user ID used when logging in. By using user information linked to an individual as login information, even when the integrated controller 10 is shared among family members, it becomes possible to control the integrated controller 10 separately for each family member.

[0089] Examples of deprecated conditions regarding partitioning are as follows:

[0090] The first example of a deprecated condition regarding division is that the total number of devices 11 or equipment 12 associated with the divided spaces falls below a predetermined lower limit. For example, the modification unit 72 calculates the total number of devices 11 or equipment 12 associated with each divided space by referring to the first relationship information 64A, and determines whether the total number for each space falls below the lower limit. If there is a space in which the total number falls below the lower limit, the modification unit 72 determines that the modification information satisfies the deprecated condition.

[0091] A second example of a deprecated condition regarding division is when there is equipment 11 or facility 12 installed across multiple spaces, and those multiple spaces are to be divided. For example, this is the case when a switch is installed in one room, and lighting or air conditioning operated by the switch is installed in the other room. For example, the modification unit 72, by referring to the installation information 61 and the floor plan information 62, determines whether the equipment 11 or facility 12 installed in one space and the equipment 11 or facility 12 installed in the other space are connected to each other by wiring or the like with respect to the two spaces after division. If they are connected to each other by wiring or the like, the modification unit 72 determines that the modification information satisfies the deprecated condition.

[0092] The communication unit 40 transmits the deprecation notice output by the output unit 73 to the integrated controller 10, thereby making it possible to notify the user that the modifications are undesirable.

[0093] In the above explanation, the server device 30 outputs a non-recommendation notification when the modification of the first relational information 64A is not recommended. However, instead of this, or in addition to this, the server device 30 may send a recommendation notification indicating the recommended modification of the first relational information 64A to the integrated controller 10 at the time the modification information is acquired in step S100 or at any other arbitrary time. In this case, the configuration information 65 includes information indicating various recommended conditions for which modification of the relational information 64 is recommended, and the recommended modification method for each recommended condition.

[0094] Examples of recommended conditions for integration are as follows:

[0095] For example, the total number of devices 11 or equipment 12 associated with the space before integration is less than a predetermined lower limit. For example, the modification unit 72 determines whether the total number of devices 11 or equipment 12 associated with each space is less than the lower limit by referring to the first relationship information 64A. If there is a space where the total number is less than the lower limit, the modification unit 72 generates a recommendation notification recommending that the space be integrated with an adjacent space. The adjacent spaces to be integrated may be pre-configured for each space. The output unit 73 outputs the recommendation notification generated by the modification unit 72. The recommendation notification output by the output unit 73 is transmitted from the communication unit 40 to the integration controller 10 via the communication network 20.

[0096] Examples of recommended conditions for changes are as follows:

[0097] A first example of a recommended condition for a change is that the difference between the number of devices 11 or equipment 12 associated with one adjacent space and the number of devices 11 or equipment 12 associated with the other adjacent space is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. In this case, the modification unit 72 generates a recommendation notification recommending that the change be made from the side with the larger number to the side with the smaller number. For example, the modification unit 72 compares the total number of devices 11 or equipment 12 installed in the space to be changed with the total number of devices 11 or equipment 12 installed in the other space to be changed by referring to the first relationship information 64A. If the difference between the two total numbers is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the modification unit 72 generates a recommendation notification recommending that some of the devices 11 or equipment 12 be changed from the space with the larger total number to the space with the smaller total number.

[0098] A second example of a recommended condition for a change is that multiple devices 11 or equipment 12 that are operated sequentially as a series of operations are associated with different spaces. For example, operation history information, which includes time-series operation information for each device 11 or equipment 12, is stored in the storage unit 60. The modification unit 72 analyzes the operation history information to identify multiple devices 11 or equipment 12 that are operated sequentially within a predetermined time as a series of operations. If the identified multiple devices 11 or equipment 12 are associated with different spaces in the first relationship information 64A, the modification unit 72 generates a recommendation notification recommending a change in the association between the devices 11 or equipment 12 and spaces so that these multiple devices 11 or equipment 12 are associated with the same space in the second relationship information 64B.

[0099] Examples of recommended conditions for splitting are as follows:

[0100] A first example of a recommended condition for division is that the total number of devices 11 or equipment 12 associated with the space before division exceeds a predetermined upper limit. For example, the modification unit 72 determines, by referring to the first relationship information 64A, whether there exists a space in which the total number of installed devices 11 or equipment 12 exceeds the upper limit. If such a space exists, the modification unit 72 generates a recommendation notification recommending that the space be divided into multiple spaces. The division method of the space may be predetermined for each space.

[0101] A second example of a recommended condition for division is that a single space before division contains multiple symmetrical spatial structures. For example, the modification unit 72, by referring to the installation information 61 and the floor plan information 62, determines whether a single space contains multiple spatial structures such as the location of doors, the location of lighting, and the location of air conditioners that are symmetrical with respect to a partition. If such a space exists, the modification unit 72 generates a recommendation notification recommending that the single space be divided into multiple spaces corresponding to those multiple spatial structures.

[0102] A third example of a recommended condition for division is that a single space before division contains multiple spaces in which the same equipment 11 or facility 12 is installed. For example, the modification unit 72 determines whether a single space contains multiple spaces in which the installed equipment 11 or facility 12 is the same by referring to the installation information 61 and the floor plan information 62. If such a single space exists, the modification unit 72 generates a recommendation notification recommending that the single space be divided into the multiple spaces.

[0103] The communication unit 40 transmits the recommendation notification output by the output unit 73 to the integrated controller 10, thereby making it possible to notify the user of the desired modification method.

[0104] (Third embodiment) In the third embodiment of this disclosure, when the server device 30 receives the modification information, it sends a confirmation notice to the integrated controller 10 to ask the user whether or not to modify the first relationship information 64A. In this embodiment as well, the storage unit 60 stores setting information 65, similar to the second embodiment described above. The setting information 65 in this embodiment is information in which various transmission conditions for the confirmation notice are set in advance, and is, for example, a table information in which multiple rule data indicating multiple transmission conditions are listed.

[0105] Figure 14 is a flowchart schematically showing the processing flow executed by the information processing unit 50 according to the third embodiment of this disclosure. First, in step S100, the acquisition unit 71 acquires modification information indicating the modification content of the relational information 64 from the integrated controller 10 via the communication network 20 and the communication unit 40. Next, in step S200, the acquisition unit 71 acquires the first relational information 64A and the setting information 65 from the storage unit 60. Next, in step S260, the modification unit 72 determines whether it is necessary to send a confirmation notice to the user based on the setting information 65 by determining whether at least one of the multiple transmission conditions included in the setting information 65 is met. If it is necessary to send a confirmation notice (step S260: YES), then in step S261, the modification unit 72 generates a confirmation notice, and the output unit 73 outputs the confirmation notice. The confirmation notice output by the output unit 73 is transmitted from the communication unit 40 of the server device 30 to the integrated controller 10 via the communication network 20 and displayed on the monitor 15 of the integrated controller 10.

[0106] Next, in step S262, the modification unit 72 determines, based on the response signal from the integrated controller 10, whether the user has accepted the modification of the first relationship information 64A. If the user has not accepted the modification of the first relationship information 64A (step S262: NO), the modification unit 72 terminates processing without modifying the first relationship information 64A. If sending a confirmation notification is not necessary (step S260: NO), or if the user has accepted the modification of the first relationship information 64A (step S262: YES), then in step S300, the modification unit 72 modifies the first relationship information 64A to the second relationship information 64B based on the modification information acquired in step S100. Next, in step S400, the output unit 73 outputs the second relationship information 64B. The second relationship information 64B output by the output unit 73 is stored in the storage unit 60 and transmitted from the communication unit 40 to the integrated controller 10 via the communication network 20.

[0107] Examples of conditions for sending confirmation notices are as follows:

[0108] The first example is that the time difference between the time the correction information was acquired this time and the time the first relationship information 64A was last corrected is less than a predetermined value. For example, the correction unit 72 holds time information indicating the time the first relationship information 64A was last corrected. In step S100, the correction unit 72 calculates the time difference between the time the correction information was acquired this time and the time the first relationship information 64A was last corrected, and determines that the conditions for sending a confirmation notice are met if the time difference is less than the predetermined value. The predetermined value may be set in units of time, such as "3 hours," or in units of days, such as "1 day."

[0109] A second example is when the user who previously entered the correction information is different from the user who entered it this time. For example, the correction unit 72 holds user information indicating the user who previously corrected the first relationship information 64A (i.e., the user who previously entered the correction information). The integrated controller 10 also includes user information indicating the user who entered the correction information in the correction information and sends it to the server device 30. The correction unit 72 determines whether the user indicated by the user information included in the correction information acquired in step S100 is the same as the user who previously corrected the first relationship information 64A, and determines that the conditions for sending a confirmation notification are met if the two users are different. The integrated controller 10 or the correction unit 72 can identify the user who entered the correction information by using the login information if the login information includes user information, or by analyzing the video footage captured by the camera 14.

[0110] A third example is when there is a user who uses the integrated controller 10 more frequently than the user who entered the correction information. For example, the correction unit 72 receives and stores frequency information from the integrated controller 10 indicating the frequency of use of the integrated controller 10 by each user (e.g., the frequency of remote operation using icons) with respect to the first relationship information 64A. The integrated controller 10 also sends user information indicating the user who entered the correction information to the server device 30, including this user information in the correction information. The correction unit 72 determines whether there is another user who uses the system more frequently than the user indicated by the user information included in the correction information acquired in step S100, and determines that the conditions for sending a confirmation notification are met if such other users exist. If the user with the highest usage frequency changes depending on the time of day, the correction unit 72 determines the user with the highest usage frequency for each time period. Individual operation screens (user interfaces) may be set for each user, and in this case, it is desirable to display the user-specific operation screen on the operation terminal (smartphone, etc.) that each user possesses.

[0111] According to this embodiment, it becomes possible to adjust for discrepancies in settings among users, such as when multiple users are living together in the same residence. [Industrial applicability]

[0112] This disclosure is particularly useful for applications to home control systems that incorporate IoT technology into smart homes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 10 Integrated Controllers 30 Server Devices 11 Equipment 12 Equipment 50 Information Processing Section 64 Related Information 65. Configuration Information 69 Programs 71 Acquisition Department 72 Correction section 73 Output section

Claims

1. Information processing device, First relationship information is obtained that shows the correspondence between spatial identification information that identifies a space within a building and equipment information that indicates equipment or facilities associated with the spatial identification information. Correction information is obtained to correct the correspondence between the spatial identification information and the equipment information of the first related information. If it is determined that the modification method indicated by the modification information is recommended, then, based on the modification information, second relationship information indicating a new correspondence between the spatial identification information and the equipment information is generated, and the second relationship information is output. An information output method that, if it is determined that the type of correction indicated by the correction information is not recommended, outputs a deprecation notice indicating that the correction information is not recommended.

2. The aforementioned modification information includes integrating two or more spatial identification pieces included in the first relational information into a single spatial identification piece. The information output method according to claim 1, wherein in the step of generating the second relational information, the first equipment information associated with the first spatial identification information in the first relational information and the second equipment information associated with the second spatial identification information in the first relational information are associated with the third spatial identification information in the second relational information.

3. The modification information includes changing the mapping of the equipment information from one spatial identification piece to another spatial identification piece in the first relational information, The information output method according to claim 1, wherein, in the step of generating the second relational information, the first spatial identification information associated with the first equipment information in the first relational information is associated with the second spatial identification information in the second relational information.

4. The aforementioned modification information includes dividing one spatial identification information included in the first relational information into multiple spatial identification information, The information output method according to claim 1, wherein in the step of generating the second relational information, the first equipment information and the second equipment information, which are associated with the first spatial identification information in the first relational information, are associated with the second spatial identification information and the third spatial identification information, respectively, in the second relational information.

5. Further output image information to display the image on the display screen, The information output method according to claim 1, wherein in the step of outputting the image information, the image information is output that changes the display state of the equipment information related to the correction information on the display screen from a first state to a second state.

6. The information output method according to claim 5, wherein the first state is a normal display state of the graphic representing the equipment information, and the second state is a highlighted display state of the graphic representing the equipment information.

7. The information output method according to claim 1, further outputting control information that changes the operating state of equipment or facilities related to the correction information from a first state to a second state.

8. The information output method according to claim 7, wherein the first state is one of the operating states of the device or equipment being powered on or powered off, and the second state is the other operating state of the device or equipment being powered on or powered off.

9. The information output method according to claim 1, further outputting a recommendation notification indicating a recommended modification mode for the first related information when the aforementioned modification information is obtained.

10. The first relational information holds time information indicating the time when it was last modified, The information output method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein if the time difference between the time the correction information was acquired this time and the time the first relational information was last corrected is less than a predetermined value, a confirmation notice is further output to ask whether or not to correct the first relational information.

11. The system maintains user information indicating the user who last modified the aforementioned first relationship information, The information output method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further outputting a confirmation notice to ask whether or not to modify the first relationship information if the user who entered the modification information this time is different from the user who modified the first relationship information last time.

12. With respect to the first relational information, frequency information indicating the frequency of use for each user is maintained, The information output method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further outputting a confirmation notice to ask whether or not to modify the first related information if there is a user who uses the information more frequently than the user who entered the modification information.

13. An acquisition unit that acquires spatial identification information that identifies a space within a building, first relationship information that shows the correspondence between spatial identification information and equipment information that indicates equipment or facilities associated with the spatial identification information, and correction information that corrects the correspondence between the spatial identification information and the equipment information in the first relationship information, A generation unit generates second relationship information that indicates a new correspondence between the spatial identification information and the equipment information based on the aforementioned correction information, An output unit that outputs the second related information, Equipped with, If it is determined that the modification method indicated by the modification information is recommended, the generation unit generates the second relational information, and the output unit outputs the second relational information. If it is determined that the modification method indicated by the modification information is not recommended, the output unit outputs a non-recommendation notice indicating that the modification information is not recommended.

14. Information processing equipment, An acquisition means for acquiring spatial identification information that identifies a space within a building, first relationship information that shows the correspondence between spatial identification information and equipment information that indicates equipment or facilities associated with the spatial identification information, and correction information that corrects the correspondence between the spatial identification information and the equipment information in the first relationship information, A generation means that generates second relationship information indicating a new correspondence between the spatial identification information and the equipment information based on the aforementioned modification information, Output means for outputting the second related information, It is a program designed to function as such. If it is determined that the modification method indicated by the modification information is recommended, the generation means generates the second relational information, and the output means outputs the second relational information. If the modification method indicated by the modification information is determined not to be recommended, the program outputs a deprecation notice indicating that the modification information is not recommended.

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