Method for providing smart home automation service and rewarding on basis of evaluation, and apparatus therefor

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for providing a smart home automation service and rewarding on the basis of an evaluation, and an apparatus therefor, the method being for interactive interface-based control schedule querying and setting based on an analysis of usage information of a device, the method comprising the steps of: storing first usage records of a plurality of devices located in a preset space; selecting at least one device as a recommendation target among the plurality of devices by analyzing the stored first usage records; generating a control scenario for the recommendation target; presenting the generated control scenario to a user; and, in response to the presented control scenario being selected by the user, evaluating a second usage record of the at least one device which is the recommendation target, on the basis of the selected control scenario.

Description

Method and device for providing and evaluating smart home automation services and providing compensation based on the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a smart home automation service provision and evaluation-based compensation method and device thereof, and more particularly, to a smart home automation technology for querying and setting a control schedule based on an interactive interface based on analysis of device usage information.

[0002] This application is the result of the World Class Plus Project, supported by the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) and funded by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE). (Project ID: 1415189611, Project No. P0024380, Research Period: April 1, 2023 - December 31, 2026)

[0003] The automatic control technology of smart home devices based on analysis of the lifestyle patterns of residents (or users) of residential furniture is mainly based on home appliance usage records, residential space entry / exit records, and various sensor data, and is being commercialized to some extent through various solutions and devices.

[0004] However, existing automatic control technology using smart homes only provides information on residents' lifestyle patterns, such as providing information on the usage of home appliances, information on entry and exit from living spaces, and risk alarms.

[0005] Accordingly, there is currently no smart home automation technology that incorporates a method to guide the lifestyle of residents in a direction that is beneficial both mentally and physically, rather than unilaterally adapting to their lifestyle.

[0006] In particular, in a demographic environment like Korea's where the proportion of single-person households is rapidly increasing, automation technologies are needed that not only optimize the unconditional convenience of service users, but also promote frugal and planned lifestyles.

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to receive reports on the current usage and usage patterns of devices through an interactive message exchange with a chatbot-type virtual conversationalist using a smartphone terminal, set an automatic control scenario for a device that is a target of recommendation according to a subsequent optional recommendation message, and provide various types of reward services in conjunction with the implementation of the automatic control scenario.

[0008] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above problems, and can be expanded in various ways without departing from the technical spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0009] A method for providing an automated service of a computer device including at least one processor according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of: storing first usage records for a plurality of devices located in a preset space; analyzing the stored first usage records to select at least one device as a recommendation target among the plurality of devices; generating a control scenario for the recommendation target; presenting the generated control scenario to a user; and evaluating, in response to the user selecting the presented control scenario, a second usage record for the at least one device as the recommendation target based on the selected control scenario.

[0010] In addition, the method for providing an automated service according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a step of analyzing the stored first usage record to select a first user or a first user group as a recommended user among a plurality of users using the preset space.

[0011] In addition, the automated service providing method according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a step of providing a reward to the user based on the evaluation result of the second usage record.

[0012] In a computer program stored in a computer-readable recording medium for executing an automated service providing method in combination with a computer device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the automated service providing method comprises: a step of storing first usage records for a plurality of devices located in a preset space; a step of analyzing the stored first usage records to select at least one device as a recommendation target among the plurality of devices; a step of generating a control scenario for the recommendation target; a step of presenting the generated control scenario to a user; and a step of evaluating a second usage record for the at least one device as the recommendation target based on the selected control scenario in response to the user selecting the presented control scenario.

[0013] A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a computer program for executing a method for providing an automated service according to an embodiment of the present invention on a computer device, wherein the method for providing an automated service comprises: a step of storing first usage records for a plurality of devices located in a preset space; a step of analyzing the stored first usage records to select at least one device as a recommendation target among the plurality of devices; a step of generating a control scenario for the recommendation target; a step of presenting the generated control scenario to a user; and a step of evaluating, in response to the user selecting the presented control scenario, a second usage record for the at least one device as the recommendation target based on the selected control scenario.

[0014] A computer device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises at least one processor implemented to execute a computer-readable command, and is characterized in that the computer device stores, by the at least one processor, a first usage record for a plurality of devices located in a preset space, analyzes the stored first usage record to select at least one device as a recommendation target among the plurality of devices, generates a control scenario for the recommendation target, presents the generated control scenario to a user, and in response to the user selecting the presented control scenario, evaluates a second usage record for the at least one device as the recommendation target based on the selected control scenario.

[0015] In an evaluation-based compensation method of a computer device including at least one processor according to an embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises the steps of: generating a control scenario for at least one device as a recommendation target among a plurality of devices located in a preset space based on first usage records for the devices; presenting the generated control scenario to a user; evaluating a second usage record for the at least one device as a recommendation target based on the selected control scenario in response to the user selecting the presented control scenario; and providing a compensation to the user based on a result of the evaluation of the second usage record.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, as an automated smart home technology, it is possible to manage and promote a moderate and planned lifestyle pattern rather than simply optimizing the unconditional convenience of service users.

[0017] However, the effects of the present invention are not limited to the above effects, and can be expanded in various ways without departing from the technical spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration between an automated service provision and evaluation-based compensation device, a device apparatus, and a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a basic configuration example of an automated service provision and evaluation-based compensation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 illustrates an operation flowchart of an automated service providing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an automated service provision and evaluation-based compensation process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of interactive message exchange according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an automated service provision and evaluation-based compensation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided solely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined solely by the scope of the claims.

[0025] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular also includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. As used herein, the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, operations, and / or elements.

[0026] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein may be used in their common sense to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise.

[0027] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical components in the drawings are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions of identical components are omitted.

[0028]

[0029] The present invention is a smart home automation technology for querying and setting control schedules based on an interactive interface based on analysis of usage information of a device.

[0030] The life recommendation engine proposed in the present invention is composed of an artificial intelligence-based analysis algorithm that must first undergo pre-learning on standard lifestyle pattern data according to gender, age group, and number of residents, and then a posteriori learns the lifestyle patterns that are inevitable for each user's service, thereby providing an optimized recommendation service for each individual by giving differential weights between the two.

[0031] Using this, the present invention pre-learns the lifestyle patterns of each resident user, generates a control scenario including a rule-set code for controlling a recommended target based on the analyzed lifestyle pattern, and a recommendation question presented to the user to induce the user to control the recommended target according to the rule-set code, and provides a reward according to the control scenario response and usage history based on the control scenario.

[0032] Accordingly, the present invention can provide an automated technology that is connected to a method of guiding a lifestyle pattern in a direction that is mentally and physically beneficial, rather than a one-way transmission of information tailored to the lifestyle pattern of a resident (or user) of a residential household.

[0033] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0034]

[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates an automated service provision and evaluation-based reward device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a configuration between a device and a user terminal. FIG. 2 also illustrates a block diagram of an example of the basic configuration of an automated service provision and evaluation-based reward device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] A home automation service system (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention provides a planned life-promoting conversation and reward-based smart home automation technology, including an automation service provision and evaluation-based reward device (110), a device (hereinafter referred to as a "device", 120), and a user terminal (130). In this case, the automation service provision and evaluation-based reward device (110) may be a smart home hub installed in each residential household as a subject that performs the automation service provision method and the evaluation-based reward method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] At least one device (120) may be a home appliance or daily necessities located in a residential unit, and may be an applicable device that has built-in IoT (Internet of Things) technology to transmit information to the automation service provision and evaluation-based compensation device (110) and receive control commands. In addition, at least one user terminal (130) may receive information from the automation service provision and evaluation-based compensation device (110) and provide a user's selection input to the automation service provision and evaluation-based compensation device (110) to receive a home automation service.

[0038] A user can receive home automation services from an automated service provider and evaluation-based reward device (110) using a terminal (130). Typically, the terminal may be a smartphone, mobile phone, laptop, tablet computing device, or the like. The user terminal (130) is a portable wireless terminal capable of wireless communication and equipped with home automation services and evaluation-based reward-related applications according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] The automated service provision and evaluation-based compensation device (110) may be implemented as a computer device (200) including a memory (210), a processor (220), a communication interface (230), and an input / output interface (240), as shown in FIG. 2, to receive and record information from a device (120), receive information on the usage amount and usage pattern of the devices (120) through an interactive message exchange between a user terminal (130) and a chatbot-type virtual conversational body, set an automatic control scenario for a device that is a recommendation target according to a selective recommendation message, and provide various types of compensation-type services in conjunction with each other according to the execution of the automatic control scenario.

[0040] Memory (210) is a computer-readable recording medium and may include a non-permanent mass storage device such as a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), and a disk drive. Here, the non-permanent mass storage device such as a ROM and a disk drive may be included in the computer device (200) as a separate permanent storage device distinct from the memory (210).

[0041] Additionally, the memory (210) may store an operating system and at least one program code. These software components may be loaded into the memory (210) from a computer-readable recording medium separate from the memory (210). This separate computer-readable recording medium may include a computer-readable recording medium such as a floppy drive, a disk, a tape, a DVD / CD-ROM drive, a memory card, etc. In another embodiment, the software components may be loaded into the memory (210) through a communication interface (230) other than a computer-readable recording medium. For example, the software components may be loaded into the memory (210) of the computer device (200) based on a computer program installed by files received through a network (260).

[0042] The processor (220) may be configured to process instructions of a computer program by performing basic arithmetic, logic, and input / output operations. Instructions may be provided to the processor (220) via the memory (210) or the communication interface (230). For example, the processor (220) may be configured to execute instructions received according to program code stored in a storage device such as the memory (210).

[0043] The communication interface (230) may provide a function for the computer device (200) to communicate with other devices (e.g., the device (120) and the user terminal (130)) via a network (260). For example, requests, commands, data, files, etc. generated by the processor (220) of the computer device (200) according to program codes stored in a recording device such as a memory (210) may be transmitted to other devices via the network (260) under the control of the communication interface (230). Conversely, signals, commands, data, files, etc. from other devices may be received by the computer device (200) via the communication interface (230) of the computer device (200) via the network (260). Signals, commands, data, etc. received through the communication interface (230) can be transmitted to the processor (220) or memory (210), and files, etc. can be stored in a storage medium (the permanent storage device described above) that the computer device (200) can further include.

[0044] The input / output interface (240) may be a means for interfacing with an input / output device (250). For example, the input device may include a device such as a microphone, keyboard, or mouse, and the output device may include a device such as a display or speaker. As another example, the input / output interface (240) may be a means for interfacing with a device that integrates input and output functions, such as a touchscreen. The input / output device (250) may also be configured as a single device with the computer device (200).

[0045] Furthermore, in other embodiments, the computer device (200) may include fewer or more components than those illustrated in FIG. 2. However, it is not necessary to explicitly illustrate most conventional components. For example, the computer device (200) may omit the communication interface (230) as it is electrically connected to the device (120) and the user terminal (130), and may be implemented to include at least some of the input / output devices (250) described above, or may further include other components such as a transceiver, an artificial intelligence model, a database, etc.

[0046] It is assumed that the operation of the automated service provision and evaluation-based compensation device (110) described below is performed by a more precisely described processor (220).

[0047]

[0048] Figure 3 illustrates an operation flowchart of an automated service providing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] The method of FIG. 3 is performed by an automated service provision and evaluation-based compensation device (600) according to the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 3, in step S310, the device of the present invention stores first usage records for a plurality of devices positioned in a preset space.

[0051] In step S310, the device of the present invention can collect usage records of at least one or more devices located in a preset space, for example, a residential household such as a home, and store a first usage record. For example, the multiple devices located in the residential household can be at least one or more of a refrigerator, a washing machine, a dryer, a vacuum cleaner, an air purifier, an air conditioner, a TV, a clothes manager, a dishwasher, a thermometer, a hygrometer, a home CCTV, an electric meter, a water meter, and a gas meter, and the multiple devices are basically linked to the device of the present invention.

[0052] Accordingly, in step S310, the device of the present invention can collect the first usage records, which are usage amounts received from multiple devices by date, day of the week, hour, and space (living room, first room, second room, third room, first bathroom, second bathroom, etc.), and dataize them into a usage record DB (database). For example, the device of the present invention can receive the usage amounts of multiple devices at preset time intervals, for example, at 4-hour intervals, 8-hour intervals, or 12-hour intervals, and dataize them into the first usage records. In addition to devices that are always in operation (for example, refrigerators, etc.), when a preset device (for example, a washing machine, a dishwasher, etc.) is operated, the usage amounts can be received simultaneously with the operation, and dataize them into the first usage records.

[0053] In step S310, the device of the present invention can store and digitize the first usage record not only through the first usage records received from multiple devices, but also through responses received through the user terminal. Specifically, the device of the present invention can ask the user terminal at preset time intervals whether or not to exercise, how to exercise, and how long to exercise, and can receive information based on the user's selection input and store it as the first usage record.

[0054] In step S320, the device of the present invention analyzes the stored first usage record to select at least one device as a recommendation target among a plurality of devices.

[0055] In step S320, the device of the present invention can analyze the usage history DB to select at least one device as a recommendation target from among a plurality of devices. For example, if it is confirmed through the usage history DB that indoor lighting is turned on after 10 PM for at least 10 days per month, indoor lighting may be selected as a recommendation target. If it is confirmed that a TV is turned on after 10 PM for at least 10 days per month, the TV may be selected as a recommendation target. As another example, if it is confirmed through the usage history DB that a user exercises less than twice a week, indoor exercise equipment may be selected as a recommendation target.

[0056] At this time, the device of the present invention can analyze the stored first usage record to select a first user or a first user group as a recommended user among a plurality of users using a preset space (step S330).

[0057] A household may have at least one member, but may also have two or more. Accordingly, the device of the present invention can select each individual as a recommendation target user, and can also select a group of two or more members from among all members of a household as a recommendation target user. To explain using the example described above, turning off indoor lights and turning off the TV after 10 PM can be implemented for a group of users, which is all members, but matters related to exercise and eating habits must be implemented for individual users. Therefore, in steps S320 and S330, the device of the present invention can select a recommendation target target from among a plurality of devices and select a recommendation target user as an individual or a group at the same time.

[0058] In step S340, the device of the present invention generates a control scenario for a recommended target.

[0059] In step S340, the device of the present invention can generate a control scenario including a rule-set code for controlling a recommended target and a recommendation question to be presented to a user to induce control of the recommended target according to the rule-set code.

[0060] In the present invention, a rule-set code represents a setting value or control command for controlling a recommendation target, and in step S340, the device of the present invention generates a rule-set code according to a selected recommendation target and a recommendation target user, and generates a control scenario including a recommendation question presented to the user according to the rule-set code and the rule-set code. For example, if the recommendation target is the lighting in the living room and bedroom, the control scenario may be “Do you turn off all indoor lights at 22:00?” In addition, if the recommendation target is a TV, the control scenario may be “Do you turn off the TV at 22:00?” or “Do you keep the TV viewing time to a maximum of 5 hours a day?”

[0061] In step S350, the device of the present invention presents the generated control scenario to the user.

[0062] In step 350, the device of the present invention provides the control scenario generated in step S340 to the user terminal. At this time, the device of the present invention can present the generated control scenario to the first user selected as the recommended target user or all users of the first user group.

[0063] More specifically, the device of the present invention can provide a recommendation question to the user through a virtual conversational medium that exchanges interactive messages with the user, and receive a response to the control scenario from the user terminal. If a first user group is selected as the target users for the recommendation, the rule-set code corresponding to the control scenario can be applied only when a response is received from all users in the first user group. For example, if the device of the present invention transmits the control scenario, “Turn off all indoor lights at 22:00?” to the user terminal, the user transmits a response of “Yes” through the terminal. Accordingly, the device of the present invention provides a question, such as “Are you willing to perform this every day?”, and if the user transmits a response of “Yes” through the user terminal, the message “Please follow the first step for one week” is transmitted to the user terminal.

[0064] In case the user agrees and responds to follow the control scenario provided to the user terminal (step S360), in step S370, the device of the present invention evaluates the second usage record for at least one device that is a recommendation target based on the selected control scenario in response to the user selecting the provided control scenario.

[0065] Here, the second usage record includes the user's usage record for at least one device after the presented control scenario is selected by the user, and may include the usage record of the first user or the first user group for at least one device that is the target of the recommendation.

[0066] In step S370, the device of the present invention includes a step of storing a rule-set code and controlling a recommended target according to the stored rule-set code when a control scenario is selected through a user's response to a recommendation question, and may store the user's usage record for the recommended target controlled according to the rule-set code as a second usage record. More specifically, in step S350, when the user's response (“Yes”) to a recommendation question presented to the user, such as “Do you turn off all indoor lights at 22:00?”, “Do you intend to do this every day?”, or “Please keep it as the first step for a week” is received, the device of the present invention stores and applies a rule-set code corresponding to turning off indoor lights at 22:00. Thereafter, the device of the present invention turns off all indoor lights at 22:00 every day for a week, and verifies that the user has not personally turned the turned-off lights back on.

[0067] Accordingly, the device of the present invention stores the user's usage history for indoor lighting (whether or not the lighting that was turned off after 22:00 is turned on again) as a second usage record controlled according to the rule-set code, and dataizes it, and can evaluate the performance of the control scenario through the second usage record.

[0068] In step S380, the device of the present invention provides a reward to the user based on the evaluation result of the second usage record.

[0069] The rewards provided by the present invention may include at least one of the following: content discounts associated with automated services, extensions of free usage periods for automated services, accrual / provision of virtual currency for online service payments, online shopping coupons, and extensions of free game play periods. In this case, the device of the present invention may provide the aforementioned rewards by linking with an external service system.

[0070] In step S380, the device of the present invention provides a reward to the user based on the evaluation results of the second usage record obtained through step S370. At this time, the device of the present invention may transmit a guidance message to the user terminal, such as, "You have completed mission #1 for the past week. Reward #1 will be paid accordingly."

[0071] More specifically, in step S380, the device of the present invention can calculate at least one score among a first score that evaluates compliance with the recommendations included in the control scenario based on the second usage record, and a second score that evaluates the degree of compliance with the recommendations based on the second usage record. At this time, in step S380, the device of the present invention can calculate at least one score for each unit operation of the recommendation target or each preset unit period, and can accumulate the scores calculated for each unit operation or each preset unit period by linking them with the recommendation target.

[0072] For example, if 'turning off all indoor lights at 22:00 every day for a week' is provided as a control scenario and the user allows it, the device of the present invention can calculate a first score if the user turns the lights turned off after 22:00 back on 0 to 2 times for 7 days in a week, based on the second usage history of indoor lights, which are the target for recommendation, a second score if the user turns them back on 3 to 5 times, and a third score if the user turns them back on 6 and 7 times.

[0073] Accordingly, in step S380, the device of the present invention can determine whether to provide a reward and at least one of the types of rewards based on the scores accumulated in connection with the recommended target for a preset period of time. For example, the device of the present invention can determine to provide a reward only when the first score is calculated, and not to provide a reward when the second score and the third score are calculated. In some embodiments, among a total of five rewards, the device can determine to provide three rewards for the first score, one reward for the second score, and no reward for the third score. In other words, whether to provide a reward and the type of reward based on score calculation are determined depending on the embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

[0074] As described above, the device of the present invention can provide an automated service technology to guide the user's lifestyle in a direction that is beneficial to the user's mind and body, such as through appropriate TV viewing, regular sleeping habits, and consistent exercise.

[0075]

[0076] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an automated service provision and evaluation-based compensation process according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an interactive message exchange according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 4, the automated service provision and evaluation-based compensation device according to an embodiment of the present invention receives first usage records from a plurality of linked devices (120) located in a preset space, i.e., a residential household, and stores the first usage records in a first usage record DB (410). The automated service provision and evaluation-based compensation device according to an embodiment of the present invention analyzes the first usage record DB (410) to select at least one device as a recommendation target from among the plurality of devices (120), and selects (420) a first user or a first user group as a recommendation target user.

[0078] Thereafter, the automated service provision and evaluation-based compensation device according to an embodiment of the present invention generates (430) a control scenario including a rule-set code for controlling a recommended target and a recommendation question to be presented to a user to induce control of the recommended target according to the rule-set code. The automated service provision and evaluation-based compensation device according to an embodiment of the present invention provides the generated control scenario to a user terminal as illustrated in FIG. 5, and stores and applies (440) the rule-set code based on a response according to the user's selection input. At this time, the automated service provision and evaluation-based compensation device according to an embodiment of the present invention can store the rule-set code for each selected recommended target in a rule-set DB.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 5, the process of providing a control scenario to a user terminal (130) will be described in more detail. The automated service provision and evaluation-based compensation device according to an embodiment of the present invention can provide the recommendation questions (510, 530, 540) included in the generated control scenario to the user terminal (130). For example, assuming that the recommendation target is selected as indoor lighting and a control scenario for the same is generated, the automated service provision and evaluation-based compensation device according to an embodiment of the present invention transmits the recommendation question “Do you turn off all indoor lights at 22:00?” (510) to the user terminal (130) in the form of a conversational message with a virtual conversationalist. Accordingly, if the user responds with “yes” (520), the automated service provision and evaluation-based compensation device according to an embodiment of the present invention can reconfirm the user’s will and commitment by transmitting an additional recommendation question “Do you intend to perform it every day?” (530). If the user responds to the additional recommendation question with “yes” (520), the automated service provision and evaluation-based reward device according to the embodiment of the present invention stores the rule-set code corresponding to the control scenario and applies it to the recommendation target, and at the same time, transmits a message to the user terminal saying “Please keep it for a week as the first step” (540) to notify that the control scenario is applied.

[0080] However, in Fig. 5, a control scenario of turning off indoor lights at 10 PM is described as an example, but the control scenario can be made up of missions such as turning off lights at a specific time at night, turning off the TV, turning off the air fryer and microwave oven except during meal times, maintaining commuting to and from work at a set time, maintaining TV viewing time, maintaining a preset heating temperature, using a washing machine and vacuum cleaner at least once a week, riding an indoor bicycle for at least 15 minutes on average per day, and keeping the number of times the refrigerator is opened and closed less than 5 times after 10 PM.

[0081] Referring again to FIG. 4, the automated service provision and evaluation-based reward device according to an embodiment of the present invention stores a rule-set code when a control scenario is selected through a user's response to a recommendation question, and transmits a command according to the stored rule-set code to the recommendation target to control the recommendation target. Thereafter, the automated service provision and evaluation-based reward device according to an embodiment of the present invention stores the user's usage record for the recommendation target, i.e., indoor lighting (whether or not the lighting that was turned off after 10 PM is turned back on) in a second usage record DB (450) and converts it into data, evaluates the performance of the control scenario through the second usage record, and then provides a reward (460) to the user based on the evaluation result of the second usage record.

[0082]

[0083] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an automated service provision and evaluation-based compensation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 6, the automated service provision and evaluation-based compensation device according to an embodiment of the present invention proposes a smart home automation technology of control schedule query and setting based on an interactive interface based on analysis of usage information of multiple devices.

[0085] To this end, the automated service provision and evaluation-based compensation device (600) according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a record analysis unit (610), a command processing unit (620), a control scenario generation unit (630), and an evaluation compensation unit (640).

[0086] The record analysis unit (610) stores the first usage records for multiple devices located in a preset space.

[0087] The record analysis unit (610) can collect usage records for at least one or more devices located in a preset space, for example, a residential household such as a home, and store a first usage record. For example, the multiple devices located in the residential household may be at least one or more of a refrigerator, a washing machine, a dryer, a vacuum cleaner, an air purifier, an air conditioner, a TV, a clothes manager, a dishwasher, a thermometer, a hygrometer, a home CCTV, an electric meter, a water meter, and a gas meter, and the multiple devices are basically linked to the automated service provision and evaluation-based compensation device (600) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] Accordingly, the record analysis unit (610) can collect the first usage records, which are usage amounts received from multiple devices by date, day of the week, time, and space (living room, first room, second room, third room, first bathroom, second bathroom, etc.), and dataize them into a usage record DB (database). For example, the record analysis unit (610) can receive the usage amounts of multiple devices at preset time intervals, for example, at 4-hour intervals, 8-hour intervals, or 12-hour intervals, and dataize them into the first usage records. In addition to devices that are always in operation (for example, refrigerators, etc.), when a preset device (for example, a washing machine, a dishwasher, etc.) is operated, the usage amounts can be received simultaneously with the operation, and dataize them into the first usage records.

[0089] The record analysis unit (610) can store and digitize the first usage record not only through the first usage record received from multiple devices, but also through the responses received through the user terminal. Specifically, the record analysis unit (610) can ask the user terminal at preset time intervals about whether or not he or she has exercised, the method of exercise, and the duration of exercise, and can receive information based on the user's selection input and store it as the first usage record.

[0090] The record analysis unit (610) can analyze the usage record DB to select at least one device as a recommendation target from among multiple devices. For example, if it is confirmed through the usage record DB that indoor lighting is turned on after 10 PM for at least 10 days per month, the indoor lighting can be selected as a recommendation target. If it is confirmed that a TV is turned on after 10 PM for at least 10 days per month, the TV can be selected as a recommendation target. As another example, if it is confirmed through the usage record DB that a user exercises less than twice a week, an indoor exercise device can be selected as a recommendation target.

[0091] At this time, the record analysis unit (610) can analyze the stored first usage record and select the first user or the first user group as a recommended user among multiple users using the preset space.

[0092] A household may have at least one member, but may also have two or more. Accordingly, the record analysis unit (610) can select each individual as a recommended user, or a group of two or more members from among all members of a household can be selected as a recommended user. To explain using the example mentioned above, turning off indoor lights and turning off the TV after 10 PM can be implemented for the entire user group, but matters related to exercise and eating habits must be implemented for individual users. Therefore, the record analysis unit (610) can select a recommendation target from among multiple devices and simultaneously select the recommended user as an individual or a group.

[0093] The control scenario generation unit (630) generates a control scenario for the recommended target.

[0094] The control scenario generation unit (630) can generate a control scenario including a rule-set code for controlling a recommended target and a recommendation question to be presented to a user to induce control of the recommended target according to the rule-set code.

[0095] In the present invention, the rule-set code represents a setting value or control command for controlling a recommendation target, and the control scenario generation unit (630) is characterized by generating a rule-set code according to a selected recommendation target and a recommendation target user, and generating a control scenario including a recommendation question presented to the user according to the rule-set code and the rule-set code. For example, if the recommendation target is the lighting in the living room and bedroom, the control scenario may be “Do you turn off all indoor lights at 22:00?” In addition, if the recommendation target is a TV, the control scenario may be “Do you turn off the TV at 22:00?” or “Do you keep the TV viewing time to a maximum of 5 hours a day?”

[0096] The control scenario generation unit (630) presents the generated control scenario to the user.

[0097] The control scenario generation unit (630) provides the generated control scenario to the user terminal. At this time, the control scenario generation unit (630) can present the generated control scenario to the first user selected as the recommended target user or all users of the first user group.

[0098] More specifically, the control scenario generation unit (630) can provide a recommendation question to the user through a virtual dialogue that exchanges interactive messages with the user, and can receive a response to the control scenario from the user terminal. If the first user group is selected as the recommendation target users, the rule-set code corresponding to the control scenario can be applied only when a response is received from all users in the first user group. For example, if the control scenario generation unit (630) transmits the control scenario “Turn off all indoor lights at 22:00?” to the user terminal, the user transmits the response “Yes” through the terminal. Accordingly, the control scenario generation unit (630) provides a question such as “Are you willing to perform it every day?”, and if the user transmits the response “Yes” through the user terminal, the message “Please follow the first step for a week” is provided to the user terminal.

[0099] For a control scenario provided to a user terminal, if the user agrees and responds to follow the control scenario, the evaluation reward unit (640) responds to the user selecting the provided control scenario and evaluates the second usage record for at least one device that is a target of the recommendation based on the selected control scenario.

[0100] Here, the second usage record includes the user's usage record for at least one device after the presented control scenario is selected by the user, and may include the usage record of the first user or the first user group for at least one device that is the target of the recommendation.

[0101] The command processing unit (620) stores the rule-set code when a control scenario is selected through the user's response to the recommendation question, and includes a step of controlling the recommendation target according to the stored rule-set code, and may store the user's usage record for the recommendation target controlled according to the rule-set code as a second usage record. More specifically, when the user's response ("Yes") to the recommendation question presented to the user, such as "Do you turn off all indoor lights at 22:00?", "Do you intend to do this every day?", or "Please keep it as the first step for a week" is received, the command processing unit (620) stores and applies the rule-set code corresponding to turning off indoor lights at 22:00. Thereafter, the evaluation and reward unit (640) turns off all indoor lights at 22:00 every day for a week, and verifies that the user has not personally turned the turned-off lights back on.

[0102] Accordingly, the evaluation compensation unit (640) can evaluate the performance of the control scenario through the second usage record of the user's usage record for indoor lighting (whether or not the lighting that was turned off after 22:00 is turned on again) that is the recommended target controlled according to the rule-set code.

[0103] After the evaluation, the evaluation reward unit (640) provides a reward to the user based on the evaluation results of the second usage record.

[0104] The rewards provided by the present invention may include at least one of the following: content discounts associated with automated services, extensions of free usage periods for automated services, accrual / provision of virtual currency for online service payments, online shopping coupons, and extensions of free game play periods. In this case, the automated service provision and evaluation-based reward device (600) according to an embodiment of the present invention may provide the aforementioned rewards in conjunction with an external service system.

[0105] The evaluation reward unit (640) provides a reward to the user based on the evaluation results of the second usage record. When providing a reward through the evaluation reward unit (640), a virtual conversational interface that exchanges interactive messages with the user may be used to send a guidance message to the user's terminal, such as, "You completed mission #1 for the past week. Accordingly, reward #1 will be paid."

[0106] More specifically, the evaluation reward unit (640) may calculate at least one score among a first score that evaluates compliance with the recommendations included in the control scenario based on the second usage record, and a second score that evaluates the degree of compliance with the recommendations based on the second usage record. At this time, the evaluation reward unit (640) may calculate at least one score for each unit operation of the recommendation target or each preset unit period, and may accumulate the scores calculated for each unit operation or each preset unit period by linking them with the recommendation target.

[0107] For example, if 'turning off all indoor lights at 22:00 every day for a week' is provided as a control scenario and the user allows it, the evaluation compensation unit (640) can calculate a first score if the user turns the lights turned off after 22:00 back on 0 to 2 times for 7 days in a week, based on the second usage record of the indoor lights, which are the target for the recommendation, a second score if the user turns them back on 3 to 5 times, and a third score if the user turns them back on 6 and 7 times.

[0108] Accordingly, the evaluation reward unit (640) may determine whether to provide a reward and at least one of the types of rewards based on the scores accumulated in connection with the recommended target over a preset period. For example, the evaluation reward unit (640) may determine to provide a reward only when the first score is calculated, and not to provide a reward when the second score and the third score are calculated. In some embodiments, among a total of five rewards, the evaluation reward unit (640) may determine to provide three rewards for the first score, one reward for the second score, and no reward for the third score. In other words, whether to provide a reward based on score calculation and the type of reward are determined depending on the embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

[0109] As described above, the automated service provision and evaluation-based reward device (600) according to the embodiment of the present invention can provide automated service technology to guide the user's lifestyle pattern in a direction that is mentally and physically beneficial, such as through appropriate TV viewing, regular sleeping habits, and consistent exercise.

[0110]

[0111] Although the description is omitted in the device of FIG. 6, each component constituting FIG. 6 may include all the contents described in FIGS. 1 to 4, which is obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0112]

[0113] The systems or devices described above may be implemented as hardware components, software components, and / or a combination of hardware components and software components. For example, the devices and components described in the embodiments may be implemented using one or more general-purpose computers or special-purpose computers, such as, for example, a processor, a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic unit (PLU), a microprocessor, or any other device capable of executing instructions and responding to them. The processing device may execute an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications running on the operating system. The processing device may also access, store, manipulate, process, and generate data in response to the execution of the software. For ease of understanding, the processing device is sometimes described as being used alone; however, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the processing device may include multiple processing elements and / or multiple types of processing elements. For example, a processing unit may include multiple processors, or a processor and a controller. Other processing configurations, such as parallel processors, are also possible.

[0114]

[0115] Software may include a computer program, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more of these, which may configure a processing device to perform a desired operation or may, independently or collectively, command the processing device. The software and / or data may be permanently or temporarily embodied in any type of machine, component, physical device, virtual equipment, computer storage medium or device, or transmitted signal wave, for interpretation by the processing device or for providing instructions or data to the processing device. The software may also be distributed over networked computer systems and stored or executed in a distributed manner. The software and data may be stored on one or more computer-readable recording media.

[0116]

[0117] The method according to the embodiment may be implemented in the form of program commands that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program commands, data files, data structures, etc., alone or in combination. The program commands recorded on the medium may be those specially designed and configured for the embodiment or may be known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program commands, such as hard disks, magneto-optical media, solid-state drives (SSDs), and ROMs, RAMs, flash memories, etc. Examples of the program commands include not only machine language codes generated by a compiler, but also high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc. The hardware devices described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operations of the embodiment, and vice versa.

[0118] Although the embodiments described above have been described by way of limited examples and drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made based on the above teachings. For example, appropriate results can still be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than described, and / or components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. are combined or combined in a different manner than described, or are replaced or substituted with other components or equivalents.

[0119]

[0120] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims also fall within the scope of the claims described below.

Claims

1. A method for providing an automated service of a computer device including at least one processor, A step of storing a first usage record for a plurality of devices located in a preset space; A step of analyzing the stored first usage records to select at least one device as a target for recommendation among the plurality of devices; A step of generating a control scenario for the above recommended target; A step of presenting the generated control scenario to a user; and In response to the above-mentioned control scenario being selected by the user, a step of evaluating a second usage record for the at least one device that is the recommendation target based on the selected control scenario. A method for providing an automated service including:

2. In paragraph 1, The second usage record includes the user's usage record for the at least one device after the presented control scenario is selected by the user. A method for providing an automated service characterized by:

3. In paragraph 1, The steps for generating the above control scenario are: Generating a control scenario including a rule-set code for controlling the above recommended target and a recommendation question to be presented to the user to induce the control of the above recommended target according to the rule-set code. A method for providing an automated service characterized by:

4. In paragraph 3, The step of presenting the above generated control scenario to the user is: Providing the above recommendation question to the user through a virtual conversational medium that exchanges interactive messages with the user. A method for providing an automated service characterized by:

5. In paragraph 3, The above evaluation steps are: When the control scenario is selected through the user's response to the above recommendation question, a step of storing the rule-set code and controlling the recommendation target according to the stored rule-set code An automated service providing method characterized by including:

6. In paragraph 5, The above evaluation steps are: A step of storing the user's usage history for the recommended target controlled according to the rule set code as the second usage history. An automated service providing method characterized by further including:

7. In paragraph 1, A step of analyzing the above-mentioned stored first usage records and selecting the first user or the first user group as a recommended target user among multiple users using the above-mentioned preset space. A method of providing an automated service including:

8. In paragraph 7, The step of presenting the above generated control scenario to the user is: Presenting the generated control scenario to the first user or users of the first user group selected as the recommended target users. A method for providing an automated service characterized by:

9. In paragraph 7, The second usage record includes the usage record of the first user or the first user group for the at least one device that is the target of the recommendation. A method for providing an automated service characterized by:

10. In paragraph 1, A step of providing compensation to the user based on the evaluation results of the second usage record. A method of providing an automated service including:

11. In paragraph 10, The above compensation includes at least one of a discount on content related to the automated service, an extension of the free use period of the automated service, and provision of virtual currency. A method for providing an automated service characterized by:

12. In a computer program stored in a computer-readable recording medium for executing a method of providing automated services by being combined with a computer device, The above automated service provision method is: A step of storing a first usage record for a plurality of devices located in a preset space; A step of analyzing the stored first usage records to select at least one device as a target for recommendation among the plurality of devices; A step of generating a control scenario for the above recommended target; A step of presenting the generated control scenario to a user; and In response to the above-mentioned control scenario being selected by the user, a step of evaluating a second usage record for the at least one device that is the recommendation target based on the selected control scenario. including A computer program characterized by .

13. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a computer program for executing a method of providing an automated service on a computer device, The above automated service provision method is: A step of storing a first usage record for a plurality of devices located in a preset space; A step of analyzing the stored first usage records to select at least one device as a target for recommendation among the plurality of devices; A step of generating a control scenario for the above recommended target; A step of presenting the generated control scenario to a user; and In response to the above-mentioned control scenario being selected by the user, a step of evaluating a second usage record for the at least one device that is the recommendation target based on the selected control scenario. including A recording medium characterized by .

14. At least one processor implemented to execute computer-readable instructions. Including, By at least one processor, Stores the first usage records for multiple devices located in a preset space, By analyzing the above-mentioned stored first usage records, at least one device that is a target for recommendation is selected from among the plurality of devices, Create a control scenario for the above recommended target, Presenting the above generated control scenario to the user, In response to the above-mentioned control scenario being selected by the user, evaluating the second usage record for the at least one device that is the target of the recommendation based on the selected control scenario. A computer device characterized by:

15. In a method for evaluating a compensation based on a computer device including at least one processor, A step of generating a control scenario for at least one device that is a recommended target among a plurality of devices based on a first usage record for a plurality of devices located in a preset space; A step of presenting the generated control scenario to a user; In response to the user selecting the control scenario presented above, evaluating the second usage history for the at least one device that is the target of the recommendation based on the selected control scenario; and A step of providing compensation to the user based on the evaluation results of the second usage record. An evaluation-based compensation method including:

16. In paragraph 15, The steps for providing the above compensation are: A step of calculating at least one score among a first score that evaluates whether the above control scenario is in compliance with the recommendation based on the second usage record, and a second score that evaluates the degree of compliance with the recommendation based on the second usage record. An evaluation-based compensation method comprising:

17. In paragraph 16, The step of calculating at least one score above comprises: Calculating at least one score for each unit action of the recommended target or for each preset unit period, The steps for providing the above compensation are: A step of accumulating the score calculated for each of the above unit operations or each of the above preset unit periods in connection with the above recommended target. Including more An evaluation-based compensation method characterized by:

18. In paragraph 17, The steps for providing the above compensation are: A step of determining whether to provide the above reward and at least one of the types of the reward based on the accumulated score linked to the above recommended target over a preset period of time. An evaluation-based compensation method characterized by further including:

19. In paragraph 15, The steps for generating the above control scenario are: A step of storing the first usage records for the plurality of devices; A step of analyzing the stored first usage records to select at least one device as a target for recommendation among the plurality of devices; and A step of generating a control scenario including a rule-set code for controlling the above recommended target and a recommendation question to be presented to the user to induce the user to control the above recommended target according to the rule-set code. An evaluation-based compensation method comprising:

20. In paragraph 19, The above evaluation steps are: When the control scenario is selected through the user's response to the recommendation question, a step of storing the rule-set code and controlling the recommendation target according to the stored rule-set code; and A step of storing the user's usage history for the recommended target controlled according to the above rule-set code as the second usage history. An evaluation-based compensation method comprising:

Images