JP2009207230A - Power control device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power control device which can set conditions for controlling power for an individual electric apparatus in advance, and can control power under the set conditions, and a power control method. <P>SOLUTION: The power control device 10 includes: a detection part 40 which detects a status effected by the electric apparatus 92; a power control part 70 which controls power consumed by the electric apparatus 92; a determination condition input part 20 which inputs determination conditions for determining whether or not to control the power of the electric apparatus 92 on the basis of the result detected by the detection part 40; a determination condition storage part 30 which stores the determination conditions input by the determination condition input part 20; a determination part 50 which determines to perform fixed power control to the electric apparatus 92 when the result detected by the detection part 40 matches the determination conditions; and a power control drive part 60 which controls power consumed by the electric apparatus 92 by using the power control part 70 following the result determined by the determination part 50. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a power control apparatus and a power control method for controlling power consumed by an electrical device in accordance with the status of the electrical device.

As CO ₂ emission reduction has become a global trend, there is a need for more efficient power consumption by businesses and households. According to a US survey, 39% of total electricity is consumed in buildings, 33% in factories, and 28% in transportation. Inside the building, heating is 22%, lighting is 18%, air conditioning is 11%, hot water is 10%, and others (elevators, etc.) are 33% (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, October 2007). The amount of CO ₂ emitted from Japanese households in FY2006 was 166 million tons, a decrease from the previous year, but an increase of 30.4% compared to FY1990. One of the reasons for the increase in power consumption seems to be a lot of useless situations such as air conditioning and lighting, even though there are no people in the house or building.

  Some recent electrical equipment has an automatic power saving function. For example, there are things that light only when people are in the bathroom. Thus, if each electric device becomes more intelligent, it can be expected that the waste of electricity will be reduced. However, replacement with such a new electric device requires a large investment. Also, in recent residences and new office buildings, there are cases where sensors are embedded in the building itself to realize an automatic power saving function, but more capital investment is required, and anyone can easily realize it. It is not a thing.

The power strip is located between the power outlet and the electrical device and has a function of distributing one outlet to a plurality of outlets. Some power strips have a switch for controlling on / off of current, and recently, some display power consumption. For example, Enegate (Kansai Electric Power Group, http://www.enegate.co.jp/) has already been selling a simple electric energy indicator under the trade name of Ecowatt (registered trademark) since February 2007. In this case, the electricity bill, power amount, usage time (energization time), and CO ₂ emission amount are displayed every 3 seconds on the liquid crystal screen of the power tap. With this display, the user has an awareness that the user must save power, and as a result, there is an expectation that awareness of energy saving will increase.

  As a technique for monitoring the power supply and controlling the power supply to the load, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a method of controlling and monitoring the power supply from a remote place reliably and safely. In the technology of Patent Document 1, when there is a load that can be controlled by an infrared remote controller, the user controls the power supply from the remote place to the load by a two-way communication system, and the user confirms the control result by perceptual information such as a sensor. it can. At the time of abnormality, the power supply amount to the load can be stopped by software judgment.

  Patent Document 2 describes a method of forcibly stopping the operation of a combustion device and forcibly operating a ventilation fan when carbon monoxide is detected. The technique of Patent Literature 2 automatically turns off the combustor by detecting carbon monoxide and turns on the ventilation fan.

  Patent Document 3 describes a technique for performing high-speed fuzzy inference operation under microcomputer control of a non-fuzzy inference control microcomputer. Various fuzzy rules can be freely written, and a fuzzy control operation can be executed in a normal microcomputer control operation.

Patent Document 4 describes a power outlet control device that detects the operating state of an electronic device via a serial control bus and turns the power on or off based on the operating state of the electronic device. When a data signal for starting and shutting down the computer is received, the power on the sub power outlet can be controlled to be turned off, and the peripheral devices linked to the computer can be turned off to reduce power consumption.
JP 2003-189375 A JP-A-8-170841 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-030459 Registered Utility Model No. 3126468

  Just displaying the power as in the above-mentioned “Eco Watt” and raising the user's awareness of energy saving cannot be expected to have a sufficient effect. If the connected electrical equipment is wasted, it is necessary to save energy by not only displaying power consumption but also actively turning off the power or reducing power consumption.

  The method of controlling and monitoring power from a remote location in Patent Document 1 requires the user to monitor and control the electrical equipment. It is troublesome for the user to monitor and control the electric equipment, and there is a problem that the power saving cannot be surely performed because the user tends to forget the power saving.

  In addition, the carbon monoxide detection-linked power supply control device of Patent Document 2 only controls the power supply in accordance with a predetermined carbon monoxide concentration standard. There is a problem that the standard for controlling the power source cannot be changed according to the situation in which the user uses the electric device.

  Replacing with an electric device with an automatic power saving function requires a new investment, and it is difficult to move immediately to a company or a general household. In addition, there is a method of automatically saving power by embedding sensors in the building itself of a house or office building, but it requires a larger amount of capital investment, and it cannot be realized immediately. There is a problem that the user cannot realize automatic power saving of the electric device unless he / she purchases the electric device or makes a large capital investment. Accordingly, there is a demand for a mechanism for reducing power consumption with a small capital investment on the premise of using an existing electric device that does not have such a power saving function.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and it is possible to set a condition for controlling power for each individual electrical device in advance, and a power control apparatus capable of reducing power consumption according to the set condition, and power control It aims to provide a method.

A power control apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes:
Detection means for detecting the situation of the electrical equipment;
Power control means for controlling the power consumed by the electrical device;
Determination condition input means for inputting a determination condition for determining whether to control the electric power of the electric device based on the result detected by the detection means;
Determination condition storage means for storing the determination condition input by the determination condition input means;
A determination unit that determines to perform power control determined for the electric device when a result detected by the detection unit meets the determination condition;
Power control drive means for controlling the power consumed by the electrical device using the power control means according to the result of the judgment means judging;
It is characterized by providing.

The power control method according to the second aspect of the present invention provides:
A determination condition input step for inputting a determination condition in the case of determining to control the electric power of the electric device;
A determination condition storage step for storing the determination condition input in the determination condition input step;
A detection step of detecting a situation exerted by the electrical device;
A determination step for determining that power control determined for the electrical device is performed when a result detected in the detection step meets the determination condition;
A power control step for controlling the power consumed by the electrical device according to the result determined in the determination step;
It is characterized by providing.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to control power consumption of an electrical device by setting power control conditions according to the location, method, and situation in which the user uses the electrical device, even for an existing electrical device. There is an effect that can be done.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a power control apparatus 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The power control device 10 is interposed between the outlet 91 and the electric device 92. A plug 91 is connected to an outlet 91 that distributes and supplies power from the power source 90, and an outlet 80 is connected to an electrical device 92 that receives power supply. The power control apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment includes a determination condition input unit 20, a determination condition storage unit 30, a detection unit 40, an ammeter 47, a determination unit 50, a power control drive unit 60, and a power control unit. 70, a switch 72, an outlet 80, and a plug 81. Note that the electric equipment 92 includes, for example, an air conditioner, an electric light, audio, a television, and the like, and includes both a remote control receiving unit 93 that can be operated remotely and a remote control function that is not provided.

  Electric power is supplied to the electric device 92 from the plug of the electric device 92 via the plug 91, the switch 72, the ammeter 47, and the outlet 80. The positions of the switch 72 and the ammeter 47 may be reversed. The switch 72 turns on / off the power supply to the electrical device 92 by operating the switch control unit 71 of the power control unit 70. The ammeter 47 measures the amount of current supplied to the electrical device 92.

  The determination condition input unit 20 receives a determination condition described in a program or the like from the outside and sends it to the determination unit 50. After the power control apparatus 10 is installed, a determination condition corresponding to the electric device 92 can be input and changed from the determination condition input unit 20, so that all the determination conditions need not be defined and embedded from the beginning. Users can add and change judgment conditions themselves according to their usage. The determination condition input unit 20 may be, for example, a card-type memory 21, an infrared communication device 22 such as a mobile phone, a LAN transmission / reception device 23, or the like.

  The determination condition storage unit 30 stores a program in which the determination condition for each electric device 92 input from the determination condition input unit 20 is written. The stored program is periodically called from the determination unit 50 and used when determining the power control of the electric device 92. In the stored program, information on a detection unit necessary for each electrical device 92, determination conditions corresponding to the information, a power control method when the conditions are met, and the like are described. The determination condition is given as a program composed of a conditional expression and a power control method, or a script such as a control statement for determining the condition and a command for controlling the power. The determination condition is stored in association with the electric device 92 or the switch 72.

  For example, in the air conditioner determination condition, information on the detection unit 40 such as the temperature sensor 41, the humidity sensor 42, and the current detector 46 is analyzed, and if the room temperature is lower than 25 degrees and the humidity is lower than 40 percent, the cooling is performed. It is conceivable to change the mode to a blowing mode or a dehumidifying mode that consumes less power. For example, under the illumination determination condition, the information of the detection unit 40 such as the illuminance sensor 43, the human detection sensor 44, the clock 45, the current detector 46, and the like is analyzed, and about 3 minutes have passed since no one was present. However, if the lighting is on, it may be possible to turn off the light.

  The detection unit 40 collects information on the situation affected by the electrical device 92 connected to the outlet 80 and the current amount of the electrical device 92, stores the information for a certain period of time, and determines the determination unit 50 as a condition for controlling the power of the electrical device 92. To tell. The detection unit 40 includes various sensors that detect the influence of the electric device 92 connected to the outlet 80, a current detector 46 that detects a current amount of the electric device 92, and a storage device that stores the detected information for a certain period of time ( (Not shown). For example, from a temperature sensor 41 that detects the ambient temperature of the power device, a humidity sensor 42 that detects humidity, an illuminance sensor 43 that detects illuminance, a human sensor 44 that detects the presence of a person, a clock 45 that measures time, and the like. Constitute. It is desirable that at least one of the various sensors includes the current detector 46. The configuration of the detection unit 40 can add or delete various sensors according to the application or conditions to be set.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of the data configuration of detection information temporarily stored by the detection unit 40. The detection unit 40 records and saves past information for each fixed time Ti arbitrarily set from the current time (T). When new measurement information is recorded and saved after the recording area for storing information measured by various sensors is full, the old information is erased sequentially, and the measurement information is always a certain time before the current time (T). Hold. The detection unit 40 constantly updates the detection information and sends the detection information in response to a request from the determination unit 50.

  The determination unit 50 retrieves a determination condition program for each electric device 92 from the determination condition storage unit 30 at regular intervals, and compares this with detection information at regular intervals obtained from the detection unit 40. As a result, when the determination condition is not met, the current operation state is maintained, and when the change condition is met, the power of the electric device 92 is controlled according to the determination condition, that is, the power is cut off or the power is It is judged that it reduces. Further, it judges whether to control the power supply such as turning off the power or to change the operation stage such as reducing the brightness of the illumination by one stage, and gives an instruction to the power control driving unit 60.

  The power control drive unit 60 drives the switch control unit 71 of the power control unit 70 when controlling the power supply of the electric device 92 according to the instruction of the determination unit 50, and the power control unit when changing the operation stage. The remote controller control unit 75 of 70 is driven. When the switch control unit 71 is driven, the power supply is instructed to be turned off, and when the remote control unit 75 is driven, the operation mode is changed, the operation stage is changed, or the operation is stopped.

  The power control unit 70 controls the power supply of the electric device 92 or performs power control for changing the operation stage in accordance with an instruction from the power control driving unit 60. The power control unit 70 includes a switch control unit 71 that cuts off power supplied to the electric device 92, a switch 72 for the electric device, and a remote control control unit 75 that transmits a signal for controlling the electric device 92.

  The switch control unit 71 controls the switch 72 according to an instruction from the power control driving unit 60. FIG. 3 is an example of control information of the electrical equipment used in the switch control unit 71, and is configured for each outlet 80. In the control information, an identification number (switch number) is assigned to each switch, and state information of the connected electrical device 92 and the switch is held. According to the drive from the power control drive unit 60, the switch state of the switch number to be controlled is set to ON or OFF.

  The amount of current for each switch represents the current when the electrical device 92 connected to the switch is operating. The current value can be set based on the value measured by the ammeter 47 and detected by the current detector 46. The amount of current in the control information can be used by the determination unit 50 to determine whether the electric device is operating. When power control is performed, the value measured by the ammeter 47 and detected by the current detector 46 is compared with a threshold value determined based on a pre-measured lighting current to determine whether or not the illumination is on. So you can turn off the light without fail.

  The remote control control unit 75 transmits a control signal to the electric device 92 including the remote control reception unit 93 in accordance with an instruction from the power control drive unit 60, and stops the operation or switches the operation stage. When the electric device 92 includes a remote control receiving unit 93 that uses, for example, infrared rays, weak radio waves, or ultrasonic waves, the same signal as that of the remote control is transmitted from the remote control control unit 75 to turn off the power or to change the operating state. Change to a state with less power consumption. FIG. 4 is an example of the control information of the electric device used in the remote control unit 75, and shows information when the electric device is controlled by the infrared remote controller. The power control unit 70 extracts signal sequence information from the command name for each electrical device 92 required when controlling the power of the electrical device 92 by driving from the power control drive unit 60, and transmits the information from the remote controller control unit 75. .

  5 and 6 are flowcharts illustrating an example of the power control operation according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of overall control of the power control apparatus, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of individual control corresponding to each electrical device 92. FIG. 6 corresponds to the power control process of the electrical device in FIG.

  The determination unit 50 takes out one control program corresponding to the electrical device 92 from the determination condition storage unit 30 at regular time intervals arbitrarily determined by the user (step S101) (step S102). For example, the control program is prepared for each electric device 92 to be controlled, such as an air conditioner with A company remote control, a B company light, and an audio with company C remote control.

  The determination unit 50 extracts the individual information and the individual conditions of the electric device 92 from the control program (Step S103). For example, in the case of lighting, “a person has not been detected by the human sensor for the past 3 minutes and the detection value of the illuminance sensor exceeds the lux when the lighting is on”, “time is 12:00”, and the like. For example, in the case of an air conditioner, “the month is August and the temperature is 23 ° C. or higher and lower than 25 ° C.”, “the human sensor has not been detected by the human sensor for the past 10 minutes, and the air conditioner is operating” can be considered. Further, the determination unit 50 obtains information (FIGS. 2 and 3) necessary for determining to control the electric power of the electric device 92 from the detection unit 40 based on the control program (step S104).

  The determination unit 50 determines whether or not the value of the current detector 46 of the electric device 92 to be controlled and a plurality of detection results selected from the detection unit 40 meet the determination condition. Based on the result of conformity / nonconformity, the necessity of changing the operation of the electrical device 92 connected to the power source is determined, and whether to maintain the current state or to perform power control is selected (step S105). When the current state is maintained as it is without conforming to the determination condition (step S105; NO), the presence / absence of another control program is determined without performing the power control process (step S106) of the individual electric device (step S107). .

  If the determination condition is met (step S105; YES), a power control process (step S106) of the target electrical device is executed. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of individual control of the power control apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 shows the content of step S106 in FIG. In the power control processing of the electric device, the remote control control unit 75 is driven to transmit a power control signal or the switch control unit 71 is driven based on the operation condition within the determination condition set in advance by the user and the control method. Whether to control the supply of power is determined (step S201). For example, in the case of an air conditioner, “control the switch if the air conditioner is not used for one week” “control the remote control from the cooling mode to the dehumidification mode if it is 25 degrees or less” can be considered.

  If it is determined to transmit the power control signal (step S201; YES), it is further determined whether to turn off the power (step S202). When it is determined that the power is to be turned off (step S202; YES), the control signal of the power-off remote control command for each electric device 92 is selected (FIG. 4) and transmitted to the electric device 92 to be controlled (step S203). For example, “illuminate” for lighting and “turn off air conditioner” for air conditioner.

  If it is determined not to turn off the power (step S202; NO), the control signal of the operation stage change command for changing the operation stage of the electric device 92 is selected (FIG. 4), and the control signal is sent to the electric device 92 to be controlled. Transmit (step S204). For example, in the case of lighting, “switch the tube to be lit”, “decrease the brightness of electricity by one step”, and the like can be considered. For example, in the case of an air conditioner, “change the mode of the air conditioner to dehumidification”, “decrease the output of the air conditioner mode by one step”, etc. can be considered.

  If it is determined that the switch is to be controlled (step S201; NO), the switch control unit 71 controls the power of the electric device (step S205). And the switch state of the switch number which the electric equipment 92 connects changes to OFF. In the control information shown in FIG. 3, for example, when the power of the air conditioner is turned off, the switch state of the switch number “SW32” is changed from “ON” to “OFF”.

  When the power control process for the individual electrical device is completed, the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. 5 to determine whether there is a program for controlling the other electrical device 92 (step S107). If there is no program for controlling the other electrical equipment 92 (step S107; NO), the process for controlling the whole is terminated, and it is suspended during a regular time interval arbitrarily determined by the user. If there is a program for controlling the other electrical device 92 (step S107; YES), one control program corresponding to the next electrical device 92 is taken out from the determination condition storage unit 30 (step S102), and individually. Performs power control processing for electrical equipment.

  Since the power control apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment is configured as described above, it is possible to set a power control determination condition according to the type and installation location of the electrical device 92 according to the user's will. Control based on a power control determination condition set from the outside, which is different from the function of the electrical device 92, in particular, control for reducing power can be performed on the general electrical device 92. The user can set the power saving method as a power control judgment condition in the power control device, so the power saving according to the temperature, humidity, brightness, season, date and time, presence / absence of people, the nature of the equipment used, and the operating status etc. The method can be realized. Although it is troublesome for the user to control and control the electric equipment 92, it is easy to forget about power saving. However, since this apparatus implements a power saving method, power saving can be surely performed.

  By comparing the value measured by the ammeter 47 and detected by the current detector 46 with the threshold value determined based on the operating current measured in advance, it can be determined whether or not the electric device 92 is operating. The power can be reliably turned off. In particular, in the case of the electric apparatus 92 that controls the power on / off with the same signal, it is possible to prevent the power from being erroneously turned on by the control to turn off the power. For example, it is possible to prevent malfunctions such as turning on the light by mistake during the daylighting control or turning it on by mistake during the control to turn off the stove in a warm place.

  For companies and general households, a mechanism for reducing power consumption can be realized simply by installing the power supply control device of the present invention without renewing or modifying the existing electrical equipment 92 and power equipment.

  Since the power supply can be controlled on the basis of the power control determination condition for the electric device 92 having no automatic power saving function other than the user directly turning on and off the power source, the power source of the electric device 92 can be used even when there is no user. In the case where the state remains in the state, power can be turned off to reduce power consumption.

  When the remote control unit 75 controls the electric device 92 having a function capable of adjusting the power with the remote control, it judges the presence state of the person and turns off the power even in a short time or lowers the operation stage. Detailed power reduction can be achieved. For example, it is conceivable to turn off the gas tea dispenser (panel) based on the water meter and the time measurement result to suppress standby power. For example, the cooling state of the air conditioner may be changed to a blowing / dehumidifying state, or the lighting brightness may be lowered by one step.

  Even in the case of the electric device 92 having a remote control function, the standby power can be reduced by cutting off the power with the switch control unit 71. For example, it is possible to reduce power consumption by turning off the power supply when the user is absent for a long time, thereby reducing power consumption of the video deck and audio without disconnecting the outlet. Furthermore, it is also possible to retain information such as the setting state and clock function of the electric device 92 to be controlled and reset it from the remote controller control unit 75 when returning.

(Embodiment 2)
In addition to the function of the first embodiment, the power control apparatus 10 of the second embodiment has a function of outputting notice information when performing power control and notifying the user of the content of power control to be performed. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of the power control apparatus 10 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The power control apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment includes a notice unit 61 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment. The notice unit 61 is connected to the power control drive unit 60, and outputs a sound or the like when controlling the power according to the command. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, but a function for operating the notice unit 61 is provided. Note that when the notice unit 61 outputs sound, it includes a sound source, a synthesized sound generator, a digital / analog converter, a sound amplifier, a speaker, or a buzzer. Further, when the notice unit 61 outputs visual information, it includes display data, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and the like.

  In addition to the function of the first embodiment, the determination condition storage unit 30 also stores a program in which instruction conditions are described. Similar to the determination condition program, the stored program is periodically called from the determination unit 50 and used when determining the power control instruction of the electric device 92.

  In addition to the function of the first embodiment, the determination unit 50 compares the determination condition for each electrical device 92 with the detection information for each predetermined time obtained from the detection unit 40, and the determination unit 50 meets the conditions for controlling the electrical device. Controls the notice unit 61 according to the notice condition. That is, it is determined to output a notice voice text or display visual information, and an instruction is issued to the power control drive unit 60. Thereafter, similarly to the function of the first embodiment, power control of the electric device 92 is performed. In addition, when the condition for changing the state of the electric device is met but the electric device is not controlled, it is determined that the notification unit 61 is controlled in accordance with the instruction condition, that is, the voice sentence for instructing the operation is output. An instruction is issued to the control drive unit 60.

  In addition to the function of the first embodiment, the power control driving unit 60 causes the notice unit 61 to output a notice voice sentence and does not control the electric apparatus when controlling the electric device according to the instruction of the determination unit 50 In this case, the notice unit 61 is instructed to output a voice sentence for operation instruction. FIG. 8 is an example of information used when the switch control unit 71 controls the electrical device, and shows information when a voice description is added as the advance notice information to the contents of FIG. FIG. 9 is an example of information used when the remote control unit 75 controls an electrical device, and shows information when audio explanation information is added as the advance notice information to the contents of FIG. FIG. 10 is an example of control information used when instructing a power operation of an electrical device when neither the switch control unit 71 nor the remote control unit 75 is provided.

  The notifying unit 61 outputs a voice sentence according to an instruction from the power control driving unit 60 to give a notice to the person to change the operating state of the electric device 92 or to give an operation instruction. For example, in the case of controlling the lighting, it may be possible to give a notice of the control content by voice, such as “I will turn the lighting down one step from now on”. For example, when the condition for turning off the light is satisfied but the power control of the light cannot be performed, a voice for operation instruction “turn off the light” is output to a person around. In particular, there may be a case where the power control unit 70 cannot be incorporated with a ceiling light that does not have a remote control function and has a switch portion embedded in a wall.

  The overall control operation of power control apparatus 10 of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. A process of outputting notice information is added to the power control process of the electric device in FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a power control process with a voice notice. FIG. 11 corresponds to the operation of FIG. 6 of the first embodiment, and shows the contents of step S106 of FIG. The power control process of FIG. 11 is a step of determining whether or not to control the power of the electrical device 92 (whether power control with sound or only sound output is performed) in the power control process of FIG. 6 (S206). , An operation instruction step (S210), a warning voice step at the time of power control, and (S207, S208, S209) are added.

  When only outputting a voice without controlling the electric power of the electric device 92 (step S206; NO), a voice description for operation instruction is taken out and outputted as a voice (step S210). When the electrical device 92 does not have a remote control function and the switch 72 cannot be connected, power saving can be urged by an operation instruction voice. For example, if there are no people on the first floor and you are on the second floor, you can urge the people on the second floor to turn off the lights on the first floor. If the light is on, it may be possible to prompt the person in the room to perform an operation such as “Please turn off the stove”.

  When controlling the power of the electric device 92 (step S206; YES), a warning sound corresponding to the power control method is output and the power control is performed as in the first embodiment. When the electric power of the electric device 92 is controlled by the switch 72 (step S201; NO), after the switch control voice information is taken out and the warning voice is output to the warning section 61 (step S209), the surrounding people are notified. Then, the power of the switch is turned off (step S205). For example, when the switch control unit 71 turns off the stove, it is conceivable to output a warning sound saying “I will turn off the stove from now on”.

  When the remote control is performed (step S201; YES) and the power is turned off (step S202; YES), the power-off control audio information is taken out and the notice unit 61 is made to output a notice sound (step S207) Then, a power-off control signal is transmitted (step S203). For example, when the remote controller control unit 75 turns off the power of the air conditioner, it may be possible to output a warning sound saying “I will turn off the air conditioner from now on”.

  When the power is reduced without turning off the power (step S202; NO), the voice information for changing the operation stage is taken out, and the warning voice is output to the warning section 61 (step S208) to notify the surrounding people. Later, a control signal for changing the operation stage is transmitted (step S204). For example, when changing the operation stage of the air conditioner with the remote control unit 75, it is conceivable to output a warning sound saying “I will change the air conditioner from the cooling operation to the dehumidifying operation from now on”.

  According to the power control device 10 of the second embodiment, when controlling the electric device 92, a sound is output to notify the surrounding people, so that it is possible to eliminate the uncomfortable feeling that the state of the electric device 92 changes suddenly. it can. In addition, even if the electrical device 92 does not have a remote control function and the switch 72 cannot be connected, it is possible to urge the surrounding people to perform manual operation, which helps to reduce unnecessary power consumption. effective.

(Embodiment 3)
In addition to the function of the second embodiment, the power control apparatus 10 of the third embodiment has a function for displaying the power supply operation state and operation history of the electric device 92 that is performing power control, and a state before controlling the power. There is a function to return. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of the power control apparatus 10 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The power control apparatus 10 according to the third embodiment includes a display unit 62 and a return unit 63 in addition to the configuration of the second embodiment. The display unit 62 is connected to the power control unit 60 and displays power on / off, an operation state, and an operation history of the electric device 92. The return unit 63 is connected to the power control unit 60 and has a function of returning to the state before the power is controlled based on the judgment of the user. Other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment, but a function for operating the display unit 62 and the return unit 63 is provided.

  The display unit 62 displays power on / off and operation states of the electric equipment 92 controlled by the power control apparatus 10 with the switch control unit 71 or the remote control unit 75 and information on the operation history of the power control drive unit 60. The user can check the operation status of the electrical device 92 in the home or office at one place by using the display unit 62. The display unit 62 is not particularly limited as long as it has a display function such as a dedicated monitor, a television, a personal computer, or a mobile phone.

  The return unit 63 is means for returning the power supply ON / OFF and the operation state of the electric device 92 controlled by the power control device 10 with the power control unit 70 to the state before the power is controlled based on the judgment of the user. This is used when the individual electric device 92 is operated differently from the power control determination condition. For example, a stove whose power is turned off by the switch control unit 71 is returned to the original power-on (power supply) state, or an air conditioner that is controlled by the remote control control unit 75 to perform a dehumidifying operation is cooled. The case of returning to the state of is considered.

  As an effect of the third embodiment of the present invention, the user looks at the display unit 62 and confirms the power on / off of the electric device 92 controlled by the power control device 10 and the operating state, and then uses the return unit 63 to power. The state of the control unit 70 can be returned to the state before being operated by the power control driving unit 60. The electric device 92 controlled by the power control device 10 can be operated differently from the power control determination condition.

  FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of an electrical installation system that uses the power control apparatus described in the first to third embodiments. By installing the power control device of the present invention between the power source and the electrical equipment when using existing electrical equipment at home or in the office, the user can respond to the location, method, and conditions of using the electrical equipment. Can be operated under different power control conditions. According to the power control apparatus 10 of the present invention, the general electrical device 92 is set from the outside different from the function of the electrical device 92 by causing the results detected by the various sensors to be determined based on the power control conditions. Control based on the power control determination condition, particularly control for reducing power can be performed. In addition, according to the present invention, in the case of an electric device whose operation stage can be changed in addition to power on / off control using a remote controller, an operation with less power consumption can be performed by changing the operation state in accordance with the use state.

  When carrying out the present invention, various sensors and control devices can be added or changed according to the electric device to be controlled and the application. In addition, the power control apparatus 10 of the present invention can be provided in the form of a box connected to an outlet, and a method of controlling each outlet independently, power line communication PLC (Power Line Communication), PLT (Power Line Telecommunication), wireless communication, etc. A method of concentrating and controlling using the can be considered. In any case, the power control apparatus of the present invention can be applied without modifying the existing electrical equipment.

  In order to set the determination condition in the power control apparatus, the power control apparatus may not include an input device operated by a person. For example, a determination condition prepared in advance may be input by connecting a personal computer. The determination condition is created by preparing a database in which control information for each electric device 92 is collected, and by using software that allows the user to select the determination condition while referring to the database information on the personal computer screen. Also good. By selecting a button on the judgment condition creation software screen, it is conceivable to specify an electric device to be used, and to simply specify a time zone to be used, a usage condition, and a control method.

  The judgment conditions of the power control device 10 are, for example, a power saving plan according to the electricity rate plan to be subscribed to and the time zone usage fee, etc., or the power supply time from the night heat storage type device to the electrical device is changed in the time of the day of the week It may be changed according to the above. Also, in the office, changing the break time for lunch breaks, changing the lighting equipment off time, and stopping the air conditioning equipment according to the time of leaving or leaving the office, etc. You may change judgment conditions according to the time change of going out and sleeping.

  The determination condition of the power control apparatus 10 may be determined not only for control of a single electric device but also for the influence of a plurality of electric devices in the same room. For example, considering the operating conditions and power consumption of the heaters and air conditioners in the same room, the operating state with the higher power consumption is reduced and the operating state with the lower power consumption is increased to keep the room temperature constant. Can be considered.

  The switch control unit 71 of the power control apparatus 10 may operate the switch 72 wirelessly instead of wired. For example, the switch 72 may be provided as a device for controlling on / off of the power supply wirelessly in the outlet 80 portion and connected to the electric device 92. The remote controller control unit 75 may perform drive control of the switch 72 by power line communication PLC, PLT, or the like.

  The power control device 10 may be realized by being installed between a power outlet 91 that is located between the power outlet 91 and the electric device 92 and that distributes one outlet to a plurality of outlets. Since the power strip includes a plug connected to an existing outlet 91 for supplying power and an outlet 80 connected to a plug of the electric device 92, the power tap can be easily installed without requiring any special work. When a user uses an existing electrical device 92 that does not have a power saving function and uses a power strip incorporating the present invention, a mechanism for reducing power consumption can be realized with a small capital investment. In addition, a system that centrally manages electrical equipment can be built, and even large organizations can reduce power consumption thoroughly.

  Although the sound output function has been described in the notice unit 61 of the second embodiment, it may be notified to a person by a notification sound or music. In addition to sound output, the user may be notified with an optical signal using an LED or the like. This is effective when the notification sound is difficult to hear on TV or audio.

  Other suitable modifications of the present invention include the following configurations.

About the power control apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention,
Preferably, the power control means includes a power reduction means for reducing power consumed by the electrical device.

  Preferably, the detection means includes a current detection means for detecting a current amount of the electric device.

  Preferably, the power control means includes a switch for cutting off power supplied to the electric device and / or a control signal transmission means for transmitting a signal for controlling the electric device.

  Preferably, when the power control driving means controls the power consumed by the electrical device, the power control drive means includes a notice means for displaying information indicating that the power of the electrical device is controlled.

  Preferably, power control state display means for displaying information indicating a state of the power control means and / or a history of operation of the power control drive means is provided.

  Preferably, the apparatus includes a power return unit that returns the power control unit to a state before the power control driving unit is operated.

  Preferably, the detection means is at least one of a means for detecting the ambient temperature of the power device, a means for detecting humidity, a means for detecting illuminance, a means for detecting the presence of a person, and a time measuring means. It is characterized by including one.

  Preferably, a plug for connecting to an existing outlet for supplying power and an outlet for connecting the plug of the electric device are provided.

About the power control method according to the second aspect of the present invention,
Preferably, the power control step includes a power reduction step of reducing power consumed by the electrical device.

  Preferably, the detection step includes a step of detecting a current amount of the electric device.

  Preferably, the power control step includes a switch step for cutting off power supplied to the electric device, or a control signal transmission step for transmitting a signal for controlling the electric device.

  Preferably, when controlling the power consumed by the electrical device in the power control step, a notice step of displaying information indicating that the power of the electrical device is controlled is provided.

  Preferably, a power control state display step of displaying information representing a history of controlling the power consumed by the electric device in the power control step is provided.

Preferably, a return instruction input step for receiving an instruction to return to the state before the electric power consumed by the electric device is controlled in the power control step;
A power return step, wherein when the return instruction is received in the return instruction input step, the power consumed by the electrical device is returned to a state before being controlled in the power control step. .

  Preferably, the detection step includes a step of detecting a temperature around the electric power device, a step of detecting humidity, a step of detecting illuminance, a step of detecting the presence of a person, and a time measuring step of measuring time. It includes at least one of them.

  In addition, the hardware configuration and the flowchart described above are merely examples, and can be arbitrarily changed and modified.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the power control apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is an example of the data block diagram of the detection information which the detection part which concerns on Embodiment 1 preserve | saves temporarily. 6 is an example of control information of an electric device used in the switch control unit according to the first embodiment. 4 is an example of control information of an electric device used in a remote control unit according to Embodiment 1. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of overall control of the power control apparatus according to the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of individual control of the power control apparatus according to the first embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the power control apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is an example of the control information of the electric equipment used by switch control concerning Embodiment 2. FIG. It is an example of the control information of the electric equipment used by the remote control according to the second embodiment. 6 is an example of control information used in a power control instruction according to Embodiment 2. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an individual electric device with voice control of the power control apparatus according to the second embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the power control apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram of the electric equipment system | strain using the electric power control apparatus of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Power control apparatus 20 Judgment condition input part 21 Card type memory 22 Infrared communication device 23 LAN transmission / reception apparatus 30 Judgment condition memory | storage part 40 Detection part 41 Temperature sensor 42 Humidity sensor 43 Illuminance sensor 44 Human detection sensor 45 Clock 46 Current detector 47 Current Total 50 determination unit 60 power control drive unit 61 notice unit 62 display unit 63 return unit 70 power control unit 71 switch control unit 72 switch 75 remote control unit 80 outlet 81 plug 90 power supply 91 outlet 92 electrical equipment 93 remote control reception unit

Claims (17)

Detection means for detecting the situation of the electrical equipment;
Power control means for controlling the power consumed by the electrical device;
Determination condition input means for inputting a determination condition for determining whether to control the electric power of the electric device based on the result detected by the detection means;
Determination condition storage means for storing the determination condition input by the determination condition input means;
A determination unit that determines to perform power control determined for the electric device when a result detected by the detection unit meets the determination condition;
Power control drive means for controlling the power consumed by the electrical device using the power control means according to the result of the judgment means judging;
A power control apparatus comprising:   The power control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power control unit includes a power reduction unit that reduces power consumed by the electrical device.   The power control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit includes a current detection unit that detects a current amount of the electric device.   The power control means includes a switch for cutting off power supplied to the electrical equipment and / or a control signal transmission means for sending a signal for controlling the electrical equipment. The power control apparatus according to any one of claims.   5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notice unit that displays information indicating that the electric power of the electric device is controlled when the electric power consumed by the electric device is controlled by the electric power control driving unit. The power control apparatus according to claim 1.   The power control state display means for displaying information indicating a state of the power control means and / or a history of operation of the power control drive means, according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The power control apparatus described.   The power control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising power return means for returning the power control means to a state before the power control drive means is operated.   The detection means includes at least one of a means for detecting the ambient temperature of the power device, a means for detecting humidity, a means for detecting illuminance, a means for detecting the presence of a person, and a time measuring means. The power control device according to claim 1, wherein the power control device is a power control device. A plug that connects to an existing outlet for power supply;
An outlet for connecting the plug of the electrical device;
The power control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: A determination condition input step for inputting a determination condition in the case of determining to control the electric power of the electric device;
A determination condition storage step for storing the determination condition input in the determination condition input step;
A detection step of detecting a situation exerted by the electrical device;
A determination step for determining that power control determined for the electrical device is performed when a result detected in the detection step meets the determination condition;
A power control step for controlling the power consumed by the electrical device according to the result determined in the determination step;
A power control method comprising:   The power control method according to claim 10, wherein the power control step includes a power reduction step of reducing power consumed by the electrical device.   The power control method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the detecting step includes a step of detecting a current amount of the electric device.   13. The power control step includes a switch step for cutting off power supplied to the electric device, or a control signal transmission step for transmitting a signal for controlling the electric device. The power control method according to any one of claims.   14. The notice step of displaying information indicating that the power of the electric device is controlled when the power consumed by the electric device is controlled in the power control step. The power control method according to Item 1.   The power control according to any one of claims 10 to 14, further comprising a power control state display step for displaying information representing a history of controlling the power consumed by the electrical device in the power control step. Method. A return instruction input step for receiving an instruction to return to the state before the electric power consumed by the electric device is controlled in the power control step;
A power return step for returning to a state before the power control step controls the power consumed by the electric device when the return instruction is received in the return instruction input step;
The power control method according to claim 10, further comprising:   The detecting step includes at least one of a step of detecting a temperature around the electric power device, a step of detecting humidity, a step of detecting illuminance, a step of detecting the presence of a person, and a time measuring step of measuring time. The power control method according to any one of claims 10 to 16, comprising one.

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