JP2012053689A - Apparatus control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus control system capable of responding to user's preferences with respect to energy conservation control and capable of reducing the labor of a user setting an energy conservation mode.SOLUTION: In a controller 1, a mode learning section 1j refers to a mode history recording section 1i and analyzes the correlation between related information and an energy conservation mode. A control section 1d executes a control algorithm in which, on the basis of the correlation that the mode learning section 1j has analyzed, when an energy conservation mode exists for which the correlation has been determined to be higher than current related information, the energy conservation mode for which the correlation has been determined to be higher is applied, and parameters corresponding to the applied energy conservation mode are set.

Description

  The present invention relates to a device control system that performs energy saving control.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a device control system that performs energy saving control in order to reduce the power consumption (energy used) of controlled devices such as heaters, coolers, and lighting fixtures in apartment houses, detached houses, offices, etc. (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

JP 2009-115359 A JP-A-9-217953

  The energy saving control performed by the conventional device control system is performed according to a preset control algorithm. However, the energy saving control performed according to only one control algorithm does not have a degree of freedom in the contents of the energy saving control. Moreover, the user's preference (consciousness, feeling) for energy saving control varies depending on the user.

  Therefore, the energy saving control performed according to only one control algorithm is convinced by the user and it is difficult to meet the user's preference. Thus, it is difficult for the user to allow such energy saving control for a long period of time, and it is difficult for the energy saving control to be continuously performed for a long period of time.

  Therefore, a device control system is conceivable in which the user himself / herself sets the energy saving mode indicating the energy saving level in a variable manner and performs device control in accordance with the energy saving mode set by the user.

  However, it is necessary for the user himself to set the energy saving mode.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above reasons, and an object of the present invention is to provide a device control system that can cope with the user's preference for energy saving control and can save the user from setting the energy saving mode. is there.

  The device control system of the present invention includes an input unit that sets an energy saving mode indicating an energy saving level, and includes parameters that control the operation of the controlled device and affect the energy used by the controlled device to be controlled. An algorithm storage unit that stores a plurality of control algorithms, a mode information acquisition unit that acquires the energy saving mode set by the input unit, and the energy saving mode acquired by the mode information acquisition unit are applied, and the applied energy saving mode A controller having a control unit for controlling the operation of the controlled device by executing the control algorithm in which the parameter corresponding to is set, and an event that affects the setting of the energy saving mode by the input unit Related information acquisition unit for acquiring related information The mode information acquisition unit refers to the mode history storage unit that stores the history of the energy saving mode set by the input unit together with the related information at the time when the energy saving mode is set, and the mode information acquisition unit acquires the mode history storage unit. A mode learning unit that analyzes a correlation between the energy saving mode and the related information, and the control unit performs correlation with the current related information based on the correlation analyzed by the mode learning unit. When there is the energy saving mode determined to have a high relationship, the energy saving mode determined to have a high correlation is applied, and the control algorithm set with the parameters corresponding to the applied energy saving mode is executed. It is characterized by that.

  In this invention, it comprises an algorithm selection unit for selecting whether to set the energy saving mode for each control algorithm, the mode history storage unit, the history of the energy saving mode set by the input means, the setting of the energy saving mode The mode information is stored together with the related information at the time point and the selection result of the algorithm selection unit, the mode learning unit refers to the mode history storage unit, and the energy saving mode and the related information acquired by the mode information acquisition unit. Analyzing the correlation with the selection result of the algorithm selection unit, the control unit determined that the correlation is high with respect to the current related information based on the correlation analyzed by the mode learning unit If there is an energy-saving mode, the energy-saving mode is determined to have a high correlation. De and correlation with the current of the related information to determine high the control algorithm, the energy-saving mode in which the correlation is determined to be high, it is preferably applied to the control algorithm described above determination.

  In the present invention, the controller has a parameter table storing each parameter included in the control algorithm for each energy saving mode, and changes the parameter for each energy saving mode stored in the parameter table by a user operation. Preferably, the apparatus includes a parameter changing unit and a parameter resetting unit that calculates an updated value of the parameter based on the change history of the parameter, and the controller sets the updated value of the parameter in the parameter table.

  In this invention, it is preferable that the mode learning unit is provided in a server provided to be able to communicate with the controller via a network.

  As described above, according to the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to cope with the user's preference for energy saving control and to reduce the time and effort for the user to set the energy saving mode.

It is a block diagram which shows the apparatus control system of Embodiment 1. It is a figure which shows a presence / absence control algorithm same as the above. (A) (b) It is a table figure which shows the parameter of a presence / absence control algorithm same as the above. It is a flowchart figure which shows a mode learning function same as the above. It is a figure which shows the setting screen of Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a flowchart figure which shows a mode learning function same as the above. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the controller of Embodiment 3. It is a block diagram which shows the outline of the apparatus control system of Embodiment 4. It is a flowchart figure which shows the calculation process of a parameter update value same as the above.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a device control system of the present embodiment provided in a dwelling unit. A controller 1 and a plurality of controlled devices 2 are connected to each other via a control line L1, and the controller 1 Each operation of the controlled device 2 is controlled.

  The controller 1 is connected to a home network NT1, and an operation terminal 3 composed of, for example, a personal computer is connected to the home network NT1. The operation terminal 3 includes an operation unit 3a such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a display unit 3b such as a liquid crystal screen, and is operated by a user. This operation terminal 3 corresponds to the input means of the present invention.

  The controlled device 2 is a wall switch 21, an outlet 22, a heater 23, a cooler 24, and the like, and its operation is controlled by a control signal transmitted from the controller 1 via the control line L1.

  The wall switch 21 has a function of turning on / off the power supply to a lighting device (not shown), and the controller 1 controls the on / off of the power supply as well as the direct operation by the user. The outlet 22 is an outlet for supplying electric power to an electric device (not shown), and the controller 1 is controlled to turn on / off the electric power supply by turning on / off a contact provided on the electric path in the outlet 22. The heater 23 has an indoor heating function, and the controller 1 sets a target temperature for the heating function. The cooler 24 has an indoor cooling function, and the controller 1 sets a target temperature for the cooling function.

  A home gateway 4 is further connected to the home network NT1. The home gateway 4 has network interface functions such as a router function, a protocol conversion function, and a firewall function between the home network NT1 and the Internet NT2, and the home network NT1 is connected to the Internet NT2. Accordingly, each terminal on the home network NT1 can be connected to the Internet NT2 via the home gateway 4.

  The controller 1 includes a network communication unit 1a, an algorithm storage unit 1b, a mode information acquisition unit 1c, a control unit 1d, a control signal transmission unit 1g, a related information acquisition unit 1h, and a mode history storage unit 1i. And a mode learning unit 1j.

  First, the network communication unit 1a has an interface function for exchanging information with the home network NT1.

  The algorithm storage unit 1b stores a plurality of control algorithms for controlling the operation of the controlled device 2 in the form of a program. Each control algorithm is created for each control pattern, and includes a presence / absence control algorithm, an intermittent control algorithm, a schedule control algorithm, a scene control algorithm, and the like. Each control algorithm includes a parameter that affects the energy used by the controlled device 2 to be controlled by this control algorithm. Then, by changing the value of this parameter, the energy used by the controlled device 2 operating with this control algorithm can be increased or decreased.

  The mode information acquisition unit 1c receives setting information of an energy saving mode (hereinafter referred to as an energy saving mode) described later from the operation terminal 3 via the network communication unit 1a, and outputs the setting information to the control unit 1d. That is, the mode information acquisition unit 1c has a function of acquiring the energy saving mode set by the operation terminal 3.

  The control unit 1d includes an energy saving mode setting unit 1e and a control signal creation unit 1f. The energy saving mode setting unit 1e reads out a control algorithm to be executed from the algorithm storage unit 1b. The energy saving mode setting unit 1e applies the energy saving mode acquired by the mode information acquisition unit 1c to the read control algorithm, and a value corresponding to the applied energy saving mode is set as a parameter of the control algorithm. Parameter values corresponding to each of the plurality of energy saving modes are stored in advance in the algorithm storage unit 1b for each control algorithm.

  The control signal creation unit 1f creates a control signal for controlling the controlled device 2 to be controlled by executing a control algorithm to which the energy saving mode is applied.

  The control signal transmission unit 1g transmits the control signal created by the control signal creation unit 1f to the control line L1, and transmits the control signal to the controlled device 2 to be controlled. The controlled device 2 that has received the control signal addressed to itself operates according to the content of the control signal.

  Device control using the energy saving mode in the device control system having such a configuration will be described below.

  First, the energy saving mode indicates the level of energy saving, and is classified into two modes of “strong” and “weak” in the present embodiment. The energy saving mode “strong” is a mode in which the controlled device 2 uses the least amount of energy. The energy saving mode “weak” is a mode in which the controlled device 2 uses the most energy. That is, the level of energy saving is higher in the order of energy saving mode “strong” → “weak”.

  In this energy saving mode, either “strong” or “weak” is selected when the user operates the operation unit 3 a on the setting screen displayed on the display unit 3 b of the operation terminal 3. The setting information of the energy saving mode selected by the operation terminal 3 is transmitted to the controller 1 via the home network NT1.

  In the controller 1, the mode information acquisition unit 1c acquires the setting information of the energy saving mode from the operation terminal 3, and outputs it to the control unit 1d. In the control unit 1d, the energy saving mode is set by the energy saving mode setting unit 1e storing the setting information of the energy saving mode. This set energy saving mode is the energy saving mode selected by the user. Then, the energy saving mode setting unit 1e reads out the control algorithm to be executed from the algorithm storage unit 1b together with the parameter corresponding to the energy saving mode selected by the user, and sets the read parameter in the read control algorithm.

  The control signal creation unit 1f creates a control signal for controlling the controlled device 2 to be controlled by executing the control algorithm to which the energy saving mode selected by the user is applied as described above, and the control signal transmission unit 1g. To the controlled device 2 via. The controlled device 2 that has received the control signal is controlled at an energy saving level corresponding to the energy saving mode selected by the user.

  In this way, when the user operates the operation terminal 3 and selects one of the energy saving modes “strong” and “weak”, the energy saving mode setting unit 1e of the controller 1 applies the same to all control algorithms. One energy saving mode is applied collectively.

  Therefore, since the user can select the level of energy saving for the control algorithm according to his / her preference, the user is satisfied with the energy saving control executed by the present system, and the possibility of matching the user's preference increases. Thus, such energy saving control is likely to be allowed for many users over a long period of time, and the energy saving control is easily performed continuously over a long period of time. That is, it is possible to provide a device control system that can cope with user preferences for energy saving control.

  In addition, since the same energy saving mode is applied to all control algorithms at once, there is no need to set the energy saving mode for each control algorithm, and the energy saving modes already set for the added control algorithm are also included. Is reflected. Therefore, the user can easily perform the energy saving mode setting operation.

  Next, the presence / absence control algorithm will be described as a specific example of the control algorithm executed by the control signal generator 1f.

  First, as shown in FIG. 1, the human sensor 5 is connected to the home network NT1. The human sensor 5 constitutes a human detection unit that detects the presence / absence of a person in a predetermined indoor space, and a sensor signal indicating the detection result is transmitted to the controller 1 via the home network NT1. The space to be detected by the human sensor 5 may be a limited indoor space such as a living room or a kitchen, or the entire indoor space.

  The presence / absence control algorithm maintains the controlled device 2 in the space in the current control state when the human sensor 5 detects the presence of a person in the space. In this current control state (original control state), the wall switch 21 and the outlet 22 are turned on, the upper limit temperature is set to the target temperature of the heater 23, and the predetermined target temperature is set to the cooler 24. . As shown in FIG. 2, when the presence sensor 5 detects the absence of a person in the space (t0), whether or not this absence state continues until the absence determination time T1 elapses from the absence detection timing t0. Determine.

  When the presence sensor 5 detects the presence of a person during the absence determination time T1 (ta), the timing operation of the absence determination time T1 is reset, and the controlled device 2 is maintained in the current control state.

  On the other hand, when the absence state continues from the absence detection timing t0 until the absence determination time T1 has elapsed, when the absence determination time T1 has elapsed (t1), the controlled device 2 is switched to the absence control. In the absence control, the wall switch 21 and the outlet 22 are turned off, the lower limit temperature is set as the target temperature of the heater 23, and the target temperature of the cooling operation of the cooler 24 is set higher than the current value. That is, in this absence control, the controlled device 2 is controlled in the energy saving direction, and the energy used by the controlled device 2 is reduced compared to the original control state (the state before the absence control start timing t1).

  Then, after switching to the absence-off control, the recovery determination time T2 starts to be counted from the absence control start timing t1. If the human sensor 5 detects the presence of a person during the restoration determination time T2 (tb), the controlled device 2 is controlled in the non-energy-saving direction, and the controlled device 2 is in the original control state (absence control). To the state before the start timing t1). Therefore, in the absence state for a short time, when the presence of the user is detected again, the original control state can be automatically restored regardless of the user's operation.

  However, after the measurement of the recovery determination time T2 is completed (after the recovery determination end timing t2), when the human sensor 5 detects the presence of a person (tc), the absence control of the controlled device 2 is continued. When the user operates the operation unit 3a of the operation terminal 3 and a recovery signal is transmitted from the operation terminal 3 to the controller 1, the controlled device 2 is brought into the original control state at the reception timing of the recovery signal. Return to the state before the absence control start timing t1. Therefore, if the user is absent for a long time, automatic restoration is not performed when the presence of the user is detected again, and the original control state can be restored by the restoration operation of the operation terminal 3 by the user.

  In the controller 1, the energy saving mode setting unit 1e applies the energy saving mode selected by the user to the presence / absence control algorithm read from the algorithm storage unit 1b. The parameters of the presence / absence control algorithm include a control time parameter and a control operation parameter.

  The control time parameters of the presence / absence control algorithm are an absence determination time T1 (first predetermined time) and a recovery determination time T2 (second predetermined time). And the algorithm memory | storage part 1b has memorize | stored the parameter table shown to Fig.3 (a). The energy saving mode setting unit 1e refers to this parameter table and sets the absence determination time T1 and the recovery determination time T2 corresponding to the selected energy saving mode in the presence / absence control algorithm. In the parameter table of FIG. 3A, the absence determination time T1 and the recovery determination time T2 of the wall switch 21, the outlet 22, the heater 23, and the cooler 24 correspond to the energy saving modes “strong” and “weak”, respectively. Stored. In the absence determination time T1, “T1a” and “T1b” corresponding to the energy saving modes “strong” and “weak” are set in a relationship of T1a <T1b. In the restoration determination time T2, “T2a” and “T2b” corresponding to the energy saving modes “strong” and “weak” are set in a relationship of T2a <T2b. That is, the absence determination time T1 and the recovery determination time T2 are the shortest in the energy saving mode “strong” and the longest in the energy saving mode “weak”. Thus, the higher the level of energy saving, the longer the period of absence control. The amount of energy used by the wall switch 21 and the outlet 22 supplied to lighting equipment and electrical equipment (not shown), and the amount of energy used by the heater 23 and the cooler 24. Can be reduced more.

  Further, the control operation parameter of the presence / absence control algorithm is the content of the absence control for each controlled device 2. And the algorithm memory | storage part 1b has memorize | stored the parameter table shown in FIG.3 (b). The energy saving mode setting unit 1e refers to this parameter table, and sets the contents of the absence control according to the selected energy saving mode for each controlled device 2. In the parameter table of FIG. 3B, the contents of the absence control of the wall switch 21, the outlet 22, the heater 23, and the cooler 24 are stored corresponding to each of the energy saving modes “strong” and “weak”. The content of the absence control of the cooler 24 is a target temperature at the time of cooling, and is highest in the energy saving mode “strong” and lowest in the energy saving mode “weak”. Thus, the higher the level of energy saving, the higher the target temperature during cooling, and the more the amount of energy used by the cooler 24 can be reduced. The contents of the absence control of the wall switch 21, the outlet 22, and the heater 23 are set to the off control or the lower limit temperature in all modes of the energy saving mode “strong” and “weak”.

  In this way, the energy saving mode setting unit 1e applies the energy saving mode selected by the user to the presence / absence control algorithm, so that the presence / absence control algorithm is an algorithm that can obtain an energy saving effect according to the energy saving mode. Become.

  The control signal creation unit 1f creates a control signal for controlling the controlled device 2 to be controlled by executing a control algorithm to which the energy saving mode is applied. The control signal transmission unit 1g transmits the control signal created by the control signal creation unit 1f to the control line L1, and transmits the control signal to the controlled device 2 to be controlled. The controlled device 2 that has received the control signal addressed to itself operates according to the content of the control signal.

  Further, the energy saving mode is set for the controlled devices 2 arranged in the entire indoor area at once, or for the controlled devices 2 arranged in the indoor rooms for each room. Any of the configurations that are set in a batch can be used.

  Next, the mode learning function of this apparatus control system is demonstrated using the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the mode information acquisition unit 1c acquires the setting information of the energy saving mode from the operation terminal 3 as described above (S1).

  Further, the related information acquisition unit 1h acquires related information related to an event that affects the setting of the energy saving mode by the operation terminal 3 (S2). The related information includes time information such as date and time, weather information such as temperature, humidity, weather, wind speed, and solar radiation. The time information is generated when the related information acquisition unit 1h acquires a time measurement result of a timer circuit (not shown) provided in the controller 1. In addition, environmental information on temperature, humidity, weather, and wind speed is obtained by connecting an environmental information sensor 7 that measures temperature, humidity, wind speed, solar radiation, and the like to the home network NT1, and the measurement result of the environmental information sensor 7 is used as related information. Generated by the acquisition unit 1h. Furthermore, the weather environment information is generated by the related information acquisition unit 1h acquiring information related to the weather from the server storing the weather information on the Internet NT2.

  The mode history storage unit 1i stores the history of the energy saving mode acquired by the mode information acquisition unit 1c together with related information (time information and weather information) at the acquisition time (setting time) of the energy saving mode (S3). In other words, the history of the energy saving mode is stored in the mode history storage unit 1i in association with time information such as date and time, and weather information such as temperature, humidity, weather, wind speed, and solar radiation.

  When each information is sufficiently accumulated in the mode history storage unit 1i, the mode learning unit 1j refers to the mode history storage unit 1i, analyzes the correlation between the energy saving mode selected by the user and the related information, The degree of correlation between each energy saving mode and related information is derived (S4).

For example, as an example of high correlation between energy saving mode and time information,
“In summer, energy saving mode tends to be“ strong ””
“In the morning, the energy saving mode is set to“ strong ”, but at night, the energy saving mode tends to be set to“ weak ”.
“There is a tendency to set the energy-saving mode to“ weak ”during summer daytime.”
Etc.

As an example of high correlation between energy saving mode and weather information,
“If the temperature exceeds 30 ° C, the energy-saving mode tends to be“ strong ”.”
“When the temperature is between 20 ° C and 30 ° C, the energy-saving mode tends to be“ weak ””
Etc.

In addition, as an example of high correlation between energy saving mode and time information and weather information,
“In August, when the temperature is between 28 ° C. and 32 ° C., the energy saving mode is set to“ strong ”. However, in September, when the temperature is between 28 ° C. and 32 ° C., the energy saving mode is set to“ weak ”. Tend to
“May, June, October, and November, and when the temperature is between 18 ° C and 22 ° C, be sure to set the energy saving mode to“ strong ”.”
Etc.

  Then, the energy saving mode setting unit 1e determines whether there is an energy saving mode that is determined to have a high correlation with the current related information based on the analysis result of the correlation between the energy saving mode and the related information. (S5). In the correlation determination process, if the degree of correlation with the current related information is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, it is determined that the energy saving mode has a high correlation with the current related information. When there is an energy saving mode determined to have a high correlation with the current related information, the energy saving mode setting unit 1e stores the setting information of the energy saving mode determined to have a high degree of correlation, thereby controlling the control unit. One energy saving mode is set to 1d (S6). The set energy saving mode is an energy saving mode automatically set by learning based on the correlation between the past energy saving mode and related information. Then, the energy saving mode setting unit 1e reads out the control algorithm to be executed from the algorithm storage unit 1b together with the parameter corresponding to the energy saving mode applied by the automatic setting, and sets the read parameter in the read control algorithm.

  For example, it is assumed that the degree of correlation between the energy saving mode “strong” and the related information “summer” is high. In this case, when the current related information is “summer”, the energy saving mode “strong” is automatically set.

  Further, it is assumed that the degree of correlation between the energy saving mode “strong” and the related information “the temperature exceeds 30 ° C.” is high. In this case, when the current related information is “temperature exceeds 30 ° C.”, the energy saving mode “strong” is automatically set.

  Further, it is assumed that the degree of correlation between the energy saving mode “strong” and the related information “in August and the temperature is 28 ° C. to 32 ° C.” is high. In this case, when the current related information is “August and the temperature is 28 ° C. to 32 ° C.”, the energy saving mode “strong” is automatically set.

  On the other hand, in step S5, when there is no energy saving mode in which it is determined that the correlation with the current related information is high, this process is terminated.

  As the control algorithm, there are an intermittent control algorithm, a schedule control algorithm, and a scene control algorithm in addition to the presence / absence control algorithm. The outline of each control algorithm will be described below.

  First, when the intermittent control algorithm is used for the heater 23, an upper limit temperature period in which the upper limit temperature is set as the target temperature of the heater 23 and a lower limit temperature period in which the lower limit temperature is set as the target temperature of the heater 23 are alternately repeated. The parameter of the intermittent control algorithm is the ratio of the time length of the lower limit temperature period to the time length of the upper limit temperature period. The higher the energy saving level, the greater the ratio of this time length.

  Further, the intermittent control algorithm may be configured to lower the upper limit temperature or the lower limit temperature as the energy saving level is higher. That is, the parameter of the intermittent control algorithm may be at least one of the amount of energy used by the heater 23 during the upper limit temperature period and the amount of energy used by the heater 23 during the lower limit temperature period. In this case, the higher the level of energy saving, the smaller the amount of energy used by the heater 23.

  Next, the schedule control algorithm is an algorithm for performing predetermined control on the controlled device 2 at a predetermined time. Hereinafter, the case where the schedule control algorithm is used for the heater 23 will be described as an example.

  First, as a schedule control algorithm used for the heater 23, a good morning schedule control algorithm and a good night schedule control algorithm are illustrated.

  The good morning schedule control algorithm switches the target temperature of the heater 23 from the lower limit temperature to the upper limit temperature at a predetermined time (for example, wake-up time). The heater control at the upper limit temperature is continued for the control duration time. After the control duration time has elapsed, the target temperature of the heater 23 is switched from the upper limit temperature to the lower limit temperature.

  The night schedule control algorithm switches the target temperature of the heater 23 from the upper limit temperature to the lower limit temperature at a predetermined time (for example, bedtime). The heater control at the lower limit temperature is continued for the control duration time. After the control duration time has elapsed, the target temperature of the heater 23 is switched from the lower limit temperature to the upper limit temperature.

  A parameter of such a schedule control algorithm is a control duration. In the case of the good morning schedule control algorithm, the higher the level of energy saving, the shorter the control duration time. In the case of the sleep schedule control algorithm, the higher the energy saving level, the longer the control duration time.

  The parameter of the good morning schedule control algorithm may be the upper limit temperature of the heater 23 controlled during the control duration. In this case, the higher the energy saving level, the lower the upper limit temperature. Furthermore, the parameter of the sleep schedule control algorithm may be the lower limit temperature of the heater 23 controlled during the control duration. In this case, the lower limit temperature is lower as the energy saving level is higher.

  Next, the scene control algorithm is an algorithm for performing energy saving control in accordance with a life scene. Hereinafter, a scene control algorithm used at bedtime (hereinafter referred to as a night scene control algorithm) will be described as an example.

  First, the night scene control algorithm is executed when the user before going to bed operates the operation unit 3a on the operation screen displayed on the display unit 3b of the operation terminal 3. The controlled device 2 is maintained in the current control state until the scene control time elapses after the sleep scene control algorithm is executed. Then, when the scene control time has elapsed, the controlled device 2 is controlled in the energy saving direction in which the energy used decreases. In other words, the controlled device 2 is not immediately controlled in the energy saving direction in consideration of the travel time until the user goes to bed after the user operates the operation unit 3a.

  A parameter of such a good night scene control algorithm is the scene control time. The higher the level of energy saving, the shorter the scene control time.

  And in the intermittent control algorithm, the schedule control algorithm, and the scene control algorithm, as in the presence / absence control algorithm, learning based on the correlation between the past energy saving mode and the related information is suitable for the current related information. Energy saving mode is automatically set.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the energy saving mode suitable for the current related information is automatically set by learning based on the correlation between the past energy saving mode and the related information, so that the user is saved from setting the energy saving mode. it can.

  The mode learning unit 1g may be provided in the center server 6 provided to be able to communicate with the controller 1 via the Internet NT2. In this case, the center server 6 acquires the past energy saving mode and related information from the mode history storage unit 1 i of the controller 1. Then, the mode learning unit of the center server 6 analyzes the correlation between the energy saving mode selected by the user and the related information, derives the degree of correlation between each of the energy saving modes and the related information, and this correlation degree information Is transmitted to the controller 1. The energy-saving mode setting unit 1e of the controller 1 stores the setting information of the energy-saving mode determined to have a high correlation degree when there is an energy-saving mode determined to have a high correlation with the current related information. The energy saving mode is set in the section 1d.

  As an input means for setting the energy saving mode, a portable terminal (not shown) that can be connected to the home network NT1 via the Internet NT2 may be used in addition to the operation terminal 3 constituted by a personal computer. In addition, a network-compatible television or a dedicated terminal (not shown) installed in the home may be connected to the home network NT1 and used as input means.

(Embodiment 2)
The device control system of the present embodiment is shown in FIG. 1 as in the first embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the user can set the applicability of the selected energy saving mode for each control algorithm by operating the operation terminal 3. For example, the setting screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display unit 3 b of the operation terminal 3. In this setting screen, a check box B1 is arranged for each type of control algorithm. When this check box B1 is checked, the setting information of the energy saving mode for only the checked control algorithm is applied to the controller 1. Sent. Here, the setting screen of the operation terminal 3 shown in FIG. 5 constitutes the algorithm selection unit of the present invention.

  In the controller 1, the mode information acquisition unit 1c acquires the setting information of the energy saving mode from the operation terminal 3, and outputs it to the control unit 1d. In the control unit 1d, the energy saving mode setting unit 1e stores setting information of the energy saving mode in which the control algorithm to be applied is set. The energy saving mode setting unit 1e applies the energy saving mode selected by the user only when executing the control algorithm to be applied. The energy saving mode setting unit 1e automatically sets the energy saving mode “strong” (or “weak”) when executing a control algorithm that is not applicable to the energy saving mode set by the user.

  Next, the mode learning function of this apparatus control system is demonstrated using the flowchart of FIG.

  First, as described above, the mode information acquisition unit 1c acquires the setting information of the energy saving mode from the operation terminal 3 (S11), and further acquires the control algorithm information to be applied from this setting information (S12). . The related information acquisition unit 1h acquires related information related to an event that affects the setting of the energy saving mode by the operation terminal 3 (S13).

  The mode history storage unit 1i stores the history of the energy saving mode acquired by the mode information acquisition unit 1c, information on the control algorithm to be applied set in each energy saving mode, and related information (time information, (Meteorological information) is stored (S14). That is, in the mode history storage unit 1i, the history of the energy saving mode includes information on the control algorithm to be applied set in each energy saving mode, time information such as date and time, temperature, humidity, weather, wind speed, and solar radiation. It is stored in association with weather information such as quantity.

  When each information is sufficiently accumulated in the mode history storage unit 1i, the mode learning unit 1j refers to the mode history storage unit 1i, refers to the energy saving mode selected by the user, the control algorithm to be applied, and related information. The correlation between the energy saving mode, the control algorithm to be applied, and the related information is derived (S15).

For example, as an example of high correlation between energy saving mode, applicable control algorithm and related information,
“During the daytime in October and November and when the air temperature is between 18 ° C and 22 ° C, always select“ Presence / absence control algorithm ”and“ Heater setting temperature control ”as the control algorithm to be applied, and save energy mode. To “strong”
Etc.

  Then, the energy saving mode setting unit 1e determines whether there is an energy saving mode that is determined to have a high correlation with the current related information based on the analysis result of the correlation between the energy saving mode and the related information. (S16). When there is an energy saving mode that is determined to have a high correlation with the current related information, the energy saving mode setting unit 1e determines a control algorithm to be applied that has a high correlation with the energy saving mode and the current related information. (S17). Then, the energy-saving mode setting unit 1e stores the setting information of the energy-saving mode determined to have a high degree of correlation and the control algorithm to be applied, so that the energy-saving mode and the application algorithm to be applied are set in the control unit 1d. (S18). The set energy saving mode and the application target control algorithm are automatically set by learning based on the correlation between the past energy saving mode, the application target control algorithm, and related information. Then, when the control algorithm to be executed is an application target, the energy saving mode setting unit 1e reads out from the algorithm storage unit 1b together with parameters corresponding to the energy saving mode applied by the automatic setting. Set.

  For example, the energy-saving mode “strong”, the related information “daytime in October and November and the temperature is 18 ° C. to 22 ° C.”, and the application target of “presence / absence control algorithm” “heater set temperature control” Assume that the degree of correlation with the algorithm is high. In this case, when the current relevant information is “daytime in October and November and the temperature is 18 ° C. to 22 ° C.”, the energy saving mode “strong” is “present / absence control algorithm” “heater set temperature control”. Is automatically set.

  On the other hand, in step S16, when there is no energy saving mode in which it is determined that the correlation with the current related information is high, this process is terminated.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the energy saving mode suitable for the current related information is automatically set only to the application target control algorithm by learning based on the correlation between the past energy saving mode, the application target control algorithm, and the related information. Is done. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time and effort for the user to set the energy saving mode, and further to reduce the time and effort to individually set the control algorithm to be applied to each energy saving mode.

(Embodiment 3)
The device control system of the present embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first or second embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the controller 1 of the present embodiment includes a parameter resetting unit 1k. Hereinafter, parameter resetting processing by the parameter resetting unit 1k will be described.

  First, the user can perform a parameter change operation by operating the operation unit 3a on the parameter change screen displayed on the display unit 3b of the operation terminal 3. In this parameter change operation, each parameter of the energy saving mode “strong” and “weak” is changed for each control algorithm, and a parameter change request including this parameter change content is transmitted to the controller 1. In addition, the parameter change part of this invention is comprised by this structure.

  In the controller 1 that has received the parameter change request, the parameter table for each control algorithm is stored in the algorithm storage unit 1b, and the value of the parameter to be changed is changed. Thereafter, a control algorithm corresponding to the energy saving mode is executed using the changed parameter. Thus, the user can change the parameters of each control algorithm according to the life pattern, environment, and the like. For example, when there are a plurality of users in a dwelling unit, even if the same control algorithm is set with the same energy saving mode, a situation occurs in which the parameter setting value is changed for each user.

  Therefore, the parameter resetting unit 1k stores parameter change histories for all parameters of all control algorithms, and based on the parameter change histories, new parameter settings that can be easily understood by a plurality of users are set. A value (parameter update value) is calculated periodically or during user operation.

  Specifically, the parameters of each control algorithm are set corresponding to each of the energy saving modes “strong” and “weak”. The parameter resetting unit 1k calculates an average value and a standard deviation for a predetermined period (for example, one month, six months, one year, etc.) for each energy saving mode based on the change history of each control algorithm parameter. That is, for each control algorithm, the average value and standard deviation of the parameters in the energy saving mode “strong” and the average value and standard deviation of the parameters in the energy saving mode “weak” are calculated.

  The parameter resetting unit 1k calculates the sum [average value + standard deviation] of the average value and standard deviation of the parameters in the energy saving mode “strong” as the parameter update value corresponding to the energy saving mode “strong”. Further, the parameter resetting unit 1k calculates a difference [average value−standard deviation] between the average value and the standard deviation of the parameters in the energy saving mode “weak” as a parameter update value corresponding to the energy saving mode “weak”.

  The parameter resetting unit 1k performs the parameter update value calculation process for each energy saving mode for all parameters of all control algorithms. Accordingly, for all parameters of all control algorithms, parameter update values corresponding to the energy saving modes “strong” and “weak” are calculated based on parameter change histories set by a plurality of users.

  In the controller 1, the parameter table for each control algorithm stored in the algorithm storage unit 1b is updated to the parameter update value calculated by the parameter resetting unit 1k.

  Since the updated parameter is a value based on the change histories by a plurality of users, the parameter is easily convinced by a plurality of users. Therefore, energy saving control using such parameters is likely to be allowed for many users over a long period of time, and energy saving control is easily performed continuously over a long period of time.

(Embodiment 4)
In the device control system of the present embodiment, a controller 1, a controlled device 2, an operation terminal 3, a home gateway 4, and a human sensor 5 are provided in each of a plurality of dwelling units A existing in the same area shown in FIG. (See FIG. 1). The device control system of each dwelling unit A is connected to the center server 6 on the Internet NT2. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure similar to Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the center server 6 includes a parameter resetting unit 6a. Hereinafter, parameter resetting processing by the parameter resetting unit 6a will be described.

  First, the user can perform a parameter change operation by operating the operation unit 3a on the parameter change screen displayed on the display unit 3b of the operation terminal 3. In this parameter change operation, each parameter of the energy saving mode “strong” and “weak” is changed for each control algorithm, and a parameter change request including this parameter change content is transmitted to the controller 1. In addition, the parameter change part of this invention is comprised by this structure.

  In the controller 1 that has received the parameter change request, the parameter table for each control algorithm is stored in the algorithm storage unit 1b, and the value of the parameter to be changed is changed. Thereafter, a control algorithm corresponding to the energy saving mode is executed using the changed parameter. Thus, the user of each dwelling unit A can change the parameter of each control algorithm according to a life pattern, an environment, etc. Therefore, even if it is the same control algorithm, the value of a parameter differs for every user (for every dwelling unit A).

  And the controller 1 of each dwelling unit A transmits the information of the parameter table stored in the algorithm memory | storage part 1b to the center server 6 regularly. The center server 6 operates according to the flowchart of FIG.

  The parameter resetting unit 6a of the center server 6 acquires parameter table information from the controllers 1 of the plurality of dwelling units A (S21), and based on the values of the parameters set in the plurality of dwelling units A, new parameters are set. A parameter setting value (parameter update value) is calculated (S22). Specifically, the parameters of the control algorithm are set corresponding to each of the energy saving modes “strong” and “weak”. The parameter resetting unit 6a calculates an average value and a standard deviation of values corresponding to the same energy saving mode for the same parameter of the same control algorithm in the plurality of dwelling units A. The parameter resetting unit 6a calculates the sum [average value + standard deviation] of the average value and the standard deviation as a parameter update value corresponding to the energy saving mode “strong”. Further, the parameter resetting unit 6a calculates a difference [average value−standard deviation] between the average value and the standard deviation as a parameter update value corresponding to the energy saving mode “weak”. The parameter resetting unit 6a performs the parameter update value calculation processing for all parameters of all control algorithms. Therefore, for all parameters of all control algorithms, parameter update values corresponding to the energy saving modes “strong” and “weak” are calculated based on parameters set by each user in the plurality of dwelling units A.

  The center server 6 transmits the parameter update value information calculated by the parameter resetting unit 6a as described above to the controller 1 of each dwelling unit A (S23).

  The controller 1 of each dwelling unit A updates each parameter set in the parameter table of each control algorithm stored in the algorithm storage unit 1 b with the parameter update value received from the center server 6.

  Since this updated parameter is a value based on the change history by each user of the plurality of dwelling units A, it becomes a parameter that is easy for each user of the plurality of dwelling units A in the same area to be convinced. Therefore, energy saving control using such parameters is likely to be allowed for many users over a long period of time, and energy saving control is easily performed continuously over a long period of time.

  Moreover, in each of the above-described embodiments, a configuration in which one energy saving mode selected by the user is collectively applied to a plurality of control algorithms is illustrated. However, the configuration may be such that different energy saving modes are individually applied to each of the control algorithms.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the energy saving mode “strong” and “weak” are set by the operation terminal 3. However, the mode set by the operation terminal 3 is a cost saving mode “high” or “low” that is a level of cost saving due to energy saving, and a carbon dioxide reduction mode “many” that is a level of carbon dioxide reduction due to energy saving. It may be “small”. That is, the energy saving mode of the present invention includes those that show various events related to energy saving, such as the level of cost saving due to energy saving and the level of carbon dioxide reduction due to energy saving.

  Furthermore, the related information acquisition unit 1h, the mode history storage unit 1i, and the mode learning unit 1j included in the controller 1 may be provided outside the controller 1, and each unit exchanges information with the controller 1 via a network or the like. Any configuration can be used.

1 controller 1b algorithm storage unit 1c mode information acquisition unit 1d control unit 1h related information acquisition unit 1i mode history storage unit 1j mode learning unit 2 controlled device 3 operation terminal

Claims (4)

An input means for setting an energy saving mode indicating an energy saving level;
An algorithm storage unit that stores one or more control algorithms including parameters that control the operation of the controlled device and that affect the energy used by the controlled device to be controlled, and obtains the energy saving mode set by the input means A mode information acquisition unit that performs the control algorithm in which the energy saving mode acquired by the mode information acquisition unit is applied and the parameter corresponding to the applied energy saving mode is set. A controller comprising a control unit for controlling the operation of
A related information acquisition unit that acquires related information related to an event that affects the setting of the energy saving mode by the input unit;
A mode history storage unit that stores the history of the energy saving mode set by the input unit together with the related information at the time of setting the energy saving mode;
A mode learning unit that refers to the mode history storage unit and analyzes a correlation between the energy saving mode acquired by the mode information acquisition unit and the related information;
Based on the correlation analyzed by the mode learning unit, the control unit determines that the correlation is high when there is the energy saving mode that is determined to have high correlation with the current related information. An apparatus control system, wherein an energy saving mode is applied and the control algorithm set with the parameter corresponding to the applied energy saving mode is executed. An algorithm selection unit for selecting whether to set the energy saving mode for each control algorithm;
The mode history storage unit stores the history of the energy saving mode set by the input unit, together with the related information at the time of setting the energy saving mode, and the selection result of the algorithm selection unit,
The mode learning unit analyzes the correlation between the energy saving mode acquired by the mode information acquisition unit and the related information and the selection result of the algorithm selection unit with reference to the mode history storage unit,
Based on the correlation analyzed by the mode learning unit, the control unit determines that the correlation is high when there is the energy saving mode that is determined to have high correlation with the current related information. The control algorithm having a high correlation with respect to the energy saving mode and the current related information is determined, and the energy saving mode determined to have the high correlation is applied to the determined control algorithm. Item 1. The device control system according to Item 1. The controller has a parameter table storing each parameter included in the control algorithm for each energy saving mode,
A parameter changing unit for changing a parameter for each energy saving mode stored in the parameter table by a user operation;
A parameter resetting unit that calculates an update value of the parameter based on the parameter change history,
The device control system according to claim 1, wherein the controller sets an updated value of the parameter in the parameter table.   The device control system according to claim 1, wherein the mode learning unit is provided in a server provided to be able to communicate with the controller via a network.

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