JP2002278604A - Control system and control method and its program and its recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a control system and a control method and its program and its recording medium for providing each function based on exact judgment without making a user to issue any detail instruction to each function, and for saving any waste by preventing any overlapped function from being installed in each equipment. SOLUTION: A control mode data base describes control contents for a plurality of equipment to be controlled, and an equipment information data base describes(stores) function information related with the function and performance of the equipment to be controlled. In this case, an equipment selecting means selects the equipment to be controlled for realizing the control contents from the equipment information data base based on the control contents described in the control mode data base, and the control means decides and transmits a control instruction corresponding to the control contents to the selected equipment to be controlled.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a control system, a control method, a program, and a recording medium thereof, and more particularly, to a control system, a control method, a program, and a recording medium for controlling a plurality of controlled devices connected to a network. Regarding the medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, for example, various kinds of electric appliances (equipment) have been sold according to their purposes. In particular, in the field of home electric appliances, the multifunctionality of the product is remarkable, and the daily life of the user is made more comfortable.

On the other hand, the Internet and home LAN
(Local Area Network) has spread, and the above devices have been
By connecting to the AN, it is possible to easily communicate with other devices.

[0004]

Although the above-mentioned conventional devices, particularly home appliances, provide a specific function quickly and efficiently, it is not possible to provide a predetermined function in cooperation with other devices. Not done. Here, the term “cooperation” refers to providing a predetermined function in conjunction with the operation of different devices.

That is, for example, in consideration of indoor air conditioning (here, heating), the user selects a desired heating appliance from a plurality of heating appliances, for example, and operates it. At this time,
The user can instruct the heating appliance, for example, “room temperature 24 ° C.”.

[0006] However, since the plurality of independently provided heating appliances only have the function of heating the room, the user operates the humidifier as necessary,
In some cases, it is necessary to ventilate the room by operating a ventilation fan at regular intervals. Naturally, the user needs to give an instruction to the humidifier, for example, “humidity 70%” or “timer operation for 10 minutes”. In addition, it is necessary to give the same instruction to the ventilation fan, or to switch off the switch after a few minutes.

Further, most of the instructions for humidity and ventilation for the above-mentioned devices are based on the knowledge of the user, and therefore, it is difficult to say that the contents of the instructions are accurate.

[0008] Some high-performance devices perform various controls by, for example, a sensor without a user giving an instruction. However, after all, it is necessary for the user to determine whether or not to operate the device, and the device does not provide the intended function unless the user determines that the device is required to operate. Can not.

Further, for example, a high-function / multi-function device usually has a display function for displaying an operation status, an environment setting status, and the like of the device. Not only the display function, but also the sensor function, recording / recording function, printing function, etc. .

The present invention has been proposed based on the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and the functions provided by each controlled device are as follows.
By selectively operating in cooperation with the situation,
A control system, a control method, and a program that provide each function based on accurate judgment without giving a detailed instruction to each device and that do not have redundant functions in each device. And its recording medium.

[0011]

The present invention employs the following means to achieve the above object. That is, the present invention is based on a control system for controlling a plurality of controlled devices connected to a network. Here, the control mode database describes (stores) control contents for the plurality of controlled devices, and the device information database includes
It describes (stores) function information that is information on the function and performance of the controlled device. Here, the device selecting means, based on the control content described in the control mode database,
A controlled device for realizing the control content is selected from the device information database. When the device selecting unit selects the controlled device, the control unit determines and transmits a control command corresponding to the control content to the selected controlled device.

As described above, the device information database which is a list of the controlled devices to be controlled, and the control mode database which stores the target values and the like of the respective functions for bringing the control target into a predetermined state (environment). By controlling the controlled devices in a coordinated manner, the user can control the controlled devices to a predetermined state based on accurate judgment without giving detailed instructions to each controlled device. Can be.

The controlled device has a configuration for controlling a predetermined space. For example, control of air conditioning or the like corresponds to control of the space.

[0014] Further, the status acquisition means, which is the controlled equipment, obtains the predetermined space or the current status of each controlled equipment, and the control means controls the control contents and the current status obtained by the status acquisition means. There is also a configuration in which a control command is determined based on a state, or a configuration in which the device selecting unit selects a controlled device based on a current state acquired by the state acquiring unit.

With this configuration, it is possible to perform control based on the current predetermined space or the state of each controlled device.

Still further, the device selecting means selects a controlled device from the device information database based on a selection of the control content by a predetermined input device, and a predetermined input to the controlled device. There is a configuration in which the control content is selected from the control mode database, and the device selecting means selects the controlled device based on the control content. In addition, there is also a configuration in which the scheduling means appropriately selects the control content based on the control content stored in the schedule database.

By making the control contents selectable in various forms, it is possible to provide a control system that can handle any case.

Still further, in the above configuration, the control means may receive the reproduction data input to the controlled device and transmit the reproduction data to the selected controlled device. Can be controlled with the data for reproduction.

The control mode database has a configuration including control parameters corresponding to control contents, and the device information database has a configuration including performance information of a controlled device.

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings to provide an understanding of the present invention.
It should be noted that the following embodiments are examples embodying the present invention, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a schematic image diagram of a control system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The control system 101 includes a control device 102 and a control mode database 109 (hereinafter, control mode DB: control mode storage device 1).
15). Also, a plurality of controlled devices (controlled device A111, controlled device B112, etc.)
Network 108 such as the Internet or home LAN
Are communicably connected to the control system.

The control device 102 includes device information databases (hereinafter referred to as device information DBs) 103 and 104, device selecting means 105, control means 106, and transmitting / receiving means 107. The device information DBs 103 and 104 are, for example, shown in FIG. A controlled device name (identifier) and function information which is information on functions and performance provided by the controlled device are stored. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the control mode DB 109 stores, for example, a predetermined mode (control content) realized in the A house 116. Details of each of the means and the database will be described in order.

Hereinafter, a procedure for controlling the controlled devices (controlled devices A111, B112, etc.) provided in the home A by the user will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. .

First, the user uses the input device 110, for example, to send a control content transmission request to the control mode storage device 115 connected to the network 108 (FIG. 4:
S401). Here, the input device 110 may be any device provided with communication means and input means such as a mobile phone, a remote controller of a television, and a personal computer in addition to the dedicated device. Also, the input device 11 is not necessarily
0 does not need to be in the A house 116, and the control described later may be performed from an outing place or the like.

The control mode storage means 115 having received the transmission request stores the control mode DB 201 shown in FIG.
Then, the control content 205 is acquired and transmitted to the input device 110 (FIG. 4: S402). The control mode DB2
01 and the control contents stored in the control mode DB 201 are, for example, ISP (Internet Service Provide).
r) and operated and managed by the user himself. In addition, the control contents here include, for example, control modes 202 such as “sleep asleep”, “cold”, “coming home”, “wake up”, “heating (energy saving)”, “cooling (energy saving)”, and “pan cooking”. And control parameters 203 indicating temperature, humidity, illuminance, cleanliness, noise, power consumption, and the like corresponding to the control mode. The control parameter 203 corresponding to each control mode includes, for example, a target value to be realized when the control mode is selected (for example, FIG. 2).
, 65% (204)).

The input device 1 that has acquired the control contents 205
10 displays the acquired control content 205 (or only the control mode constituting the control content) on a display of the input device 110. Subsequently, the user
The target control content is selected from the control content 205 displayed on the display (FIG. 4: S403). The control mode selected here is “heating (energy saving)”.
It is assumed that

The control content (control mode: “heating (energy saving)”) selected by the user is added with control target information indicating that the control is for the A house 116, and is transmitted to the control means via the transmission / reception means 107. 106 (FIG. 4: S404). Here, the information received by the control means 106 is the above-mentioned control target information and the control content “heating (energy saving)”, temperature: 26 ° C., humidity: 65%, cleanliness: M, noise: M, consumption Power: L. Note that the above “M” usually indicates “L” lower.

Subsequently, the control means 106 transmits the received control target information and the control contents to the device selecting means 105.
(FIG. 4: S405). The device selection unit 105 that has received the control target information and the control content sets the state acquisition unit 113 corresponding to the information (for example, “temperature”) included in the control content to the A home 30 in the device information DB 301.
Choose from 2. Here, a sensor that detects the state of “temperature”, “humidity”, and “cleanliness” related to “heating (energy saving)”, that is, the sensor 303 is selected (FIG. 4:
S406). Note that the state acquisition unit 113 is also managed as a controlled device. The state acquisition means 113 is a sensor capable of detecting, for example, temperature, humidity, cleanliness (contamination degree), illuminance, noise, and the like in the house A. The device selection means 105 may individually select a device or the like. In this case, the device selection means 105 can select the device by storing information on which controlled device has which sensor in the device information DB 301.

Next, the device selection means 105 transmits control information for controlling the selected state acquisition means 113 to the control means 106 (FIG. 4: S407). The control information is stored in the sensor 30 of the device information DB 301.
3, and can be acquired simultaneously with the selection of the state acquiring means 113. Here, the control information is an address for communicating with the sensor 303, a function (“temperature sensor”, “humidity sensor”, “cleanness sensor”, “noise sensor”, etc.), a format of a control command, and the like. . The format of the control command is a format of a command to be transmitted to the sensor when the sensor is to perform predetermined control. However, the format of the above control command is not necessary when all controlled devices are standardized in advance.

The sensor 303 of the device information DB 301
(State acquisition unit 113) and the state acquisition unit 113
The control means 106 that has received the control information of (a) requests a status request to the status acquisition means 113 based on the control information,
That is, a control command for acquiring “temperature”, “humidity”, and “cleanliness” is transmitted (FIG. 4: S408). When the power of the sensor 113 is off, a control command for turning on the power of the sensor 113 is transmitted prior to the control command.

The sensor 113 having received the status request (control command) obtains “temperature”, “humidity”, and “cleanliness” of the house A in accordance with the control command, and
06 (S409 in FIG. 4). Note that the status of House A (“Temperature”, “Humidity”, “Cleanness”) acquired here is
It is assumed that “temperature: 13 ° C.”, “humidity: 30%”, and “cleanliness: L (low)”, respectively.

The control means 106 that has acquired the state of the house A
Is the control content (control mode: "heating (energy saving)") received earlier, control target information indicating that the control is for the A house 116, and the state of the A house (here, "Temperature: 13").
° C, “humidity: 30%”, and “cleanness: L (low)”) to the device selection means 105 (FIG. 4: S41).
0).

The device selecting means 105, having received the above control contents, control target information, and status, refers to the device information DB and selects a controlled device using the three pieces of information as follows. That is, first, the device information DB 302 of the house A is referred to (acquired) from the control target information "house A" (FIG. 4: S41).
1, FIG. 5: S501).

Next, the control contents ("heating (energy saving)")
And the state is compared, and a necessary function is selected (determined) (FIG. 5: S502). Specifically, the control content “temperature: 26
C. ”and the state“ Temperature: 13 ° C. ”to determine that the“ heating ”function is necessary. Similarly, the control content “humidity: 65%” is compared with the state “humidity: 30%”, and it is determined that the “humidification” function is necessary. Further, the control content “cleanliness: M” is compared with the state “cleanliness: L”, and it is determined that the “cleanliness” function is necessary. From the above,
A function necessary to realize the control content is determined (FIG. 5: S502).

Next, a controlled device providing the above function is selected (FIG. 5: S503). Here, the device information DB 30
From FIG. 2, the controlled devices for realizing the function are an air conditioner 304, electric stoves 308, 30 for heating.
9, an oil stove 310, and an electric carpet 311. A humidifier 306 for humidification, an air purifier 312 and a ventilation fan 313 for cleanliness. The numerical values (1 to 3) stored in the function of each controlled device indicate the level of the capability at the time of providing the function, that is, the performance information in a ranked manner. Further, the above performance information is specifically described (output:
(○ × kcal) may be used. However, it is not always necessary to describe a numerical value (capability), and only information indicating that a function can be provided may be stored.

As described above, after the candidate controlled device is determined, “power consumption: L” included in the control content is further determined.
, The electric stove 309 and the oil stove 310 whose power consumption level is “1” are selected with reference to the levels (the pollution level, the noise level, and the power consumption level) of the candidate controlled devices (FIG. 5). : S504). At this time, since the “cleanliness” of the state at the house A is “L”, the oil stove 310 having the pollution level of “3” can be excluded from the candidates.

As described above, it is possible to select a controlled device that realizes each function (environment) described in the control mode DB (FIG. 4: S412). Note that the method of selecting (determining) a controlled device described above is merely an example. For example, the controlled device can be determined using the capabilities of the controlled devices and a predetermined evaluation function. Further, by storing more detailed capabilities of each controlled device in the control mode DB, it becomes possible to select a controlled device more suitable for realizing the control mode.

Hereinafter, the evaluation function will be briefly described with an example. The above evaluation function is, for example,

[0038]

(Equation 1)

[0039]

(Equation 2) Is given for each control mode as shown in Equations 1 and 2. Equation 1 corresponds to the control mode “cold”, and Equation 2 corresponds to the control mode “heating (energy saving)”. When the device selection means 105 receives the control content,
After the evaluation function is determined in accordance with the control content, and a plurality of candidate controlled devices are selected, for example, the evaluation function takes the minimum value using each level of the candidate controlled device. Determine the combination of control devices. The minimum value can be represented by the following equation (3).

[0040]

(Equation 3) As described above, it is possible to determine the controlled device using the evaluation function.

If the device selecting means 105 selects the control mode D
When the controlled device for realizing “heating (energy saving)” selected in B201 is determined, the selected controlled device and control information for controlling the controlled device are transmitted to the control unit 106. It is transmitted (FIG. 4: S413).

Upon receiving the controlled device and the control information, the control means 106 transmits a control command to each of the determined controlled devices according to the control mode initially received from the input device 110. Specifically, for example, “heating: 1200 W” is added to the electric stove 309, and the humidifier 306 is used.
The control commands such as “humidification: strong”, “clean: strong” to the air purifier 312, and “clean: weak” to the ventilation fan 313 (FIG. 4: S414, S415).

Each controlled device (controlled devices A111, B112, etc.) that has received the control command provides each function according to the control command.

As described above, the device information DB which is a list of controlled devices provided in the control target (house A) and the target value of each function for bringing the control target into a predetermined state (environment) And the like, and controls the controlled devices in a coordinated manner, so that the user does not give detailed instructions to each controlled device and the control target can be determined based on accurate judgment. It can be in a predetermined state.

After the user once selects the control mode ("heating (energy saving)"), each controlled device controls each function provided by itself using a sensor provided in each device. , It is possible to maintain the control mode. Also, a status request from the control unit 106 to the status acquisition unit (sensor) 113 (FIG. 4: S40)
The above control mode may be maintained by repeating the processes from 8) to transmission of the control command to each controlled device (FIG. 4: S415). In this configuration, all the controlled devices do not need to be equipped with sensors, and only one sensor needs to be placed in the home A. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate waste such as providing a sensor for each controlled device.

Further, once the device selecting means 105 determines a device to be controlled, the procedure for selecting the device to be controlled (FIG. 4: S410 to S413) may be omitted.

Also, in the first embodiment, the state acquisition means is used because the example of controlling the environment in the house A is used.
It is not always necessary to use the state acquisition unit, and it is sufficient to determine whether to use the state acquisition unit according to the function to be provided.

Further, when the power of each controlled device is off, a control command for turning on the power of each controlled device may be transmitted prior to the control command.

Further, although the control mode storage device (control mode DB 109) and the control device 102 in FIG. 1 are arranged independently on the network, such a configuration is not always required. Both the control mode storage device 115 may be provided in the A house 116. In this case, the device information DB may store only the information of the house A.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the explanation has been made assuming that the controlled equipment provided in the house A is provided in one room for the sake of understanding. It is expected that there will be. In this case, since the device information DB 301 also stores the position information (room information) of each controlled device, control for each room is possible.

In the above example, the processing when "heating (energy saving)" is selected has been described. However, when "cold" is selected, "audio output" corresponding to "noise: L" 210 is additionally provided. 316, TV 317, cassette recorder 319, mobile phone 320, indoor intercom 321, outdoor intercom 322, and phone 323 having a function are selected, and after obtaining the operation status of each controlled device, the output is appropriately reduced. Send instructions. At this time, unlike “heating (energy saving)”, the air conditioner 305 or the like whose power consumption level is “2” is also a selection target according to “power consumption: M” of the control content.

Further, the above control need not be limited to air conditioning. For example, when the user selects the mood 207 in the control mode DB 201, the lights 314 and 315 are selected from the device information DB 301 by the same processing as described above. Then, a process of automatically lowering the illuminance in the room to X lux 208 or less is also possible. (Embodiment 2) Next, a control system according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 6. FIG. In the second embodiment, description of points common to the first embodiment is omitted.

In the second embodiment, a mechanism in which each controlled device is controlled based on an operation (input) on a predetermined controlled device will be described. That is, in the first embodiment described above, each controlled device operates when the user selects a predetermined control mode from the control mode DB 109 using the predetermined input device 110. However, the trigger for controlling each controlled device is not limited to the selection of the control mode by the user. Therefore, in the second embodiment, an operation (input) on a predetermined device (or a controlled device) is performed using an intercom as an example. ), A mechanism controlled by the cooperative control system will be described. At the same time, a mechanism in which data input to the controlled device is output to the corresponding controlled device will also be described.
In Embodiment 2, the controlled device A111 in FIG. 1 is an outdoor intercom, the controlled device B112 is a television, and the controlled device D (not shown) is an indoor interphone.

First, when a visitor arrives at home A, the visitor presses a button of an outdoor intercom, which is a controlled device of home A. When the button is pressed, the outdoor intercom indicates that the outdoor intercom provided in the A house 116 has been pressed (control target information), and the video information and audio information (input to the camera and microphone of the outdoor intercom) ( (Reproduction data) to the control means 106 (FIG. 6:
S601).

When the control means 106 receives the control object information, the video information, and the audio information, it inquires of the control mode storage device 115 about the control mode corresponding to the "pressing of the button of the outdoor intercom" (FIG. 6:
S602). In response to the inquiry, the control mode storage device 115 refers to the control mode DB 109 and selects the corresponding control mode “outdoor intercom 206”.

Subsequently, the control mode storage device 115
Indicates the selected control mode as the control content together with the control parameter 203 and the input / output parameter 209 as the control content.
06 (S603 in FIG. 6). Here, specific control parameters 203 include “audio output: <$ Watt” corresponding to the control mode “outdoor intercom 206”,
"Video output: display". Further, the input / output parameters are data processing functions required in the controlled device selected in accordance with the control mode when the control mode is selected, and specific input / output parameters are “voice input”,
There are “video input”, “audio output”, “video output”, and the like.
The input / output parameters transmitted here are “voice input”, “voice output”,
"Video output".

As described above, based on the input from the controlled device, the control means 106 controls the control mode storage device 11 by itself.
By inquiring to the control unit 5, the control unit 106 can receive the control contents in the same manner as the user selects and transmits the control contents using the input device 110 in the first embodiment.

Next, the control means 1 having received the above control contents
06 transmits to the device selecting means 105 that the input is to the outdoor intercom of the home A, the above-mentioned control contents, and the fact that the video information and the audio information have been received (FIG. 6: S604). However, for details of the processing related to the reception of video information and audio information,
This will be separately described later in “Mechanism for outputting input data to corresponding controlled device”.

Upon receiving the above control contents (“audio output: <$ Watts”, “video output: display”), and the fact that video information and audio information have been received,
Device information DB based on information "input to outdoor intercom at home A" and "audio output: <$ Watt"
302, a device to be controlled that provides a function of voice output is selected from the device information DB 302 of the home A and transmitted to the control unit 106 together with the control information (FIG. 6: S605 to S60).
6). Specifically, a stereo 316, a television 317, a cassette recorder 319, a mobile phone 320, an indoor intercom 321, an outdoor intercom 322, and a telephone 323 are selected and transmitted to the control means 106 together with control information.
Similarly, based on “video output: display”, a controlled device that provides a video output function is selected and transmitted to the control means 106 together with control information. Specifically, the television 317,
A mobile phone 320 and an indoor intercom 321;

Next, the control means 106, which has received the control target device and the control information, determines the selected control target device (stereo 316, television 317, television 317, Cassette recorder 3
19. A control command for transmitting the current state is transmitted to the mobile phone 320, the indoor intercom 321, the outdoor intercom 322, and the telephone 323 (FIG. 6: S60).
7, S608).

The controlled device that has received the control command to transmit the audio output status transmits information (output ×× watts, etc.) relating to the current status to the control means 106 (FIG. 6: S609, S610). .

Based on the information, the control means 106, based on the information, sends a message “Sound output: A control command “<$ Watt” is transmitted (FIG. 6: S611, S612). Each controlled device that has received the control command lowers the audio output based on the control command.

In the same procedure as above, the control means 106
Are controlled devices (TV 317, mobile phone 3) corresponding to “video output: display” received from device selecting means 105.
20, a control command for transmitting the current state is transmitted to the indoor intercom 321), and in response to the reply,
A control command “video output: display” is transmitted as necessary (FIG. 6: S607, S608 → S611, S61).
2). Specifically, an icon or the like indicating that the outdoor intercom has been pressed is displayed on the controlled device capable of outputting a video in a power-on state.

As described above, the control device 102 automatically lowers the audio output of the controlled device having the currently large audio output and performs a predetermined display on the controlled device having the video output function which is turned on. Can inform the user that the outdoor intercom has been pressed. That is, each controlled device is controlled based on an operation (input) for a predetermined controlled device.

Next, a mechanism in which data input from the outdoor intercom to the control means is output to the corresponding controlled device will be described.

FIG. 6: In step S603, the control means 106 having received the control content from the control mode storage device 115 receives the video information and the audio information indicating that the input is to the outdoor intercom of the A house (control target information). Is transmitted to the device selecting means 105 (FIG. 6: S6).
04).

Next, the device selecting means 105 selects a controlled device which provides a function of audio output and video output from the device information DB 302 of the home A based on the control target information and the input / output parameters. Is transmitted to the control means 106 together with the control information (FIG. 6: S605 to S606).
Specifically, the device selecting unit 105 selects the television 317, the mobile phone 320, and the indoor intercom 321 and transmits them to the control unit 106 together with the control information. Here, when the functions of the audio output and the video output are independently selected, the stereo 316 and the cassette recorder 319 are further selected. Also, the device selection means 105
Selects a controlled device that provides a voice input function based on input / output parameters. Specifically, the stereo 31
6, video 318, cassette recorder 319, indoor intercom 321, and outdoor intercom 322.

Next, the control means 106 that has received the selected plurality of controlled devices and the control information transmits the selected controlled devices (the television 317, the mobile phone 320, the indoor intercom 321, the stereo 316, the video 318, A control command for transmitting the current state is transmitted to the cassette recorder 319, the indoor intercom 321, and the outdoor intercom 322 (FIG. 6: S607, S608).

The controlled device that has received the control command transmits information on the current state to the control means 106 (FIG. 6: S609, S610). Here, the information relating to the current state is, for example, information such as “calling” or “unusable” for the mobile phone.

The control means 106, having received the information on the current state, selects an available controlled device based on the information on the current state. Subsequently, a control command for displaying and reproducing the video information and the audio information to be transmitted thereafter is transmitted to the controlled device selected corresponding to the audio output and the video output of the input / output parameters (FIG. 6: S6
11, S612).

For the controlled device selected in response to the input of the input / output parameters, a voice input is accepted thereafter, and a control is performed to transmit the input voice data to the control means 106. Send command (Fig. 6: S
611, S612).

Thereafter, the audio data and video data input from the outdoor intercom are transmitted to the selected controlled devices 111 and 112 via the control means 106, and are reproduced as video and audio. Also, the voice input from the controlled device selected corresponding to the voice input of the input / output parameter is
Transmitted to the outdoor intercom via the control means 106,
Therefore, two-way conversation becomes possible.

As described above, each controlled device can be controlled based on an operation (input) to a predetermined controlled device. Also, input / output parameters are provided in the control mode DB, and based on the input / output parameters, data input to a specific controlled device is output to a corresponding other specific controlled device, so that video and audio are output. Can be controlled with input / output of data.

In the second embodiment, the audio data and the video data are transmitted and received through the control means. However, after the corresponding controlled device is determined, the data is directly transmitted and received between the controlled devices. May be performed.

Third Embodiment Next, a control system according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 7. FIG. In the third embodiment, description of points common to the first and second embodiments will be omitted.

In the third embodiment, a case will be described in which a control process is performed as required when a predetermined controlled device is operated.

In FIG. 1, an information server (not shown) is connected to the network 108. Here, the information server is, for example, a homepage server that provides homepage information. In the third embodiment, it is assumed that the user has acquired the information of the homepage server from the house A via the Internet 108 using a mobile phone as a controlled device (FIG. 7: S701).

Here, in the case where the contents of the obtained homepage, for example, images and moving images are included, the contents cannot be browsed or difficult to browse due to the limitation of the memory capacity and the size of the display on the portable telephone. Often an environment.

In such a case, first, the user transmits to the control means 106 the data (text data, video data, etc.) constituting the home page and the fact that the mobile phone is in A's home (control target information). (FIG. 7: S70
2). It is to be noted that the mobile phone may be portable, and may not have information indicating that the mobile phone is in the A house. For this reason, the control target information indicating that the user is in the house A may be directly input by the user, or may automatically recognize that the user is in the house A using a position sensor or the like provided in the house A. .

Upon receiving the control target information and data, the control means 106, upon receiving the control target information and data, stores the control mode storage device 115 in the control mode corresponding to the "display of homepage by mobile phone". An inquiry is made (FIG. 7: S703). In response to the inquiry, the control mode storage device 115 refers to the control mode DB 109 and selects the corresponding control mode “mobile phone (HP display) 210”.

Subsequently, the control mode storage device 115
Transmits the selected control mode together with the input / output parameters 209 to the control means 106 as control contents (FIG. 7: S
704). Here, specific input / output parameters are “audio output” and “video output” corresponding to the control mode “mobile phone (HP display) 210”.

Thereafter, the control means 106 transmits the input / output parameters “audio output”, “video output” and the control target information to the device selecting means 105, and
05 is the controlled devices 111 and 11 from the device information DB 301.
Select 2 etc. and request the status of the controlled device (control command)
Is transmitted to the controlled device, and then the homepage data is transmitted to the controlled device for display / reproduction (FIG. 7: S604 to S61).
2).

The controlled device selected here is the “TV 31” that provides “audio output” and “video output” functions.
7 ”,“ mobile phone 320 ”,“ intercom 32 ”
1 ". However, since there are a plurality of controlled devices,
The control means 106 transmits a menu for selecting one controlled device from the plurality of controlled devices to the mobile phone displaying the homepage, so that the user can select the controlled device. Good.

When selecting the controlled device, the control unit 106 inquires of the candidate controlled device whether or not the received data can be displayed, and determines the controlled device based on a response to the inquiry. May be.

(Embodiment 4) Next, a control system according to Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, and FIG. In the fourth embodiment, description of points common to the first, second, and third embodiments will be omitted.

In the fourth embodiment, a description will be given of a control process for providing each of the functions individually described in each of the above embodiments according to, for example, the life of the user.

In the fourth embodiment, the scheduling means 114 is further provided in the control device 102 in FIG.
And a schedule database 117 (hereinafter, schedule DB). The schedule DB is managed, for example, for each house or each room.

FIG. 8 shows an example of an air-conditioning setting screen for setting the air-conditioning of House A. The air conditioning setting screen is
For example, it is provided from the scheduling means 114 as homepage data. That is, first, the user who sets the air conditioning of the A-home connects, for example, from the input device 110 to the scheduling unit 114 configuring the control device 102, and acquires the homepage data 801 (FIG. 9: S
901 and S902). The homepage data 801 includes, for example, a wake-up time setting item 802, a bedroom absence setting item 803, a sleeping setting item 804, and the like. Note that the wake-up time setting items 802 include items for inputting (selecting) wake-up times for weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
The bedroom absence setting item 803 includes an item for selecting a setting until the air conditioning power supply is turned off when there is no person in the bedroom. The sleeping setting item 804 includes an item for selecting a setting when there is a person in the bedroom and the light is turned off.

The user inputs (selects) a desired setting item of the acquired homepage data 801 and transmits it to the scheduling means 114 (FIG. 9: S90).
3).

The scheduling means having received the homepage data 801 stores information corresponding to the selected item in the schedule DB 117 (FIG. 9: S
904).

FIG. 10 shows the schedule DB
FIG. 117 shows an example of the contents of FIG. That is, the schedule DB 117 stores the time 1001, the control mode 1
002, day condition 1003, condition 1 (1004), condition 2 (1005), and the like. For example, the scheduling unit 114 sets “6: 3” at time 1001 corresponding to the wake-up time setting item 802 shown in FIG.
0 ”,“ wake up ”in control mode 1002, day of week condition 100
3 stores information such as “Monday to Friday”. In addition, information such as “always” at time 1001, “sleep” in control mode 1002, “after 22:00” in condition 1, and “lighting off” in condition 2 are stored in correspondence with the sleeping setting 803. The information stored in the control mode is the control mode DB 109
Corresponds to the control mode 202.

The above is the method of registration in the schedule DB by the user. Not limited to the above, the contents of control to various homes A based on the user's actions, such as returning home time, bathing time, reservation of a television program to be viewed, etc. It is possible to register in the schedule DB.

On the other hand, irrespective of the above registration, the above-mentioned scheduling means 114 makes the above-mentioned schedule DB 11
7 (FIG. 9: S905 to S906). Here, various conditions correspond to the time 10 in the schedule DB 117.
01, when the conditions stored in the day of the week conditions 1003, condition 1 (1004), condition 2 (1005), and the like are met, the control content stored in the control mode 1002 is transmitted to the control means 106 ( (FIG. 9: S907).

That is, specifically, using the record 1006, the scheduling unit 114
Then, the day condition 1003 is checked. Here, when the day of the week condition is satisfied (Monday to Friday), since the record corresponds to the record 1006, the control mode “wake up” is transmitted to the control unit 106 (FIG. 9: S907).

The control means 106 having received the control mode “wake-up” is similar to the control mode reception described in the first to third embodiments (FIG. 9 shows the second embodiment:
The processing of S601 to S612) is performed.

In the case of the record 1007, the scheduling means 114 always judges the condition 1 (1004) and the condition 2 (1005). That is, after 22:00, when the lighting is turned off, the control mode "sleep" is transmitted to the control means 106, and the control mode
Executes the control mode “sleep” in the same procedure as the processing described in the first to third embodiments.

Incidentally, the method of detecting the “lighting off” is also as follows.
By registering a control mode such as “illumination check” in the control mode DB 109, the first to third embodiments are described.
3 can be detected in the same procedure as the processing shown in FIG.

As described above, the scheduling means:
By transmitting a predetermined control mode to the control means at any time according to the schedule DB based on the user's input, the control system can be automatically operated according to the schedule. (Embodiment 5) Next, a control system according to Embodiment 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. FIG. In the fifth embodiment, operation management of the control mode DB and the device information DB will be described.

In the first to fourth embodiments, the control mode storage device (control mode DB 109) and the control device 102
Are independently located on the network, but for example
An operation method that the SP manages is conceivable.

In particular, the control mode DB needs to set appropriate values for the control parameters, such as temperature and humidity, and needs to be updated variously by adding a controlled device that provides a new function. From the viewpoint that many users can use it in common, and the burden on users is reduced,
It can be said that the merits of operating the SP and the like are great.

However, when fine adjustment is required, the control mode DB 109 may be provided for each user. In this case, each user can update the control mode DB for each user by the method using the homepage data described in the fourth embodiment or the like.

The device information DB 302 needs to be provided for each user, and it becomes necessary to update each device information DB 302 by adding or discarding controlled devices. As a method of updating the device information DB 302 in this case, the following method can be considered.

That is, the input is made by the user or the store. For example, a user who has purchased a new product (or a store involved in the purchase) uses the method using the homepage data described in the fourth embodiment or the like to change the product number, manufacturing An identifier such as a number and other necessary position information (room information) are input. The input identifier and other necessary information are received by the control unit 106, and the control unit additionally registers in the device information DB 103. At this time, the control unit 106 uses, for example, a homepage (not shown) of a maker that provides the controlled device connected to the network 108 using the identifier.
Function and level information is obtained as needed, and stored in the device information DB 103.

As described above, the user (store) can complete the input of the necessary items of the device information DB 103 only by inputting the identifier (and the position information) of the controlled device.

It is also possible to recognize the new controlled device only by connecting the new controlled device to the home LAN of the home A 116. That is, the control unit 106 obtains the identifier of the controlled device connected to the network, and determines whether the identifier is registered in the device information DB 103. Here, if not registered, it is additionally registered as a new controlled device.
In the same manner as above, the control means 106 needs function and level information from a homepage (not shown) of a maker providing the controlled device connected to the network 108 using the identifier. And stores it in the device information DB 103.

As described above, the user can complete input of necessary items in the control mode DB only by connecting the controlled device to the network.

In each embodiment, for the sake of explanation, information stored in the control mode DB and the device information DB in the above embodiment includes “sensor (sensor function)” and “1 to 3 (rank)”. , "L, M, H (rank)", "numerical value (ability)", "○ (function existence)",
Although “necessary (condition)” and the like are shown, the format of information stored in each database is not limited.

[0108]

According to the present invention, a device information DB, which is a list of controlled devices to be controlled, and a control mode DB, which stores a target value of each function for setting the control target to a predetermined state (environment).
By controlling the controlled devices in a coordinated manner, the user can control the controlled devices to a predetermined state based on accurate judgment without giving detailed instructions to each controlled device. Can be.

Further, the scheduling means transmits a predetermined control mode to the control means at any time according to the schedule DB based on the user's input, whereby the control system can be automatically operated according to the schedule. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic image diagram of a control system according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an example of a control mode database.

FIG. 3 is an example of a device information database.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing of the control system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing of a device selecting unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing of a control system according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing of a control system according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an example of an air conditioning setting screen for setting air conditioning.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing processing of the control system according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a schedule database.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 101 control system 102 control device 103 A home equipment information DB 104 B home equipment information DB 105 equipment selection means 106 control means 107 transmission / reception means 108 network 109 control mode database 110 input equipment 111 controlled equipment A 112 controlled equipment B 113 status acquisition Means (controlled device C) 114 Scheduling means 115 Control mode storage device 116 A house 117 Schedule database

Claims (24)

[Claims] 1. A control system for controlling a plurality of controlled devices connected to a network, comprising: a control mode database describing control contents for the plurality of controlled devices; and information on functions and performance of the controlled devices. A device information database describing certain function information; and a device selecting means for selecting a controlled device for realizing the control contents from the device information database based on the control contents described in the control mode database; And a control unit for determining and transmitting a control command corresponding to the control content to the selected controlled device. 2. The control system according to claim 1, wherein the controlled device controls a predetermined space. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a state acquisition unit for acquiring a current state of the predetermined space or each controlled device, wherein the control unit sets the control content and the current state acquired by the state acquisition unit. The control system according to claim 2, wherein the control command is determined based on the control command. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: state acquisition means for acquiring a current state of the predetermined space or each of the controlled devices, wherein the device selection means acquires a current state based on the current state acquired by the state acquisition means. The control system according to claim 2, wherein the control device is selected. 5. The control system according to claim 1, wherein the device selection means selects a controlled device from the device information database based on a selection of the control content by a predetermined input device. 6. The control means selects control contents from the control mode database based on a predetermined input to the controlled device, and the device selection means selects the control contents based on the control contents selected by the control means. The control system according to claim 1, wherein a controlled device is selected from the device information database. 7. The control means receives data for reproduction, which is data input to the controlled device and which is reproduced by the controlled device, and converts the data for reproduction to the selected controlled device. The control system according to claim 2, wherein the control system transmits the information to the control system. 8. A schedule database in which time information and control contents corresponding to the time information are described, and scheduling means for selecting corresponding control contents in accordance with the time information, wherein the device selecting means includes: 3. The control system according to claim 2, wherein a controlled device is selected from the device information database based on the control content selected by the scheduling means. 9. The control mode database according to claim 1, wherein the control mode database includes control parameters corresponding to the control contents.
The control system according to item 1. 10. The control system according to claim 1, wherein the device information database further includes performance information of the controlled device. 11. The control system according to claim 1, wherein the control means determines the content of the control command using an evaluation function. 12. A control command transmitted by the control means,
The control system according to claim 1, wherein a JAVA (registered trademark) applet is used. 13. A control method for controlling a plurality of controlled devices connected to a network, wherein: an obtaining step of obtaining the control contents from a control mode database describing control contents for the plurality of controlled devices; The controlled device to realize the acquired control content is
A selection step of selecting from a device information database describing function information that is information on the functions and performances of the plurality of controlled devices; and determining a control command corresponding to the control content for the selected controlled devices. A control step of transmitting the control signal. 14. The control method according to claim 13, wherein the controlled device controls a predetermined space. 15. A status acquisition step for acquiring a current state of the predetermined space or each controlled device, wherein the control step includes the control contents and a current state acquired in the status acquisition step. The control method according to claim 14, wherein the control command is determined based on: 16. The apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising: a state acquisition step of acquiring a current state of the predetermined space or each of the controlled devices. The control method according to claim 14, wherein the device is selected. 17. The control method according to claim 14, wherein the selecting step selects a controlled device from the device information database based on selection of the control content by a predetermined input device. 18. The selecting step selects a control content from the device information database based on a predetermined input to the controlled device. The selecting step is based on the control content selected in the control step. 14. The control method according to claim 13, wherein a controlled device is selected from the device information database. 19. The control step further comprises: receiving data for reproduction to be reproduced by the controlled device, the data being input to the controlled device, and selecting the reproduction data in the selection step. The control method according to claim 13, wherein the transmission is performed to the controlled device. 20. A scheduling step for selecting a control content corresponding to the time information from a schedule database in which time information and control content corresponding to the time information are described, wherein the selection step includes the scheduling step. 14. The control method according to claim 13, wherein a controlled device is selected from the device information database based on the control content selected in the step. 21. A computer for controlling a plurality of controlled devices connected to a network, an obtaining step of obtaining the control contents from a control mode database describing control contents for a control target including the controlled devices; A controlled device for realizing the acquired control content,
A selection step of selecting from a device information database describing function information that is information on the function and performance of the controlled device provided in the control target, and selecting the selected controlled device according to the control content. And a control step of determining and transmitting a control command. 22. A computer for controlling a plurality of controlled devices connected to a network, an acquisition step of acquiring the control contents from a control mode database describing control contents for a control target including the controlled devices; A controlled device for realizing the acquired control content,
A selection step of selecting from a device information database describing function information that is information on the function and performance of the controlled device provided in the control target, and selecting the selected controlled device according to the control content. And a control step of determining and transmitting a control command. 23. A method for updating a device information database in which function information, which is information on functions and performances of a plurality of controlled devices connected to a network, is described in association with an identifier for identifying the controlled devices. Obtaining an identifier of a controlled device connected to the network; determining whether the obtained identifier is already registered in the device information database; and determining that the identifier is An update method comprising: prompting input of function information of a controlled device corresponding to the identifier when the information is new, and registering the input function information in association with the identifier. 24. A method of updating a device information database in which function information, which is information on functions and performances of a plurality of controlled devices connected to a network, is described in association with an identifier for identifying the controlled devices. Obtaining an identifier of a controlled device connected to the network; determining whether the obtained identifier is already registered in the device information database; and determining that the identifier is An update method comprising: searching for function information of a controlled device corresponding to the identifier when the information is new, and registering the input function information in association with the identifier.