JP2020155855A - Home apparatus control system - Google Patents

Abstract

To make it possible to simply use coordinated services on various types of apparatuses in a user's house to improve the user's convenience.SOLUTION: A home apparatus control system 1 comprises: a control coordination apparatus (coordination server 2) that generates a coordination rule defining execution (action) of preset control on specific apparatuses by taking occurrence of a predefined event as a start (trigger) and, on the basis of the coordination rule, transmits a control signal to the specific apparatuses; and home control equipment (home control system 3: home control server 10) for performing operation detection and control on various types of apparatuses in a user's house; the specific apparatuses including the various types of apparatuses. The home control equipment includes: transmission means for transmitting the occurrence of the predefined event to the control coordination apparatus; reception means for receiving the control signal from the control coordination apparatus; and control means for controlling the various types of apparatuses on the basis of the control signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a home device control system.

Conventionally, a sales company or a manufacturing company (hereinafter referred to as a business operator) of a network-compatible device having a communication function or being able to connect to a communication device has provided the network-compatible device to the user on the Internet, mobile communication network, etc. It provides a service for remote operation using a mobile communication terminal such as a smartphone via a communication network (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
The server that provides the service provides the mobile communication terminal with a screen instructing the operation of the network-compatible device as a home page so that the user can remotely control the network-compatible device owned by the user according to the service menu provided by the operator. It has become.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-281169

However, if there are multiple network-compatible devices owned by the user, and these multiple network-compatible devices are all manufactured by different manufacturers, for example, and the services provided to the users are also different for each network-compatible device, different businesses It was complicated and difficult to use because the services of the person had to be used individually.
Especially in recent years, in order to save energy in the house, HEMS (Home Energy Management System) that monitors and controls the power consumption of each home appliance in the house, controls for power saving, and monitors and controls private power sources such as solar power generation and power storage. ) Is being popularized, but since various network-compatible home appliances and devices are used in such HEMS, it is convenient for users to use the services of different companies in cooperation with each other. It leads to sex.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is that services related to various devices in the user's home can be linked and easily used, and the convenience of the user's life is improved. ..

According to the first aspect of the present invention, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, a preset control is executed on a specific device triggered by the occurrence (trigger) of a predefined event. Home device control system 1 using a control cooperation device (cooperation server 2) that generates a cooperation rule that defines what to do (action) and transmits a control signal to the specific device based on the cooperation rule. And
Equipped with a home control device (home control system 3: home control server 10) that detects and controls the operation of various devices (distribution board 12, various home loads 13, various sensors 14, various devices 15) in the user's home. Ori,
The specific device includes the various devices.
The home control device is
A transmission means (API server unit 10a) for transmitting the occurrence of the predetermined event to the control cooperation device, and
A receiving means (API server unit 10a) for receiving the control signal from the control cooperation device, and
It is characterized by having control means (home control server 10, home gateway 11) for controlling the various devices based on the control signal.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a home control device for detecting and controlling the operation of various devices in the user's home is provided, and the specific device includes various devices, and the home control device is a predetermined event. Since it has a transmission means for transmitting the occurrence of the occurrence to the control cooperation device, a reception means for receiving the control signal from the control cooperation device, and a control means for controlling various devices based on the control signal, the cooperation rule Accordingly, it is possible to reliably and automatically control various devices included in a specific device. As a result, services related to various devices in the user's home can be linked and easily used, and the convenience of the user's life can be improved.

The invention according to claim 2 is the in-home device control system 1 according to claim 1, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, for example.
The transmission means includes an API for triggering transmission of the occurrence of the predetermined event to the control cooperation device.
The receiving means is characterized by including an execution API for receiving the control signal from the control cooperation device and executing control of any of the various devices by the home control device.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the transmitting means includes an API for triggering transmission to the control cooperation device that a predetermined event has occurred, and the receiving means receives a control signal from the control cooperation device. Since it includes an execution API for executing the control of any of the various devices by the home control device, it is possible to relay the various devices controlled by the home control device and the control cooperation device, and a predetermined event occurs. It is possible to reliably link what has been done with the execution of control of any of the various devices included in the specific device.

The invention according to claim 3 is the in-home device control system 1 according to claim 1 or 2, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5.
The various devices include various sensors 14 provided in the user's home.
The transmitting means is characterized in that information related to sensing by the various sensors 14 is transmitted to the control cooperation device.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the transmitting means transmits the information related to the sensing by the various sensors 14 to the control cooperation device, the control set in advance is triggered by the information related to the sensing by the various sensors 14. Can be executed for a specific device.

The invention according to claim 4 is the home device control system 1 according to any one of claims 1 to 3, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5.
The in-home control device further has a calculation means (in-home control server 10) for determining the control contents of the various devices based on the information acquired from the user's home or outside the home.
The transmission means is characterized in that information related to the control content determined by the calculation means is transmitted to the control cooperation device.

According to the invention of claim 4, since the transmitting means transmits the information related to the control content determined by the calculation means to the control cooperation device, various devices control based on the control content determined by the calculation means. With this as an opportunity, preset control can be executed for a specific device.

The invention according to claim 5 is the in-home device control system 1 according to any one of claims 1 to 4, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5.
The specific device is characterized by including a device provided in the user's home and not directly controlled by the home control device.

According to the invention of claim 5, since the specific device includes a device provided in the user's home and not directly controlled by the home control device, the specific device is not directly controlled by the home control device. A preset control can be executed for a specific device when the device operates. Further, based on the information of the transmission means of the home control device, preset control can be executed for the device that is not directly controlled by the home control device.

The invention according to claim 6 is the in-home device control system 1 according to any one of claims 1 to 5, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
The specific device is characterized in that a service device (service providing server 5) that provides a specific service to a user is included in the specific device.

According to the invention of claim 6, since the specific device includes a service device that provides a specific service to the user, a cooperation rule incorporating the service device can be generated and provided to the user. The range of services that can be provided can be expanded.

The invention according to claim 7 is the in-home device control system 1 according to any one of claims 1 to 6, for example, as shown in FIG.
The control cooperation device is characterized in that one user account for the home control device and one user account for the control cooperation device are linked.

According to the invention of claim 7, since the control cooperation device links one user account for the home control device and one user account for the control cooperation device, control and control cooperation by the home control device. Control by equipment is less likely to be cross-talked, making it easier to execute cooperation rules.

According to the present invention, services related to various devices in the user's home can be linked and easily used, and the user's living convenience can be improved.

It is a figure which shows the outline of the home equipment control system. It is a figure which shows the image of the cooperation service. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the cooperation server. It is a figure explaining the flow of the cooperation service. It is a figure explaining the flow of the cooperation service.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, although the embodiments described below are provided with various technically preferable limitations for carrying out the present invention, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples. Absent.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a home device control system 1 that makes it possible to provide a user with a linked service that links a plurality of services.
The home device control system 1 in the present embodiment generates a cooperation rule that stipulates that preset control is executed for a specific device when a predefined event occurs, and also , A control cooperation device that transmits a control signal to a specific device is used based on the cooperation rule, and a home control device that detects and controls the operation of various devices in the user's house is provided and specified. The devices of the above include various devices, and the home control device includes a transmission means for transmitting a predetermined event to the control cooperation device and a reception means for receiving a control signal from the control cooperation device. , A control means for controlling various devices based on a control signal.

The services to be linked in the home device control system 1 can be classified into a trigger service and an action service. That is, in the home device control system 1, when a predetermined event related to the trigger service occurs, the action service is made to execute a predetermined action. This makes it possible to provide a variety of linked services that combine different services.

The home device control system 1 is linked with a link server 2 (that is, a control link device) that provides a link service and a home control system 3 (that is, a home control device) for controlling various devices in the user's home. A communication terminal 4 used for setting rules and the like, and a service providing server 5 (that is, a service device) that provides a predetermined web service to a user are included.

Here, the cooperation rule is also referred to as an applet, and is triggered by the provision of predetermined information (information indicating that a predefined event has occurred) from the home control system 3 or the service providing server 5. , It is a rule that stipulates that various devices in the home control system 3 or a service in the service providing server 5 execute a predetermined action, and is generated by the cooperation server 2.
It should be noted that the event includes the operation of the device controlled or not controlled by the home control system 3, the detection information of the operation, the service provided to the user by the service providing server 5, the environmental information of the user's home, and the like. You may call it.

In the home device control system 1 of the present embodiment, at least one of the trigger and the action of the cooperation rule is the operation of various devices executed by the home control system 3. That is, both the trigger and the action may be the operations of various devices executed by the home control system 3.

The home device control system 1 may provide the user with a cooperation rule in a form that does not include the home control system 3. That is, a plurality of web services may be appropriately linked by the linking server 2. The user can receive the cooperation service including the service provided by the home control system 3, and in some cases, receive the cooperation service composed of a plurality of web services not including the service provided by the home control system 3. be able to.

The cooperation server 2, the home control system 3, the communication terminal 4, and the service providing server 5 are connected to each other via the communication network N in a state in which they can communicate with each other. Further, in the home control system 3, each element constituting the system may be connected to each other via the communication network N in a state in which they can communicate with each other.

Communication network N includes various communication network networks such as telephone network, ISDN network, optical fiber, mobile communication network, communication satellite line, CATV network, and other dedicated lines, and an Internet service provider (that is, that connects them). Internet) etc. may be included. In addition, various communication networks such as LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and NFC (Near Field Communication) are collectively connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. Communication network may be used. In addition, the form of connection may be wired, wireless, or a mixture of wired and wireless.

The cooperation server 2 in the present embodiment, the in-home control server 10 and the service providing server 5 described later in the in-home control system 3 are servers constructed on the cloud, and are server systems that can use the server function through the Internet (communication network N). Is. Further, such a server system may be one server or a plurality of servers connected via a communication network N.

It is assumed that the user provides his / her own information to the cooperation server 2, the home control system 3, and the service providing server 5, and appropriately acquires the user account, user ID, and the like. In addition, the user has a communication terminal 4 for using a part of the functions in the home device control system 1.

[About home control system]
The home control system 3 provides the user with a service for controlling various devices in the user's home. The user's house refers to a building such as a house in which the user resides, and the building includes the house itself and the site on which the house is built.

The in-home control system 3 is connected to the in-home control server 10 which plays a part of a function for a user (user or resident) who uses electric power in the user's home to use the communication terminal 4 and determine the electric power used. Therefore, it is possible to determine the power consumption of the user's home by exchanging various information via the communication network N. In addition to the amount of electricity used, it is also possible to check and determine the amount of water and gas used by being communicatively connected to a water and gas flowmeter.

Such a home control system 3 includes a home control server 10 (that is, a calculation means), a home gateway 11 (that is, a control means), a distribution board 12, various home loads 13, various sensors 14, and so on. It is configured to include various devices 15. Further, a home gateway 11, a distribution board 12, various home loads 13, various sensors 14, and various devices 15 are provided in the user's home. The home control server 10 and the home gateway 11 may work together to function the home control system 3.

The home control server 10 is for operating the entire home control system 3, and in the present embodiment, any of the contractors involved in the construction of the user's home, the electric power company, the provider of various web services, and the like. It shall be owned by the business operator of, but is not particularly limited. That is, it does not have to be owned by any business operator, and may be owned by an individual.

The in-home control server 10 is an API (Application Programming Interface) in order to ensure that the server main unit that functions as a control unit that controls the operation of the in-home control system 3 and the linkage service that uses the in-home control system 3 by the linkage server 2 function. ), An API server unit 10a (that is, a transmitting means and a receiving means), and a storage unit that stores various data and various programs necessary for operating the home device control system 1 and the home control system 3. And are configured to include.
The API server unit 10a can communicate with both the cooperation server 2 and the home gateway 11. Then, as referred to in FIGS. 4 and 5, the trigger API (that is, the trigger API) transmits the API to the corresponding cooperation rule when the defined event occurs. Further, the action API (that is, the execution API) receives the occurrence of the corresponding trigger and transmits the API to the corresponding application or device in the home control system 3.
Further, the home control server 10 is connected to the management terminal wirelessly or by wire, and various information management / maintenance and the like can be performed by the management web application.

The home control server 10 is provided with clock and calendar functions, so that when the power value of the user's home is measured, the measured time can also be determined. That is, by associating the current value data with the date and time information, the current value for each unit time (for example, one hour) of the user's house can be grasped, and monthly data, annual data, etc. can be easily derived. Can be done.

The home gateway 11 has a router function for creating connection settings to an Internet service provider, a wireless LAN function for Wi-Fi connection, and a VoIP gateway for transmitting and receiving voice calls and FAX by connecting a telephone or FAX. It has both a function of relaying between a telephone network and an IP network and a function as a line termination device for an optical line.
Further, in the present embodiment, a modem with a so-called router function having the above functions is used as the home gateway 11, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various devices such as routers and hubs having the above functions are used. The home gateway 11 may be constructed.
Further, the home gateway 11 is appropriately provided with arithmetic functions, communication means, storage means and the like necessary for realizing the home control system 3. With such a configuration, the home gateway 11 collects data related to the usage status of the distribution board 12 in the user's home, various home loads 13, various sensors 14, and various devices 15, and collects the collected data. It is possible to analyze and control the distribution board 12 in the user's home, various home loads 13, various sensors 14, and various devices 15 based on the analysis result.
That is, the home gateway 11 may simply have functions such as a router and a hub, and may construct the home control system 3 in the present embodiment in cooperation with the home control server 10, or may provide the functions required for the home gateway 11. The home control system 3 in the present embodiment may be constructed without coordinating with the home control server 10, and the degree of cooperation with the home control server 10 may be appropriately changed.

The distribution board 12 distributes the electric power supplied from the commercial distribution line network (grid power grid) of the electric power company to the home gateway 11 and various household loads 13, and the current value (the amount of electric power supplied to the distribution destination). ) Has a power sensor to measure.
Further, although not shown, the distribution board 12 has an ampere breaker that stops the supply of electric power when a current flows in excess of the contracted ampere, a leakage breaker that stops the supply of electric power in the event of an electric leakage, and electric power in each room. It has a wiring breaker that stops the supply of electric power when a current exceeding a specified value flows in the branch circuit to be supplied. The distribution board 12 may distribute electric power to various sensors 14 and various devices 15.

Although not shown, the various household loads 13 include, for example, home appliances such as TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, lighting fixtures, and air conditioners, infrastructure equipment such as electricity, gas, and water, and equipment related to information and communication equipment. Among them, equipment that uses electricity can be mentioned. Multiple home appliances and equipment are used in the user's home. This may include a domestic load that is not directly controlled by the home control system 3. In FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, various household loads 13 are collectively referred to as a general term for these a plurality of home appliances and a plurality of equipment.

Examples of the various sensors 14 include a temperature / humidity sensor, a water flow meter, and a gas flow meter, which are not shown. In FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, various sensors 14 are collectively referred to as these temperature / humidity sensors, water flow meters, and gas flow meters.
A plurality of temperature / humidity sensors are provided inside and outside the user's house, and measure the temperature and humidity inside and outside the user's house. Although this temperature / humidity sensor is operated by the built-in battery, it can also receive power from the distribution board 12 and other power sources (for example, a photovoltaic power generation device), and it is possible to receive power from the user's home on a daily basis. It is possible to measure the temperature and humidity inside and outside.
The water and gas flow meters are built into the water meters and gas meters and measure the amount of water and gas used in the user's home. Although these flow meters are designed to operate on the built-in battery, they can also receive power from the distribution board 12 and other power sources (for example, photovoltaic power generation devices), and can be supplied from the user's home on a daily basis. It is possible to measure the amount of water used and the amount of gas used.

Although not shown, the various devices 15 refer to various devices introduced in order to realize a smart house (smart home) of a user's home. For example, a smart speaker (also called an AI speaker) that searches for information and operates a household load 13, an electronic lock at the entrance / window / delivery box, and a home appliance with a simple structure that is plugged into an outlet and connected to the home appliance. Various devices 15 include a smart plug that enables power ON / OFF operation, an opening / closing device for opening / closing a curtain, a window opening / closing device, a shutter opening / closing device, and the like. This may include devices that are not directly controlled by the home control system 3. In FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, various devices 15 are collectively referred to as a generic term for these plurality of devices.
The smart speaker is connected to various home loads 13, various sensors 14, and various devices 15 other than the smart speaker via LAN or Bluetooth (registered trademark) so as to recognize the user's voice (voice) in various homes. Remote control of the internal load 13 and the like can be performed.

[About communication terminals]
As described above, the user has a communication terminal 4 for using a part of the functions in the home device control system 1. The communication terminal 4 is communicably connected to the cooperation server 2, the home control system 3, and the service providing server 5 via the communication network N.

The communication terminal 4 is a computer having a display device, an input device, a storage device, a microprocessor, and the like. More specifically, as the communication terminal 4, a mobile phone (for example, a smartphone, a feature phone), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a desktop personal computer, a laptop personal computer (notebook personal computer), and a palmtop personal computer. Computers, tablet-type personal computers, etc. can be used.

The display device in the communication terminal 4 is composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic electro-Luminescence (OEL), and the like, and displays and controls the cooperation server 2, the home control system 3, and the service providing server 5. Various information can be displayed according to the above.

The communication terminal 4 in the present embodiment is mainly owned by the user of the home device control system 1, but is not limited to this, and includes a builder involved in the construction of the user's home, an electric power company, and various types. It may be owned by any of the network service providers and the like.
In the present embodiment, a smartphone or tablet-type personal computer provided with a touch panel (functioning as a display device and an input device) and having excellent portability is used as the communication terminal 4. In addition, other types of communication terminals may be used together.

The communication terminal 4 may include a communication terminal owned by a family member in addition to the communication terminal owned by the user.

[About services provided by the home control system]
The service provided by the home control system 3 is provided to the user through the communication terminal 4 by activating a dedicated website or a dedicated smartphone application on the communication terminal 4. Such a service can monitor the power consumption and the like on the communication terminal 4 and operate various home loads 13 and various devices 15 regardless of whether the service is at home or out of the office.
The service provided by the home control system 3 is activated by tapping the icon 3a displayed on the display device (touch panel) of the communication terminal 4.

The server main unit of the home control server 10 functions as a control unit, and this control unit executes various programs stored in the storage unit to execute a home gateway 11, a distribution board 12, various home loads 13, and various types. Services are provided based on the configurations of the sensor 14 and the various devices 15. The services provided by the home control system 3 are classified into energy-saving services, safety services, safety services, and comfort services.

The classification of energy-saving services includes, for example, the following services.
(1) Energy monitor service: Visualizes the amount of electricity, gas, and water used in the user's home and displays it in graphs and numerical values.
(2) Temperature / humidity monitor service: The temperature / humidity of each room in the user's home is measured, and the risk of heat stroke and health risk (room temperature less than 16 ° C) are displayed in different colors to call attention.
(3) Electricity contract plan advice service: Advice on the optimum power contract amperage from monthly peak power records.

The classification of safety services includes, for example, the following services.
(1) Security alert service: Notifies you when the front door or window opens while you are out.
(2) Door lock monitoring service: You can check the door lock of the entrance door and windows, and if it is an electric lock type entrance door, you can lock it by operating the communication terminal 4 from outside.
(3) Abnormal use alert service: Notifies when the water supply is used abnormally due to forgetting to close the faucet.

The classification of secure services includes the following services.
(1) Heat stroke alert service: To prevent elderly people and pets at home from suffering from heat stroke, the danger is detected from the temperature and humidity of each room and warning information is notified.
(2) Welcome back alarm service: Notifies you when there is a reaction to use water during the set time.
(3) Watching alarm service: Monitors the water usage status and notifies when water has not been used for a certain period of time or longer. You can watch the lives of the elderly from a remote location.

The comfort service classification includes the following services.
(1) Remote control service: Equipment such as electric locks, electric shutters, air conditioners, water heaters, and floor heating can be operated from the communication terminal 4 from outside.
(2) Home control service: Each device in the home (13 various home loads, 15 various devices)
Can be operated by the communication terminal 4.
(3) Timer operation service: Each device (various household loads 13, various devices 15) is operated and stopped by the timer setting.
(4) Scene operation service: Operates each device (various household loads 13, various devices 15) for each of a plurality of scenes (scenes) according to the user's life. For example, there are "wake-up scene", "sleeping scene", "going out (absent) scene", "home (returning) scene", etc., and operation patterns such as lighting and air conditioner can be set for each scene. Simultaneous operation is also possible, and the best environment can be prepared for each person.
(5) Cool breeze control service: Compares indoor and outdoor temperatures and automatically controls electric top lights, ceiling fans, air conditioners, etc. You can realize a comfortable and energy-saving daily life that takes advantage of the natural breeze.

As for the service provided by the home control system 3, new services can be added at any time by each device newly introduced in the user's home and subject to control, or by a new program registered in the home control server 10. ..
For example, earthquake information service (service that notifies information such as seismic intensity, building damage degree, ground damage degree, etc.), health management service (service that promotes health by detecting user's weight and sleeping state), crime prevention service (human feeling) Various services such as (security services using sensors, security cameras, alarms, etc.) can be incorporated into the home control system 3 and provided to users.

Each of the services provided by the home control system 3 as described above is a service provided to the user in cooperation with the cooperation server 2 in the home device control system 1.

[About the service provider server]
The service providing server 5 (that is, a service device) is a server for providing a predetermined web service to a user, and the type of the service is not particularly limited.
Examples of the web service in the present embodiment include a social networking service (SNS), a time management web application, a weather information service, a location information service, and a shopping site.

A plurality of web services are provided to users by a service providing server operated by each business operator (service provider). In FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, the service providing server 5 is a general term for a service providing server for providing a plurality of web services.

The service provided by the service providing server 5 is activated by tapping the icons 5a to 5e displayed on the display device (touch panel) of the communication terminal 4. Icon 5a corresponds to social network services, icon 5b corresponds to time management web applications, icon 5c corresponds to weather information services, icon 5d corresponds to location information services, and icon 5e corresponds to shopping sites. There is.

The social network service is a web service that can build a social network through communication on the Internet, and can share the user's current status, interests, news, etc. with friends, acquaintances, and the like. For example, Facebook (registered trademark), Twitter (registered trademark), LINE (registered trademark) and the like are widely known, and the social network service in the present embodiment is not particularly limited.
The time management web application is a web service having a calendar function and a schedule management function, and can be easily linked with various web services.
The weather information service is a service that distributes weather forecasts and weather data. For example, it is possible to acquire pinpoint weather information in cooperation with a location information service.
The location information service identifies the location of the communication terminal 4 by a sanitary positioning system such as GPS (Global Positioning System, Global Positioning Satellite), and provides various services to the user based on the location information. provide.
A shopping site is a homepage for shopping on the Internet, and is a service for having purchased products delivered to a designated delivery destination.

Each service providing server 5 (5a to 5e) that provides the above-mentioned services is appropriately provided with an API server unit as in the case of the above-mentioned home control server 10, and one service and the other service are linked. It is possible to call some functions from an external service.

Each of the services provided by the service providing server 5 as described above is a service provided to the user in cooperation with the cooperation server 2 in the home device control system 1.

[About the linked server]
As shown in FIG. 3, the linked server 2 includes a control unit 20 composed of a microprocessor or the like, a storage unit 21 composed of a hard disk drive, a flash memory, or the like, and an external device (home control) via a communication network N. It is a computer having a communication unit 22 and the like for communicating with a system 3, a communication terminal 4, and a service providing server 5). The communication unit 22 receives the communication signal from the control unit 20 and sends the communication signal to the communication network N, receives the communication signal from the communication network N, and outputs the communication signal to the control unit 20.

The control unit 20 controls the entire cooperation server 2 including the storage unit 21 and the like based on the control program (not shown) stored in the storage unit 21, and also sets the setting reception unit 20a and the cooperation rule activation unit. It functions as 20b, a trigger reception unit 20c, an action transmission unit 20d, and a cooperation rule generation unit 20e.

In the storage unit 21, services such as user registration information 21a and information related to the cooperation rule used by the user (definition information of service cooperation in which one service is a trigger and another service is an action) 21b and the like are stored. Information necessary for cooperation is stored.

The setting reception unit 20a receives various specifications regarding the generation of the cooperation rule.
Specifically, the setting reception unit 20a creates a user account of a user who has registered a user account in the home control system 3 in advance in the cooperation server 2, and links these user accounts. Furthermore, it accepts the specification of the user account of the user who registers the cooperation rule, and the specification of the trigger and action.

The linkage rule activation unit 20b is for enabling and invalidating the linkage rule registered in the linkage server 2, and the activation and invalidation can be selected based on the operation by the user through the communication terminal 4. It has come to be called. On the communication terminal 4, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, "On / Off" is displayed. When it is set to On, the corresponding cooperation rule is enabled, and when it is set to Off, it is invalidated.

When the user receives the cooperation service according to the cooperation rule, the trigger reception unit 20c receives predetermined information provided from the home control system 3 or the service providing server 5 as a trigger.

When the trigger reception unit 20c receives the predetermined information when the user receives the cooperation service according to the cooperation rule, the action transmission unit 20d performs a predetermined action on various devices in the home control system 3 or the service in the service providing server 5. Information to be executed is transmitted to the home control system 3 or the service providing server 5.

The cooperation rule generation unit 20e stores the cooperation rule for the user in the storage unit 21 with the service by the home control system 3 or the service providing server 5 as a trigger and the service by the home control system 3 or the service providing server 5 as an action. .. That is, the cooperation rule generation unit 20e can select the service to be the trigger and the service to be the action by the user himself / herself, and can create the cooperation rule required by the user by himself / herself (see FIG. 5). .).

Further, in the control unit 20, the business operator that provides the service by the in-home control system 3 registers a default cooperation rule for the user with the service by the in-home control system 3 as a trigger and the service by the in-home control system 3 as an action. It is possible to do. The user can receive the service by using the default cooperation rule prepared by the business operator (see FIG. 4). In addition, a user-created linkage rule may be registered as a default linkage rule so that other users can use it.

The cooperation service provided by the cooperation server 2 is activated by tapping the icon 2a (see FIG. 2) displayed on the display device (touch panel) of the communication terminal 4.

The communication unit 22 communicates with the application or device through the trigger API of the API server unit 10a in the home control system 3. In addition, it communicates with an application or device through the action API of the API server unit 10a.

[About linked services including services provided by home control systems]
When the user receives the cooperation service in the home device control system 1, he / she provides his / her own information to the cooperation server 2, the home control system 3, and the service providing server 5 as described above, and provides the user account, user ID, and the like. Obtain as appropriate. In particular, when registering a user account on the linked server 2, the user account should be registered in the home control system 3 in advance. Then, the setting reception unit 20a links the user accounts with each other. In this case, only one linked server 2 account can be linked to one home control system 3 user account.

The cooperation server 2 distributes a dedicated channel in which a plurality of default cooperation rules related to the home control system 3 are registered to the communication terminal 4 of the user who has registered an account. The dedicated channel is a website in which a user having an account of the home control system 3 registers an account of the cooperation server 2, and a user in a state in which these accounts are linked can check through the communication terminal 4. The default cooperation rule registered in the dedicated channel refers to a default cooperation rule created by a business operator or a user and triggered by a service by the home control system 3 and an action by the service by the home control system 3.

In the dedicated channel, when the user selects the default linkage rule to be used from a plurality of default linkage rules through the communication terminal 4 and activates the linkage rule (operates the linkage rule activation unit), a trigger is created. The reception unit 20c is in a state of waiting for the occurrence of a trigger in the home control system 3.

Further, in the cooperation server 2, the user who registered the account by the cooperation rule generation unit 20e selects the service to be the trigger and the service to be the action, and the user himself / herself selects the cooperation rule required by the user. Can be created with.
As for the cooperation rule created by the user himself, when the carrying rule is enabled (the cooperation rule activation unit is operated) in the same way as the default cooperation rule registered in the dedicated channel, the trigger reception unit 20c is set to the home control system. It is in a state of waiting for the occurrence of a trigger in 3 or the service providing server 5.

Examples of cooperation rules are as follows.
(A) Trigger …… "When sunset time comes"
Action: "Turn on the lights", "Close the windows"
(B) Trigger …… "When it rains"
Action: "Close the window", "Notify communication terminal 4"
(C) Trigger: "When the temperature (humidity) rises", "When the temperature (humidity) falls"
Action: "Operate the air conditioner", "Open (close) the window", "ON (OFF) of the cool breeze control service"
(D) Trigger …… "When the amount of electricity (water, gas) used exceeds the specified amount"
Action: "Notify communication terminal 4", "Stop power supply to home load"
(E) Trigger …… "When it comes to each scene of the scene operation service"
Action: "Lighting ON / OFF control", "Air conditioner ON / OFF control", "Opening and closing windows"
(F) Trigger …… "When the heat stroke alert is activated"
Action: "Notify the level of heat stroke risk", "Notify family communication terminal"
(G) Trigger …… "When the user moves to the registered position"
Action: "Activate cool breeze control service", "Notify family communication terminal"
(H) Trigger …… "When the specified date comes"
Action …… "Release the outing scene of the scene operation service"
(I) Trigger …… "When the product is delivered from the shopping site"
Action …… "Unlock the delivery box with the timer operation service"
As a method of notifying the communication terminal 4, for example, e-mail, LINE, or the like can be used. Further, a pop-up may be displayed on the display screen of the communication terminal 4, and the notification method is not particularly limited.

Various examples can be given as cooperation rules, but the above are only a few examples, and it is possible to provide more cooperation rules to users and provide services only by the service by the home control system 3. By combining the services provided by the server 5 or adding a new service to the home control system 3, a larger number of cooperation rules can be provided to the user.

[About the flow of linked services]
As shown in FIG. 4, the flow when the user receives the service based on the default cooperation rule registered in the dedicated channel is that the user registered in the home control system 3 first registers the account of the cooperation server 2. (Step S1).

Subsequently, among the plurality of default linkage rules registered in the dedicated channel, the default linkage rule selected by the user is enabled (step S2). When the default linkage rule is enabled, the home control system 3 is in a state of waiting for the occurrence of a trigger.

When a service that serves as a trigger occurs, the home gateway 11 in the home control system 3 transmits the trigger generation information to the API server unit 10a in the home control system 3 (step S3). Upon receiving the trigger generation information, the API server unit 10a transmits the trigger API to the cooperation server 2 (step S4).
Then, the trigger generation information is transmitted from the user's home side to the cooperation server 2 through the home gateway 11 (step S5).

The cooperation server 2 that has received the trigger API and the trigger generation information transmits the action execution information set in the default cooperation rule to the API server unit 10a in the home control system 3 (step S6).
The API server unit 10a that has received the action execution information transmits the action API to the user's home side through the home gateway 11, and the action is executed (step S7). At this time, the API server unit 10a manages the log such as the execution status of the cooperation rule (step S8).
Further, the action execution information is transmitted from the cooperation server 2 to the user's home side through the home gateway 11 (step S9).

Then, the execution status of the action (for example, the detection information of various sensors 14) is transmitted to the communication terminal 4, and the user can confirm that the cooperation service has been performed (step S10).
As described above, the user can receive the service based on the default cooperation rule registered in the dedicated channel.

Next, the flow when the user receives the service based on the cooperation rule created by himself / herself will be described with reference to FIG. In this case, first, the user registered in the home control system 3 registers the account of the cooperation server 2 (step S11).

Subsequently, the user selects a service to be a trigger from the service provided by the home control system 3 and the service provided by the service providing server 5, and the cooperation rule generation unit 20e registers the trigger ( Step S12).

Subsequently, the user selects a service to be an action from the service provided by the home control system 3 and the service provided by the service providing server 5, and the cooperation rule generation unit 20e registers the action ( Step S13).

In this way, the cooperation rule is generated. When the linkage rule is generated, the user activates the linkage rule (step S14). When the cooperation rule is activated, the home control system 3 is in a state of waiting for the occurrence of a trigger.

Subsequent steps (steps S15 to S22 shown in FIG. 5) are the same as the above steps (steps S3 to S10 shown in FIG. 4) in the flow when receiving a service based on the default cooperation rule registered in the dedicated channel. Therefore, the description thereof will be omitted.
The cooperation rule created by the user is stored as the cooperation rule information 21b in the storage unit 21 in the cooperation server 2 together with the default cooperation rule.

[Example 1 of cooperation service]
An example of the cooperative service will be described by taking the above heat stroke alert service in the home control system 3 as an example.

As described above, the heat stroke alert service detects the danger from the temperature and humidity of each room and notifies warning information so that elderly people and pets at home do not suffer from heat stroke. In order to provide such a service, the home control system 3 includes a risk management unit that performs processing for deriving information related to heat stroke risk in the home control server 10 (server main body). Further, the home control system 3 includes temperature and humidity sensors (various sensors 14) as various devices.

The risk management unit can derive information related to the heat stroke risk by executing the risk management program stored in the storage unit based on the measurement result of the temperature / humidity sensor. Information on the risk of heat stroke is derived based on the measurement result of the temperature / humidity sensor and the heat index stored in the storage unit.

The heat index is internationally standardized by ISO and the like, and is also referred to as WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature). The unit of the heat index is expressed in degrees Celsius (° C), which is the same as the temperature, but the value is different from the temperature. Such a heat index (WBGT) focuses on the heat exchange (heat balance) between the human body and the surrounding air, and has a large effect on the heat balance of the human body, such as humidity, solar radiation, and radiation. It is an index that incorporates the three factors of environment and temperature. The risk management department compares and determines such a heat index with the measurement results of temperature and humidity measured by the temperature / humidity sensor, and derives heat stroke risk information.

Heat stroke risk information includes indicators that are easy for users to understand. The indicators are "almost safe (requires hydration as needed)", "caution (requires active hydration)", "alert (requires active break)", and "strict alert (intense exercise)". ”,“ Danger (exercise is stopped in principle) ”, and these indicators can be displayed as characters or objects on the display device of the communication terminal 4.
The home control system 3 can notify the communication terminal 4 and the display (not shown) provided in the user's home of the heat stroke risk information.

In the home device control system 1 in the present embodiment, the heat stroke alert service as described above is provided to the user in accordance with the cooperation rule generated by the cooperation server 2 (heat stroke risk information is displayed on the communication terminal 4 or displayed). A preset control can be executed (that is, an action) on a specific device by using a trigger (notified to the machine).

Here, as the action, first, the operation control of the air conditioner included in the various household loads 13 can be mentioned. The operation control of the air conditioner is also set in advance as to whether it operates in cooling operation or dehumidifying operation, or it is set to operate differently for each index of heat stroke risk divided in stages as described above. You may come.
Further, the action is not limited to the operation of the air conditioner, and other actions may be adopted. For example, a smart speaker included in various devices 15 and not directly controlled by the home control device may be used to give a voice notification, or a shutter opening / closing device included in various devices 15 closes the shutter. The sunlight in the user's house may be blocked.

For example, controlling the operation of the air conditioner when the heat stroke alert is activated can be set only by the home control system 3, but the advantage of the home device control system 1 in the present embodiment is that the action is particularly business. Since it can be set by the person or the user himself, the range of services that can be provided to the user is significantly widened.

[Example 2 of cooperation service]
An example of the cooperation service will be described by taking the above-mentioned scene operation service in the home control system 3 as an example.

In the scene operation service, each device (various household loads 13, various devices 15) can be operated for each of a plurality of scenes (scenes) according to the user's life. In addition, the device settings can be set in detail by the user according to the scene. As described above, the scenes include, for example, a "wake-up scene", a "sleeping scene", an "outing (absence) scene", and a "home (homecoming) scene". It should be noted that the scene can be set by using the communication terminal 4 or other information terminal.

When setting a scene, select a device that operates in the scene. In addition, it is possible to identify where the device is installed. Further, when the control of the scene is started, whether the set device starts or stops the operation, for example, in the case of an air conditioner, the operation mode, the temperature setting, the air volume setting, and the like can be set.

For example, in the wake-up scene, it is possible to control the bedroom and the living room so that the electric shutter opens at a set time and the air conditioner starts the operation in the automatic operation mode.

In the home device control system 1 in the present embodiment, the above scene operation service is provided to the user in accordance with the cooperation rule generated by the cooperation server 2 (the scene operation set in the home control system 3 is performed). What has been done) can be used as a trigger to execute (that is, take action) a preset control on a specific device.

For example, as an action for the operation of the wake-up scene, for example, the weather information and schedule of the day are notified to the communication terminal 4, the power of the TV which is not directly controlled by the home control device is turned on, and the home control device is used. For example, opening an electric blind that is not controlled by. Actions suitable for each scene are appropriately set by the user in the sleeping scene, the outing scene, and the home scene.

In the scene operation service in the home control system 3, a plurality of devices can be operated in a complex manner to optimize the environment in the user's home, but the advantage of the home device control system 1 in the present embodiment is. In particular, the control itself for adjusting the home environment by operating a plurality of devices in a complex manner can be set as an action service in the cooperation rule, and the range of services that can be provided to the user is significantly widened.

According to the present embodiment, a specific home control system 3 is provided that detects and controls the operation of various devices (distribution board 12, various home loads 13, various sensors 14, various devices 15) in the user's home. The devices include various devices, and the home control system 3 receives a transmission means (API server unit 10a) for transmitting to the cooperation server 2 that a predetermined event has occurred, and a control signal from the cooperation server 2. Since it has a receiving means (API server unit 10a) and a control means (home control server 10, home gateway 11) that controls various devices based on control signals, it is included in a specific device according to a cooperation rule. It is possible to reliably and automatically control various devices. As a result, services related to various devices in the user's home can be linked and easily used, and the convenience of the user's life can be improved.

Further, the transmitting means (API server unit 10a) includes an API for triggering transmission to the cooperation server 2 that a predetermined event has occurred, and the receiving means (API server unit 10a) is a control from the cooperation server 2. Since the execution API for executing the control of any of the various devices by the home control system 3 in response to the signal is included, the various devices controlled by the home control system 3 and the cooperation server 2 can be relayed and determined in advance. It is possible to reliably link the occurrence of the event with the execution of control of any of the various devices included in the specific device.

Further, since the transmission means transmits the information related to the sensing by the various sensors 14 to the cooperation server 2, the preset control is executed for the specific device by using the information related to the sensing by the various sensors 14 as an opportunity. be able to.

Further, since the transmission means transmits the information related to the control contents determined by the calculation means (home control server 10) to the cooperation server 2, various devices are controlled based on the control contents determined by the calculation means. With this as an opportunity, preset control can be executed for a specific device.

Further, since the specific device includes a device provided in the user's home and not directly controlled by the home control system 3, the device that is not directly controlled by the home control system 3 operates. Then, preset control can be executed for a specific device.

Further, since the service providing server 5 that provides a specific service to the user is included in the specific device, the cooperation rule in which the service providing server 5 is incorporated can be generated, and the range of services that can be provided to the user can be increased. Can be expanded.

Further, since the cooperation server 2 links one user account for the home control system 3 and one user account for the cooperation server 2, control by the home control system 3 and control by the cooperation server 2 are less likely to be mixed. , It becomes easier to execute the cooperation rule.

1 Home device control system 2 Linked server 2a Icon 3 Home control system 3a Icon 4 Communication terminal 5 Service providing server 5a Icon 5b Icon 5c Icon 5d Icon 5e Icon 10 Home control server 10a API server 11 Home gateway 12 Distribution board 13 Various Home load 14 Various sensors 15 Various devices 20 Control unit 20a Setting reception unit 20b Cooperation rule activation unit 20c Trigger reception unit 20d Action transmission unit 20e Cooperation rule generation unit 21 Storage unit 21a User registration information 21b Cooperation rule information 22 Communication unit

Claims (7)

When a predefined event occurs, a linkage rule that stipulates that preset control is executed for a specific device is generated, and the specific linkage rule is based on the linkage rule. It is a home device control system that uses a control cooperation device that transmits control signals to the device.
It is equipped with an in-home control device that detects and controls the operation of various devices in the user's home.
The specific device includes the various devices.
The home control device is
A transmission means for transmitting the occurrence of the predetermined event to the control cooperation device, and
A receiving means for receiving the control signal from the control cooperation device, and
A home device control system comprising: a control means for controlling the various devices based on the control signal. In the home device control system according to claim 1,
The transmission means includes an API for triggering transmission of the occurrence of the predetermined event to the control cooperation device.
The receiving means includes an execution API for receiving the control signal from the control cooperation device and executing control of any of the various devices by the home control device. .. In the home device control system according to claim 1 or 2.
The various devices include various sensors installed in the user's home.
The transmission means is a home device control system characterized in that information related to sensing by the various sensors is transmitted to the control cooperation device. In the home device control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The in-home control device further has a calculation means for determining the control contents of the various devices based on the information acquired from the user's home or outside the home.
The transmission means is a home device control system characterized in that information related to the control content determined by the calculation means is transmitted to the control cooperation device. In the home device control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A home device control system, characterized in that the specific device includes a device provided in the user's home and not directly controlled by the home control device. In the home device control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A home device control system, characterized in that the specific device includes a service device that provides a specific service to a user. In the home device control system according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The control cooperation device is a home device control system characterized in that one user account for the home control device and one user account for the control cooperation device are linked.

Images