JP2012135099A - Electric apparatus controller, electric apparatus control method and electric apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electric apparatus controller, an electric apparatus control method and an electric apparatus which can provide convenience and economical efficiency to a user.SOLUTION: An electric apparatus controller 10a comprises: a receiving part 11 which receives desired time information indicating a desired time of start-up or a desired time of finish, operation period information, and electric power information; a time-shift period setting part 12 which sets a time-shift period having a time width including the desired time information and indicating a time period when the start-up time or the finish time of a home electrical apparatus 30 can be shifted; an electric power charge information acquisition part 13 which acquires an electric power charge information; an operation time calculation part 14 which calculates the start-up time or the finish time when the electric power charge is a prescribed charge or less in a case that the home electrical apparatus 30 operates within the time-shift period on the basis of the desired time information, the operation period information, the electric power information and the electric power charge information; and a transmission part 15 which transmits the start-up time or the finish time to the home electrical apparatus 30.

Description

  The present invention relates to an electric device control apparatus, an electric device control method, and an electric device that control an operation start time or an operation end time of the electric device.

  Conventionally, there has been proposed a power load leveling system that presents a time period during which the load of a power supply device of a power company is low during a day and prompts each customer to use power during this time period (for example, Patent Document 1).

  In the above power load leveling system, by showing each customer a time zone (recommended power usage time) when the load of the power supply device is low during the day, and encouraging the use of power in this time zone, It is described that the bottom power of the power demand can be increased. Moreover, it can be expected that the peak power will be reduced along with this, and it is described that the load of the power supply apparatus is leveled as a whole.

  In addition, the leveling of the load will lead to a reduction in the cost for the power company to control the amount of power generated by the power supply device in accordance with the power demand. It is described that if discounting is performed, a user who is a consumer can expect to use cheap electric power at that time, and can level the electric power demand more effectively.

  As an example, electric water heaters and heat pump water heaters that boil hot water using a late-night power contract or an hourly lamp contract in order to equalize the daily power demand are already widespread in the home. The hot water boiled using low-power electricity at the late night of the previous day (for example, between 11:00 pm and 7:00 am) is stored in a hot water storage tank, and this hot water is used for meals, showers, and bathing during the day, morning, and night. By using it, the power demand for boiling water is shifted to the midnight time of the previous day.

  These electric water heaters and heat pump water heaters compatible with midnight power have a clock means in their devices, and start boiling operation when the time set in advance by a contract with an electric power company comes. That is, the reserved operation is performed every day at a preset operation start time (or operation end time).

  In the future, natural energy generators such as solar power generators and wind power generators may be widely used, but it is expected that the amount of power generated by these natural energy generators will vary greatly depending on the climate and time.

  Then, technology to control power demand will become more and more important in the future. It is considered that a new system for controlling the power demand according to the fluctuating power generation amount is required in addition to the conventional system for leveling the power demand and controlling the power generation amount accordingly.

  For example, if an electric power company fluctuates the electricity bill according to the fluctuating power generation amount, the electricity bill is reduced when the power generation amount is large, and the electricity bill is increased when the power generation amount is small, and the electric power bill is changed according to the fluctuating power generation amount. Electric power demand can be controlled.

Then, the control system of the electric equipment which controls an electric equipment via a home server is proposed (for example, refer patent document 2). This control system compares the operating conditions of a plurality of electric devices with pre-stored conditions, calculates an ideal operating pattern and controls the electric devices, and controls the home server for ideal operation. And an electric device operated based on the pattern.

  Then, as an ideal driving pattern, the electricity price menu provided by the power company (electric power supplier) is stored in the home server so that the electricity equipment is operated at a time when the electricity price is cheap, and the operation is input in advance. Compared with the conditions and calculated, the laundry dryer, rice cooker, and pot are operated during the time when electricity charges are cheap.

JP 2007-124793 A JP 2008-0667473 A

  By the way, there are countries that have adopted a real-time pricing system in regions where solar power generation devices and wind power generation devices are spreading. This is because electricity charges are reduced at a fixed time between 11:00 pm and 7:00 am every day for late-night electricity contracts, whereas real-time pricing is real-time according to the amount of power generated by solar and wind power generators. The electricity rate fluctuates during the same period, and the electricity rate fluctuates depending on the day even in the same time zone.

  For example, electricity price information (a table in which time zones and electricity charges are entered) that increases or decreases electricity charges every hour is distributed from an electric power company to consumers. As for the frequency of distribution of the electricity charge information, for example, the electricity charge information of the next day is distributed today. Alternatively, the electricity bill information for this afternoon will be distributed this morning. The user operates the electric device with reference to the electricity rate information.

  However, since this real-time pricing is not taken into consideration in the above patent document, the home appliance is selected and operated at a time when the electricity rate is cheaper according to the electricity rate information or the electricity rate menu provided by the power company. In this case, the convenience for the user may be impaired.

  For example, it is possible to reduce the electricity bill by operating the electric device in a time zone where the electricity bill is cheap as in Patent Document 1. When this is applied to frequently changing electricity bill information such as real-time pricing, the operating time of the electric device changes every time the cheap electricity bill time fluctuates. As a result, the user may not be able to grasp when the driving will end.

  For example, the clothes washing and drying machine finishes drying faster than the user thinks, and the feeling of fluffiness of the clothes is impaired, or if it is a rice cooker, the rice cooking ends earlier than the user thinks and keeps the heat. It is possible that the taste will drop during this time.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problem, and makes electric charges as cheap as possible when operating electric equipment with reference to electric charge information provided by an electric power company (electric power supplier). An electric equipment control device that seeks an optimal solution among two conditions (operability of the user) and driving the electric equipment in a time as close as possible to the operation end time desired by the user (user convenience) An object of the present invention is to provide an electrical device control method and an electrical device.

The electrical equipment control device according to the present invention includes desired time information indicating a desired operation start time or desired operation end time of an electrical equipment desired by a user, operation period information indicating a period required for the electrical equipment to operate, and the electrical equipment A receiving unit that receives power information indicating the power required for operation, and a time width that includes the desired time information received by the receiving unit, and the operation start time or operation end time of the electrical device can be shifted A time shift period setting unit for setting a time shift period representing a specific period, a power rate information acquiring unit for acquiring power rate information indicating a power rate that changes every hour, and the desired time information received by the receiving unit The time shift period setting based on the operation period information and the power information, and the power charge information acquired by the power charge information acquisition unit. An operation time calculation unit for calculating an operation start time or an operation end time at which an electricity bill charged when the electric device is operated within the time shift period set by a fixed unit is less than or equal to a predetermined amount; and the operation A transmission unit that transmits the operation start time or the operation end time calculated by a time calculation unit to the electrical device, and the reception unit receives the operation start time or the operation end time transmitted by the transmission unit. User confirmation information indicating whether or not the user has affirmed is received, and the user confirmation information received by the receiving unit, the time shift period set by the time shift period setting unit, and the operation time calculating unit A storage unit for storing the calculated operation start time or the operation end time as history information; Shift period setting unit is an electrical appliance control device and changes the time shift period based on the history information stored in the storage unit.

  According to this configuration, the receiving unit includes the desired time information indicating the desired operation start time or the desired operation end time of the electric device desired by the user, the operation period information indicating the period required for the electric device to operate, and the electric device is in operation. Power information indicating the required power is received. The time shift period setting unit has a time width including the desired time information received by the receiving unit, and sets a time shift period that represents a period during which the operation start time or operation end time of the electrical device can be shifted. The power charge information acquisition unit acquires power charge information indicating a power charge that changes with time. The operation time calculation unit is set by the time shift period setting unit based on the desired time information, the operation period information and the power information received by the reception unit, and the power rate information acquired by the power rate information acquisition unit. An operation start time or an operation end time at which a power charge charged when the electric device is operated within the time shift period is less than or equal to a predetermined charge is calculated. The transmission unit transmits the operation start time or the operation end time calculated by the operation time calculation unit to the electric device.

  Further, the reception unit receives user confirmation information indicating whether the operation start time or the operation end time transmitted by the transmission unit is affirmed by the user, and the user confirmation information received by the reception unit, The time shift period set by the time shift period setting unit, and the storage unit that stores the operation start time or the operation end time calculated by the operation time calculation unit as history information, the time shift period The setting unit changes the time shift period based on the history information stored in the storage unit.

  Accordingly, by having a time width including desired time information indicating the desired operation start time or the desired operation end time, the time shift period shifts the operation start time or the operation end time of the electric equipment within the range of the time width. Since the operation start time or operation end time at which the electric power bill charged when the electric device is set and operated is equal to or less than the predetermined charge is calculated, it is possible to set a time shift period exceeding the allowable range of the user The user can enjoy the advantages of convenience and economy.

  The electric device control apparatus may further include an operation determination unit that determines whether or not a state holding power amount consumed for holding the state after the operation ends is greater than a predetermined value. It is preferable that the period setting unit changes the time shift period according to a determination result by the driving determination unit.

  Furthermore, since the time shift period is changed based on the history information including the user confirmation information by the user, it is possible to set the time shift period that accurately grasps the user's needs.

  The time shift period setting unit shortens the time shift period when denied by the user, and extends the time shift period when affirmed.

  According to the said structure, when denied by a user, a user's convenience can be improved more by shortening a time shift period and not operating household appliances in the period.

  In addition, when the user affirms, the time width for determining the time when the electricity bill is low can be widened by lengthening the time shift period, so that the economy of the user can be further improved.

  The time shift period setting unit extends the time shift period when the accumulated number of times denied by the user is less than a predetermined value or when the accumulated number of affirmations exceeds a predetermined value. is there.

  According to the above configuration, when the accumulated number of times denied by the user is less than a predetermined value, or when the accumulated number of affirmations is greater than the predetermined value, the time for which the electricity bill is cheap is determined by lengthening the time shift period. Therefore, the user can be more economical.

  Further, by using the cumulative number, noise components such as a user's pressing mistake and poor physical condition can be removed, and the user needs can be grasped more accurately.

Furthermore, the time shift period setting unit shortens the time shift period when the accumulated number of times denied by the user is larger than a predetermined value or when the accumulated number of affirmations is smaller than a predetermined value. is there.
According to the above configuration, when the cumulative number of times denied by the user is larger than a predetermined value, or when the cumulative number of affirmations is smaller than the predetermined value, the time shift period is shortened, so that By not operating, user convenience can be improved.

  Further, by using the cumulative number, noise components such as a user's pressing mistake and poor physical condition can be removed, and the user needs can be grasped more accurately.

  Further, the time shift period setting unit is characterized in that after the time shift time is shortened or extended according to the cumulative number, the cumulative number is reset to zero.

  According to the above configuration, after the time shift time is shortened or extended according to the cumulative number of times, the cumulative number of times is reset to 0, so that the user's evaluation for the current time shift time can be further improved without being caught by past information. Accurately grasp.

According to the present invention, having the time width including the desired time information indicating the desired operation start time or the desired operation end time, the time shift period is within the time width, and the operation start time or the operation end time of the electric device The operation start time or the operation end time is calculated so that the power charge charged when the electric device is operated is equal to or less than the predetermined charge, so the time shift period exceeding the allowable range of the user is calculated. There is no need for setting, and electricity costs can be reduced without impairing convenience.

The figure which shows the structure of the apparatus control system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. Flowchart for explaining the operation of the device control system in the first embodiment Diagram explaining the operation of time shift (A) Schematic diagram for explaining an example of a time shift period having a predetermined time width before and after the desired driving end time. (B) A predetermined time width including the desired driving end time and before the desired driving end time. (C) Schematic diagram for explaining an example of a time shift period including a desired operation end time and having a predetermined time width after the desired operation end time The schematic diagram for demonstrating the time shift period and driving | running | working period in Embodiment 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the structure of the apparatus control system which concerns on Embodiment 5 of this invention. First flowchart for explaining the operation of the device control system in the fifth embodiment Second flowchart for explaining the operation of the device control system in the fifth embodiment Flowchart for explaining the time shift period changing process in step S97 of FIG. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the time shift period and driving | running | working period in Embodiment 5 of this invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the following embodiment is an example which actualized this invention, Comprising: It is not the thing of the character which limits the technical scope of this invention.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a device control system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. A device control system 1a illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a device control device 10a and a home appliance 30.

  Home appliances 30 are, for example, a washing and drying machine, a rice cooker, an electric water heater, and a dishwasher.

  The device control apparatus 10a and the home appliance 30 are connected to each other via a wireless or wired home network so that information can be transmitted and received between them. In FIG. 1, only one home appliance 30 is connected to the device control apparatus 10a. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this, and a plurality of home appliances may be connected to the device control apparatus 10a. .

  The home appliance 30 includes an input reception unit 31, a transmission unit 32, a reception unit 33, an operation time storage unit 34, and an operation control unit 35. The device control apparatus 10 a includes a receiving unit 11, a time shift period setting unit 12, a power rate information acquisition unit 13, an operation time calculation unit 14, and a transmission unit 15.

The input reception unit 31 of the home appliance 30 is an input terminal including an operation screen, for example, and receives input of information by the user. The input reception unit 31 includes desired time information indicating a desired operation end time of the home appliance 30 desired by the user, operation period information indicating a period required for the home appliance 30 to operate, and power information indicating power required for the home appliance 30 to operate. Accepts input from users. In addition, in this Embodiment, although the input reception part 31 has received only the input of the desired driving | operation end time of the household appliances 30 by a user, this invention is not specifically limited to this, The desired driving | operation start of the household appliances 30 is received. Only the input of time may be received, and the input of both the desired operation end time and the desired operation start time of the home appliance 30 may be received. The input reception unit 31 outputs the desired time information, the operation period information, and the power information to the transmission unit 32.

  The transmission unit 32 includes desired time information indicating a desired operation end time of the home appliance 30 desired by the user, operation period information indicating a period required for the home appliance 30 to operate, and power information indicating power required for the home appliance 30 to operate. It transmits to the apparatus control apparatus 10a. The transmitting unit 32 may transmit the desired time information indicating only the desired operation start time to the device control apparatus 10a instead of transmitting the desired time information indicating only the desired operation end time to the apparatus control device 10a. Alternatively, desired time information indicating both the desired operation end time and the desired operation start time may be transmitted to the device control apparatus 10a.

  The receiving unit 11 of the device control apparatus 10a receives desired time information indicating a desired operation end time of the home appliance 30 desired by the user, operation period information indicating a period required for the home appliance 30 to operate, and power required for the home appliance 30 to operate. The received power information is received. The receiving unit 11 may receive the desired time information indicating only the desired operation start time instead of receiving the desired time information indicating only the desired operation end time, and may also receive the desired operation end time and the desired operation. Desired time information indicating both start times may be received.

  The time shift period setting unit 12 has a time width including the desired time information received by the receiving unit 11 and represents a time shift period that represents a period during which the operation start time or operation end time of the home appliance 30 can be shifted. Set. For example, the time shift period setting unit 12 sets a time shift period having a time width of 2 hours before and after the desired operation end time.

  The power charge information acquisition unit 13 acquires power charge information indicating a power charge that changes with time. The power rate information is provided from, for example, an electric power company. For example, the power charge information acquisition unit 13 acquires the power charge information of the day on the previous day and stores it in the internal memory. The power rate information represents a change in power rate per 1 kWh for 24 hours. The electric power charge fluctuates according to time, for example, every hour. This is because electricity supply sources such as solar cells and fuel cells are installed in homes with home appliances, and electricity supply systems to homes change drastically due to the installation of storage batteries. It reflects the changing real-time pricing.

  Real-time pricing generally indicates power rate information notified from an electric power company in advance. Real-time pricing is created not only from information on electricity charges from electric power companies, but also from past results of household appliances such as power supply sources and storage batteries, information on purchased electricity charges, and information on electricity sales. In some cases, the power rate information is displayed.

  As described above, the power rate information is applied only to a certain home created not only from the power rate information from the power company but also from the past performance of the device operation information, the power purchase fee information and the power sale fee information. It may be power rate information. In short, it is only necessary to know a power rate that fluctuates depending on time, and the method of obtaining the information is not limited.

The operation time calculation unit 14 is based on the desired time information, the operation period information and the power information received by the reception unit 11, and the power rate information acquired by the power rate information acquisition unit 13. The operation start time at which the power charge charged when the home appliance 30 is driven within the time shift period set by the above is equal to or less than a predetermined charge is calculated. Note that the operation time calculation unit 14 may calculate only the operation end time instead of calculating only the operation start time, or may calculate both the operation start time and the operation end time.

  The transmission unit 15 transmits the operation start time calculated by the operation time calculation unit 14 to the home appliance 30. Note that the transmission unit 15 may transmit only the operation end time instead of transmitting only the operation start time, or may transmit both the operation start time and the operation end time.

  The receiving unit 33 of the home appliance 30 receives the operation start time transmitted from the device control apparatus 10a. Note that the receiving unit 33 may receive only the operation end time instead of receiving only the operation start time, or may receive both the operation start time and the operation end time.

  The operation time storage unit 34 stores the operation start time received by the reception unit 33. The operation control unit 35 controls the operation of the home appliance 30 based on the operation start time stored in the operation time storage unit 34. That is, the operation control unit 35 outputs a start signal when the current time reaches the operation start time stored in the operation time storage unit 34, and controls the home appliance 30 to start operation.

  When the operation time storage unit 34 stores the operation end time, the operation control unit 35 determines the operation start time so that the operation ends at the operation end time stored in the operation time storage unit 34, When the determined operation start time is reached, a start signal is output, and the home appliance 30 is controlled to start operating.

  Next, the operation of the device control system in the first embodiment will be described.

  First, the time shift will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the change with the horizontal axis representing time, the vertical axis representing power usage P (t), and the electricity bill Y (t). 2 also shows the power change of the home appliance shown in 36, the current time ta, and the desired operation end time tb desired by the user.

  When the electric power P of the home appliance 30 changes as shown in FIG. 2 (36), the electricity bill D required until the home appliance is finished is given by the following equation (1).

D = ∫ (P (t) · Y (t)) dt (1)
That is, it can be seen that the electricity bill D is a time integral of the product of the power P and the electricity rate Y (t). Since the electricity bill D is an expense that the user pays to the power company, the smaller the value, the more economical the user.

  In order to reduce the electricity bill D, in addition to the method of reducing the power P (t), there is also a method of operating the home appliance in a time zone where the electricity bill Y (t) is cheap. In fact, in FIG. 2, when the operation time of the home appliance 30 is shifted from 36 to 37, the electricity rate Y (t) is the electricity rate Y1 (t) in the 36 section and the electricity rate Y2 (t) in the 37 section. Since Y1 (t)> Y2 (t), it can be seen that the electricity cost D1 of 36 sections is greater than the electricity cost D2 of 37.

  That is, the time shift is to reduce the electricity bill by moving the home appliance in a time zone where the electricity bill is cheaper when the electricity bill fluctuates as shown in FIG. However, in general, since the electricity bill is cheap, if the operation time of the home appliance is automatically changed, the user's convenience that the operation does not end by the time the user wants to use may be deteriorated.

  Therefore, the user sets a desired operation end time tb indicating a time that the user wants to use after that, and the user's convenience is reduced by completing the operation by that time.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the device control system according to the first embodiment.

  First, in step S1, the input receiving unit 31 of the home appliance 30 receives desired time information indicating a desired operation end time of the home appliance 30 desired by the user, operation period information indicating a period required for the home appliance 30 to operate, and the home appliance. 30 accepts input of power information indicating the power required for operation. The desired operation end time represents the operation end time of the home appliance 30 desired by the user. For example, the user inputs a desired operation end time of the home appliance 30. The user inputs an actual desired operation end time such as “18:00”. Alternatively, the user inputs how many hours after the current time, such as “after 8 hours”, the operation is to be ended. The input reception unit 31 outputs the actual desired operation end time to the transmission unit 32. The input reception unit 31 calculates the actual desired operation end time and outputs it to the transmission unit 32 when it is input how many hours after the current time the operation is to be ended.

  Information input by the user through the input receiving unit 31 is a desired operation end time, operation period information required for the home appliance 30 to operate, and power information required for the home appliance 30 to operate. However, when the input receiving unit 31 receives the input of the driving conditions by the user and can specify the desired driving end time, driving period information, and power information based on the received driving conditions, the user There is no need to input operation end time, operation period information, and power information.

  For example, if the home appliance 30 is a washing / drying machine, a laundry course (a standard course, an energy saving course, a short-time course, etc.) is selected by the input reception unit 31, so that operation period information and power information corresponding to the laundry course are obtained. Since it can specify, it is not necessary for a user to input driving | running | working period information and electric power information. In short, if the desired operation end time, operation period information, and power information can be specified by some input information, the user does not need to input individual information.

  Moreover, the household appliances 30 may memorize | store each information input in the input reception part 31 in internal memory. Here, if the information input by the input reception unit 31 is information that needs to be converted from the driving conditions such as the laundry course, the input reception unit 31 includes the desired driving end time, the driving period information, and the information corresponding to the laundry course. A conversion correspondence table in which power information is determined is stored in advance.

  In particular, if the home appliance 30 is a washing / drying machine, a plurality of steps (for example, a washing step, a dehydration step, a drying step, etc.) are sequentially performed during operation, and thus the operation period information and power information are complicated. It becomes. The input reception part 31 memorize | stores several electric power information for every sensor results, such as a washing course, the weight of laundry clothes, and external temperature.

  Next, in step S2, the transmission unit 32 transmits the desired time information, the operation period information, and the power information to the device control apparatus 10a.

  Next, in step S <b> 3, the reception unit 11 of the device control device 10 a receives the desired time information, the operation period information, and the power information transmitted by the transmission unit 32 of the home appliance 30. The receiving unit 11 outputs the received desired time information, operation period information, and power information to the time shift period setting unit 12.

Next, in step S <b> 4, the time shift period setting unit 12 sets a time shift period having a time width including the desired time information received by the receiving unit 11. For example, the time shift period setting unit 12 sets a time shift period having a time width of 2 hours before and after the desired operation end time. The time width of the time shift period is determined in advance, and the time shift period stored in the internal memory of the device control apparatus 10a is read by the time shift period setting unit 12.

  In the present embodiment, the time shift period has a time width of 2 hours before and after the desired operation end time. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this, and is optimal according to the type of home appliance 30. You may set a time span. For example, the time shift period is preferably about 2 to 4 times the time required for driving the home appliance 30.

  Here, various examples of the time shift period will be described. 4A to 4C are schematic diagrams for describing various examples of the time shift period. FIG. 4 (A) is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of a time shift period having a predetermined time width before and after the desired driving end time, and FIG. 4 (B) includes the desired driving end time, and FIG. 4C is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of a time shift period having a predetermined time width before the desired driving end time, and FIG. 4C includes the desired driving end time and a predetermined time after the desired driving end time. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the example of the time shift period which has this time width.

  For example, when the home appliance 30 is a washing and drying machine, it is assumed that clothes are folded in the evening, and a time shift period Tz having a time width of 1 hour before and after the desired operation end time tb is set (FIG. 4A )reference). Further, when the home appliance 30 is a rechargeable vacuum cleaner, it is assumed that cleaning is performed in the evening, and a time shift period Tz having a time width of 2 hours before and after the desired operation end time tb is set. (See FIG. 4A).

  When home appliance 30 is a jarpot, it is assumed that hot water is used for preparing meals, and a time shift period Tz having a time width of 1 hour before desired operation end time tb is set (FIG. 4). (See (B)). Further, when the home appliance 30 is a dishwasher, it is assumed that the tableware is used in a meal, and a time shift period Tz having a time width of 0.25 hours before the desired operation end time tb is set (see FIG. 4 (B)). Further, when the home appliance 30 is a home bakery, it is assumed that bread is served with meal, and a time shift period Tz having a time width of one hour before the desired driving end time tb is set (FIG. 4B). reference). In addition, when the home appliance 30 is a rice cooker, it is assumed that time is provided for serving rice and steaming the cooked rice, and a time shift having a time width of one hour before the desired operation end time tb A period Tz is set (see FIG. 4B).

  Furthermore, when home appliance 30 is a coffee maker, it is assumed that coffee is provided after meals, and a time shift period Tz having a time width of 0.5 hours after desired operation end time tb is set (FIG. 4). (See (C)).

  Returning to FIG. 3, next, in step S <b> 5, the power charge information acquisition unit 13 acquires power charge information indicating a power charge that changes with time. The power charge information acquisition unit 13 reads the power charge information stored in advance in the internal memory. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this, and the power charge information acquisition unit 13 includes the time shift period setting unit 12. When the time shift period is set by, an external server operated by an electric power company may be accessed to obtain power rate information from the external server.

Next, in step S <b> 6, the operation time calculation unit 14 is based on the desired time information, the operation period information and the power information received by the reception unit 11, and the power rate information acquired by the power rate information acquisition unit 13. Then, an operation start time is calculated at which the power charge charged when the home appliance 30 is driven within the time shift period set by the time shift period setting unit 12 is equal to or less than a predetermined charge. More specifically, the driving time calculation unit 14 is charged based on the desired time information, the driving period information, the power information, and the power charge information when the home appliance 30 is driven within the time shift period. Calculate the operation start time at which is the cheapest. The operation time calculation unit 14 outputs the calculated operation start time to the transmission unit 15.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining a time shift period and an operation period in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  In the upper diagram of FIG. 5, the horizontal axis represents time, in the lower diagram of FIG. 5, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the power rate Y (t) (yen / kWh).

  When the input receiving unit 31 receives the input of the desired time information indicating the desired operation end time tb at the current time ta, the time shift period setting unit 12 sets the time of 2 hours before and after the desired operation end time tb. A time shift period Tz having a width is set.

  And the driving time calculating part 14 is when the household appliances 30 are drive | operated within the time shift period Tz based on desired time information, driving | operation period information, electric power information, and electric power charge information (electric power charge Y (t)). An operation period Tx in which the charged electricity charge is the lowest is calculated, and an operation start time is calculated based on the operation period Tx. The operation time calculation unit 14 can calculate the charged electricity fee by integrating a value obtained by multiplying the electricity fee by the electricity required for the home appliance 30 to operate in the operation period within the time shift period. In addition, when a plurality of operation periods Tx in which the power rate is the cheapest are extracted, the operation time calculation unit 14 selects an operation period Tx whose operation end time is closest to the desired operation end time among the plurality of operation periods Tx. To do.

  Returning to FIG. 3, next, in step S <b> 7, the transmission unit 15 transmits the operation start time calculated by the operation time calculation unit 14 to the home appliance 30.

  Next, in step S8, the reception unit 33 of the home appliance 30 receives the operation start time transmitted by the transmission unit 15 of the device control apparatus 10a. The receiving unit 33 outputs the received operation start time to the operation time storage unit 34.

  Next, in step S <b> 9, the operation time storage unit 34 stores the operation start time received by the reception unit 33.

  Next, in step S <b> 10, the operation control unit 35 determines whether or not the current time has reached the operation start time stored in the operation time storage unit 34. If it is determined that the current time is not the operation start time stored in the operation time storage unit 34 (NO in step S10), the standby state is entered, and the current time is stored in the operation time storage unit 34. The determination process in step S10 is repeated at a predetermined timing until the current operation start time is reached.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the current time is the driving start time stored in the driving time storage unit 34 (YES in step S10), the driving control unit 35 starts driving the home appliance 30 in step S11. To do. In addition, when the driving condition is input by the input receiving unit 31, the driving control unit 35 drives the home appliance 30 according to the driving condition.

  Thus, by having a time width including desired time information indicating the desired operation start time or the desired operation end time, the time shift period includes the operation start time or the operation end time of the home appliance 30 within the range of the time width. Since the operation start time or the operation end time at which the power charge charged when the home appliance 30 is operated is set to be shifted or less than the predetermined charge is calculated, the time shift period exceeding the allowable range of the user is calculated. Setting is eliminated, and the user can enjoy the advantages of convenience and economy.

(Embodiment 2)
Subsequently, a device control system according to Embodiment 2 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a device control system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. A device control system 1b illustrated in FIG. 6 includes a device control apparatus 10b and a home appliance 30.

  The home appliance 30 includes an input reception unit 31, a transmission unit 32, a reception unit 33, an operation time storage unit 34, an operation control unit 35, a display unit 36, and a user confirmation reception unit 37. The device control apparatus 10b includes a reception unit 11, a time shift period setting unit 12, a power rate information acquisition unit 13, an operation time calculation unit 14, a transmission unit 15, a history information storage unit 20, and a history information analysis unit 21. In the device control system 1e according to the fifth embodiment, description of the same configuration as that of the device control system 1a according to the first embodiment is omitted, and only a different configuration is described.

  The display unit 36 of the home appliance 30 is configured by a liquid crystal display device, for example, and displays the operation start time received by the reception unit 33. In Embodiment 5, the home appliance 30 includes the display unit 36. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this, and the device control apparatus 10b may include the display unit 36. Another household electrical appliance connected to the apparatus 10b so as to be communicable may include the display unit 36.

  The user confirmation receiving unit 37 receives whether or not to affirm the operation start time displayed on the display unit 36. For example, the user presses a button associated with affirmation of the driving start time or a button associated with rejection of the driving start time.

  The transmission unit 32 of the home appliance 30 transmits identification information for uniquely identifying the home appliance 30 together with the desired time information, the operation period information, and the power information to the device control apparatus 10e. The identification information is stored in advance in a memory in the home appliance 30. The transmission unit 32 reads the identification information from the memory when transmitting the desired time information, the operation period information, and the power information to the device control apparatus 10e.

  Further, the transmission unit 32 transmits user confirmation information received by the user confirmation reception unit 37 and indicating whether or not the operation start time has been affirmed by the user to the device control apparatus 10b together with the identification information.

  The receiving unit 11 of the device control apparatus 10b receives the desired time information, the operation period information, the power information, and the identification information transmitted by the transmitting unit 32 of the home appliance 30. In addition, the reception unit 11 receives user confirmation information and identification information transmitted by the transmission unit 32.

  The history information storage unit 20 corresponds to the identification information on the user confirmation information received by the receiving unit 11, the time shift period set by the time shift period setting unit 12, and the driving start time calculated by the driving time calculating unit 14. In addition, it is stored as history information.

  The history information analysis unit 21 analyzes the history information stored in the history information storage unit 20. More specifically, the history information analysis unit 21 determines whether the driving start time is rejected in the first half or the second half of the time shift period based on the user confirmation information, and the driving start time in the first half of the time shift period. And the number of times the operation start time is rejected in the second half of the time shift period. The first half of the time shift period represents the period before the desired operation end time in the time shift period, and the second half of the time shift period is after the desired operation end time in the time shift period. Represents a period.

The time shift period setting unit 12 changes the time shift period based on the history information stored in the history information storage unit 20. More specifically, the time shift period setting unit 12 extends the second half of the time shift period by a predetermined time when the number of times the operation start time is rejected in the first half of the time shift period is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times. If the number of rejected operation start times in the latter half of the period is a predetermined number or more, the first half of the time shift period is extended by a predetermined time.

  In the second embodiment, the time shift period setting unit may more simply shorten the time shift period when denied by the user, and extend the time shift period when affirmed.

  That is, when the time shift period is denied by the user, it is set longer than the time shift period desired by the user, and thus the operation is not completed at the time desired by the user. This means that the convenience for the user is reduced, so the time shift period is shortened.

  Conversely, if the time shift period is affirmed by the user, this means that the convenience for the user has not been reduced, and further the time shift period is extended to increase the user's economy, that is, more electricity. Search for cheaper times.

  The time shift period setting unit 12 extends the second half of the time shift period by a predetermined time when the cumulative number of rejected operation start times in the first half of the time shift period is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times. In the case where the cumulative number of rejected operation start times in the latter half is a predetermined number or more, the first half of the time shift period is extended by a predetermined time, but the present invention is not particularly limited to this. When the cumulative number of rejected operation start times in the first half of the time shift period is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the time shift period setting unit 12 maintains the time width of the time shift period as it is and moves the head of the time shift period backward If the cumulative number of rejected operation start times in the latter half of the time shift period is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the time shift period may remain unchanged and the beginning of the time shift period may be shifted forward.

  In addition, when the time shift period is changed, the time shift period setting unit 12 may store the changed time shift period in the history information storage unit 20.

  By obtaining the cumulative number of rejections or affirmations described above, it is possible to perform statistical analysis without making erroneous judgments due to noise components such as erroneous button presses that evaluate user rejection / affirmation, or accidental use by different users. Since the evaluation can be performed with an objective and accurate one, the convenience of the user can be further improved.

  Further, when the time shift period is extended or shortened, the user's evaluation for the latest time shift period can be known by setting the cumulative number of rejections and affirmations to zero.

  Next, the operation of the device control system in the second embodiment will be described.

  7 and 8 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the device control system according to the fifth embodiment.

  The processing in steps S91 to S95 is the same as the processing in steps S1 to S5 shown in FIG.

Next, in step S <b> 96, the history information analysis unit 21 analyzes the history information stored in the history information storage unit 20. Here, the history information analysis unit 21 determines whether the driving start time is rejected in the first half or the second half of the time shift period based on the user confirmation information,
The cumulative number of rejected operation start times in the first half of the time shift period and the cumulative count of rejected operation start times in the second half of the time shift period are counted. When history information is not stored in the history information storage unit 20, the history information analysis unit 21 does not perform processing, and proceeds to processing in step S97.

  Next, in step S97, the time shift period setting unit 12 performs a time shift period changing process for changing the set time shift period. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the time shift period changing process in step S97 of FIG.

  In step S121, the time shift period setting unit 12 determines whether or not the operation start time in the first half of the time shift period has been rejected a predetermined number of times or more based on the analysis result by the history information analysis unit 21. Here, when it is determined that the operation start time in the first half of the time shift period has been rejected more than a predetermined number of times (YES in step S121), in step S122, the time shift period setting unit 12 sets the second half of the time shift period to a predetermined time. Only extend.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation start time in the first half of the time shift period has not been rejected more than a predetermined number of times (NO in step S121), the time shift period setting unit 12 performs analysis by the history information analysis unit 21 in step S123. Based on the result, it is determined whether or not the operation start time in the second half of the time shift period has been rejected a predetermined number of times. Here, when it is determined that the operation start time in the second half of the time shift period has been rejected more than a predetermined number of times (YES in step S123), in step S124, the time shift period setting unit 12 sets the first half of the time shift period to a predetermined time. Only extend.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation start time in the second half of the time shift period has not been rejected more than a predetermined number of times (NO in step S123), the time shift period setting unit 12 performs the time shift without changing the time shift period. Term change processing ends.

  Returning to FIG. 7, next, in step S <b> 98, the power charge information acquisition unit 13 acquires power charge information indicating a power charge that changes with time. In addition, since the process of step S98-S101 is the same as the process of step S5-S8 shown in FIG. 2, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Next, in step S102, the display unit 36 displays the operation start time received by the receiving unit 33.

  Next, in step S <b> 103, the user confirmation receiving unit 37 receives whether or not to affirm the operation start time displayed on the display unit 36. Thereby, the input of the user confirmation information indicating whether or not to affirm the operation start time transmitted by the transmission unit 15 of the device control apparatus 10e is accepted.

  Next, in step S104, the transmission unit 32 reads identification information for uniquely identifying the home appliance 30. Next, in step S105, the transmission unit 32 transmits user confirmation information and identification information to the device control apparatus 10e.

  Next, in step S <b> 106, the reception unit 11 of the device control apparatus 10 e receives user confirmation information and identification information transmitted by the transmission unit 32 of the home appliance 30. Next, in step S107, the history information storage unit 20 stores the user confirmation information received by the reception unit 11 in association with the identification information, the time shift period, and the operation start time.

On the other hand, after transmitting the user confirmation information and the identification information to the device control apparatus 10e, in step S108, the user confirmation receiving unit 37 of the home appliance 30 confirms the operation start time displayed on the display unit 36 by the user. Judge whether or not. Here, when it is determined that the operation start time displayed on the display unit 36 has been affirmed (YES in step S108), the operation time storage unit 34 determines the operation start time received by the reception unit 33 in step S109. Remember. In addition, since the process of step S109-S111 is the same as the process of step S9-S11 shown in FIG. 2, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation start time displayed on the display unit 36 has been rejected (NO in step S108), the process ends.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a time shift period and an operation period in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

  10, the horizontal axis represents time, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents power rate Y (t) (yen / kWh).

  When the input receiving unit 31 receives the input of the desired time information indicating the desired operation end time tb at the current time ta, the time shift period setting unit 12 sets the time of 2 hours before and after the desired operation end time tb. A time shift period Tz ′ having a width is set.

  Next, the history information analysis unit 21 determines whether the driving start time is rejected in the first half or the second half of the time shift period Tz ′ based on the user confirmation information, and starts driving in the first half of the time shift period Tz ′. The number of times that the time is rejected and the number of times that the operation start time is rejected in the second half of the time shift period Tz ′ are counted.

  Next, the time shift period setting unit 12 determines whether or not the operation start time in the first half of the time shift period Tz ′ has been rejected a predetermined number of times or more based on the analysis result by the history information analysis unit 21. The example illustrated in FIG. 18 illustrates a case where the operation start time in the first half of the time shift period Tz ′ is rejected more than a predetermined number of times. Therefore, it is determined here that the operation start time in the first half of the time shift period Tz ′ has been rejected a predetermined number of times or more.

  Next, the time shift period setting unit 12 extends the latter half of the initially set time shift period Tz ′ by a predetermined period Tw (for example, 1 hour). In FIG. 10, the time shift period setting unit 12 extends the second half of the time shift period Tz ′ by shifting the end of the initially set time shift period Tz ′ backward by a predetermined period Tw.

  The operation time calculation unit 14 operates the home appliance 30 within the changed time shift period Tz based on the desired time information, operation period information, power information, and power charge information (power charge Y (t)). In this case, the operation period Tx in which the charged electricity charge is the lowest is calculated, and the operation start time is calculated based on the operation period Tx. The operation time calculation unit 14 can calculate the charged electricity fee by integrating a value obtained by multiplying the electricity fee by the electricity required for the home appliance 30 to operate in the operation period within the time shift period. In addition, when a plurality of operation periods Tx in which the power rate is the cheapest are extracted, the operation time calculation unit 14 selects an operation period Tx whose operation end time is closest to the desired operation end time among the plurality of operation periods Tx. To do.

  In this way, the user's opinion on the calculated operation start time or operation end time can be reflected, and a time shift period having an appropriate time width according to the past use situation can be set.

When the time shift period is changed, the time shift period setting unit 12 may store the changed time shift period in the history information storage unit 20. In this case, the history information storage unit 2
0 stores the changed time shift period and identification information in association with each other, and the operation start time and user confirmation information corresponding to the identification information are deleted. Thereafter, when setting the time shift period, the time shift period setting unit 12 reads the time shift period stored in the history information storage unit 20 and sets the read time shift period.

  In the fifth embodiment, when the operation start time is rejected by the user, the operation time calculation unit 14 may calculate the operation start time again. In this case, the operation time calculation unit 14 calculates an operation start time other than the rejected operation start time.

  Moreover, when the driving start time is rejected by the user, the user confirmation receiving unit 37 may receive a correction of the driving start time by the user. When the correction of the driving start time is accepted by the user, the transmission unit 32 sends the corrected driving start time, user confirmation information indicating that the driving start time is rejected, and identification information to the device control apparatus 10e. Send. The operation time storage unit 34 stores the operation start time corrected by the user.

  When the operation start time is rejected by the user, the operation time storage unit 34 may store the desired operation end time received by the input receiving unit 31 as the operation start time.

  Further, the time shift period setting unit 12 sets an extended time shift period that is longer than a predetermined time shift period by a predetermined time, and an operation start time or an operation end time calculated based on the extended time shift period. Is not rejected by the user, the extended time shift period may be determined as the time shift period.

  An electric device control apparatus, an electric device control method, and an electric device according to the present invention allow the user to enjoy the advantages of convenience and economy, and control the operation start time or operation end time of the electric device, and It is useful for electrical equipment control methods and electrical equipment.

1a, 1b, 1e Device control system 10a, 10b, 10e Device control device 11 Receiving unit 12, 51 Time shift period setting unit 13, 52 Power rate information acquisition unit 14, 53 Operation time calculation unit 15 Transmission unit 16 Operation determination unit 17 Operation status storage unit 18 Operation status confirmation unit 19 Individual information acquisition unit 30, 40 Home appliance 31 Input reception unit 32 Transmission unit 33 Reception unit 34 Operation time storage unit 35 Operation control unit

Claims (7)

Receives desired time information indicating a desired operation start time or desired operation end time of an electric device desired by the user, operation period information indicating a period required for the electric device to operate, and power information indicating electric power required for the electric device to operate A receiving unit to
A time shift period setting unit that sets a time shift period that represents a period in which the operation start time or the operation end time of the electrical device can be shifted, having a time width that includes the desired time information received by the reception unit. When,
A power rate information acquisition unit that acquires power rate information indicating a power rate that changes with time;
Based on the desired time information, the operation period information and the power information received by the receiving unit, and the power rate information acquired by the power rate information acquiring unit, set by the time shift period setting unit. An operation time calculation unit for calculating an operation start time or an operation end time at which an electricity bill charged when the electric device is operated within the time shift period is a predetermined amount or less;
A transmission unit that transmits the operation start time or the operation end time calculated by the operation time calculation unit to the electric device;
The reception unit receives user confirmation information indicating whether the operation start time or the operation end time transmitted by the transmission unit is affirmed by a user,
The user confirmation information received by the receiving unit, the time shift period set by the time shift period setting unit, and the operation start time or the operation end time calculated by the operation time calculation unit are used as history information. A storage unit for storing,
The electric device control apparatus, wherein the time shift period setting unit changes the time shift period based on the history information stored in the storage unit. The electrical equipment control device according to claim 1, wherein the time shift period setting unit shortens the time shift period when denied by the user, and extends the time shift period when affirmed. The time shift period setting unit extends the time shift period when the accumulated number of times denied by the user is less than a predetermined value or when the accumulated number of affirmations is greater than a predetermined value. The electrical equipment control device according to any one of 2. The time shift period setting unit shortens the time shift period when the accumulated number of times denied by the user is larger than a predetermined value or when the accumulated number of affirmations is smaller than a predetermined value. The electrical equipment control device according to any one of 3. 5. The electrical equipment control device according to claim 1, wherein the time shift period setting unit resets the cumulative number to 0 after shortening or extending the time shift time according to the cumulative number. 6. . The program for making a computer perform at least one part of the function of any one of Claim 1 to 5. A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 6 is recorded.