JP2013115810A - Electrical apparatus controller and home control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrical apparatus controller and a home control system which have an abstractive interface to make their operation simple.SOLUTION: In a controller, an operation signal read device which reads an operation signal output from a remote control, an IC reader/writer, an operation signal transmission device which transmits an operation signal to electrical apparatuses, a processing section having a storage device, and an operation section are included, the controller using IC chips to control the operation of electrical apparatuses controlled by a remote control installed in a room. The electrical apparatus controller and the home control system can read and write electrical apparatus control parameters to and from the write enabled area of an IC chip by using the IC reader/writer, and transmit an operation signal to each electrical apparatus from the operation signal transmission device on the basis of the control parameters read from the IC chip.

Description

  The present invention relates to a controller and home control system for an electric device, and more particularly, to a controller and home control system for an electric device that have an abstract interface and can use a general-purpose IC chip.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a home control system in which a control device called a home controller is disposed in a dwelling unit, and the home controller and a control target device such as a television, a video, an air conditioner, and a water heater are electrically connected and controlled.
In home control systems, it has also been proposed to remotely control devices to be controlled from outside. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a home control system including a web server that receives control data via the Internet network, and a home controller that controls household electrical devices based on the control data received from the web server. Yes.

  There has also been proposed a home control system that can dynamically control various devices according to the occupants in the door. For example, in Patent Document 2, a non-contact IC card type key and a fingerprint detection unit are combined, and the residence status of each resident is managed based on the physical characteristics of each resident in the residence, thereby allowing the presence in the residence. There has been proposed a home control system that controls various devices in a dwelling unit dynamically and in real time according to a resident.

  By the way, in recent years, home appliance operation systems that perform remote operation of a plurality of home appliances by a single remote controller (remote controller) have been proposed. For example, in Patent Document 3, a remote control code is acquired from a site via a network, a terminal device that transmits a command corresponding to the remote control code, a command is received from the terminal device, and the command is transmitted to an electrical device. A remote control system including a remote control station for remotely operating a desired electrical device has been proposed.

JP 2002-259678 A JP 2006-128824 A JP 2007-116484 A

  The conventional home control system has a problem that it is necessary to construct a network in which each control target device and the home controller are electrically connected, and the cost of introducing the system is high.

  Moreover, the preferable control conditions of the control target device are changed every day as the seasons change. However, in the conventional conventional home control system, the operation for changing the control condition is complicated, and it is difficult for an elderly person or a child to make the condition change setting in a general home.

  Then, an object of this invention is to provide the controller and home control system of the electric equipment which can solve the said subject.

[1] An operation signal reading device that reads an operation signal output from a remote control, an IC reader / writer, an operation signal transmission device that transmits an operation signal to an electrical device, a processing unit having a storage device, and an operation unit And a controller for controlling the operation of an electric device controlled by a remote controller installed in a room using an IC chip, and the control parameters of the electric device stored in the writable area of the IC chip can be read and written by an IC reader / writer. And a controller for the electric device, wherein the operation signal is transmitted from the operation signal transmitting device to each electric device based on the control parameter read from the IC chip.
[2] It has means for storing the entrance / exit status in the writable area of the IC chip or the storage device of the processing unit, and when the IC reader / writer reads the IC chip storage information, the entrance / exit status is entry. In this case, based on the parameters stored in the IC chip, an operation start signal is transmitted from the operation signal transmitting device to each electric device. When the entry / exit status is exit, the latest control is performed in the writable area of the IC chip. The controller for the electrical device according to [1], wherein the parameter is written and an operation stop signal is transmitted to each electrical device from the operation signal transmitting device.
[3] The controller according to [1] or [2], wherein the remote controller is an infrared remote controller.
[4] The controller according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the operation signal transmitter is detached from the controller main body and can be used as a universal remote controller.
[5] The controller according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the controller includes timer means for transmitting an operation signal to each electric device after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[6] An electric device comprising the controller according to any one of [1] to [5] and a plurality of IC chips each having a writable area, and stored in the writable area of the IC chip by the IC reader / writer. A home control system characterized by rewriting control parameters.
[7] In addition, the interface device includes a plurality of interface devices each including an operation signal acquisition unit and a wireless transmission unit that acquire parameter information of the corresponding electrical device, and the controller includes a wireless communication device that can communicate with the interface device. [6] The home control system according to [6], wherein the parameter information acquired by the operation signal acquisition unit is stored in a storage device of the processing unit.
[8] The operation signal acquisition unit of the interface device includes an infrared receiver that receives the operation signal of the electrical device, and the infrared signal is received via the wireless transmission unit when the operation signal is received. The home control system according to [7], wherein an operation signal is transmitted to the controller.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to provide the controller and home control system of an electric equipment which have an abstract interface and are easy to operate.
Further, the present invention can use a general-purpose IC chip and uses an autonomous controller, so that the system construction cost is low.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a home control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the controller of the electric equipment which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

  The home control system according to the present invention makes it possible to release the user from the individual setting work of the electrical equipment required when entering and leaving the room by storing the user-specific parameters in the IC chip having the writable area. . Hereinafter, an autonomous home control system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

"System configuration"
As shown in FIG. 1, the home control system includes an IC chip storage member 1, a controller 10 installed in each room, an electric device 21 such as a television and an air conditioner, and an interface device 22 as main components. . The interface device 22 is not an essential configuration as will be described later.

  The IC chip storage member 1 is a non-contact type IC card such as Felica (registered trademark). A memory (for example, 16 bytes × 154 blocks = 2,464 bytes in the case of RC-S860) is built in the IC chip built in the IC chip storage member 1 and can be used by the user himself (writable) Area) is secured. This system can store user-specific parameters in a general-purpose IC chip (for example, a commuter pass information storage IC card) having a writable area. The IC chip storage member 1 is not limited to a card type, and for example, an IC chip for a mobile phone can also be used.

One user can use a plurality of IC chips. In this case, since the control parameters stored for each IC chip are different, the control parameters may be rewritten by installing dedicated software in a personal computer or the like.
Further, the IC chip storage member 1 in which the control parameters are written in advance by a personal computer or the like may be distributed. For example, when a plurality of users share an electric device (including a personal computer) installed in a common space, it is assumed that different control parameters are written for each user and the device is opened under specific conditions.

  The controller 10 is a device for operating one or more electric devices in the room where the controller is arranged, and as shown in FIG. 2, a processing unit 11, an operation unit 12, an input unit 13, and a communication unit. The system part 14 is a main component. The controller 10 is installed in a closed space (room) unit, and in principle, each controller operates autonomously.

The processing unit 11 includes an arithmetic device 111, an on-chip device 112, a power source 113, and a storage device 114.
The arithmetic device 111 is composed of a microcomputer and a CPU. The on-chip device 112 is an element such as a timer, control / communication I / O, and built-in memory. A time for turning on or off the power of the electric device 21 may be set by a timer. The power supply 113 is a power supply unit connected to a commercially available primary / secondary battery or a commercial power supply. The storage device 114 is a device such as a hard disk or SSD for storing control information or the like, and may be provided with an external storage device such as microSD depending on the application. However, in the present invention, since the IC chip storage member 1 has user-specific control parameters (for example, the former is room temperature 28 degrees and the illumination is weak, and the second person is room temperature 27 degrees and the illumination intensity is high), the storage device 114 has a capacity. It may be small, and the built-in memory of the on-chip device 112 can be substituted for a storage device.

The operation unit 12 includes an input device 121 and a display device 122.
The input device 121 is a button or the like for inputting a command to the controller 10. The display device 122 is an LCD panel or the like for displaying setting information and the like of the controller 10. When a touch panel display is used as the display device 122, the input device 121 is not necessarily provided.

The input unit 13 includes an operation signal reading device 131 and an IC reader / writer 132.
The operation signal reader 131 is a device (infrared detector) including a light receiving element such as a photodiode for reading an operation signal (control signal) including an ID of the remote controller 23. In general, an infrared light emitting diode (infrared LED) is used to output an operation signal. For example, a carrier frequency of a format defined by a home appliance association widely adopted in domestic home appliances is 33 to 40 kHz. . The signal read by the operation signal reading device 131 is transmitted to the processing unit 11 and the control information is analyzed.
The IC reader / writer 132 is a non-contact IC card reader / writer that reads user-related information stored in the IC chip storage member 1 and transmits it to the processing unit 11, and parameters such as parameters stored in the IC chip. Rewrite information.

The interconnection unit 14 includes an operation signal transmission device 141 and a wireless communication device 142.
The operation signal transmission device 141 is an infrared light emitter that transmits an operation signal (control signal) to the electrical device 21. By transmitting the control information from the operation signal transmitting device 141 to the electric device 21, the electric device 21 can be operated without using a dedicated remote controller.
The wireless communication device 142 is mainly for enabling information communication with the interface device 22 wirelessly, and includes a microcomputer and a wireless module. The wireless module is, for example, an infrared light emitter, a visible light emitter, a wireless LAN module, or a Bluetooth (registered trademark) module.

It is good also as a specification which transmits a control signal to the electric equipment 21 by the radio | wireless communication apparatus 142, In this case, the operation signal transmission apparatus 141 becomes unnecessary. In addition, the wireless communication device 142 may be used to connect a plurality of controllers 10 to a network so that each controller 10 can be managed remotely from a computer. In this case, a function of acquiring operation signals of each remote controller 23 via a network may be provided.
Further, the interconnection unit 14 may be detachable from the main body, and may be a universal remote controller (a remote controller that can operate remote controllers of a plurality of types of electrical devices). In this case, the interconnection unit 14 also needs to include an input device, a microcomputer, an on-chip device, a power source, and the like. At this time, individual electronic devices may be operable by associating the buttons of the input device 121 with each electronic device.

The electrical device 21 is a media player such as a TV or DVD, a cable TV tuner, an air conditioner, a humidifier / dehumidifier, an air purifier, a heater, a fan, a lighting device, a music player, a communication karaoke device, etc., and an infrared remote controller It is a device that can be operated remotely. Each electrical device 21 includes a corresponding interface device 22.
When the interface device 22 is operated by the remote controller 23, the controller 10 transmits the parameter information changed by the remote controller 23 to the wireless communication device 142 so that the controller 10 grasps the latest parameter information of the electrical device 21. Is possible. The interface device 22 includes a wireless transmission unit and an operation signal acquisition unit. The operation signal acquisition unit is, for example, an infrared receiver that operates and receives an operation signal from the signal output device 141 or a control unit of the electric device 21. It is comprised by the microcomputer which reads parameter information from. In the former case, it is not necessary to install in the electric device 21, and it is sufficient to install the electric device 21 on the side of the infrared receiver so that the operation signal can be received together with the electric device 21.

The remote controller 23 is a dedicated remote controller (infrared remote controller) attached to each electrical device 21 as a standard. In the present system, the controller 10 and the remote controller 23 are not in an exclusive relationship, and it is also possible to operate an electric device with the remote controller 23.
On the other hand, the electric device 21 may be operated only by the controller 10. In this case, since the controller 10 can always grasp the parameter information of the electric device 21, installation of the interface device 22 is not necessary.

"how to use"
1. Prior preparation It is necessary to register an operation signal (control signal) of the electric device 21 in the controller 10. The operation signal is registered by sequentially registering the operation signal of the dedicated remote controller of the electric device to be operated in the operation signal reader 131. This registration work may be performed once at the beginning, and is unnecessary thereafter. Even when a new electric device 21 is carried in, operation signal registration work is required. Regardless of the manufacturer of the electrical equipment to be registered. When the operation signal of each remote controller 23 is provided through a network, the operation signal is registered from a device such as a personal computer.

2. When entering the room, the user 2 holds the IC chip storage member 1 over the IC reader / writer 132 when reading the room and allows the IC chip storage information to be read. When the entry / exit status is “exit”, the computing device 111 changes the entry / exit status to “enter”, and based on the final parameters stored in the IC chip (default parameters at the time of initial entry) An operation start signal is transmitted to each electrical device 21. Thereby, the user 2 can operate the electric device 21 under the same conditions as the previous use (even when other users have changed the conditions) without operating each electric device 21 individually. is there. The entry / exit status may be managed by the IC chip or may be managed by the storage device 114 of the processing unit 11 in association with the chip ID (for example, when the chip ID is read for the first time, “ ”And“ Exit ”for the second time.)

3. When leaving the room When the user 2 leaves the room, the user 2 holds the IC chip storage member 1 over the IC reader / writer 132 and causes the IC chip storage information to be read. If the entry / exit status is “entrance”, the arithmetic device 111 changes the entry / exit status to “exit” and writes the final parameter associated with the card ID to the IC chip. Then, an operation stop signal is transmitted to all the electrical devices 21 to enter an operation signal standby state (the same state as when the power button is pressed during operation). As a result, the user 2 does not need to press the power button of each remote controller 23.
It is also possible to set so that the power is turned off after a certain period of time has passed since the IC card is held over by a timer. This is useful when you need to turn off the lights immediately.

4). Specific Example In FIG. 1, it is assumed that the electric device 21a is a television, the electric device 21b is an air conditioner, the electric device 21c is a lighting fixture, the electric device 21d is an air conditioner, the electric device 21e is a lighting fixture, and the electric device 21f is a music player.
When the user 2a enters the room A and holds the IC chip storage member 1a over the controller 10a (IC reader / writer 132), the IC chip storage information is read, and the entry / exit status is changed from “leaving” to “entering”. At the same time, the final parameters (TV 21a: channel = 1ch, volume = 20, air conditioner 21b: mode = cooling, temperature = 28 ° C.) associated with the card ID are extracted. Subsequently, based on the final parameters, an operation signal is transmitted from the controller 10a (operation signal transmission device 141) to the television 21a and the air conditioner 21b, and these devices are operated. In this way, the user 2 can restore the environment of the room A to the same conditions as the previous use only by holding the IC chip storage member 1 over the controller 10a (IC reader / writer 132).

  The parameter changed while the user 2a is in the room is grasped by the controller 10 immediately or at a predetermined timing. When the operation of the electric device 21 is performed by the controller 10, the controller 10 immediately grasps the parameter change and stores it in the storage device 114. When the electric device 21 is operated by the remote controller 23, when the parameter change information is received from the interface device 22, or when the user 2a holds the IC chip storage member 1a over the controller 10a when leaving the room, The final parameter is acquired from the IC chip and stored in the storage device 114.

  When the user 2a leaves the room A, if the IC chip storage member 1a is held over the controller 10a (IC reader / writer 132), the IC chip storage information is read, and the entry / exit status is changed from “entrance” to “exit”. The final parameter is recorded on the IC chip. At this time, after sending a parameter transmission command to the interface device 22 and obtaining the final parameter, the final parameter may be reflected on the IC chip.

  After the user 2a leaves the room A, the user 2b enters the room A, and when the IC chip storage member 1b is held over the controller 10a (IC reader / writer 132), the IC chip storage information is read and the entry / exit status is displayed. While changing from “leaving” to “entering”, the final parameter TV 21a linked to the card ID: channel = 8ch, volume = 25, air conditioner 21b: mode = cooling, temperature = 26 ° C.) is extracted and the final parameter is extracted. Based on the above, an operation signal is transmitted from the controller 10a (operation signal transmission device 141) to the television 21a and the air conditioner 21b, and these devices are operated.

  The same applies when the user 2a enters the room B. When the user 2a enters the room B and holds the IC chip storage member 1a over the controller 10a (IC reader / writer 132), the IC chip storage information is read, and the entry / exit status is changed from “leaving” to “entering”. At the same time, a final parameter (lighting fixture 21c: illuminance = strong, air conditioner 21d: mode = cooling, temperature = 28 ° C.) associated with the card ID is extracted, and from the controller 10b (operation signal transmission device 141) based on the final parameter. An operation signal is transmitted to the lighting fixture 21c and the air conditioner 21d, and these devices are operated.

  When the user 2a is in the room B (or forgets to hold the IC chip storage member 1a when leaving the room), the user 2b enters the room B, and the IC chip storage member 1b is connected to the controller 10a (IC reader / writer 132). ), The operation signal is transmitted from the controller 10b (operation signal transmission device 141) to the lighting fixture 21c and the air conditioner 21d based on the final parameter of the user 2b.

  The same applies when the users 2a and 2b enter the room C. The final parameters stored in the IC chip (lighting device 21e: illuminance = weak, music player 21f: song name = ABC, mode = deep emphasis, volume = 15 ), An operation signal is transmitted from the controller 10c (operation signal transmission device 141) to the lighting fixture 21e and the music player 21f, and these devices are operated.

According to the present invention described above, it is possible to construct a home control system that operates autonomously in a closed space (room) unit.
Further, the user does not need to prepare a dedicated IC chip, and can use another purpose IC card (having a writable area) in this system.

1 IC chip storage member (IC card)
2 User 10 Controller 11 Processing unit 12 Operation unit 13 Input unit 14 Interconnection unit 21 Electrical device 22 Interface device 23 Remote control 111 Computing device 112 On-chip device 113 Storage device 114 Power supply 121 Input device 122 Display device 131 Operation signal reading device 132 IC Reader / Writer 141 Operation Signal Transmitter 142 Wireless Communication Device

Claims (8)

An operation signal reading device that reads an operation signal output from a remote control, an IC reader / writer, an operation signal transmission device that transmits an operation signal to an electrical device, a processing unit having a storage device, and an operation unit are provided. A controller for controlling the operation of an electrical device controlled by a remote controller installed in the IC chip,
The control parameters of the electrical equipment stored in the writable area of the IC chip can be read and written by the IC reader / writer, and the operation signal is sent to each electrical equipment from the operation signal transmission device based on the control parameters read from the IC chip. A controller for electrical equipment, characterized by transmitting. Means for storing the entrance / exit status in the writable area of the IC chip or the storage device of the processing unit,
When the IC reader / writer reads the IC chip storage information and the entry / exit status is entry, the operation signal transmission device transmits an operation start signal to each electric device based on the parameters stored in the IC chip. When the entry / exit status is exit, the latest control parameter is written in the writable area of the IC chip, and an operation stop signal is transmitted from the operation signal transmission device to each electric device. Controller of 1 electrical equipment.   The controller according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the remote controller is an infrared remote controller.   The controller according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operation signal transmitter is detached from the controller body and can be used as a universal remote controller.   The controller according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising timer means for transmitting an operation signal to each electric device after a predetermined time has elapsed. A controller according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and a plurality of IC chips having a writable area,
A home control system, wherein the control parameter of the electric device stored in the writable area of the IC chip is rewritten by the IC reader / writer. Furthermore, it comprises a plurality of interface devices having an operation signal acquisition unit and a wireless transmission unit for acquiring parameter information of the corresponding electrical device,
7. The home control system according to claim 6, wherein the controller includes a wireless communication device capable of communicating with the interface device, and stores parameter information acquired by the operation signal acquisition unit of the interface device in a storage device of the processing unit.   The operation signal acquisition unit of the interface device includes an infrared receiver that receives an operation signal of the electric device, and when the infrared receiver receives the operation signal, the operation signal received via the wireless transmission unit is received. The home control system according to claim 7, wherein the home control system transmits to the controller.