Information output method, information processing device, and computer program

JPWO2024029130A5Pending Publication Date: 2025-04-14

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Patent Information

Application Number: JP2024538819
Authority / Receiving Office: JP · JP
Patent Type: Applications
Filing Date: 2025-01-07
Publication Date: 2025-04-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Users face difficulties in understanding and utilizing the various functions of multiple, increasingly multi-functional devices in environments such as homes, where devices with similar operations but different names can lead to confusion and inefficiency.

Method used

An information processing system that acquires operation information from multiple devices, identifies common functions, and outputs information to recommend the use of similar functions on other devices, ensuring compatibility and promoting the use of underutilized features based on user preferences and device attributes.

Benefits of technology

The system assists users in making full use of device functions by recommending compatible operations across devices, enhancing user recognition and utilization of device features, and encouraging operations aligned with user intentions and preferences.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Patent Text Reader

Abstract

An information processing device 18 acquires operation information of a plurality of apparatuses 12. On the basis of the operation information and functional information in which common functions among functions the plurality of apparatuses 12 have are previously associated with each other, if the function of a second apparatus (an apparatus 12b, for example) corresponding to a function operating in a first apparatus (an apparatus 12a, for example) is not operating, the information processing device 18 specifies the function not operating of the second apparatus. The information processing device 18 outputs information relating to the specified function of the second apparatus.

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Description

Information output method, information processing device, and computer program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to data processing technology, and more particularly to an information output method, an information processing device, and a computer program.

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a user data server accepts input of laundry-related information and adjusts a laundry control program that executes the operation of a laundry device based on the laundry-related information.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-85885

[0004] As devices become increasingly multifunctional, it is not easy for users to understand and use the various functions of multiple devices installed in an environment such as a home. For example, multiple devices may have functions with different names but similar operations, and it is not easy for users to understand the similar functions between devices and use each device effectively.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made based on the inventor's recognition of the above-mentioned problems, and one purpose is to provide a technology that assists in making the operation of one device compatible with the operation of other devices in an environment where multiple devices are installed.

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, an information output method of one aspect of the present disclosure acquires operation information of multiple devices, and based on the operation information and function information that previously associates common functions among the functions each of the multiple devices has, if a function of a second device that corresponds to a function that is operating in a first device is not operating, identifies the function of the second device that is not operating, and outputs information regarding the identified function of the second device.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device including: an acquisition unit that acquires operation information of a plurality of devices; an identification unit that, when a function of a second device corresponding to a function that is activated in a first device is not activated, identifies the function of the second device that is not activated based on the operation information and function information that previously associates common functions among functions provided in each of the plurality of devices; and an output unit that outputs information related to the identified function of the second device.

[0008] Any combination of the above components, or any conversion of the expression of the present disclosure between a system, a computer program, a recording medium on which a computer program is recorded, etc., is also valid as an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0009] According to the technology of the present disclosure, in an environment where multiple devices are installed, it is possible to support the operation of a device so that it matches the operation of other devices.

[0010] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating functional blocks of the information processing device of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of function correspondence rules. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the information processing device of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation information of an environmental adjustment device and a seasonal device. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation information of a cooking device. FIG. 7( a) and FIG. 7(b) are diagrams illustrating an example of recommended function information displayed on a second device. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of function attribute related information.

[0011] The subject of the device or method of the present disclosure includes a computer. The computer executes a program to realize the functions of the subject of the device or method of the present disclosure. The computer includes, as its main hardware configuration, a processor that operates according to the program. The processor may be of any type as long as it can realize the functions by executing the program. The processor is composed of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or an LSI (large scale integration). While the terms IC and LSI are used here, the term may be changed depending on the degree of integration, and may also be called a system LSI, a VLSI (very large scale integration), or an ULSI (ultra large scale integration). A field programmable gate array (FPGA), which is programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or a reconfigurable logic device that can reconfigure the connections within the LSI or set up circuit partitions within the LSI, can also be used for the same purpose. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated on a single chip or may be provided on multiple chips. Multiple chips may be integrated into a single device or may be provided on multiple devices. The program may be recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a computer-readable read-only memory (ROM), optical disk, or hard disk drive, or on a temporary storage medium such as a computer-readable random access memory (RAM). The program may be pre-stored on a recording medium or may be supplied to a recording medium or storage medium via a wide area communication network, including the Internet.

[0012] (Example) An overview of an embodiment will be described. As devices become increasingly multifunctional, it is not easy for users to understand and use the various functions provided by each of multiple devices installed in an environment such as a home. For example, multiple devices may have functions with different names but similar operations. Furthermore, it is now possible to increase the functionality of a device by downloading a program after purchasing it. Under these circumstances, it can be time-consuming and cumbersome for users to understand and master the functions provided by each device.

[0013] Therefore, the information processing system of the embodiment uses information associating multiple functions provided by multiple devices installed in an environment to be analyzed (e.g., function correspondence rules described below in relation to FIG. 3 ) and operation information of the multiple devices to help ensure that the operation of a certain device in the environment is compatible with the operation of other devices. In other words, the information processing system of the embodiment first associates and manages identical or similar functions among the functions provided by multiple home appliances. The information processing system of the embodiment further estimates functions that the user is most interested in based on the user's usage of the multiple home appliances, and suggests to the user the use of those functions from among the multiple home appliances.

[0014] In the embodiments, the environment to be analyzed in which multiple devices are installed is a home in which multiple users (e.g., user A, user B, and user C) who make up a family live; however, environments to which the technology of the present disclosure can be applied are not limited to homes. The environment may also be an office or a commercial facility. Furthermore, in the embodiments, devices to be processed refer to devices that are installed in a space and connected via a network. For example, this includes home appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and TVs, as well as residential equipment such as outlets, switches, and dimming systems.

[0015] 1 shows the configuration of an information processing system 10 according to an embodiment. The information processing system 10 includes a plurality of devices 12, a plurality of sensors 14, a plurality of information terminals 16, an information processing device 18, and a device information server 20. The devices constituting the information processing system 10 are connected via a communication network 22, which may include a LAN, a WAN, the Internet, or the like.

[0016] The multiple devices 12 include devices 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d. Each of the multiple devices 12 includes a home appliance or equipment. Each of the multiple devices 12 has a communication function and transmits and receives data to and from the information processing device 18 via the communication network 22. In the following description, a "first device 12" refers to a specific device 12 among the multiple devices 12 in which a user has activated a function. A "second device 12" refers to a device 12 among the multiple devices 12 that is different from the first device 12, or a device 12 in which a function corresponding to a function activated in the first device 12 has not operated. In the embodiment, a function corresponding to an activated function refers to a function that is the same as or similar to the activated function and that, when activated, can realize an environment equivalent to that of the activated function.

[0017] The multiple devices 12 are classified into multiple categories (which can also be called divisions). The multiple categories are classifications of devices with the same or similar functions based on their functions, and include, for example, (1) environmental control devices / seasonal devices, (2) cooking devices, (3) audiovisual (AV) devices, (4) household devices, and (5) beauty devices / health devices. (1) Environmental control devices / seasonal devices include air conditioners, air purifiers, warm water washing toilet seats, and humidifiers. (2) Cooking devices include microwave ovens, rice cookers, toasters, and induction cooking heaters. (3) AV devices include televisions and recorders. (4) Household devices include washing machines and vacuum cleaners. (5) Beauty devices / health devices include hair dryers and facial massagers.

[0018] Furthermore, the multiple devices 12 include devices that can be used (in other words, operated) by multiple users. Conversely, devices such as smartphones and tablet terminals that have a function to restrict users so that only specific users can use them (e.g., an authentication function using a password or fingerprint) may be excluded from the devices 12 to be analyzed. However, even if a device has a function to restrict users, if multiple users can enjoy the benefits of its operation, the device may be included in the devices 12 to be analyzed.

[0019] The multiple sensors 14 include a sensor 14a and a sensor 14b. The multiple sensors 14 detect various information related to the operation of the corresponding device 12. At least some of the multiple sensors 14 may be devices that identify or authenticate a user who uses the corresponding device 12. Furthermore, at least some of the multiple sensors 14 may be incorporated into the corresponding device 12. Furthermore, at least some of the multiple sensors 14 may be provided separately from the corresponding device 12. The multiple sensors 14 may include at least one of a camera, a microphone, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a fingerprint sensor, and an iris sensor.

[0020] The multiple information terminals 16 include information terminal 16a, information terminal 16b, and information terminal 16c. The multiple information terminals 16 are devices operated by different users. For example, information terminal 16a may be operated by user A, information terminal 16b may be operated by user B, and information terminal 16c may be operated by user C. Each of the multiple information terminals 16 may be a home appliance or equipment, a computer, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone having a user interface (for example, a display unit, etc.).

[0021] The information processing device 18 performs information processing to support the operation of a certain appliance in the home by using information associating corresponding functions among the functions of each of the multiple appliances 12 installed in the home and operation information for each of the multiple appliances 12. That is, the information processing device 18 identifies the function of the appliance used by the user using the operation information of the appliance used by the user, and if the user has a third appliance having a function corresponding to the function used, provides the corresponding function of the third appliance to the user. In the embodiment, the information processing device 18 is a cloud server installed in the cloud and provides the information processing service as a cloud service. As a variation, the information processing device 18 may be an edge server installed in the environment in which the appliance 12 is installed, in other words, in the environment in which the user uses the appliance 12 (e.g., the home). Furthermore, the functions of the information processing device 18 may be incorporated into the information terminal 16 operated by the user.

[0022] The device information server 20 receives identification information of the device 12 from the information processing device 18 and provides information about the device 12 identified by the received identification information (hereinafter also referred to as "device information") to the information processing device 18. The device information in this embodiment is information that associates the identification information of the device 12 with one or more functions provided by the device 12 and attributes (classification attributes) of each function. In other words, the device information in this embodiment includes items of function correspondence rules, which will be described later.

[0023] 2 is a block diagram showing the functional blocks of the information processing device 18 in FIG. 1. Each block shown in the block diagram of the present disclosure can be realized in terms of hardware by elements and mechanical devices such as a computer CPU and memory, and in terms of software by a computer program, etc. However, the functional blocks shown here are realized by the cooperation of these elements. Those skilled in the art will understand that these functional blocks can be realized in various ways by combining hardware and software.

[0024] The information processing device 18 includes a control unit 30, a storage unit 32, and a communication unit 34. The control unit 30 controls the operation of the information processing device 18. The control unit 30 can also be referred to as a data processing unit, and executes various data processing and arithmetic processing. The control unit 30 may be implemented by a processor (such as a CPU) of the information processing device 18. The storage unit 32 stores data referenced or updated by the control unit 30. The communication unit 34 communicates with external devices in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. The control unit 30 transmits and receives data to and from external devices such as the device 12, the sensor 14, the information terminal 16, and the device information server 20 via the communication unit 34.

[0025] The storage unit 32 includes a function correspondence rule storage unit 36. The function correspondence rule storage unit 36 stores, in advance, data associating common functions among the functions provided by each of the multiple devices 12 as "function correspondence rule data." FIG. 3 shows an example of the function correspondence rule. The function correspondence rule is information indicating corresponding functions among the multiple devices 12. Specifically, the function correspondence rule is information associating functions provided by each of the multiple devices 12 that share a common attribute. In other words, the function correspondence rule is information that associates functions provided by each of the multiple devices 12 based on the function attributes. The function attributes can also be considered the characteristics or utility of the function. In the example of FIG. 3, the "recipe download" function of the microwave oven DDD and the "roasted vegetable mode" function of the toaster FFF are associated based on the attribute "latest function." The function correspondence rule can also be considered information that classifies the operation units of the devices along a functional axis and defines the correspondence between the operation units among the multiple devices.

[0026] 2 , the control unit 30 includes an operation information acquisition unit 40, an identification unit 42, a function information output unit 44, and a rule update unit 46. The functions of these multiple functional blocks may be implemented in a computer program, and this computer program may be installed in the storage of the information processing device 18. The processor of the information processing device 18 may perform the functions of the multiple functional blocks by reading this computer program into main memory and executing it.

[0027] The operation information acquisition unit 40 acquires operation information of a plurality of devices 12 installed in the home. In the embodiment, the operation information acquisition unit 54 acquires operation information transmitted from each of the plurality of devices 12. As a variation, the operation information acquisition unit 54 may acquire operation information of the monitored device 12 from a sensor 14 that monitors or detects the state of the device 12. Furthermore, the information processing system 10 may include a database that accumulates and stores operation information of the plurality of devices 12, and the operation information acquisition unit 54 may periodically acquire operation information of the device 12 from the database.

[0028] The identification unit 42 identifies the function of the second device 12 that is not operating when the function of the second device 12 that corresponds to the function that is operating in the first device 12 is not operating, based on the operation information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 40 and the function correspondence rules stored in the function correspondence rule storage unit 36.

[0029] The function information output unit 44 outputs information about the functions of the second device 12 identified by the identification unit 42 (hereinafter also referred to as "recommended functions"). The information about the recommended functions includes content recommending to the user to use the functions of the second device 12 identified by the identification unit 42, and is hereinafter also referred to as "recommended function information." The recommended function information may include information indicating the first device 12 used by the user and information indicating the functions operated by the user on the first device 12, in addition to information indicating the functions of the second device 12 that the user is encouraged to use.

[0030] In the present embodiment, the function information output unit 44 transmits, as the recommended function information, display data recommending the use of the function of the second device 12 identified by the identification unit 42 to the information terminal 16, and causes the content to be displayed on the display unit of the information terminal 16. The display data may include, for example, the name of the second device 12 and an image or text indicating the name and attributes of the recommended function of the second device 12. As a variation, the function information output unit 44 may transmit, as the recommended function information, audio data recommending the use of the function of the second device 12 identified by the identification unit 42 to the information terminal 16, and cause the content to be output from a speaker of the information terminal 16.

[0031] In this embodiment, the function information output unit 44 outputs the recommended function information to a device (e.g., the information terminal 16 as a personal terminal or a shared terminal) different from the information processing device 18. As a modified example, the information processing device 18 may include an output unit (a display unit or the like, not shown) that outputs information to the outside. In this case, the function information output unit 44 may output (display or audio output) the recommended function information from the output unit.

[0032] Furthermore, when the recommended function information is output to a device different from the information processing device 18, the output destination device may be determined for each second device 12. For example, the storage unit 32 may store information on the information terminals 16 owned by each of multiple users. When the recommended function information is to be output, the function information output unit 44 may identify the user (operating user) who operated the corresponding first device 12, as indicated by the operation information used to identify the recommended function. The function information output unit 44 may transmit the recommended function information to the information terminal 16 of the identified operating user.

[0033] When a new device 12 is installed in the house, the rule update unit 46 updates the function correspondence rules stored in the function correspondence rule storage unit 36 based on information about the new device 12 .

[0034] The operation of the information processing system 10 of the first embodiment configured as described above will now be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing device 18 of FIG. 1. The function correspondence rule storage unit 36 of the information processing device 18 stores in advance function correspondence rules that are consistent with the installation status of the multiple devices 12 in the home. For example, the rule update unit 46 of the information processing device 18 may receive identification information of the multiple devices 12 installed in the home input from the user's information terminal 16, and acquire device information of the multiple devices 12 from the device information server 20 based on the received identification information. The rule update unit 46 may store the device information of the multiple devices 12 acquired from the device information server 20 as function correspondence rules in the function correspondence rule storage unit 36.

[0035] Furthermore, the function correspondence rule storage unit 36 may link floor plan information of the home with the installation status of the plurality of devices 12 and store function correspondence rules that are consistent with the installation status of the plurality of devices 12. The floor plan information is information that indicates the layout of rooms in the home, and includes information that indicates the functions of the rooms, such as living room, bedroom, and kitchen, and information about the size of the rooms, such as the number of square meters. By linking the floor plan information with the installation status of the plurality of devices 12 in this way, it is possible to obtain operation information of the plurality of devices 12 in accordance with the user's lifestyle and the size of the space, and therefore it is possible to output information about the functions of the devices that are suited to the user's lifestyle and living space.

[0036] Users (e.g., user A, user B, and user C) residing in a house operate the appliance 12 in their daily lives to make the appliance 12 operate. The appliance 12 generates operation information (which can also be called an operation log) that is information about operations based on user operations, and transmits the operation information to the information processing device 18. Note that the appliance 12 may generate operation information that includes information detected by the sensor 14 (e.g., information about the operating user). The operation information acquisition unit 54 of the information processing device 18 acquires the operation information transmitted from the appliance 12 (S10).

[0037] FIG. 5 shows an example of operation information for an environmental control device and a seasonal device. FIG. 6 shows an example of operation information for a cooking appliance. The operation information includes identification information for the device 12 ("Device" column), the date and time when the device 12 operated or the time when an operation was input to the device 12 ("Time" column), and information indicating the operation input to the device 12 or the state set for the device 12 ("Operation / Setting" column). The identification information for the device 12 may include the type of device 12 (e.g., washing machine) and the serial number of the device 12. The operation input to the device 12 may include an operation to turn an operation on or off. The information in the "Operation / Setting" column includes information indicating a function that was operated in the device 12 (e.g., ion emission function or recipe download) and information indicating the setting of the device 12 (e.g., automatic setting).

[0038] The operation information further includes identification information ("operating user" column) of the user who operated the device 12 (operating user). For example, the device 12 may include an operation reception unit, which is an interface that receives operations from a user who instructs an operation. The device 12 may set the operation / setting information and information about the operating user input to the operation reception unit in the operation information. The device 12 may also identify the user who inputs an operation to the device 12 using the detection result by the sensor 14. For example, the device 12 may identify the operating user by comparing the information about the operating user detected by the sensor 14 with user authentication information pre-stored in the device 12, and set the information about the identified operating user in the operation information.

[0039] For example, if the sensor 14 is a camera (image sensor), the sensor 14 may capture an image of the operating user. The device 12 may identify the operating user by comparing a camera image of the operating user with images of each user pre-stored in the device 12. As a modified example, the sensor 14 may transmit a camera image of the operating user to the information processing device 18. The motion information acquisition unit 54 of the information processing device 18 may identify the operating user by comparing the camera image with images of each user pre-stored in the device 12, and add information about the identified user to the motion information transmitted from the device 12. Alternatively, a processor within the sensor 14 may perform a process of identifying the user, and the sensor 14 may transmit information indicating the identified user to the device 12 or the information processing device 18.

[0040] 4 , the identification unit 42 of the information processing device 18 identifies recommended functions (which can also be called recommended operations) for the device 12 by referring to the operation information of the device 12 acquired in S10 and the function correspondence rules stored in the function correspondence rule storage unit 36. The identification unit 42 checks whether or not each attribute (which can also be called a functional axis) included in the function correspondence rules is in use, and when there are devices that are in use and devices that are not in use for a specific attribute, the identification unit 42 determines a function in the device that is not in use that corresponds to the attribute as a recommended function for the device that is not in use.

[0041] In the embodiment, the identification unit 42 identifies, based on the function correspondence rules, the attributes of the function operated on the first device 12, which is indicated by the operation information of the first device 12 acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 40. For example, if the operation information indicates that the ion emission function was operated on the air conditioner AAA, the identification unit 42 identifies "air quality improvement," "sterilization," and "beauty" as the attributes of the "ion emission function" operated on the air conditioner AAA as the first device 12.

[0042] The identification unit 42 refers to the function correspondence rules and identifies functions of other devices 12 (hereinafter also referred to as "corresponding functions") that are associated with the attributes of the function operated on the first device 12. The identification unit 42 refers to the operation information and, if there is another device 12 in which the corresponding function is not operating, identifies the other device 12 as a second device. The identification unit 42 identifies the corresponding functions of the second device as recommended functions for the user and generates recommended function information (S11).

[0043] For example, if the identification unit 42 detects, based on the operation information, that the "ion emission function" of air conditioner AAA has been used and that the "ion emission function" of vacuum cleaner KKK, which has the same attribute "improved air quality" as the "ion emission function" of air conditioner AAA, has not been used, the identification unit 42 identifies the "ion emission function" of vacuum cleaner KKK as a recommended function. The identification unit 42 generates display data recommending the use of the "ion emission function" of vacuum cleaner KKK. The identification unit 42 may also generate display data indicating the "ion emission function" of vacuum cleaner KKK as a recommended function and indicating the "ion emission function" of air conditioner AAA as a function that has been used by users.

[0044] As described above, the "ion emission function" of the air conditioner AAA also has the attribute "beauty." If the identification unit 42 detects, based on the operation information, that the "ion emission function" of the air conditioner AAA has been used and that the "ion emission function" of the hair dryer LLL, which has the same attribute "beauty" as the "ion emission function," has not been used, the identification unit 42 identifies the "ion emission function" of the hair dryer LLL as a recommended function. The identification unit 42 generates display data recommending the use of the "ion emission function" of the hair dryer LLL. The identification unit 42 may also generate display data indicating the "ion emission function" of the hair dryer LLL as a recommended function and indicating the "ion emission function" of the air conditioner AAA as a function that has been used by users. Furthermore, the "ion emission function" of the air conditioner AAA also has the attribute "disinfection." In this case, as with the above-mentioned "beauty," if it is detected that the "ion release function" of the air conditioner AAA has been used and that a device with the same attribute "sterilization" function, such as the "ion release function" of the washing machine JJJ, has not been used, the "ion release function" of the washing machine JJJ will be identified as the recommended function.

[0045] The function information output unit 44 transmits the recommended function information generated by the identification unit 42 to the information terminal 16 (S12). For example, the function information output unit 44 may transmit display data recommending the use of the recommended function to the information terminal 16. Upon receiving the recommended function information transmitted from the information processing device 18 or upon input of a predetermined operation by the user (for example, an operation to instruct the display of a recommended function), the information terminal 16 causes the display unit to display the recommended function information transmitted from the information processing device 18.

[0046] (Effects) According to the information processing device 18 of the embodiment, by recommending to the user the use of a function of the second device 12 that is compatible with a function operated on the first device 12, it is possible to promote the user's recognition and use of a function of the second device 12 that the user has not used but that is likely to be compatible with the user's intentions and preferences. In other words, the information processing device 18 can support the user in mastering the device 12. Furthermore, the information processing device 18 can promote the device 12 to perform operations that are in line with the user's intentions and preferences.

[0047] When a new device 12 is installed in a home, the user transmits identification information of the new device 12 from the information terminal 16 to the information processing device 18. Alternatively, the new device 12 may autonomously transmit its identification information to the information processing device 18 when it is connected to the home LAN. The rule update unit 46 of the information processing device 18 transmits the identification information of the new device 12 to the device information server 20 and acquires device information about the new device 12 from the device information server 20. As described above, the device information about the new device 12 includes function correspondence rules for the new device 12. The rule update unit 46 stores the function correspondence rules for the new device 12, which are included in the device information acquired from the device information server 20, in the function correspondence rule storage unit 36.

[0048] For example, when a facial beauty device MMM shown in the function correspondence rules of Figure 3 is newly installed in a home, the rule update unit 46 acquires device information including function correspondence rules related to the facial beauty device MMM from the device information server 20. The rule update unit 46 adds the function correspondence rules of the facial beauty device MMM acquired from the device information server 20 (for example, the bottom two records shown in the function correspondence rules of Figure 3) to the function correspondence rules stored in the function correspondence rule storage unit 36.

[0049] According to the information processing device 18 of the embodiment, when a new device 12 is installed in the user's environment, the new device 12 can be automatically added to the devices 12 to be analyzed by updating the function correspondence rules based on information about the new device 12.

[0050] The present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments. The embodiments are merely examples, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of each component or each treatment process of the embodiments, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure. Modifications are shown below.

[0051] (First Modification) A first modification will be described. Even if a function of the second device 12 corresponding to a function operated on the first device 12 has operated one or more times, if the operation frequency is less than a predetermined threshold, the identification unit 42 of the information processing device 18 may consider the corresponding function of the second device 12 to be not operating and identify the corresponding function of the second device 12 as a recommended function. The threshold for the operation frequency may be the percentage of times the corresponding function of the second device 12 has operated relative to the total number of times the second device 12 has operated, and may be, for example, 10% or 20%.

[0052] Furthermore, the operation frequency threshold for a function that can be operated (set) in parallel with the primary function of the second device 12 may be set to be higher than the operation frequency threshold for a function that cannot be operated (set) in parallel with the primary function of the second device 12. For example, the eco mode of air conditioner AAA can be set and operated in parallel with heating and cooling, which are the primary functions of air conditioner AAA. Therefore, the operation frequency threshold for the eco mode of air conditioner AAA may be higher than the operation frequency threshold for other functions of air conditioner AAA (functions that cannot be set and operated in parallel with heating and cooling); for example, the former threshold may be 50% and the latter threshold may be 20%.

[0053] The operation frequency threshold for the function of the device 12 may be determined using statistical values for multiple users or all users in the environment (e.g., a home). Alternatively, the operation frequency threshold may be determined using statistical values for multiple users with similar attributes, intentions, or preferences. For example, the identification unit 42 (or a threshold setting unit, not shown) of the information processing device 18 may set the operation frequency threshold for the ion emission function of the air purifier BBB based on the proportion (statistical value) of users who use the ion emission function of the air conditioner AAA who use the ion emission function of the air purifier BBB.

[0054] (Second Modification) A second modification will be described. The function information output unit 44 of the information processing device 18 may transmit data (signals) indicating an instruction to operate the recommended function to the second device 12 as information regarding the function of the second device 12 corresponding to the function operated in the first device 12 (i.e., the recommended function). This allows the operation of the recommended function in the second device 12 to be automatically started.

[0055] (Third Modification) A third modification will be described. As described in the embodiment, the multiple devices 12 are classified into multiple categories. The identification unit 42 of the information processing device 18 may identify, as a recommended function, a function of a second device that belongs to the same category as the first device, in preference to a function of a second device that belongs to a category different from that of the first device. The identification unit 42 may identify, as a recommended function, a function of a second device that belongs to a category different from that of the first device, on the condition that a second device that belongs to the same category as the first device does not exist in the environment.

[0056] For example, the air conditioner AAA and the air purifier BBB are classified into the category "environmental control devices / seasonal devices," and the vacuum cleaner KKK is classified into the category "household devices." Here, assume that the operation information detects that the ion emission function of the air conditioner AAA has been turned on. The identification unit 42 identifies the ion emission function of the air purifier BBB and the ion emission function of the vacuum cleaner KKK as the corresponding functions of the second device, based on the attribute "improving air quality." In this modified example, the identification unit 42 prioritizes the ion emission function of the air purifier BBB, which belongs to the same category as the air conditioner AAA, as the recommended function over the ion emission function of the vacuum cleaner KKK, which belongs to a different category from the air conditioner AAA. This is because it is considered that the user is more likely to want to use similar functions on devices 12 in the same category.

[0057] Conversely, the identification unit 42 may identify a function of a second device that belongs to a different category from the first device as a recommended function, giving priority to a function of a second device that belongs to the same category as the first device. The identification unit 42 may identify a function of a second device that belongs to the same category as the first device as a recommended function, provided that a second device that belongs to a different category from the first device is not present in the environment. In the above example, the identification unit 42 may identify the ion emission function of a vacuum cleaner KKK that belongs to a different category from the air conditioner AAA as a recommended function, giving priority to the ion emission function of an air purifier BBB that belongs to the same category as the air conditioner AAA. This allows the user to recognize that a function similar to the function of the first device 12 used by the user is also available in a second device 12 that belongs to a different category from the first device 12, thereby promoting use of the second device 12 that belongs to a different category from the first device 12.

[0058] The user may determine a priority that specifies whether a function of the second device 12 in the same category as the first device 12 is to be given priority as a recommended function, or whether a function of the second device 12 in a category different from that of the first device 12 is to be given priority as a recommended function. The identification unit 42 may store the priority transmitted from the user's information terminal 16 or the priority input to an input unit (such as a user interface not shown) of the information processing device 18, and, depending on the priority, may prioritize either a function of the second device 12 in the same category or a function of the second device 12 in a different category as a recommended function.

[0059] (Fourth Modification) A fourth modification related to the third modification will be described. The identification unit 42 of the information processing device 18 may determine whether to prioritize identification of a function of a second device that belongs to the same category as the first device, or whether to prioritize identification of a function of a second device that belongs to a category different from that of the first device, depending on the frequency or number of times that the function of the second device 12 is used by the user.

[0060] Specifically, the information processing device 18 may further include a recommended function storage unit and a statistical processing unit. The recommended information storage unit may store information about the recommended functions identified by the identification unit 42, in other words, about the recommended functions notified to the user by the function information output unit 44. The statistical processing unit may acquire statistical information about the use of the recommended functions after notifying the user of the recommended functions. The statistical processing unit may derive the frequency or number of times the recommended functions are used after notifying the user of the recommended functions based on the operation information. The identification unit 42 may determine whether to prioritize the recommended functions between a function of the second device 12 in the same category and a function of the second device 12 in a different category, or may switch the priority target, depending on the frequency or number of times the recommended functions derived by the statistical processing unit are used.

[0061] For example, in a situation where a function of a second device 12 in the same category is given priority as a recommended function, if the usage frequency of the recommended function is less than a predetermined threshold, the identification unit 42 may switch to giving priority to a function of a second device 12 in a different category as a recommended function. Note that, when recommended function information is provided for a specific target user, the statistical processing unit may acquire statistical information (derive frequency or number of times, etc.) using operation information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 40 in which the operating user is the target user. In another aspect, even when recommended function information is provided for a specific target user, the statistical processing unit may acquire statistical information using both operation information in which the operating user is the target user and operation information in which the operating user is a user other than the target user.

[0062] Furthermore, the index value (threshold value) for the frequency or number of times the recommendation function is used may depend on the frequency of use of the second device 12 that provides the recommendation function, etc. Therefore, the index value (threshold value) may be set for each category of the second device 12 that provides the recommendation function.

[0063] Furthermore, user behavior in the environment (e.g., usage patterns of the device 12) may change from time to time. Therefore, the statistical processing unit may derive, for each time period indicated by the operation information, the frequency or number of times (hereinafter, the number of times is also referred to as "frequency") that the recommended function is used for each time period. The identification unit 42 may change a priority that specifies whether to prioritize a function of the second device 12 in the same category as the first device 12 as the recommended function, or to prioritize a function of the second device 12 in a different category from the first device 12 as the recommended function, depending on the usage frequency of the recommended function for each time period. In other words, the identification unit 42 may switch whether to prioritize a function of the second device 12 in the same category or a function of the second device 12 in a different category as the recommended function, depending on the usage frequency of the recommended function for each time period.

[0064] Also, assume that all users in a home use the home devices 12 during weekday nighttime hours (e.g., 6:00 PM to midnight), and only a specific user (e.g., user A) uses the home devices 12 during holiday morning time hours (e.g., 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM). In this case, the specification unit 42 may change the priority between the weekday nighttime hours and the holiday morning time hours.

[0065] (Fifth Modification) A fifth modification will be described. The identification unit 42 of the information processing device 18 may determine a primary usage time period for each of the multiple devices 12 based on the times (e.g., operation times) indicated by the multiple pieces of operation information for the multiple devices 12. One of the usage time periods is, for example, a weekday nighttime period (e.g., 6:00 PM to midnight). The identification unit 42 may determine a specific time period as the primary usage time period for a certain device 12 if a predetermined percentage (e.g., 60%) or more of one or more operations of the device 12 are performed during that specific time period. The identification unit 42 may determine recommended functions for a second device 12 using only the operation information indicating operations during the primary usage time period. Conversely, the identification unit 42 may determine recommended functions for a device 12 using only the operation information indicating operations during a minor usage time period (e.g., a weekday daytime period (e.g., 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM)).

[0066] The function information output unit 44 of the information processing device 18 may output information about recommended functions determined using only the operation information for a specific time period during that specific time period. Alternatively, the function information output unit 44 may identify an operating user indicated by the operation information for the specific time period, and output information about recommended functions determined using only the operation information for the specific time period to the information terminal 16 of the identified operating user.

[0067] (Sixth Modification) A sixth modification will be described. The storage unit 32 of the information processing device 18 may store data on a predetermined upper limit of the number of outputs of recommended function information to be output within a predetermined period. The function information output unit 44 of the information processing device 18 may determine whether to output information on recommended functions so that the number of times recommended function information is output is within the upper limit. In other words, if the number of times recommended function information has been output within a predetermined period reaches the upper limit, the function information output unit 44 may refrain from outputting new recommended function information during that period. Furthermore, the function information output unit 44 may use priority when determining whether to output information on recommended functions.

[0068] The information processing device 18 may further include a statistical processing unit (not shown). The statistical processing unit may derive the number of times the function of the second device 12 indicated by the recommended function has been used based on the operation information acquired after the recommended function information has been output. The statistical processing unit may also derive the frequency with which the recommended function has been used relative to the number of times the recommended function information has been output. The function information output unit 44 may increase the upper limit of the number of times the recommended function has been used if the number of times or frequency with which the recommended function has been used is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (e.g., 30%).

[0069] (Seventh Modification) A seventh modification will be described. The identification unit 42 of the information processing device 18 may prioritize and identify a function of a second device installed near a first device 12 as a recommended function, further based on information indicating the locations where multiple devices 12 are installed. This is because it is considered likely that a user who has used the first device 12 will also want to use the same function of a second device 12 located near the first device 12 or in the same space.

[0070] 3 may include information indicating the installation positions of each of the plurality of devices 12 in an environment (such as a home). The identification unit 42 of the information processing device 18 may extract second devices 12 that are installed in the same space (such as a room) as the first device 12 indicated by the operation information, and determine recommended functions from among the functions included in the extracted second devices 12.

[0071] (Eighth Modification) An eighth modification will be described. The function information output unit 44 of the information processing device 18 may transmit information about recommended functions to the second device 12 that provides the recommended functions. The second device 12 may include a display unit such as a liquid crystal display and a display control unit that displays the recommended function information transmitted from the information processing device 18 on the display unit. The second device 12 may detect that the user is paying attention to the second device 12 (in other words, that the user is directing their gaze or paying attention to the second device 12) based on a detection result from a sensor 14 (e.g., a sensor 14 mounted on the device 12). The display control unit of the second device 12 may display the recommended function information on the display unit when it detects that the second device 12 is a recommended device and that the user is paying attention to the second device 12.

[0072] 7(a) and 7(b) show examples of recommended function information displayed on the display unit of the second device 12 (here, air purifier BBB). Fig. 7(a) shows an example in which the recommended function information provided from the information processing device 18 indicates that the ion emission function of air purifier BBB is a recommended function.

[0073] 7(b) shows an example in which the recommended function information provided by the information processing device 18 indicates that the ion emission function of air purifier BBB is a recommended function, and the information processing device 18 automatically turns on the ion emission function of air purifier BBB. The recommended function information shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b) includes information about the ion emission function of air purifier BBB as well as information about the first device 12 (air conditioner AAA).

[0074] (Ninth Modification) A ninth modification will be described. The function correspondence rule may include information about a function provided in a third device 12 that is not installed in an environment where multiple devices 12 are installed. Alternatively, or in addition to this, the function correspondence rule may include information about a function that has not been introduced into the devices 12 that have been installed in the environment. The function that has not been introduced into the devices 12 may be a function implemented in a computer program that can be downloaded from an external device via the communication network 22 and installed into the devices 12; in other words, it may be a function that can be added later to the installed devices 12.

[0075] The identification unit 42 may refer to the function correspondence rules to identify a function provided in the third device 12 or a function not yet installed in the second device 12 that corresponds to the function that operated in the first device. In this case, the function information output unit 44 may provide the user with information regarding the installation of the third device 12 or information regarding the purchase of the function not yet installed in the second device 12, and may transmit the information to the user's information terminal 16.

[0076] The information regarding the introduction of the third device 12 may be information that supports or encourages the purchase of the third device 12, and may include detailed information, price information, discount coupons, etc. about the third device 12. The information regarding the purchase of a function not yet installed in the device 12 may be information that supports or encourages the purchase of the function not yet installed, and may include detailed information, price information, discount coupons, etc. about the function not yet installed. The information regarding the introduction of the third device 12 or the information regarding the purchase of a function not yet installed in the second device 12 may be periodically provided from the device information server 20 to the information processing device 18 and stored in the storage unit 32 of the information processing device 18. Alternatively, the information processing device 18 may further include a device information acquisition unit that dynamically acquires information regarding the third device 12 or the not yet installed function from the device information server 20 when the identification unit 42 identifies a function installed in the third device 12 or a function not yet installed in the second device 12.

[0077] Furthermore, when the identification unit 42 receives information indicating that a certain device 12 in the environment is nearing the end of its device life or that the certain device 12 has broken down, the identification unit 42 may identify a third device 12 that is not present in the environment and is related to the certain device 12, and the function information output unit 44 may provide the user with information about the third device 12. This third device 12 may be a device 12 in the same category as the certain device 12, or may be a device 12 that has a function corresponding to the function of the certain device 12.

[0078] (Tenth Modification) A tenth modification will be described. The function correspondence rule may include information indicating the degree of association between function attributes (hereinafter also referred to as "function-attribute association information"). FIG. 8 shows an example of function-attribute association information. The figure shows the degree of association of multiple horizontally arranged attributes with each of multiple vertically arranged attributes. "High" indicates a high degree of association, "low" indicates a low degree of association, and no value (blank) indicates a medium degree of association.

[0079] Here, the priority of recommended functions is determined based on the frequency of use. If the attribute of the least frequently used function is "attention to detail," the identification unit 42 of the information processing device 18 identifies a function belonging to the attribute "attention to detail" as a recommended function with the highest priority. Thereafter, the identification unit 42 identifies a function belonging to the attribute "beauty," which has a high degree of association with the attribute "attention to detail," as a recommended function with the next highest priority, in accordance with the function-attribute association information of FIG. 8. On the other hand, the identification unit 42 lowers the priority of identifying functions belonging to the attributes "automatic," "savings," or "latest functions," which have a low degree of association with the attribute "attention to detail," as recommended functions.

[0080] (Effect) According to this modification, when recommended function information is output multiple times, it becomes easier to output multiple pieces of recommended function information that are highly related (in other words, compatible) based on the degree of relatedness (in other words, compatibility) between function attributes. This makes it easier to provide multiple pieces of recommended function information that are useful to the user.

[0081] In the above embodiment or modification, the plurality of functional blocks included in the information processing device 18 may be distributed and implemented in a plurality of devices, and these devices may cooperate as a system while transmitting and receiving data to and from each other, thereby realizing processing similar to the processing of the information processing device 18 in the embodiment.

[0082] Any combination of the above-described examples and modifications is also useful as an embodiment of the present disclosure. A new embodiment resulting from a combination will have the combined effects of the combined examples and modifications. It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that the functions to be performed by each constituent element described in the claims can be realized by each component shown in the examples and modifications alone or in combination.

[0083] <Supplementary Notes> The above embodiments and variations disclose the following technologies. [Technology 1] An information output method comprising: acquiring operation information of a plurality of devices; identifying, if a function of a second device corresponding to a function that operated in a first device is not operating, the function of the second device that is not operating based on the operation information and function information that previously associates common functions among functions provided in each of the plurality of devices; and outputting information related to the identified function of the second device. This information output method can assist in making the operation of the second device compatible with the operation of the first device in an environment where a plurality of devices are installed. [Technology 2] The information output method described in Technology 1, wherein the function information is information that associates functions provided in each of the plurality of devices that have common attributes. This information output method makes it easier to appropriately set the correspondence between functions between devices. [Technology 3] The information output method according to Technology 1 or 2, wherein, in the identifying process, even if a function of the second device corresponding to a function operated in the first device is operating, if the frequency of operation is below a predetermined threshold, the function of the second device is considered not to be operating. This information output method makes it possible to output information about a function of the second device corresponding to a function operated in the first device when the function of the second device corresponding to the function operated in the first device operates at a low frequency, thereby supporting the operation of the second device to be compatible with the operation of the first device. [Technology 4] The information output method according to Technology 1 to 3, wherein, in the output process, an instruction to operate the function of the second device corresponding to the function operated in the first device is sent to the second device. This information output method makes it possible to automatically start the operation of the function of the second device corresponding to the function operated in the first device. [Technology 5] The information output method according to Technology 1 to 4, wherein, when a new device is installed in an environment where multiple devices are installed, the function information is updated based on information about the new device. This information output method makes it possible to automatically add a new device installed in the environment to the devices to be analyzed.[Technology 6] The information output method according to any one of Techniques 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of devices are divided into a plurality of categories, and the identifying process prioritizes identifying functions of a second device that belong to the same category as the first device. This information output method makes it possible to more appropriately identify the functions of the second device to be output by taking into account the category of the device. [Technology 7] The information output method according to any one of Techniques 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of devices are divided into a plurality of categories, and the output process provides information about the identified functions of the second device to a user, and determines whether to prioritize identifying functions of a second device that belong to the same category as the first device or to prioritize identifying functions of a second device that belong to a different category from the first device, depending on the frequency with which the functions of the second device are used by the user. This information output method makes it easier to appropriately determine whether to prioritize identifying functions of a second device that belong to the same category as the first device or to prioritize identifying functions of a second device that belong to a different category from the first device. [Technology 8] The information output method according to any one of Techniques 1 to 7, wherein the identifying process prioritizes identifying functions of a second device installed near the first device, further based on information indicating the locations where the multiple devices are installed. This information output method makes it easier to identify an appropriate device as the second device. [Technology 9] The function information includes information about functions provided by a third device not installed in the environment where the multiple devices are installed, or information about functions not installed in the second device, and if the identifying process identifies a function provided by the third device or a function not installed in the second device that corresponds to a function that operated in the first device, the output process provides the user with information about the installation of the third device or information about the installation of a function not installed in the second device. This information output method makes it easier to provide appropriate information to users and encourages users to install new devices or new functions (e.g., purchase them).[Technology 10] An information processing device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires operation information of a plurality of devices; an identification unit that, when a function of a second device corresponding to a function that operated in a first device is not operating, identifies the inactive function of the second device based on the operation information and function information that previously associates common functions among functions provided by each of the plurality of devices; and an output unit that outputs information about the identified function of the second device. This information processing device can assist in making the operation of the second device compatible with the operation of the first device in an environment where a plurality of devices are installed. [Technology 11] A computer program that causes a computer to execute the following steps: acquire operation information of a plurality of devices; identify the inactive function of the second device based on the operation information and function information that previously associates common functions among functions provided by each of the plurality of devices, when a function of the second device corresponding to a function that operated in the first device is not operating; and output information about the identified function of the second device. This computer program allows a computer to execute a process to assist a second device in an environment where multiple devices are installed so that the operation of the second device is adapted to the operation of the first device.

[0084] The technology of the present disclosure can be applied to an information processing device or an information processing system.

[0085] 10 Information processing system, 12 Device, 18 Information processing device, 36 Function correspondence rule storage unit, 40 Operation information acquisition unit, 42 Identification unit, 44 Function information output unit, 46 Rule update unit.

Claims

1. Acquire operation information of multiple devices, based on the operation information and function information in which common functions among functions provided in each of the plurality of devices are associated with each other in advance, when a function of a second device corresponding to a function operated in a first device is not operating, the function of the second device that is not operating is identified; outputting information relating to the identified function of the second device; The computer executes this, The plurality of devices are divided into a plurality of categories; In the process of identifying, a function of a second device that belongs to the same category as the first device is identified with priority. Information output method.

2. The function information is information associating functions provided in each of the plurality of devices having a common attribute. The information output method according to claim 1 .

3. In the process of identifying, even if a function of the second device corresponding to the function operated in the first device is operating, if the frequency of the operation is less than a predetermined threshold, the function of the second device is considered not to be operating.