Smart home

Abstract

The present disclosure addresses the problem of suppressing the possibility of a home network formation becoming complex, and performing communication via a communication device more efficiently. A smart home (1) comprises a body part (2), a roof (3), a space (6), a communication device (100), and a radio wave reflector (15). The body part (2) comprises at least one room inside. The roof (3) covers the upper part of the body part (2). The space (6) is provided between the at least one room and the roof (3) in the body part (2). The communication device (100) is provided in the space (6) and performs wireless communication with equipment present in the body part (2). The radio wave reflector (15) is provided in the space (6) and reflects radio waves, output from the communication device (100), toward the at least one room. The radio wave reflector (15) is provided between the communication device (100) and the roof (3).

Description

Smart Home

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to smart homes, and more particularly to smart homes equipped with communication devices that communicate wirelessly.

[0002] BACKGROUND ART In recent years, smart homes have become known in which a network is formed to enable communication between a plurality of electrical devices in a home (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In Patent Document 1, a mesh network including a plurality of access points (communication devices) is formed in a facility (smart home).

[0004] In Patent Document 1, an access point (communication device) is provided in each of a plurality of rooms in a facility, which may complicate the formation of a network within the facility, that is, the formation of a so-called home network.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-52291

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a smart home that reduces the possibility of home network formation becoming complicated and enables communication via communication devices to be carried out more efficiently.

[0007] A smart home according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a main body, a roof, a space, a communication device, and a radio wave reflector. The main body has at least one room inside. The roof covers an upper part of the main body. The space is provided in the main body between the at least one room and the roof. The communication device is provided in the space and communicates wirelessly with devices present in the main body. The radio wave reflector is provided in the space and reflects radio waves output from the communication device toward the at least one room. The radio wave reflector is provided between the communication device and the roof.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an application example of a smart home according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the smart home. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a communication device provided in the smart home. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a noise reduction device provided in the smart home. FIG. 5 is a screen diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on an information terminal according to an aspect of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a screen diagram illustrating another example of a screen displayed on the information terminal. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the information terminal when operating an air conditioner. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the information terminal when operating a lighting fixture. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the information terminal when setting sound effects for the noise reduction device. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the noise reduction device when outputting sound effects. FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a portion of a radio wave reflector and a portion of a roof according to Modification Example 2.

[0009] The embodiments and modifications described below are merely examples of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and modifications. Various modifications other than the following embodiments and modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as they do not deviate from the technical concept of the present disclosure.

[0010] (Embodiment) A smart home 1 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figs.

[0011] (1) Overview As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , a smart home 1 according to an embodiment includes a main body 2, a roof 3, a space 6, a communication device 100, and a radio wave reflector 15. The main body 2 has at least one room inside (two rooms 4 and 5 in the illustrated example). The roof 3 covers the upper part of the main body 2. The space 6 is provided in the main body 2 between the at least one room and the roof 3. The communication device 100 is provided in the space 6 and communicates wirelessly with devices present in the main body 2. The radio wave reflector 15 is provided in the space 6 and reflects radio waves output from the communication device 100 toward the at least one room. The radio wave reflector 15 is provided between the communication device 100 and the roof 3. Here, the devices are, for example, an air conditioner 200, a noise reduction device (active noise canceller: ANC) 300, a lighting fixture 400, and an information terminal 500 (see FIGS. 1 and 2 ).

[0012] In the smart home 1, a radio wave reflector 15 provided between the communication device 100 and the roof 3 reflects radio waves output from the communication device 100 downward, i.e., toward at least one room contained within the main body 2. This allows for more efficient communication via the communication device 100. Furthermore, since there is no need to provide a communication device 100 for each room, the possibility of the formation of a home network becoming complicated can be reduced.

[0013] In the following description of the present embodiment, a detached house will be used as an example of the smart home 1. However, the smart home 1 is not limited to a detached house. The smart home 1 may be an apartment building or each dwelling unit of an apartment building.

[0014] (2) Configuration (2.1) Smart Home The configuration of the smart home 1 according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1 , the smart home 1 includes a main body 2 , a roof 3 , a space 6 , a communication device 100 , and a radio wave reflector 15 .

[0016] The main body 2 has at least one room (two rooms 4 and 5 in the illustrated example) inside. Here, the room 4 is provided on the first floor of the smart home 1, and the room 5 is provided on the second floor of the smart home 1.

[0017] The roof 3 covers the upper part of the main body 2 .

[0018] The space 6 is provided in the main body 2 between the at least one room (here, the room 5) and the roof 3. In other words, the space 6 is provided above the room 5 provided in the main body 2 and below the roof 3. The space 6 in this embodiment is an attic. Hereinafter, the space 6 will also be referred to as the attic 6.

[0019] 1 and 2, smart home 1 further includes air conditioner 200, ANC 300, and a plurality of (three in FIG. 1) lighting fixtures 400. When it is necessary to describe the plurality of lighting fixtures 400 individually, they will be referred to as lighting fixtures 401, 402, and 403.

[0020] The communication device 100 is provided in the space 6 and communicates wirelessly with devices present in the main body 2. The communication device 100 is, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) router. The communication device 100 has an access point function (a function for converting between a wired LAN and a wireless LAN) and a router function (a function for connecting multiple devices to the Internet), and forms a home LAN, i.e., a home network. Here, the devices are, as described above, for example, the air conditioner 200, the ANC 300, the multiple lighting fixtures 400, and the information terminal 500.

[0021] The radio wave reflector 15 is provided in the space 6 and reflects the radio waves output from the communication device 100 toward the at least one room. The radio wave reflector 15 is provided between the communication device 100 and the roof 3.

[0022] The smart home 1 is configured so that movement between rooms 4 and 5 can be freely performed using stairs or the like (not shown). The smart home 1 is also configured so that movement between room 5 and attic 6 can be freely performed using stairs or the like (not shown). To allow free movement between room 5 and attic 6, an opening 12 is provided in a part of a partition 11 (see FIG. 1 ) provided between room 5 and attic 6. When movement between room 5 and attic 6 is not performed, the opening 12 is closed by a lid 13.

[0023] The roof 3 has a first roof portion 3a and a second roof portion 3b. The first roof portion 3a slopes downward as it moves away from the center of the roof 3 along a first horizontal direction X1. The second roof portion 3b slopes downward as it moves away from the center of the roof 3 along a second horizontal direction X2, which is the opposite direction to the first horizontal direction X1. Note that the arrows indicating "X1" and "X2" in Figure 1 are shown merely for the purpose of explanation and do not have any physical substance.

[0024] The attic 6 (space 6) is a space surrounded by the upper ends of the walls 14 surrounding the rooms 4 and 5, the partition 11, and the roof 3. In other words, the attic 6 is a space surrounded by the upper ends of the walls 14, the partition 11, the first roof portion 3a, and the second roof portion 3b.

[0025] Furthermore, because the first roof portion 3a and the second roof portion 3b are inclined, the horizontal distance between the first roof portion 3a and the second roof portion 3b in the horizontal direction (first horizontal direction X1 or second horizontal direction X2) is wider at the bottom than at the top in the attic 6. That is, the attic 6 is higher in the center and becomes lower as it moves away from the center in the first horizontal direction X1. Similarly, the attic 6 is lower as it moves away from the center in the second horizontal direction X2.

[0026] The radio wave reflector 15 is formed of a metal plate. For example, the radio wave reflector 15 is formed of an aluminum plate. That is, the radio wave reflector 15 is formed in a plate shape.

[0027] The radio wave reflector 15 has a first inclined surface portion 15a and a second inclined surface portion 15b. The first inclined surface portion 15a slopes downward as it moves away from the center of the radio wave reflector 15 along the first horizontal direction X1. The second inclined surface portion 15b slopes downward as it moves away from the center of the radio wave reflector 15 along a second horizontal direction X2 that is the opposite direction to the first horizontal direction X1. The first inclined surface portion 15a and the second inclined surface portion 15b are configured such that the horizontal distance between the first inclined surface portion 15a and the second inclined surface portion 15b increases as it moves downward from the center of the radio wave reflector 15.

[0028] The radio wave reflector 15 is disposed on the inner surface of the roof 3 in the attic 6. In this embodiment, the first inclined surface portion 15a is provided along the first roof portion 3a, and the second inclined surface portion 15b is provided along the second roof portion 3b. In other words, the first inclined surface portion 15a is attached to the inner surface of the first roof portion 3a along the first roof portion 3a, and the second inclined surface portion 15b is attached to the inner surface of the second roof portion 3b along the second roof portion 3b.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1 , the attic 6 (space 6) is provided with a first vent 21 (vent) and a second vent 22. That is, the smart home 1 includes the first vent 21 and the second vent 22. Specifically, the first vent 21 is provided in one of a pair of opposing walls 14, and the second vent 22 is provided in the other of the opposing walls 14. The first vent 21 and the second vent 22 each connect the attic 6 to the outside of the smart home 1. The first vent 21 and the second vent 22 are provided with wire mesh (not shown) to prevent insects and animals from entering. The first vent 21 is also provided with a lid 23. The lid 23 is configured to be able to open and close freely relative to the first vent 21, with the upper end of the lid 23 serving as a rotation axis. The lid 23 rotates so that the lower end of the lid 23 moves toward the outside of the smart home 1. The second vent 22 is provided with a lid 24. The lid 24 is configured to be able to freely open and close relative to the second vent 22, with the upper end of the lid 24 acting as a rotation axis. The lid 24 rotates so that the lower end of the lid 24 moves toward the inside of the smart home 1, i.e., toward the attic 6.

[0030] In addition to communication device 100, attic 6 is provided with air conditioner 200, ANC 300, and lighting fixture 401. Lighting fixture 402 is provided in room 5, and lighting fixture 403 is provided in room 4.

[0031] (2.2) Communication Device Next, the communication device 100 will be described.

[0032] The communication device 100 is provided below the radio wave reflector 15, that is, below the first inclined surface portion 15a and the second inclined surface portion 15b.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, the communication device 100 includes a first communication unit 101, a second communication unit 102, a storage unit 103, and a control unit 104.

[0034] The communication device 100 includes, for example, a computer system having a processor and a memory. The processor executes a program stored in the memory, causing the computer system to function as the control unit 104. The program executed by the processor is pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system in this example, but may also be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card, or via a telecommunications line such as the Internet.

[0035] The first communication unit 101 has a communication interface for communicating with a network such as the Internet that is provided outside the smart home 1. The first communication unit 101 is connected to the network via, for example, an optical fiber line and is configured to be able to communicate with the network.

[0036] The second communication unit 102 has a communication interface for communicating with devices present in the main body 2 of the smart home 1. The second communication unit 102 is configured to be able to communicate with the devices present in the main body 2, for example, by wireless communication. In other words, the second communication unit 102 is configured to be able to communicate with the devices present in the main body 2 by outputting radio waves.

[0037] The storage unit 103 is configured by a device selected from a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and the like.

[0038] Storage unit 103 stores information about devices with which communication device 100 communicates wirelessly. Specifically, storage unit 103 stores identifiers assigned to the devices. In this example, storage unit 103 stores the identifiers of air conditioner 200, ANC 300, lighting fixture 401, lighting fixture 402, lighting fixture 403, and information terminal 500.

[0039] Control unit 104 receives, from information terminal 500, a control instruction related to control of at least one of air conditioner 200, ANC 300, lighting fixture 401, lighting fixture 402, and lighting fixture 403. Control unit 104 transmits the received control instruction to the device to be controlled via second communication unit 102.

[0040] (2.3) Air Conditioner Next, the air conditioner 200 will be described.

[0041] Air conditioner 200 has a computer system having, for example, a processor and a memory. The processor executes a program stored in the memory, causing the computer system to realize the functions of air conditioner 200. The program executed by the processor is pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system in this example, but it may also be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card, or via a telecommunications line such as the Internet.

[0042] The air conditioner 200 is installed in a space 6 (attic 6) and is configured to be able to wirelessly communicate with an information terminal 500 present in at least one room via a communication device 100.

[0043] 1 , the air conditioner 200 has an indoor air conditioner 201 and an outdoor air conditioner 202. That is, the smart home 1 is equipped with the indoor air conditioner 201 and the outdoor air conditioner 202. The indoor air conditioner 201 is connected to the outdoor air conditioner 202 by a refrigerant pipe. The indoor air conditioner 201 and the outdoor air conditioner 202 are provided in the attic 6.

[0044] The indoor air conditioner 201 includes an indoor heat exchanger (not shown). The indoor air conditioner 201 supplies the wind (air) that has undergone heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger through a duct 35 provided in the smart home 1, from an air outlet 37 to room 5, and from an air outlet 38 to room 4.

[0045] Furthermore, air from rooms 4 and 5 is returned to indoor air conditioner 201 via air supply port 40 provided in room 5, air supply port 41 provided in room 4, and air supply pump 210 provided in attic 6. As a result, the air returned to indoor air conditioner 201 exchanges heat in the indoor heat exchanger, and the heat-converted wind (air) is supplied to rooms 4 and 5. This allows air conditioner 200 to perform cooling or heating in rooms 4 and 5.

[0046] The outdoor air conditioner 202 is provided within a predetermined range from the first air vent 21. The outdoor air conditioner 202 includes an outdoor heat exchanger (not shown), a blower (not shown), and a compressor (not shown). The outdoor air conditioner 202 releases the wind (air) that has undergone heat exchange in the outdoor heat exchanger from the first air vent 21 via the blower to the outside of the attic 6, i.e., the outside of the smart home 1.

[0047] A lid 23 that opens when air is blown from the outdoor air conditioner 202 is disposed on the first air vent 21 so as to be able to be opened and closed freely. Therefore, the air that has undergone heat exchange in the outdoor air conditioner 202 is discharged by a blower through the first air vent 21 to the outside of the attic 6, i.e., to the outside of the smart home 1. In other words, the outdoor air conditioner 202 blows the air that has undergone heat exchange to the outside of the main body 2 through the first air vent 21.

[0048] Furthermore, when the air that has undergone heat exchange in the outdoor air conditioner 202 is released to the outside of the smart home 1 through the first air vent 21 by the blower, the attic 6 becomes negative pressure, and the lid 24 provided on the second air vent 22 in an openable and closable manner is opened. As a result, air from outside the smart home 1 flows into the attic 6 through the second air vent 22, and ventilation is performed.

[0049] In addition, a portion of the outside air that flows into the attic 6 through the second air vent 22 may be supplied to room 5 through the air outlet 37 via the indoor air conditioner 201 and duct 35, and to room 4 through the air outlet 38.

[0050] Alternatively, the air outlets 37 and 38 may be provided in the indoor air conditioner 201. In this case, the refrigerant from the outdoor air conditioner 202 passes through the duct 35, and therefore the air inlets 40 and 41 and the air supply pump 210 are not necessary.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the outdoor air conditioner 202 is installed within a predetermined range from the first air vent 21, and the air that has undergone heat exchange in the outdoor air conditioner 202 is discharged to the outside of the smart home 1 through the first air vent 21. However, this configuration is not limited to this. The outdoor air conditioner 202 and the first air vent 21 may be connected via a duct, and the air that has undergone heat exchange in the outdoor air conditioner 202 may be discharged to the outside of the smart home 1 through the duct and the first air vent 21.

[0052] (2.4) ANC Next, the ANC 300 will be described.

[0053] ANC 300 is provided below radio wave reflector 15, i.e., below first inclined surface portion 15a and second inclined surface portion 15b. ANC 300 is a device that reduces the impact of the operating noise of outdoor air conditioner 202 in attic 6. ANC 300 reduces the operating noise that is the noise emitted when air conditioner 200 is operating. In other words, ANC 300 cancels out the operating noise that is the noise emitted when air conditioner 200 is operating.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 4 , the ANC 300 includes a communication unit 301 , a storage unit 302 , a speaker 303 , a microphone 304 , and a control unit 305 .

[0055] The ANC 300 includes a computer system having, for example, a processor and a memory. The processor executes a program stored in the memory, causing the computer system to function as the control unit 305. The program executed by the processor is pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system in this example, but may also be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card, or via a telecommunications line such as the Internet.

[0056] The communication unit 301 has a communication interface for communicating with other devices (e.g., the information terminal 500 and the air conditioner 200) via the communication device 100. The communication unit 301 is configured to be able to communicate with other devices (e.g., the information terminal 500 and the air conditioner 200) via the communication device 100, for example, by wireless communication.

[0057] The storage unit 302 is configured by a device selected from a ROM, a RAM, an EEPROM, etc. The storage unit 302 stores information related to the operation of the ANC 300.

[0058] The speaker 303 outputs sound under the control of the control unit 305 .

[0059] The microphone 304 is, for example, a directional microphone, and is installed so that the sound collection direction is from the microphone 304 toward the air conditioner 200 (the indoor air conditioner 201 and the outdoor air conditioner 202).

[0060] When air conditioner 200 is operating, that is, when indoor air conditioner 201 and outdoor air conditioner 202 are operating, control unit 305 causes speaker 303 to output a sound that is in the opposite phase (negative phase) to the phase of the sound collected by microphone 304. As a result, speaker 303 outputs a sound that is in the opposite phase to the phase of the operating sound collected by microphone 304.

[0061] The sound collection direction of microphone 304 is the direction from microphone 304 toward air conditioner 200. Therefore, when air conditioner 200 is operating, control unit 305 causes speaker 303 to output a sound that is in the opposite phase (anti-phase) to the phase of the sound collected by microphone 304. In this way, ANC 300 can cancel out the operating noise that is the sound emitted when air conditioner 200 (indoor air conditioner 201 and outdoor air conditioner 202) is operating.

[0062] The ANC 300 is configured to output a preselected sound effect when the outdoor air conditioner 202 is not operating. The ANC 300 outputs a sound effect selected by a user who is a resident of the smart home 1 from among multiple sound effects prestored in a storage unit. Specifically, the control unit 305 of the ANC 300 receives information related to the selected sound effect (sound effect information) from the information terminal 500 via wireless communication via the communication device 100. That is, the control unit 305 receives, from the information terminal 500, sound effect information related to a sound effect to be output from the speaker 303 when the air conditioner 200 is not operating. For example, the sound effect information includes the name of the sound effect. The control unit 305 stores (sets) in the storage unit 302 a sound effect corresponding to the name of the sound effect included in the received sound effect information as the sound effect to be output when the air conditioner 200 is not operating. When the air conditioner 200 is not operating, the control unit 305 causes the speaker 303 to output the sound effects stored in the storage unit 302 .

[0063] Furthermore, ANC 300 further receives a time period for outputting a sound effect from information terminal 500 via wireless communication via communication device 100. That is, ANC 300 receives sound effect information and a time period for outputting a selected sound effect. ANC 300 associates the received time period with a sound effect corresponding to the name of the sound effect included in the received sound effect information and stores the associated time period in storage unit 302. Control unit 305 causes speaker 303 to output the corresponding sound effect during the time period stored in storage unit 302.

[0064] Furthermore, when the control unit 305 receives a stop instruction to stop the output of the sound effect from the information terminal 500 via the communication device 100, the control unit 305 stops the output of the sound effect. This makes it possible to forcibly end the output of the sound effect while it is being output.

[0065] When starting to output sound effects, control unit 305 sends an operation start instruction to air conditioner 200 via communication device 100, instructing the air conditioner to start operating the blower of outdoor air conditioner 202. When stopping the output of sound effects, control unit 305 sends an operation stop instruction to air conditioner 200 via communication device 100, instructing the air conditioner to stop operating the blower of outdoor air conditioner 202. As a result, the blower of outdoor air conditioner 202 is operating while the sound effects are being output, so that the wind from the blower opens lid 23 and opens first air vent 21. When first air vent 21 opens, negative pressure is created in attic 6, opening lid 24 and opening second air vent 22. In the attic 6, the first ventilation opening 21 and the second ventilation opening 22 are in an open state, so the sound effects are effectively emitted to the outside of the smart home 1 from the first ventilation opening 21 and the second ventilation opening 22 of the attic 6. This allows for effective crime prevention measures, animal intrusion prevention measures, etc.

[0066] (2.5) Lighting Fixture Here, the lighting fixture 400 will be described.

[0067] The smart home 1 includes a plurality of lighting fixtures 400. The plurality of lighting fixtures 400 includes light-emitting elements.

[0068] Each of the lighting fixtures 400 includes a computer system having, for example, a processor and a memory. The computer system realizes the functions of the lighting fixture 400 by having the processor execute a program stored in the memory. In this example, the program executed by the processor is pre-stored in the memory of the computer system, but it may also be provided by being stored on a recording medium such as a memory card, or via a telecommunications line such as the Internet.

[0069] A plurality of lighting fixtures 400 are provided in space 6 (attic 6) and are configured to be able to wirelessly communicate with information terminal 500 present in at least one room via communication device 100. For example, lighting fixture 401 is provided in space 6 (attic 6), lighting fixture 402 is provided in room 5, and lighting fixture 403 is provided in room 4.

[0070] Each of the plurality of lighting devices 400 receives a turn-on instruction or a turn-off instruction from information terminal 500 via communication device 100. When the plurality of lighting devices 400 receives a turn-on instruction, the lighting devices 400 turn on their light-emitting elements by emitting light. When the plurality of lighting devices 400 receives a turn-off instruction, the lighting devices 400 stop emitting light from their light-emitting elements by emitting light.

[0071] (2.6) Information Terminal Here, the information terminal 500 will be described.

[0072] The information terminal 500 is a terminal, such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, owned by a user who is a resident of the smart home 1. The information terminal 500 controls the operation of at least one of the air conditioner 200, the ANC 300, and the plurality of lighting fixtures 400 via the communication device 100 based on the user's operation. As shown in FIG. 2 , the information terminal 500 has an input unit 501 and a display unit 502.

[0073] The information terminal 500 includes, for example, a computer system having a processor and memory. The computer system realizes the functions of the information terminal 500 by having the processor execute a program stored in the memory. The program executed by the processor is pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system here, but may also be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card, or may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet. The function of the information terminal 500 here includes, for example, a function to create a screen to be displayed on the display unit 502 and to control the display unit 502 to display the created screen on the display unit 502. For example, the information terminal 500 realizes the function of controlling the display unit 502 by installing dedicated application software and activating the application software.

[0074] The input unit 501 has a function of accepting operations by a user (the owner of the information terminal 500). In this embodiment, the information terminal 500 is a smartphone equipped with a touch panel display, and the touch panel display functions as the display unit 502 and the input unit 501. However, the input unit 501 is not limited to a touch panel display, and may be, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, a mechanical switch, or the like.

[0075] When the information terminal 500 receives a command to start the dedicated application software through a user operation, the information terminal 500 starts the dedicated application software. At this time, the information terminal 500 displays, as an initial screen, a screen for selecting a device to be controlled on the display unit 502. That is, the information terminal 500 displays, as an initial screen, a screen for selecting one of the air conditioner 200, the ANC 300, and the lighting fixture 400 on the display unit 502.

[0076] When the user selects the air conditioner 200 as the device to be controlled on the initial screen, the information terminal 500 displays a screen on the display unit 502 that allows the user to select either an on operation or an off operation as the operation content for the air conditioner 200.

[0077] When an on operation is selected by a user operation, information terminal 500 transmits a first start-up instruction for starting operation of air conditioner 200 to air conditioner 200 via communication device 100. Furthermore, information terminal 500 transmits a second start-up instruction for starting operation of ANC 300 to ANC 300 via communication device 100 in order to reduce operating noise emitted from air conditioner 200.

[0078] When the user selects the OFF operation, the information terminal 500 transmits a first stop instruction for stopping the operation of the air conditioner 200 to the air conditioner 200 via the communication device 100. Furthermore, the information terminal 500 transmits a second stop instruction for stopping the operation of the ANC 300 to the ANC 300 via the communication device 100.

[0079] When a user operates the information terminal 500 to select lighting device 400 on the initial screen as a device to be controlled, the information terminal 500 displays on display unit 502 a screen for selecting at least one lighting device 400 to be controlled from among the plurality of lighting devices 400. When a user operates the information terminal 500 to select at least one lighting device 400 to be controlled from among the plurality of lighting devices 400, the information terminal 500 displays on display unit 502 a screen for selecting either a turn-on operation or a turn-off operation as the operation to be performed on lighting device 400.

[0080] When a user operates information terminal 500 to select a turn-on operation, information terminal 500 transmits a turn-on instruction to turn on lighting device 400 to be controlled via communication device 100. When a user operates information terminal 500 to select a turn-off operation, information terminal 500 transmits a turn-off instruction to turn off lighting device 400 to be controlled via communication device 100.

[0081] When the user operates the information terminal 500 to select the ANC 300 as the device to be controlled on the initial screen, the information terminal 500 displays a screen on the display unit 502 that allows the user to select either a setting operation for setting a sound effect or a stop operation for stopping a sound effect that is being output, as the operation content for the ANC 300.

[0082] When the setting operation is selected, the information terminal 500 displays a setting screen G10 on the display unit 502 for setting the sound effect output start time and output stop time (see FIG. 5).

[0083] 5, the setting screen G10 includes a first setting area R10, a second setting area R11, and a button B10. The first setting area R10 is an area for setting the output start time of the sound effect. The first setting area R10 includes a first input area R20 and a second input area R21.

[0084] The first input area R20 is an area for inputting the hours of the hour and minute representing the output start time. The second input area R21 is an area for inputting the minutes of the hour and minute representing the output start time. The second setting area R11 is an area for setting the time when the sound effect output will stop.

[0085] The second setting area R11 includes a third input area R30 and a fourth input area R31. The third input area R30 is an area for inputting the hours of the hour and minute representing the output stop time. The fourth input area R31 is an area for inputting the minutes of the hour and minute representing the output stop time.

[0086] The button B10 is a button for transitioning to a selection screen G20 for selecting a sound effect after input of the output start time and output stop time has been completed.

[0087] When a predetermined operation (for example, a pressing operation) is performed on the button B10, the information terminal 500 displays the selection screen G20 on the display unit 502 (see FIG. 6).

[0088] 6, the selection screen G20 includes a plurality of (three in the illustrated example) selection buttons B20, B21, and B22, and a send button B23. The selection buttons B20, B21, and B22 are associated one-to-one with a plurality of selectable sound effects. For example, the selection button B20 is associated with everyday sounds as sound effects, the selection button B21 is associated with the sound effect of a dog barking, and the selection button B22 is associated with music as sound effects.

[0089] The user selects one of the plurality of selection buttons B20, B21, and B22. At this time, the information terminal 500 displays the selected selection button on the display unit 502 in a display mode different from that of the other selection buttons.

[0090] When a predetermined operation (for example, a press operation) is performed on the send button B23, the information terminal 500 transmits the output start time and output stop time set on the setting screen G10 and sound effect information including the name of the sound effect selected on the selection screen G20 to the ANC 300 via the communication device 100. At this time, the ANC 300 associates the time period determined by the output start time and output stop time received from the information terminal 500 with the sound effect corresponding to the sound effect name and stores them in the storage unit 302.

[0091] When a stop operation is selected on a screen for selecting either a setting operation for setting a sound effect or a stop operation for stopping a sound effect that is being output, information terminal 500 transmits a stop instruction to ANC 300 via communication device 100. At this time, ANC 300 stops output of the sound effect. Furthermore, ANC 300 transmits an operation stop instruction to air conditioner 200 via communication device 100.

[0092] (3) Operation (3.1) Operation of Giving Instructions to Air Conditioner Here, the operation of the information terminal 500 when giving an instruction to operate the air conditioner 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0093] The information terminal 500 determines whether the on operation has been selected on a screen for selecting either the on operation or the off operation for the air conditioner 200 (step S1).

[0094] If it is determined that the ON operation has been selected ("Yes" in step S1), the information terminal 500 transmits a first start-up instruction to the air conditioner 200 via the communication device 100 (step S2). At this time, the air conditioner 200 that has received the first start-up instruction starts operation. That is, the air conditioner 200 starts up the indoor air conditioner 201 and the outdoor air conditioner 202.

[0095] After transmitting the first activation instruction to air conditioner 200, information terminal 500 transmits a second activation instruction to ANC 300 via communication device 100 (step S3). At this time, ANC 300 that has received the second activation instruction collects sound and outputs sound that is in the opposite phase to the collected sound.

[0096] If it is determined that the on operation has not been selected ("No" in step S1), the information terminal 500 determines whether the off operation has been selected on the screen that allows the user to select either the on operation or the off operation for the air conditioner 200 (step S4).

[0097] If the information terminal 500 determines that the OFF operation has not been selected ("No" in step S4), the process returns to step S1.

[0098] When it is determined that the OFF operation has been selected ("Yes" in step S4), the information terminal 500 transmits a first stop instruction to the air conditioner 200 via the communication device 100 (step S5). At this time, the air conditioner 200 that has received the first stop instruction stops the indoor air conditioner 201 and the outdoor air conditioner 202.

[0099] After transmitting the first stop instruction to the air conditioner 200, the information terminal 500 transmits a second stop instruction to the ANC 300 via the communication device 100 (step S6). At this time, the ANC 300 that has received the second stop instruction stops collecting and outputting sound.

[0100] (3.2) Operation of giving instructions to lighting fixtures Here, the operation of information terminal 500 when giving operation instructions to lighting fixtures 400 will be described with reference to FIG. 8 .

[0101] Information terminal 500 determines whether a turn-on operation has been selected on a screen for selecting either a turn-on operation or a turn-off operation for lighting device 400 to be controlled (step S101).

[0102] If it is determined that a turn-on operation has been selected ("Yes" in step S101), information terminal 500 transmits a turn-on instruction to lighting device 400 to be controlled via communication device 100 (step S102).

[0103] If it is determined that the turn-on operation has not been selected ("No" in step S101), the information terminal 500 determines whether the turn-off operation has been selected on the screen that allows the user to select either the turn-on operation or the turn-off operation for the lighting device 400 to be controlled (step S103).

[0104] If the information terminal 500 determines that the turn-off operation has not been selected ("No" in step S103), the process returns to step S101.

[0105] If it is determined that a turn-off operation has been selected ("Yes" in step S103), information terminal 500 transmits a turn-off instruction to lighting device 400 to be controlled via communication device 100 (step S104).

[0106] (3.3) Instruction Operation to ANC Here, the operation of the information terminal 500 when issuing an instruction to set an operation to the ANC 300 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0107] The information terminal 500 determines whether a setting operation has been selected on a screen for selecting either a setting operation for setting a sound effect or a stop operation for stopping a sound effect being output (step S201).

[0108] If it is determined that a setting operation has been selected ("Yes" in step S201), the information terminal 500 performs a time setting process (step S2). Specifically, the information terminal 500 displays a setting screen G10 (see FIG. 5) on the display unit 502 and accepts an output start time and an output end time. Thereafter, when a predetermined operation is performed on the button B10, the information terminal 500 displays a selection screen G20 on the display unit 502.

[0109] When a predetermined operation is performed on the button B10 on the setting screen G10, the information terminal 500 displays the selection screen G20 on the display unit 502 and performs a sound selection process (step S203). Specifically, the information terminal 500 receives a predetermined operation on a selection button corresponding to the sound effect desired by the user from among the selection buttons B20, B21, and B22.

[0110] The information terminal 500 determines whether a transmission instruction has been received (step S204). Specifically, the information terminal 500 determines whether a predetermined operation (for example, a pressing operation) has been performed on the transmission button B23.

[0111] If the information terminal 500 determines that a transmission instruction has not been received ("No" in step S204), the process waits for a transmission instruction to be received.

[0112] If it is determined that the transmission instruction has been received ("Yes" in step S204), the information terminal 500 performs a first transmission process (step S205). Specifically, the information terminal 500 transmits, via the communication device 100, to the ANC 300, the output start time and output stop time set on the setting screen G10 and sound effect information including the name of the sound effect selected on the selection screen G20.

[0113] If it is determined that a setting operation has not been selected ("No" in step S201), the information terminal 500 determines whether a stop operation has been selected on a screen for selecting either a setting operation for setting a sound effect or a stop operation for stopping a sound effect being output (step S206).

[0114] If the information terminal 500 determines that the stop operation has not been selected ("No" in step S206), the process returns to step S201.

[0115] When it is determined that the stop operation has been selected ("Yes" in step S206), the information terminal 500 performs a second transmission process (step S207). Specifically, when the stop operation has been selected, the information terminal 500 transmits a stop instruction to the ANC 300 via the communication device 100.

[0116] (3.4) Sound Effect Output Operation Here, the operation of the ANC 300 when the ANC 300 outputs a sound effect while the air conditioner 200 is not operating will be described with reference to FIG.

[0117] The control unit 305 of the ANC 300 determines whether the current time is the start time of the time period stored in the storage unit 302, that is, the output start time (step S301).

[0118] If the control unit 305 determines that the current time is not the output start time ("No" in step S301), the process repeats step S301.

[0119] If it is determined that the current time has reached the output start time ("Yes" in step S301), the control unit 305 performs a sound effect output process (step S302). Specifically, the control unit 305 transmits an operation start instruction to the air conditioner 200 via the communication device 100. The control unit 305 causes the speaker 303 to output the sound effect corresponding to the time period stored in the storage unit 302.

[0120] Thereafter, the control unit 305 determines whether the current time has reached the end time of the time slot stored in the storage unit 302, that is, the output stop time (step S303).

[0121] If the control unit 305 determines that the current time is not the output stop time ("No" in step S303), the process repeats step S303.

[0122] If it is determined that the current time has reached the output stop time ("Yes" in step S303), the control unit 305 performs output stop processing (step S304). Specifically, the control unit 305 transmits an operation stop instruction to the air conditioner 200 via the communication device 100. The control unit 305 stops output of the sound effect corresponding to the time period stored in the storage unit 302.

[0123] (4) Advantages As described above, the smart home 1 of this embodiment includes the main body 2, the roof 3, the space 6, the communication device 100, and the radio wave reflector 15. The main body 2 has at least one room (e.g., rooms 4 and 5) inside. The roof 3 covers the upper part of the main body 2. The space 6 is provided in the main body 2 between the at least one room and the roof 3. The communication device 100 is provided in the space 6 and communicates wirelessly with devices present in the main body 2. The radio wave reflector 15 is provided in the space 6 and reflects radio waves output from the communication device 100 toward the at least one room. The radio wave reflector 15 is provided between the communication device 100 and the roof 3.

[0124] In the smart home 1, a radio wave reflector 15 provided between the communication device 100 and the roof 3 reflects radio waves output from the communication device 100 downward, i.e., toward at least one room contained within the main body 2. This allows for more efficient communication via the communication device 100. Furthermore, since there is no need to provide a communication device 100 for each room, the possibility of the formation of a home network becoming complicated can be reduced.

[0125] In this embodiment, the communication device 100 is installed in a space 6 (attic 6). The roof 3 covering the attic 6 has a first roof portion 3a and a second roof portion 3b. The first roof portion 3a slopes downward as it moves away from the center of the roof 3 along a first horizontal direction X1. The second roof portion 3b slopes downward as it moves away from the center of the roof 3 along a second horizontal direction X2, which is the opposite direction to the first horizontal direction X1. This forms a living space in the attic 6 that is high in the center and low on the left and right.

[0126] In this embodiment, the radio wave reflector 15 is attached to the inner surface of the roof 3 along the first roof portion 3a and the second roof portion 3b. Specifically, the radio wave reflector 15 has a first inclined surface portion 15a that slopes downward as it moves away from the center of the radio wave reflector 15 along the first horizontal direction X1, and a second inclined surface portion 15b that slopes downward as it moves away from the center of the radio wave reflector 15 along the second horizontal direction X2. The first inclined surface portion 15a and the second inclined surface portion 15b are configured such that the horizontal distance between the first inclined surface portion 15a and the second inclined surface portion 15b increases as it moves downward from the center. Furthermore, a communication device 100 is provided below the radio wave reflector 15 in the attic 6. Specifically, the communication device 100 is provided below the first inclined surface portion 15a and the second inclined surface portion 15b. With this configuration, when radio waves are emitted from the communication device 100, the radio waves emitted from the communication device 100 toward the radio wave reflector 15 can be reflected by the radio wave reflector 15 toward the main body 2. In addition, radio waves transmitted from a device present in the main body 2 can also be reflected by the radio wave reflector 15 toward the communication device 100. This allows efficient communication between the communication device 100 and the device, eliminating the need to increase the number of communication devices 100. As a result, the possibility of the formation of a home network becoming complicated can be reduced. This therefore improves network connectivity between information terminals, devices, and the like in each room (rooms 4 and 5) in the smart home 1, enabling a more efficient and comfortable lifestyle to be realized.

[0127] Furthermore, by providing a radio wave reflector 15 made of a metal plate on the inside surface of the roof 3 in the attic 6, it is possible to reduce the radiant heat from the roof 3 to the attic 6, creating a comfortable space in the attic 6. Furthermore, the metal plate radio wave reflector 15 also contributes to preventing rain leaks and lightning strikes.

[0128] In this embodiment, the attic 6 is equipped with an indoor air conditioner 201 and an outdoor air conditioner 202. Therefore, the noise (operating noise) emitted by the indoor air conditioner 201 and the outdoor air conditioner 202 during operation may be disturbing to users of the attic 6. Therefore, noise control measures must be implemented. In this embodiment, the opening 12 in the partition 11, which serves as the entrance to the attic 6, is covered with a lid 13 that can be freely opened and closed, which also serves as a noise control measure. The attic 6 is acoustically isolated from the room 5 by the partition 11 and the lid 13 for the opening 12. Therefore, noise control measures for the attic 6 can be completed within the attic 6 alone.

[0129] Therefore, in this embodiment, a noise countermeasure is implemented by providing ANC 300 in attic 6. Microphone 304 included in ANC 300 is a directional microphone, and is arranged so that the sound collection direction is from microphone 304 toward air conditioner 200. ANC 300 outputs, from speaker 303, a sound that is in opposite phase to the sound collected by microphone 304 (the operating sounds of indoor air conditioner 201 and outdoor air conditioner 202 of air conditioner 200). This makes it possible to reduce the noise in attic 6 (the operating sounds of indoor air conditioner 201 and outdoor air conditioner 202).

[0130] Furthermore, by using a directional microphone for microphone 304 and setting the sound collection direction in the direction of air conditioner 200, it is possible to prevent ANC 300 from adversely affecting conversations, music, etc. in attic 6.

[0131] However, the sources of sound generated in the attic 6 include the indoor air conditioner 201 and outdoor air conditioner 202 of the air conditioner 200, as well as the speaker 303 of the ANC 300. Therefore, as described above, it is necessary to cover the opening 12 provided in the partition 11 of the attic 6 with the lid 13, so that the attic 6 is acoustically isolated from the room 5.

[0132] To explain from a different perspective, it would be troublesome to go into the attic 6 to operate the ANC 300, air conditioner 200, and lighting fixture 401 unless the lid 13 is opened, but in this embodiment, wireless communication using the communication device 100 allows operation from anywhere in the smart home 1, making it extremely convenient. Furthermore, because the radio wave reflector 15 made of a metal plate is provided in the attic 6, even with only one communication device 100, the communication state is extremely stable, making it very convenient.

[0133] (5) Modifications Modifications are listed below. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combination with the above-described embodiment.

[0134] (5.1) Modification 1 In the above embodiment, the radio wave reflector 15 is configured to be attached to the inner surface of the roof 3 along the slope of each of the first roof portion 3 a and the second roof portion 3 b of the roof 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

[0135] The radio wave reflector 15 does not have to be attached to the inner surface of the roof 3. In other words, the radio wave reflector 15 only needs to be provided in the space 6 (attic 6) so as to reflect the radio waves output from the communication device 100 toward at least one room (rooms 4 and 5).

[0136] The radio wave reflector 15 may also be hemispherical in shape.

[0137] (5.2) Modification 2 The radio wave reflector 15 is configured to be made of metal, but is not limited to this configuration. The smart home 1A of Modification 2 will be described below, focusing on the differences from the smart home 1 of the above embodiment. Components similar to those of the above embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0138] The smart home 1A of the second modification includes a radio wave reflector 150 instead of the radio wave reflector 15 included in the smart home 1 of the above embodiment. That is, the smart home 1A includes the main body 2, roof 3, space 6, and communication device 100 shown in Fig. 1 , and the radio wave reflector 150. Furthermore, like the above embodiment, the smart home 1A includes the air conditioner 200, ANC 300, and multiple (three in Fig. 1 ) lighting fixtures 400 shown in Fig. 1 .

[0139] 11 , the radio wave reflector 150 may be formed of a plate in which a resin layer 151 made of resin and a metal layer 152 made of metal are laminated together. For example, the radio wave reflector 150 is formed by depositing the metal layer 152 on the resin layer 151.

[0140] The radio wave reflector 150 is provided between the communication device 100 and the roof 3. In this case, the metal layer 152 is provided on the communication device 100 side with respect to the resin layer 151.

[0141] The radio wave reflector 150 has a first inclined surface portion 150a and a second inclined surface portion 150b. The first inclined surface portion 150a slopes downward as it moves away from the center of the radio wave reflector 150 along the first horizontal direction X1. The second inclined surface portion 150b slopes downward as it moves away from the center of the radio wave reflector 150 along a second horizontal direction X2 that is the opposite direction to the first horizontal direction X1. The first inclined surface portion 150a and the second inclined surface portion 150b are configured such that the horizontal distance between the first inclined surface portion 150a and the second inclined surface portion 150b increases as it moves downward from the center of the radio wave reflector 150.

[0142] By using resin for a part of the radio wave reflector 150, the weight of the radio wave reflector 150 can be reduced.

[0143] (5.3) Modification 3 The radio wave reflector 15 may have a porous structure. If the hole diameter is small, radio waves can be sufficiently reflected.

[0144] (5.4) Modification 4 In the above embodiment, the control targets of the information terminal 500 are the air conditioner 200, the ANC 300, and the lighting fixtures 401, 402, and 403, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

[0145] The control target of the information terminal 500 may be other devices (for example, televisions, personal computers) that have wireless communication functions.

[0146] (Summary) As described above, the smart home (1, 1A) of the first aspect includes a main body (2), a roof (3), a space (6), a communication device (100), and a radio wave reflector (15, 150). The main body (2) has at least one room (e.g., room 4, 5) inside. The roof (3) covers the upper part of the main body (2). The space (6) is provided in the main body (2) between the at least one room and the roof (3). The communication device (100) is provided in the space (6) and communicates wirelessly with devices present in the main body (2). The radio wave reflector (15, 150) is provided in the space (6) and reflects radio waves output from the communication device (100) toward the at least one room. The radio wave reflector (15, 150) is provided between the communication device (100) and the roof (3).

[0147] According to this aspect, communication can be performed more efficiently via the communication device 100. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to provide a communication device 100 for each room, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the formation of a home network will become complicated.

[0148] In the smart home (1, 1A) of the second aspect, in the first aspect, the radio wave reflector (15, 150) has a first inclined surface portion (15a, 150a) and a second inclined surface portion (15b, 150b). The first inclined surface portion (15a, 150a) slopes downward as it moves away from the center of the radio wave reflector (15, 150) along a first horizontal direction (X1). The second inclined surface portion (15b, 150b) slopes downward as it moves away from the center of the radio wave reflector (15, 150) along a second horizontal direction (X2) that is the opposite direction to the first horizontal direction (X1). The first inclined surface portion (15a, 150a) and the second inclined surface portion (15b, 150b) are configured so that the horizontal distance between the first inclined surface portion (15a, 150a) and the second inclined surface portion (15b, 150b) increases as one moves downward from the center.

[0149] According to this aspect, the radio waves output from the communication device (100) can be more reliably reflected toward the at least one room.

[0150] In the smart home (1, 1A) of the third aspect, in the second aspect, the roof (3) has a first roof portion (3a) and a second roof portion (3b). The first roof portion (3a) slopes downward as it moves away from the center of the roof (3) along a first horizontal direction (X1). The second roof portion (3b) slopes downward as it moves away from the center of the roof (3) along a second horizontal direction (X2). The first inclined surface portion (15a, 150a) is provided along the first roof portion (3a). The second inclined surface portion (15b, 150b) is provided along the second roof portion (3b).

[0151] According to this aspect, the radio waves output from the communication device (100) can be more reliably reflected toward the at least one room.

[0152] In the smart home (1) of the fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the radio wave reflector (15) is formed of a metal plate.

[0153] According to this aspect, the radio waves output from the communication device (100) can be more reliably reflected toward the at least one room.

[0154] In the smart home (1A) of the fifth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the radio wave reflector (150) is formed of a plate in which a resin layer (151) made of resin and a metal layer (152) made of metal are laminated. The metal layer (152) is provided on the communication device (100) side of the resin layer (151).

[0155] According to this embodiment, by using resin for a part of the radio wave reflector (15), it is possible to reduce the weight of the radio wave reflector (15).

[0156] The smart home (1, 1A) of a sixth aspect is any one of the first to fifth aspects, and further includes an air conditioner (200) and a vent (e.g., a first vent (21)). The air conditioner (200) is provided in the space (6) and is capable of wireless communication with an information terminal (500) present in the main body (2) via a communication device (100). The vent connects the outside of the main body (2) with the space (6). The air conditioner (200) has an outdoor air conditioner (202). The outdoor air conditioner (202) blows heat-exchanged air to the outside of the main body (2) via the vent.

[0157] According to this embodiment, the air that has undergone heat exchange can be sent to the outside of the main body (2) through the ventilation hole.

[0158] In the smart home (1, 1A) of the seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, the outdoor air conditioner (202) is provided within a predetermined range from the vent.

[0159] According to this embodiment, the air that has undergone heat exchange can be sent to the outside of the main body (2) through the ventilation hole.

[0160] The smart home (1, 1A) of an eighth aspect is the sixth or seventh aspect, further comprising a noise elimination device (300). The noise elimination device (300) is provided in the space (6) and is capable of wireless communication with an information terminal (500) present in the main body (2) via the communication device (100). The noise elimination device (300) reduces operating noise, which is noise emitted by the air conditioner (200) when it is operating.

[0161] According to this aspect, the noise eliminator (300) cancels out the operating noise that is the noise generated when the air conditioner (200) is in operation, thereby making it possible to take measures against noise.

[0162] In the smart home (1, 1A) of the ninth aspect, in the eighth aspect, the noise removal device (300) has a microphone (304) and a speaker (303). The speaker (303) outputs a sound having a phase opposite to that of the operation sound collected by the microphone (304).

[0163] According to this embodiment, the operating noise of the air conditioner (200) can be more reliably cancelled.

[0164] In the smart home (1, 1A) of the tenth aspect, in the ninth aspect, the microphone (304) is a directional microphone. The directional microphone is arranged so that the sound collection direction is from the directional microphone toward the air conditioner (200).

[0165] According to this embodiment, the operating noise of the air conditioner (200) can be more reliably cancelled.

[0166] In the smart home (1, 1A) of the eleventh aspect, in any of the eighth to tenth aspects, the noise removal device (300) is configured to output a preselected sound effect when the air conditioner (200) is not operating.

[0167] According to this aspect, by outputting a sound effect when no one is present, for example, it is possible to take effective measures to prevent crime and the intrusion of animals.

[0168] In the smart home (1, 1A) of the twelfth aspect, in the eleventh aspect, the noise removal device (300) receives information related to sound effects from the information terminal (500) by wireless communication via the communication device (100).

[0169] According to this aspect, it is possible to output sound effects desired by the user of the information terminal (500).

[0170] In the smart home (1, 1A) of the thirteenth aspect, in the twelfth aspect, the noise removal device (300) further receives from the information terminal (500) the time period for outputting sound effects by wireless communication via the communication device (100).

[0171] According to this aspect, the sound effect desired by the user of the information terminal (500) can be output at the time period desired by the user.

[0172] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Smart home 2 Main body 3 Roof 3a First roof portion 3b Second roof portion 4, 5 Room 6 Space (attic) 15, 150 Radio wave reflector 15a, 150a First inclined surface portion 15b, 150b Second inclined surface portion 21 First ventilation opening (ventilation opening) 100 Communication device 151 Resin layer 152 Metal layer 200 Air conditioner 202 Outdoor air conditioner 300 Noise reduction device (ANC) 303 Speaker 304 Microphone 500 Information terminal X1 First horizontal direction X2 Second horizontal direction

Claims

1. A smart home comprising: a main body having at least one room inside; a roof covering an upper part of the main body; a space in the main body between the at least one room and the roof; a communication device provided in the space and performing wireless communication with equipment present in the main body; and a radio wave reflector provided in the space and reflecting radio waves output from the communication device toward the at least one room, the radio wave reflector being provided between the communication device and the roof.

2. The smart home described in claim 1, wherein the radio wave reflector has a first inclined surface portion that slopes downward as it moves away from a center of the radio wave reflector along a first horizontal direction, and a second inclined surface portion that slopes downward as it moves away from the center of the radio wave reflector along a second horizontal direction that is the opposite direction to the first horizontal direction, and the first inclined surface portion and the second inclined surface portion are configured such that the horizontal distance between the first inclined surface portion and the second inclined surface portion increases as it moves downward from the center.

3. The smart home described in claim 2, wherein the roof has a first roof portion that slopes downward as it moves away from the center of the roof along the first horizontal direction, and a second roof portion that slopes downward as it moves away from the center of the roof along the second horizontal direction, the first sloped surface portion being provided along the first roof portion, and the second sloped surface portion being provided along the second roof portion.

4. A smart home as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the radio wave reflector is formed of a metal plate.

5. A smart home as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the radio wave reflector is formed of a plate in which a resin layer made of resin and a metal layer made of metal are laminated together, and the metal layer is provided on the side of the resin layer that faces the communication device.

6. A smart home as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: an air conditioner provided within the space and capable of wireless communication with an information terminal present in the main body via the communication device; and an air vent connecting the outside of the main body with the space, wherein the air conditioner has an outdoor air conditioner, and the outdoor air conditioner blows heat-exchanged air to the outside of the main body via the air vent.

7. The smart home according to claim 6, wherein the outdoor air conditioner is provided within a predetermined range from the vent.

8. The smart home as described in claim 6 or 7, further comprising a noise reduction device provided within the space and capable of wireless communication with an information terminal present in the main body via the communication device, the noise reduction device reducing operating noise that is the sound emitted by the air conditioner when it is operating.

9. The smart home according to claim 8, wherein the noise removal device has a microphone and a speaker, and the speaker outputs a sound having a phase opposite to that of the operation sound picked up by the microphone.

10. The smart home according to claim 9, wherein the microphone is a directional microphone, and the directional microphone is positioned so that the sound collection direction is from the directional microphone toward the air conditioner.

11. The smart home according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the noise elimination device is configured to output a preselected sound effect when the air conditioner is not in operation.

12. The smart home according to claim 11, wherein the noise removal device receives information relating to the sound effect from the information terminal by wireless communication via the communication device.

13. The smart home according to claim 12, wherein the noise removal device further receives from the information terminal a time period during which the sound effect is to be output by wireless communication via the communication device.

Images