Home automation device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a home automation device comprising: a driving information collection unit for receiving electronic device driving information from one or more power monitoring devices connected to an in-home network; a driving history storage unit for generating electronic device driving history information on the basis of the electronic device driving information; a main use pattern generation unit for determining one or more main use patterns on the basis of the electronic device driving history information, and generating main use pattern information including the one or more main use patterns; a main use pattern information selective input unit for providing, to a user terminal, the main use pattern information including the one or more main use patterns, and receiving a main use pattern selectively input by the user terminal from among the one or more main use patterns; and a control information generation unit for generating electronic device control information on the basis of the selectively input main use pattern.

Description

home automation devices

[0001] The present invention relates to a home automation device that controls electronic devices in a home.

[0002] Smart home technology refers to a system in which indoor home appliances are interconnected and made intelligent through various communication methods, thereby providing various services.

[0003] As IoT devices such as smart energy meters become more widespread, demand is increasing for services that analyze power data in the smart home sector to conserve energy or analyze customer lifestyles.

[0004] Meanwhile, the proportion of single-person households has been increasing recently, but existing smart home technologies only provide monitoring and simple prediction information for energy savings, and do not provide smart home technologies that take into account actual user usage.

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a home automation device that can control electronic devices in the home by taking into account the user's actual usage history.

[0006] The home automation device of the present invention comprises: a driving information collection unit that receives electronic device driving information from at least one power monitoring device connected to a home network; a driving history storage unit that generates electronic device driving history information based on the electronic device driving information; a main usage pattern generation unit that determines at least one main usage pattern based on the electronic device driving history information and generates main usage pattern information including the at least one main usage pattern; a main usage pattern information selection input unit that provides main usage pattern information including the at least one main usage pattern to a user terminal and receives a main usage pattern selected and input by the user terminal from among the at least one main usage pattern; and a control information generation unit that generates electronic device control information based on the selected main usage pattern.

[0007] In addition, in the embodiment, the electronic device further includes an electronic device input storage unit that sets and stores electronic device environment data including electronic device identification information, location information, and driving power consumption information.

[0008] In addition, in the embodiment, the environmental data further includes information on whether the electronic device is a target of driving time monitoring.

[0009] In addition, in the embodiment, the electronic device input storage unit includes an electronic device identification information management unit that provides a first user interface for requesting input of at least one of a photo and text that can identify each electronic device to the user terminal, and generates electronic device identification information based on the input of at least one of a photo and text from the user terminal and stores the generated electronic device identification information in electronic device environment data; and an electronic device detailed information management unit that provides a second user interface for guiding the user terminal through an initial setup procedure, and confirms and verifies location information of the electronic device, standby power consumption information of the electronic device, and operating power consumption information of the electronic device, and stores the electronic device identification information in the electronic device environment data so as to correspond to the electronic device identification information.

[0010] Additionally, in the embodiment, the at least one power monitoring device includes at least one of a smart electronic device, a smart power strip, or a smart plug connected to a home network.

[0011] In addition, in the embodiment, the main usage pattern generation unit determines the correlation and operating setting time for the use of at least one electronic device based on the electronic device operating history information and sets it as the main usage pattern.

[0012] In addition, in the embodiment, the correlation is at least one of a sequential use probability and an operation time duplication probability of the electronic device, and the main usage pattern generation unit sets the correlation regarding the use of at least one electronic device as the main usage pattern when it exceeds a preset probability.

[0013] Additionally, in the embodiment, the driving setting time is set to the average usage time of the electronic device.

[0014] In addition, in the embodiment, the main usage pattern information selection input unit provides a third user interface that displays main usage pattern information including at least one main usage pattern on the user terminal, and stores at least one main usage pattern selected from the user terminal in the selected main usage pattern information.

[0015] Additionally, in the embodiment, the control information transmission unit provides information to the user terminal that the electronic device is controlled according to the generated electronic device control information.

[0016] A home automation device according to the present invention generates and provides to a user main usage pattern information including at least one main usage pattern based on operating information of an electronic device connected to a home network, and generates electronic device control information for controlling an electronic device based on the main usage pattern selected and input by the user. Accordingly, since the electronic device control information is generated based on the main usage pattern confirmed by the user, the electronic device control information can be provided in a customized manner to the user. In addition, when the generated electronic device control information is provided to the electronic device, the electronic device control information is also transmitted to the user terminal, so that the user can confirm that the electronic device is being controlled by automation. In addition, if the control information of a specific electronic device becomes unnecessary to the user, the user can delete the main usage pattern selected and input by the user.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a home automation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 is a drawing for explaining the electronic device input storage unit shown in Figure 1.

[0019] Figure 3 is a drawing for explaining a method for determining a main usage pattern of the main usage pattern information generation unit illustrated in Figure 1.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining another method of determining the main usage pattern of the main usage pattern information generation unit illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining another method for determining the main usage pattern of the main usage pattern information generation unit illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0022] First, the terms used in this specification and claims are general terms selected in consideration of their functions in various embodiments of the present disclosure. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, legal or technical interpretations, and the emergence of new technologies. Furthermore, some terms may have been arbitrarily selected by the applicant. These terms may be interpreted according to the meanings defined in this specification, and in the absence of a specific definition, they may be interpreted based on the overall content of this specification and common technical knowledge in the relevant technical field.

[0023] Additionally, the same reference numbers or symbols in each drawing attached to this specification represent parts or components that perform substantially the same functions. For convenience of explanation and understanding, the same reference numbers or symbols are used in different embodiments. In other words, even if components with the same reference numbers are all depicted in multiple drawings, the multiple drawings do not necessarily represent a single embodiment.

[0024] Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., may be used in this specification and claims to distinguish between components. These ordinal numbers are used to distinguish identical or similar components from each other, and the use of these ordinal numbers should not be interpreted in a limited manner. For example, components associated with these ordinals should not be restricted in their order of use or arrangement by their numbers. If necessary, each ordinal number may be used interchangeably.

[0025] In this specification, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprise" or "consist of" are intended to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood not to preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0026] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, terms such as "module," "unit," "part," etc. are terms used to refer to components that perform at least one function or operation, and such components may be implemented as hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software. In addition, a plurality of "modules," "units," "parts," etc. may be integrated into at least one module or chip and implemented as at least one processor, except in cases where each needs to be implemented as a separate, specific hardware.

[0027] Additionally, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, when a part is said to be connected to another part, this includes not only a direct connection but also an indirect connection through another medium. Furthermore, unless specifically stated otherwise, the statement that a part includes a certain component does not exclude other components, but rather implies that other components may be included.

[0028] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the meaning of “at least one of configuration 1, configuration 2 or configuration 3” may include all of the cases of “only the first configuration”, “only the second configuration”, “only the third configuration”, “both the first configuration and the second configuration”, “both the second configuration and the third configuration”, “both the first configuration and the third configuration”, and “both the first configuration, the second configuration and the third configuration”.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a home automation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, a home automation device (100) includes an electronic device input storage unit (110), a driving information collection unit (120), a driving history storage unit (130), a main usage pattern information generation unit (140), a main usage pattern information selection input unit (150), a control information generation unit (160), and a control information transmission unit (170).

[0031] A home automation device (100) according to the present invention generates and provides to a user main usage pattern information including at least one main usage pattern based on operating information of an electronic device connected to a home network, and generates electronic device control information for controlling an electronic device based on the main usage pattern selected and input by the user. Accordingly, since electronic device control information is generated based on the main usage pattern confirmed by the user, electronic device control information can be provided in a user-customized manner. In addition, when the generated electronic device control information is provided to an electronic device, the electronic device control information is also transmitted to the user terminal, so that the user can confirm that the electronic device is being controlled by automation. In addition, if the control information of a specific electronic device becomes unnecessary to the user, the user can directly delete the main usage pattern selected and input.

[0032] The home automation device (100) can be implemented in the form of a server or cloud that operates based on a processor, memory, storage device, or program.

[0033] Figure 2 is a drawing for explaining the electronic device input storage unit shown in Figure 1.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 2, the electronic device input storage unit (110) includes an electronic device identification information management unit (111) and an electronic device detailed information management unit (112).

[0035] The electronic device input storage unit (110) is driven by the user during initial setup or when adding an electronic device, and sets and stores electronic device environment data including electronic device identification information, location information, standby power consumption information, operating power consumption information, and information on whether the electronic device is a target for operating time monitoring.

[0036] The electronic device identification information management unit (111) provides a first user interface (UI) that requests the user terminal to input at least one of a photo and text that can identify each electronic device, and creates identification information for each electronic device based on at least one of the photo and text input by the user and stores it in the electronic device environment data.

[0037] Meanwhile, the electronic device identification information management unit (111) can determine whether an electronic device is subject to operating time monitoring based on the identification information of the electronic device. For example, in the case of electronic devices with a fire risk, such as hair dryers, coffee pots, and electric ranges, the electronic device identification information management unit can designate the electronic device as a subject of operating time monitoring.

[0038] The electronic device detail management unit (112) provides a second user interface to guide the user through the initial electronic device setup procedure. The second user interface guides the user through the setup procedure for connecting the electronic device to power and operating the electronic device.

[0039] When a user performs the setup procedure provided in the guide, the electronic device detail information management unit (112) checks and verifies the location information of the electronic device, the standby power consumption information of the electronic device, and the operating power consumption information of the electronic device, and stores them in the electronic device environment data so that they correspond to the identification information of the electronic device.

[0040] Here, standby power consumption information and operating power consumption information are not only necessary information for determining whether the user is using the electronic device, but can also be used as information for determining the failure status of the electronic device.

[0041] Here, the electronic device is at least one smart electronic device among a smart refrigerator, a smart TV, a smart washing machine, a smart oven, a smart microwave oven, a smart air conditioner, a smart light, smart blinds and curtains, a smart robot vacuum cleaner, a smart kettle, a smart coffee maker, smart home audio and video, smart lighting, a computer, and a smart heating and cooling control device connected to a single network in a home, or includes an electronic device connected to a smart power strip or smart plug even if it is not a smart electronic device.

[0042] The driving information collection unit (120) collects electronic device driving information by time zone from a power monitoring device connected to a home network.

[0043] The power monitoring device includes at least one of a smart power strip, a smart plug, an electronic meter, and a sensing device integrated into a home that can be connected to a home network to provide information or control, and can provide power information by time zone, or a smart electronic device having its own power monitoring function.

[0044] Electronic device operation information by time zone includes power usage status information for each electronic device.

[0045] The driving history storage unit (130) creates and stores the user's electronic device driving history information based on electronic device environmental data and electronic device driving information.

[0046] Electronic device operation history information includes turn-on and turn-off information of electronic devices by time period based on environmental data.

[0047] For example, assuming that the structure of the house where the user resides consists of a master bedroom, a small room, a bathroom, and a living room, the following events are considered to occur between 7:00 and 7:17.

[0048] A: At 7:01 a.m., turn on the light in the bathroom and wash your face.

[0049] B: Turn off the bathroom lights at 7:10 a.m.

[0050] C: I come into the bedroom at 7:11 a.m. and turn on the bedroom light.

[0051] D: At 7:11 a.m., turn on the hair dryer and dry your hair.

[0052] E: Turn off the hair dryer at 7:15 am.

[0053] F: Turn off the bedroom lights at 7:16 a.m.

[0054] G: Turn on the living room lights at 7:17 AM.

[0055] When the above electronic device is used, the operating history information of the electronic device is as follows.

[0056] Driving history information 1, ID: Light 1, Location: Restroom, Turn-on time: 7:01 AM, Turn-off time: 7:10 AM, Driving time: 9 minutes, Driving power: 36W, Standby power: 0W,

[0057] Driving history information 2, ID: Light 2, Location: Bedroom, Turn-on time: 7:11 AM, Turn-off time: 7:16 AM, Driving time: 5 minutes, Driving power: 36W, Standby power: 0W

[0058] Operating history information 3, ID: Hairdryer, Location: Bedroom, Turn-on time: 7:11 AM, Turn-off time: 7:15 AM, Operating time: 4 minutes, Operating power: 1 kW, Standby power: 0 W

[0059] Driving history information 4, ID: Light 3, Location: Living room, Turn-on time: 7:17 AM~, Driving time: X minutes, Driving power 36kW, Standby power: 0W

[0060] The operating history information of the electronic device as above is accumulated and stored for multiple days.

[0061] Of course, the user may always behave differently from the operating history information of the above electronic device, and different operating history information may be accumulated and stored.

[0062] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a method for determining a main usage pattern of the main usage pattern information generation unit illustrated in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining another method for determining a main usage pattern of the main usage pattern information generation unit illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining yet another method for determining a main usage pattern of the main usage pattern information generation unit illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0063] The main usage pattern information generation unit (140) determines the main usage pattern for driving the electronic device based on the accumulated driving history information of the electronic device, and generates main usage pattern information including the determined main usage pattern.

[0064] The main usage pattern information generation unit (140) can generate main usage pattern information including at least one main usage pattern by applying it to an artificial intelligence learning-based model.

[0065] The main usage pattern information may include a relationship regarding the use of each electronic device and a main pattern regarding at least one of the operating time, standby power, and operating power of the electronic device.

[0066] The correlation regarding the use of electronic devices can be determined based on at least one of the sequential use probability and the operating time overlap probability of each electronic device, and a usage pattern with a correlation probability greater than a certain level can be included as a major usage pattern.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 3, for example, when electronic device A is turned off, the number of times each of electronic devices B, C, and D is turned on within a certain period of time is compared, and if the probability of electronic device B turning on when electronic device A is turned off exceeds a preset probability of 90%, but the probability of electronic devices C and electronic devices D turning on is less than the preset probability of 90%, only the usage pattern in which electronic device B turns on when electronic device A is turned off can be determined as the main usage pattern.

[0068] As another example, when a learning-based model is applied to operating history information accumulated for multiple days or more to generate a major usage pattern, if the preset probability is 90%, the first usage pattern in which the light in the bathroom is turned off and then the light in another space is turned on matches more than 950 times out of 1,000 times, the second usage pattern in which the action of turning the hair dryer on and off is performed between the actions of turning the light in the bedroom on and off matches 100 times out of 100 times, and the third usage pattern in which the average operating time of the hair dryer is 4 minutes matches 98 times out of 100 times, then major usage pattern information including all of the above first to third patterns as major usage patterns can be generated.

[0069] In addition, the main usage pattern information generation unit (140) can generate main usage pattern information including the average value of the operating time of each electronic device set as the operating time monitoring target electronic device and the average error time as the operating setting time of the electronic device as the main usage pattern.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 4, when the hair dryer, which is electronic device A, is used 100 times, the average usage time of the hair dryer is 1 minute 30 seconds and the average error time is 5 seconds, the main usage pattern information generation unit (140) sets the main usage pattern of the hair dryer as the operating setting time of the hair dryer to 1 minute 30 seconds and the average error time to 5 seconds.

[0071] When the set main usage pattern is selected and input by the user terminal, the control information generation unit (160) can generate a control signal to cut off the power of the hair dryer when the actual usage operation time of the hair dryer becomes 1 minute and 35 seconds.

[0072] In addition, the main usage pattern information generation unit (140) can set the average standby power consumption and average driving power consumption during multiple uses of a specific electronic device as the main usage pattern for the standby power and driving power of the electronic device based on the standby power consumption information and driving power consumption information in the environmental data set for each electronic device through the guide provided by the electronic device detailed information management unit (112). Here, the standby power consumption information and driving power consumption information in the environmental data are used as data for the operating status and identification of the electronic device.

[0073] Referring to Fig. 5, when the average value of the operating power when the hair dryer is used multiple times is 1.5 kW and the average value of the standby power is 0.01 kW, the average value of the operating power and the average value of the standby power can be set as the main pattern information for the power usage of the hair dryer.

[0074] In this case, if the standby power has increased to 0.1 kW or the driving power has been measured to be low at 0.8 kW during recent use, and thus deviates from the standby power or driving power set as the main pattern information, the control information generation unit (160) may determine that an abnormality has occurred in the electronic device.

[0075] The main usage pattern information selection input unit (150) can provide main usage pattern information including at least one main usage pattern to a user terminal and receive information on at least one main usage pattern from the user terminal.

[0076] To this end, the main usage pattern information selection input unit (150) may provide a third user interface (UI) to the user terminal, provide main usage pattern information including at least one main usage pattern through the third user interface (UI), and provide a guide for the user to select at least one of the main usage patterns.

[0077] The main usage pattern information selection input unit (150) receives at least one main usage pattern selected from a user terminal and stores at least one selected main usage pattern as the selected main usage pattern information.

[0078] When the first to third main usage patterns are presented in the main usage pattern information provided by the main usage pattern information selection input unit (150), when the user selects and inputs the second main usage pattern and the third main usage pattern, the selected main usage pattern information including the second and third main usage patterns is generated.

[0079] The control information generation unit (160) generates control information based on electronic device operation information collected from the operation information collection unit (120) according to the main usage pattern included in the selected main usage pattern information.

[0080] For example, if the hair dryer is turned on when the lights in the bedroom are turned off in the electronic device operation information, a control signal to turn off the hair dryer is generated, and the control information transmission unit (170) notifies the user that the control signal has been generated. Depending on the control signal, the hair dryer may be turned off or may be turned off upon confirmation from the user.

[0081] In addition, for example, if the operating time included in the main usage pattern information of a hair dryer is set to 1 minute and 30 seconds, and if the predetermined time exceeds 1 minute and 30 seconds, a control signal for turning off the hair dryer is generated, and the control information transmission unit (170) notifies the user that the control signal has been generated. Depending on the control signal, the hair dryer may be turned off or may be turned off after receiving confirmation from the user.

[0082] Meanwhile, if the hair dryer is not connected to a network, the control signal generation unit (160) can transmit a control signal to a smart plug or smart multi-tap to which the hair dryer is connected.

[0083] In addition, the control information generation unit (160) generates a signal to block the electronic device when the standby power consumption and driving strategy consumption measured during actual use of the electronic device deviate from the standby power average value and driving strategy average value set as the main use pattern based on the main use pattern for the standby power consumption and driving power consumption set for each electronic device.

[0084] The control information transmission unit (170) provides information that the electronic device is controlled according to electronic device control information from the user terminal, and provides electronic device control information to the electronic device.

[0085] When the control information transmission unit (170) receives electronic device control cancellation feedback from the user terminal, it can delete key usage pattern information corresponding to the electronic device control information.

[0086] The control information transmission unit (170) maintains key usage pattern information corresponding to the electronic device control information when no response is received from the user terminal and provides the control information to the electronic device.

[0087] According to the present invention, an electronic device driving history is generated based on collected electronic device driving information, and major usage pattern information including at least one major usage pattern determined based on the electronic device driving history information is provided to the user to allow the user to select the major usage pattern, thereby generating user-customized electronic device control information that can avoid automatic control that the user does not want and apply automatic control that the user wants.

[0088] The above description is merely an example of the technical idea of ​​the present embodiment, and those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present embodiment belongs will be able to make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of the present embodiment.

[0089] Accordingly, these embodiments are not intended to limit the technical idea of ​​the present embodiment but rather to explain it, and the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present embodiment is not limited by these embodiments.

[0090] The scope of protection of this embodiment should be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical ideas within the equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included in the scope of rights of this embodiment.

Claims

1. An operation information collection unit that receives electronic device operation information from at least one power monitoring device connected to a home network; A driving history storage unit that generates electronic device driving history information based on the above electronic device driving information; A main usage pattern generation unit that determines at least one main usage pattern based on the electronic device operation history information and generates main usage pattern information including the at least one main usage pattern; A main usage pattern information selection input unit that provides main usage pattern information including at least one main usage pattern to a user terminal and receives a main usage pattern selected and input by the user terminal among the at least one main usage pattern; and A home automation device characterized by including a control information generation unit that generates electronic device control information based on the above-mentioned selected main usage pattern.

2. In paragraph 1, A home automation device further comprising an electronic device input storage unit that sets and stores electronic device environment data including electronic device identification information, location information, and operating power consumption information.

3. In paragraph 2, A home automation device, characterized in that the above environmental data further includes information on whether the electronic device is a target of operating time monitoring.

4. In paragraph 2, The above electronic device input storage unit is, An electronic device identification information management unit that provides a first user interface requesting input of at least one of a photo and text that can identify each electronic device to the user terminal, and generates electronic device identification information based on input of at least one of a photo and text from the user terminal and stores the electronic device identification information in electronic device environment data; and A home automation device characterized by including an electronic device detailed information management unit that provides a second user interface that guides the initial setup procedure to the user terminal to check and verify the location information of the electronic device, the standby power consumption information of the electronic device, and the operating power consumption information of the electronic device, and stores the electronic device environmental data so as to correspond to the electronic device identification information.

5. In paragraph 1, At least one of the power monitoring devices, A home automation device comprising at least one of a smart electronic device, a smart power strip or a smart plug connected to a home network.

6. In paragraph 1, The above main usage pattern generation section is, A home automation device characterized in that at least one of a correlation and an operating setting time regarding the use of at least one electronic device is determined based on the electronic device operating history information and is set as a main usage pattern.

7. In paragraph 6, The above correlation is at least one of the sequential use probability and the operating time overlapping probability of the electronic device, A home automation device, characterized in that the above-mentioned main usage pattern generation unit sets a relationship regarding the use of at least one electronic device as a main usage pattern when the relationship exceeds a preset probability.

8. In paragraph 6, A home automation device, characterized in that the above-mentioned operating setting time is set to an average value of the usage time of the electronic device.

9. In paragraph 1, The above main usage pattern information selection input section is: A home automation device characterized in that it provides a third user interface that displays main usage pattern information including at least one main usage pattern on the user terminal, and stores at least one main usage pattern selected from the user terminal in the selected main usage pattern information.

10. In paragraph 1, The above control information transmission unit, A home automation device characterized by providing information to the user terminal that the electronic device is controlled according to the generated electronic device control information.

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