JP2013169104A - Communication equipment, household electric appliance, controller, communication system, household electric appliance control method, power consumption control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a communication apparatus capable of realizing demand control with a simple system configuration.SOLUTION: A communication adapter 400 as a communication apparatus is communicably connected to a household electric appliance 300 installed in a room in a house and a smart meter 10. The communication adapter 400 receives a reduction instruction to reduce power consumption in the house from a power system outside of the house through the smart meter 10 using a communication interface. The communication adapter 400 acquires output from a sensor 600 installed in the room. The communication adapter 400 produces a reduction instruction DRβ to reduce power consumption of the household electric appliance based on the received reduction instruction and the output from the sensor. The communication adapter 400 transmits the generated reduction instruction DRβ to the household electric appliance using the communication interface.

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device, a home appliance, a controller, a communication system, a home appliance control method, a power consumption control method, and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an apparatus that performs power demand control is known. For example, in Patent Document 1, a demand priority setting unit that sets the priority of demand control and a priority notification unit that notifies the controller of the set priority are installed on the home appliance side as the above devices. A configuration is disclosed in which the controller determines the order of household appliances subject to demand control according to the priority from the priority notification means.

  Further, in connection with power demand control, there is known a power meter linkage type sensor device that cooperates with a power meter that has a communication function and a management function of other devices and collects information used in the power meter. . For example, in Patent Document 2, as the power meter cooperation method sensor device, a plurality of types of sensors for measuring the usage environment of the load device and information on the usage environments measured by the plurality of types of sensors are communicated to the power meter. The structure which equipped the communication body with the communication means to notify is disclosed. The plural types of sensors are a human sensor, an illuminance sensor, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor.

JP 2010-75015 A JP 2011-103726 A

  However, in patent document 1, the apparatus which performs demand control needs to grasp | ascertain the state of each household appliance, and the priority of each household appliance. Also in Patent Document 2, an electric power meter that performs demand control needs to grasp the state of each home appliance. Thus, conventionally, a large-scale system configuration has been required to perform demand control.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and its purpose is a communication device, home appliance, communication system, home appliance control method, power consumption control method, and program capable of realizing demand control with a simple system configuration. Is to provide.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide a controller, a communication system, a home appliance control method, and a program capable of controlling each home appliance installed in each room with control contents according to the environment of each room.

  According to a certain aspect of the present invention, the communication device is communicably connected to a home appliance installed in a room in the house and a watt-hour meter with a communication function. The communication device includes a processor and a communication interface connected to the processor. The processor receives a first reduction instruction for reducing in-home power consumption from a power system outside the home via the watt-hour meter using the communication interface. The processor acquires an output from a sensor installed in the room. The processor generates a second reduction instruction for reducing the power consumption of the home appliance based on the first reduction instruction and the output from the sensor. The processor transmits the generated second reduction instruction to the home appliance using the communication interface.

  Preferably, the processor makes the content of the second reduction instruction different between when the first output is acquired from the sensor and when the second output is acquired.

  Preferably, the sensor is a human sensor. The first output is an output indicating that the presence of a person has been detected. The second output is an output indicating that the presence of a person has not been detected.

  Preferably, the processor generates, as the second reduction instruction, an instruction to reduce the power consumption of the home appliance when the presence of a person is not detected as compared to when the presence of a person is detected.

  Preferably, the human sensor further detects the number of people. When the presence of a person is detected, the processor sets the content of the second reduction instruction according to the detected number of persons.

  Preferably, the sensor is an illuminance sensor. The first output is an output indicating that the illuminance is not less than a predetermined value. The second output is an output indicating that the illuminance is less than a predetermined value.

  Preferably, as a second reduction instruction, the processor reduces the power consumption of the home appliance when an illuminance greater than a predetermined value is detected, compared to when an illuminance less than a predetermined value is detected. Generate instructions.

  Preferably, the communication device communicates with the watt hour meter via a controller capable of controlling the home appliance. The processor receives a first reduction instruction from the watt hour meter via the controller.

  When the other situation of this invention is followed, the household appliance is installed in the room in a house. The home appliance includes a processor and a communication interface connected to the processor. The processor receives a reduction instruction for reducing in-home power consumption from the power system outside the home via the watt-hour meter with communication function using the communication interface. The processor acquires an output from a sensor installed in the room. The processor controls the power consumption of the home appliance based on the reduction instruction and the output from the sensor.

  Preferably, the processor makes the content of the second reduction instruction different between when the first output is acquired from the sensor and when the second output is acquired.

  Preferably, the sensor is a human sensor. The first output is an output indicating that the presence of a person has been detected. The second output is an output indicating that the presence of a person has not been detected.

  Preferably, the processor generates, as the second reduction instruction, an instruction to reduce the power consumption of the home appliance when the presence of a person is not detected as compared to when the presence of a person is detected.

  Preferably, the human sensor further detects the number of people. When the presence of a person is detected, the processor sets the content of the second reduction instruction according to the detected number of persons.

  Preferably, the sensor is an illuminance sensor. The first output is an output indicating that the illuminance is not less than a predetermined value. The second output is an output indicating that the illuminance is less than a predetermined value.

  Preferably, as a second reduction instruction, the processor reduces the power consumption of the home appliance when an illuminance greater than a predetermined value is detected, compared to when an illuminance less than a predetermined value is detected. Generate instructions.

Preferably, the home appliance further includes a sensor.
Preferably, the home appliance communicates with the watt hour meter via a controller capable of controlling the home appliance. The processor receives a reduction instruction from the watt hour meter via the controller.

  If the further another situation of this invention is followed, a controller will control the 1st household appliances installed in the 1st room in a house, and the 2nd household appliances installed in the 2nd room in a house. The controller includes a processor and a communication interface connected to the processor. The processor receives a first reduction instruction for reducing the power consumption in the house from the power system outside the house using the communication interface. The processor obtains an output from the first sensor installed in the first room and an output from the second sensor installed in the second room. The processor generates a second reduction instruction for reducing power consumption of the first home appliance based on the first reduction instruction and the output from the first sensor. The processor generates a third reduction instruction for reducing the power consumption of the second home appliance based on the first reduction instruction and the output from the second sensor. The processor transmits the generated second reduction instruction to the first home appliance using the communication interface, and transmits the generated third reduction instruction to the second home appliance.

  Preferably, the processor makes the content of the second reduction instruction different when the first output is acquired from the first sensor and when the second output is acquired.

  Preferably, the first sensor is a human sensor. The first output is an output indicating that the presence of a person has been detected. The second output is an output indicating that the presence of a person has not been detected.

  Preferably, the processor generates, as the second reduction instruction, an instruction to reduce the power consumption of the home appliance when the presence of a person is not detected as compared to when the presence of a person is detected.

  Preferably, the human sensor further detects the number of people. When the presence of a person is detected, the processor sets the content of the second reduction instruction according to the detected number of persons.

  Preferably, the first sensor is an illuminance sensor. The first output is an output indicating that the illuminance is not less than a predetermined value. The second output is an output indicating that the illuminance is less than a predetermined value.

  Preferably, as a second reduction instruction, the processor reduces the power consumption of the home appliance when an illuminance greater than a predetermined value is detected, compared to when an illuminance less than a predetermined value is detected. Generate instructions.

  Preferably, the processor transmits the second reduction instruction to the home appliance via a communication device that is communicably connected to the controller and the home appliance.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, a communication system includes a home appliance installed in a room in a house, a watt-hour meter with a communication function, and a communication device that is communicably connected to the home appliance and the watt-hour meter. Prepare. The communication device includes a processor and a communication interface connected to the processor. The processor receives a first reduction instruction for reducing in-home power consumption from a power system outside the home via the watt-hour meter using the communication interface. The processor acquires an output from a sensor installed in the room. The processor generates a second reduction instruction for reducing the power consumption of the home appliance based on the first reduction instruction and the output from the sensor. The processor transmits the generated second reduction instruction to the home appliance using the communication interface. The home appliance receives the second reduction instruction from the controller, and executes an operation based on the second reduction instruction.

  When the further another situation of this invention is followed, a communication system is provided with the watt-hour meter with a communication function, and the household appliance installed in the room in a house. The home appliance includes a processor and a communication interface connected to the processor. The processor receives a reduction instruction for reducing in-home power consumption from a power system outside the home via the watt-hour meter using the communication interface. The processor acquires an output from a sensor installed in the room. The processor controls the power consumption of the home appliance based on the reduction instruction and the output from the sensor.

  According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a communication system controls a first home appliance installed in a first room in a home and a second home appliance installed in a second room in the home; A first home appliance and a second home appliance are provided. The controller includes a processor and a communication interface connected to the processor. The processor receives a first reduction instruction for reducing in-home power consumption from a power system outside the home using the communication interface. The processor obtains an output from the first sensor installed in the first room and an output from the second sensor installed in the second room. The processor generates a second reduction instruction for reducing power consumption of the first home appliance based on the first reduction instruction and the output from the first sensor. The processor generates a third reduction instruction for reducing the power consumption of the second home appliance based on the first reduction instruction and the output from the second sensor. The processor transmits the generated second reduction instruction to the first home appliance using the communication interface, and transmits the generated third reduction instruction to the second home appliance. The first home appliance receives the second reduction instruction from the controller and executes an operation based on the second reduction instruction. The second home appliance receives the third reduction instruction from the controller, and executes an operation based on the third reduction instruction.

  When the further another situation of this invention is followed, the household appliance control method is performed in the communication apparatus connected so that communication was possible with the household appliance installed in the room in a house, and the watt-hour meter with a communication function. The home appliance control method includes a step in which a communication device receives a first reduction instruction for reducing in-home power consumption from a power system outside the home via a watt-hour meter using a communication interface; Is configured to acquire a second reduction instruction for reducing the power consumption of the home appliance based on the first reduction instruction and the output from the sensor based on the step of acquiring the output from the sensor installed in the room. A step of generating, and a step of the communication device transmitting the generated second reduction instruction to the home appliance using the communication interface.

  If the further another situation of this invention is followed, the power consumption control method will be performed in the household appliances installed in the room in the house. The power consumption control method includes a step in which a home appliance receives a reduction instruction for reducing power consumption in a home from a power system outside the home via a watt-hour meter with a communication function using a communication interface; The step of acquiring the output from the sensor installed in the room, and the step of controlling the power consumption of the home appliance based on the reduction instruction and the output from the sensor.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the home appliance control method is a controller that controls the first home appliance installed in the first room in the home and the second home appliance installed in the second room in the home. Executed. The home appliance control method includes a step in which a controller receives a first reduction instruction for reducing in-home power consumption from an external power system using a communication interface, and the controller is installed in a first room. Acquiring the output from the first sensor and the output from the second sensor installed in the second room, and the controller includes a first reduction instruction and an output from the first sensor. And generating a second reduction instruction for reducing power consumption of the first home appliance based on the first home appliance based on the first reduction instruction and the output from the second sensor. Generating a third reduction instruction for reducing the power consumption of the first and a controller using the communication interface to transmit the generated second reduction instruction to the first home appliance, and generating the generated third Cutting And transmitting instructions to the second consumer electronics.

  If the further another situation of this invention is followed, a program will control the communication apparatus connected to the household appliance installed in the room in a house, and the watt-hour meter with a communication function so that communication was possible. The program uses a communication interface to receive a first reduction instruction for reducing in-home power consumption from a power system outside the home via a watt-hour meter, and from a sensor installed in the room. Generated using a communication interface, a step of generating an output, a step of generating a second reduction instruction for reducing power consumption of the home appliance based on the first reduction instruction and the output from the sensor; And causing the communication device processor to execute a step of transmitting the second reduction instruction to the home appliance.

  If the further another situation of this invention is followed, a program will control the household appliance installed in the room in a house. The program uses a communication interface to receive a reduction instruction for reducing power consumption in the house from a power system outside the house via a watt-hour meter with a communication function, and from a sensor installed in the room. The home appliance processor executes the step of acquiring the output and the step of controlling the power consumption of the home appliance based on the reduction instruction and the output from the sensor.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the program controls a controller that controls the first home appliance installed in the first room in the home and the second home appliance installed in the second room in the home. . The program uses a communication interface to receive a first reduction instruction for reducing power consumption in the house from a power system outside the house, and from the first sensor installed in the first room. Based on the output and the output from the second sensor installed in the second room, the first reduction instruction and the output from the first sensor, the power consumption of the first home appliance is calculated. Generating a second reduction instruction for reducing, and a controller for reducing the power consumption of the second home appliance based on the first reduction instruction and the output from the second sensor. The step of generating a reduction instruction, and the controller transmits the generated second reduction instruction to the first home appliance using the communication interface, and transmits the generated third reduction instruction to the second home appliance. Step and control To be executed in La processor.

  According to the present invention, demand control can be realized with a simple system configuration.

It is a figure for demonstrating schematic structure of a communication system. It is a figure for demonstrating the correspondence of a sensor and household appliances. It is a sequence chart for demonstrating the outline | summary of the process in a communication system. It is a figure showing the hardware constitutions of the smart meter. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of a home controller. It is a figure showing an example of the data used when a home controller judges the correspondence of a household appliance and a sensor. It is the figure which showed the data table for air conditioners. It is the figure which showed the data table for illuminating devices. It is the figure which showed the data table for televisions. It is the figure which showed the other data table for illumination devices. It is the figure which showed the other data table for televisions. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the process in a home controller. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification of a communication system. It is a figure for demonstrating schematic structure of the communication system of other embodiment. It is a sequence chart for demonstrating the outline | summary of the process in a communication system. It is a figure showing the hardware constitutions of the communication adapter. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the process in a communication adapter. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification of a communication system. It is a figure for demonstrating the schematic structure of the communication system in other embodiment. It is a sequence chart for demonstrating the outline | summary of the process in a communication system. It is a figure showing the hardware constitutions of the air conditioner as an example of a household appliance. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the process in a household appliance. It is a sequence chart for demonstrating the outline | summary of the process in a communication system.

  The communication system according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[Embodiment 1]
<A. System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a schematic configuration of the communication system 1. With reference to FIG. 1, the communication system 1 includes a smart meter 10, a home controller 20, a household appliance group 30, and a sensor group 60. Home appliance group 30 includes a plurality of home appliances. Home appliance group 30 includes, for example, an air conditioner 301, a refrigerator 302, a lighting device 303, a television 304, a washing machine 305, and a microwave oven 306. The sensor group 60 includes a sensor 601 and a sensor 602. The smart meter 10 is installed outside the building 9 (outside the house). The home controller 20, the household appliance group 30, and the sensor group 60 are installed in the building 9 (home). In the following, for convenience of explanation, when each of the home appliances 301 to 306 included in the home appliance group 30 is expressed without being distinguished, it is expressed as “home appliance 300”. In addition, when the sensors 601 and 602 included in the sensor group 60 are expressed without being distinguished from each other, they are expressed as “sensor 600”.

  In addition, although the household appliance group 30 contains the air conditioner 301, the refrigerator 302, the illuminating device 303, the television 304, the washing machine 305, and the microwave oven 306, it is not specifically limited to this. For example, the household appliance group 30 may include electrical equipment such as an IH (Induction Heating) cooker, a rice cooker, an electric heater, an electronic blind, floor heating, and an electric water heater.

  The smart meter 10 is a watt-hour meter having a communication function. The smart meter 10 is communicably connected to the home controller 20. The smart meter 10 is connected to each home appliance 300 through a power line so as to be able to supply power. The smart meter 10 receives the power generated by the power plant 80 of the power company 8 via the power system 81.

  The smart meter 10 receives from the power company 8 a reduction instruction DRα for reducing power consumed (used) in the building 9 (hereinafter simply referred to as “power consumption”). Typically, the smart meter 10 receives a reduction instruction DRα from the electric power company 8 for reducing predetermined power consumption (use) per hour (hereinafter simply referred to as “power consumption”) in the building 9. Receive. More precisely, the smart meter 10 receives from the electric power company 8 a reduction instruction DRα for reducing the power consumption per unit time (electric power × time) in the building 9.

  The smart meter 10 transmits the received reduction instruction DRα to the home controller 20. As the reduction instruction DRα, an instruction for reducing power consumption by a certain ratio (for example, 20% (20%)), an instruction for reducing power consumption by a certain ratio or more, and for reducing power consumption by a certain power And instructions for reducing power consumption by a certain amount or more. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a case where the smart meter 10 receives an instruction for reducing the power consumption by a certain ratio as the reduction instruction DRα will be described as an example. The same applies to Embodiments 2 and 3 described later.

  The home controller 20 is a controller for controlling each home appliance 300. The home controller 20 is communicably connected to the smart meter 10, each home appliance 300, and each sensor 600. The home controller 20 generates a reduction instruction DRβ usable by each home appliance 300 by performing a predetermined protocol conversion on the reduction instruction DRα received from the smart meter 10. Home controller 20 transmits reduction instruction DRβ to each home appliance 300. Home controller 20 generates a reduction instruction DRβ for each home appliance. That is, the home controller 20 uses the reduction instruction DRβ for the air conditioner 301, the reduction instruction DRβ for the refrigerator 302, the reduction instruction DRβ for the lighting device 303, the reduction instruction DRβ for the television 304, and the washing machine 305. Reduction instruction DRβ and a reduction instruction DRβ for the microwave oven 306 are generated.

  Hereinafter, the reduction instruction DRβ for the air conditioner 301 is “reduction instruction DRβ-1”, the reduction instruction DRβ for the refrigerator 302 is “reduction instruction DRβ-2”, and the reduction instruction DRβ for the lighting device 303 is “reduction”. Instruction DRβ-3 ”, reduction instruction DRβ for television 304“ reduction instruction DRβ-4 ”, reduction instruction DRβ for washing machine 305“ reduction instruction DRβ-5 ”, and reduction instruction DRβ for microwave oven 306 Is also referred to as “reduction instruction DRβ-6”. When the reduction instructions DRβ-1 to DRβ-6 are expressed without distinction, they are expressed as “reduction instructions DRβ”.

  The home controller 20 uses the sensor output from the sensor 600 when generating the reduction instruction DRβ. For example, the home controller 20 varies the content of the reduction instruction DRβ when the first output is acquired from the sensor 600 and when the second output is acquired. Details of generation of the reduction instruction DRβ will be described later.

  Each home appliance 300 receives power via the smart meter 10. Each home appliance 300 receives the reduction instruction DRβ from the home controller 20. Each home appliance 300 changes the operation state based on the reduction instruction DRβ for each home appliance 300. As an example, the air conditioner 301 increases the set temperature during the cooling operation and decreases the set temperature during the heating operation.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a correspondence relationship between the sensor 600 and the home appliance 300. FIG. 2A is a sketch of the inside of the building 9 (inside the house). FIG. 2B is a table showing the correspondence between the sensor 600 and the home appliance 300 shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the building 9 includes a room A and a room B. In the room A, an air conditioner 301, a lighting device 303, and a television 304 are installed as the home appliance 300. The lighting device 303 is provided on the ceiling of the room A. In the room A, a sensor 601 is installed. The sensor 601 is installed near the lighting device 303, for example. In the room B, as the home appliance 300, a refrigerator 302, a washing machine 305, and a microwave oven 306 are installed. In the room A, a sensor 601 is installed.

  The sensor 600 detects a home state (environment). The sensor 601 detects the state of the room A. The sensor 602 detects the state of the room B. The sensors 601 and 602 are, for example, human sensors. The human sensor may be configured not only to detect the presence / absence of a person but also to detect the number of persons by image recognition. Further, the sensors 601 and 602 may be illuminance sensors.

<B. Overview of operation>
FIG. 3 is a sequence chart for explaining an outline of processing in the communication system 1. FIG. 3 particularly relates to the operation of the air conditioner 301, the lighting device 303, and the television 304. Referring to FIG. 3, in sequence SQ 302, power company 8 transmits a reduction instruction DRα to smart meter 10. In sequence SQ304, smart meter 10 transmits reduction instruction DRα received from power company 8 to home controller 20. In sequence SQ306, home controller 20 acquires a sensor output from sensor 601.

  In sequence SQ308, the home controller 20 generates a reduction instruction DRβ for each of the home appliances 301, 303, and 304 based on the reduction instruction DRα and the acquired sensor output. In other words, the home controller 20 corrects the reduction instruction DRα using the sensor output. Specifically, the home controller 20 determines the reduction instruction DRβ-1 for the air conditioner 301, the reduction instruction DRβ-3 for the lighting device 303, and the television based on the reduction instruction DRα and the sensor output from the sensor 601. A reduction instruction DRβ-4 for 304 is generated.

  In sequences SQ310, SQ312 and SQ314, home controller 20 transmits each generated reduction instruction DRβ to corresponding home appliance 300. Specifically, in sequence SQ310, home controller 20 transmits reduction instruction DRβ-1 for air conditioner 301 to air conditioner 301. In sequence SQ312, home controller 20 transmits reduction instruction DRβ-3 for lighting device 303 to lighting device 303. In sequence SQ314, home controller 20 transmits reduction instruction DRβ-4 for television 304 to television 304.

  In sequences SQ316, SQ318, and SQ320, each home appliance 300 operates based on the reduction instruction DRβ received from home controller 20. Specifically, in sequence SQ316, air conditioner 301 operates based on reduction instruction DRβ-1. In SQ318, the lighting device 303 operates based on the reduction instruction DRβ-3. In SQ320, the television 304 operates based on the reduction instruction DRβ-4.

  FIG. 23 is a sequence chart for explaining an outline of processing in the communication system 1. FIG. 23 particularly relates to operations of the refrigerator 302, the washing machine 305, and the microwave oven 306. Referring to FIG. 23, in sequence SQ352, electric power company 8 transmits a reduction instruction DRα to smart meter 10. In sequence SQ354, smart meter 10 transmits reduction instruction DRα received from electric power company 8 to home controller 20. In sequence SQ356, home controller 20 acquires a sensor output from sensor 602.

  In sequence SQ358, the home controller 20 generates a reduction instruction DRβ for each home appliance 302, 305, 306 based on the reduction instruction DRα and the acquired sensor output. In other words, the home controller 20 corrects the reduction instruction DRα using the sensor output. Specifically, the home controller 20 determines the reduction instruction DRβ-2 for the refrigerator 302, the reduction instruction DRβ-5 for the washing machine 305, and the microwave oven 306 based on the reduction instruction DRα and the sensor output from the sensor 601. Reduction instruction DRβ-6 is generated.

  In sequences SQ360, SQ362, and SQ364, home controller 20 transmits each generated reduction instruction DRβ to corresponding home appliance 300. Specifically, in sequence SQ360, home controller 20 transmits reduction instruction DRβ-2 for refrigerator 302 to refrigerator 302. In sequence SQ362, home controller 20 transmits reduction instruction DRβ-5 for washing machine 305 to washing machine 305. In sequence SQ364, home controller 20 transmits a reduction instruction DRβ-6 for microwave oven 306 to microwave oven 306.

  In sequences SQ366, SQ368, and SQ370, each home appliance 300 operates based on the reduction instruction DRβ received from home controller 20. Specifically, in sequence SQ366, refrigerator 302 operates based on reduction instruction DRβ-2. In SQ368, the washing machine 305 operates based on the reduction instruction DRβ-5. In SQ370, the microwave oven 306 operates based on the reduction instruction DRβ-6.

  As described above, the home controller 20 can control each home appliance 300 installed in each room with the control content corresponding to the environment of each room. Specifically, the home controller 20 performs a correction based on the sensor output with respect to the reduction instruction DRα, thereby reducing power consumption in the home without significantly impairing the comfort of the user in the home. it can.

<C. Hardware configuration>
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the smart meter 10. Referring to FIG. 4, smart meter 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a memory 12, a system communication interface 15, a watt-hour meter 16, and a home communication interface 17.

  The memory 12 is realized by various types of RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, hard disk, and the like. The memory 12 stores an OS (Operation System) executed by the CPU 201, various control programs, and various data read by the CPU 201.

  The system communication interface 15 is an interface used for communication with the electric power company 8. The smart meter 10 receives the reduction instruction DRα using the system communication interface 15.

  The watt-hour meter 16 transmits the power received from the power company 8 to the home appliance group 30. In addition, the watt hour meter 16 measures the power consumption in the building 9. The home controller 20 may acquire power consumption from the watt hour meter 16.

  The in-home communication interface 17 transmits a reduction instruction DRα to the home controller 20. The in-home communication interface 17 transmits the power consumption at the time of receiving the instruction to the home controller 20 based on the instruction from the home controller, for example.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the home controller 20. FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating the appearance of the home controller 20. FIG. 5B is a block diagram illustrating an aspect of the hardware configuration of the home controller 20.

  With reference to FIG. 5A, the home controller 20 includes a button 204 and a touch screen 206. With reference to FIG. 5B, the home controller 20 includes a CPU 201, a button 204, a communication interface 205, a touch screen 206, a speaker 207, a clock 208, and a memory 209. The touch screen 206 includes a display 202 and a tablet 203, and the tablet 203 is laid on the surface of the display 202. However, the home controller 20 may not have the tablet 203.

  The memory 209 is realized by various RAMs, ROMs, flash memories, hard disks, and the like. For example, the memory 209 is a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk-Read Only Memory), which is used via an interface for reading. Memory card, FD (Flexible Disk), hard disk, magnetic tape, cassette tape, MO (Magnetic Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), IC (Integrated Circuit) card (excluding memory card), optical card, mask ROM, EPROM It is also realized by a medium for storing a program in a nonvolatile manner such as an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

  The memory 209 stores an OS, various control programs executed by the CPU 201, and various data tables such as a table read by the CPU 201.

  The display 202 displays the state of each home appliance 300 by being controlled by the CPU 201. More specifically, the display 202 displays various types of information such as the power consumption of each home appliance 300, the total power consumption of the home appliance group 30, and the content of the reduction instruction from the power company 8. The tablet 203 detects a touch operation by a user's finger and inputs touch coordinates and the like to the CPU 201. The CPU 201 receives a command from the user via the tablet 203.

  The button 204 is disposed on the surface of the home controller 20. A plurality of buttons such as a determination key, a direction key, and a numeric keypad may be arranged on the home controller 20. The button 204 receives a command from the user. The button 204 inputs a command from the user to the CPU 201.

  The communication interface 205 transmits / receives data to / from each home appliance 300 of the home appliance group 30 through the network by being controlled by the CPU 201. The communication interface 205 transmits / receives data to / from each home appliance 300 by using, for example, a wireless LAN, ZigBee (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), a wired LAN, or a PLC.

  The speaker 207 outputs sound based on a command from the CPU 201. For example, the CPU 201 causes the speaker 207 to output sound based on the sound data.

  The clock 208 inputs the current date and time to the CPU 201 based on a command from the CPU 201.

  The CPU 201 executes various kinds of information processing by executing various programs stored in the memory 209. In other words, the processing in the home controller 20 is realized by each hardware and software executed by the CPU 201. Such software may be stored in the memory 209 in advance. The software may be stored in a storage medium and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a program product that can be downloaded by an information provider connected to the so-called Internet.

  Such software is read from the storage medium by using a reading device (not shown), or downloaded by using the communication interface 205 and temporarily stored in the memory 209. The CPU 201 stores the software in an executable program format in the memory 209 and then executes the program.

  As storage media, CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk-Read Only Memory), USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, memory card, FD (Flexible Disk), hard disk , Magnetic tape, cassette tape, MO (Magnetic Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), IC (Integrated Circuit) card (excluding memory card), optical card, mask ROM, EPROM, EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) ) And the like (non-temporary medium) for storing the program in a nonvolatile manner.

  The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU but also a program in a source program format, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

<D. Data>
(D1. Installation location information)
Next, data used when the home controller 20 determines the correspondence between the home appliance 300 and the sensor 600 will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of data D06 (communication signal) used when the home controller 20 determines the correspondence between the home appliance 300 and the sensor 600. Referring to FIG. 6, data D06 includes a transmission destination address, a transmission source address, a location code, control information, and the like. The transmission destination address is the address of the home controller 20. The transmission source address is an address of a device (for example, home appliance 300 or sensor 600) that transmits data D06. The location code is an identifier representing the installation location (for example, room A, room B) of the device that transmits the data D06.

  Specifically, when the user of the home controller 20 installs the home appliance 300 in the house, the home controller 20 causes the home appliance 300 to transmit data D06 for the home appliance 300 to the home controller 20. Further, when the user installs the sensor 600 in the home, the user causes the sensor 600 to transmit the data D06 for the sensor 600 to the home controller 20. Thereby, the home controller 20 can grasp the installation location of each home appliance 300 and each sensor 600. That is, the home controller 20 can determine the correspondence between the home appliance 300 and the sensor 600.

  Moreover, even if it is a case where a household appliance and / or a sensor are added to the communication system 1 later by the communication system 1 using the data D06, the household appliance 300 and the sensor 600 that already configure the communication system 1 are used. There is no need to make new settings.

  The determination method in the home controller 20 is not limited to the above. For example, each home appliance 300 stores the identification information of the sensor 600 in the same room as the home appliance 300, and the home controller 20 acquires the identification information from the home appliance 300, whereby the correspondence between the home appliance 300 and the sensor 600 is obtained. The relationship may be judged.

(D2. Human sensor)
Next, a case where the sensor 601 installed in the room A is a human sensor will be described. Hereinafter, operations of the air conditioner 301, the lighting device 303, and the television 304 installed in the room A will be described as an example. As the human sensor, a pyroelectric sensor system, a system for identifying a person with a camera, or the like can be used. The method for detecting a person in the human sensor is not particularly limited.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a data table D07 for the air conditioner 301. As shown in FIG. That is, the data table D07 is a data table used when the home controller 20 controls the air conditioner 301. More specifically, the data table D07 is a data table used when the air conditioner 301 is in a cooling operation.

  For example, when the home controller 20 receives a reduction instruction DRα indicating that the power consumption is reduced by 10% from the smart meter 10 and the presence sensor 601 detects the presence of a person, the data table Referring to D07, a reduction instruction DRβ-1 for increasing the set temperature of the air conditioner 301 once is generated. In this case, the home controller 20 transmits the generated reduction instruction DRβ-1 to the air conditioner 301. On the other hand, when the home controller 20 receives the reduction instruction DRα and the presence of a person is not detected, the reduction instruction to increase the set temperature of the air conditioner 301 by referring to the data table D07 three times. DRβ-1 is generated. Also in this case, the home controller 20 transmits the generated reduction instruction DRβ-1 to the air conditioner 301.

  The reason why the home controller 20 does not control to stop the operation of the air conditioner 301 even when there is no person in the room is that the reduction instruction DRα indicating that the power consumption is reduced by 10% is received. This is because the home controller 20 is caused to execute control in consideration of the person returning to the room.

  Similarly, when the home controller 20 receives the reduction instruction DRα indicating that power consumption is reduced by 20% and the presence of a person is detected, the home controller 20 sets the set temperature of the air conditioner 301 twice. A reduction instruction DRβ-1 to be raised is transmitted to the air conditioner 301. On the other hand, when the home controller 20 receives the reduction instruction DRα indicating that the power consumption is reduced by 20% and the presence of a person is not detected, the reduction instruction DRβ that stops the air conditioner 301 is detected. −1 is transmitted to the air conditioner 301.

  Similarly, when the home controller 20 receives the reduction instruction DRα indicating that power consumption is reduced by 30% and the presence of a person is detected, the home controller 20 sets the set temperature of the air conditioner 301 to 3 degrees. A reduction instruction DRβ-1 to be raised is transmitted to the air conditioner 301. On the other hand, when the home controller 20 receives the reduction instruction DRα representing that the power consumption is reduced by 30% and the presence of a person is not detected, the reduction instruction DRβ that stops the air conditioner 301 is detected. −1 is transmitted to the air conditioner 301.

  Similarly, when the home controller 20 receives the reduction instruction DRα indicating that the power consumption is reduced by 40%, and the presence of a person is detected, the home controller 20 sets the operation mode of the air conditioner 301 to the air blowing mode. A reduction instruction DRβ-1 is transmitted to the air conditioner 301. On the other hand, when the home controller 20 receives the reduction instruction DRα indicating that the power consumption is reduced by 40% and the presence of a person is not detected, the reduction instruction DRβ that stops the air conditioner 301 is detected. −1 is transmitted to the air conditioner 301.

  As described above, even when the home controller 20 receives the reduction instruction DRα indicating the same reduction ratio, the home controller 20 outputs the human sensor 601 output indicating that the presence of a person is detected and the person A different reduction instruction DRβ-1 is transmitted to the air conditioner 301 depending on the case where the output indicates that the presence of the signal is not detected. More specifically, the home controller 20 generates the reduction instruction DRβ for reducing the power consumption of the air conditioner 301 when the presence of a person is not detected as compared with the case where the presence of a person is detected. The reduced instruction DRβ-1 is transmitted to the air conditioner 301.

  Note that when the home controller 20 receives a reduction instruction DRα indicating that power consumption is reduced by 50%, the reduction instruction DRβ-1 for stopping the air conditioner 301 regardless of whether or not a person is detected. Is transmitted to the air conditioner 301.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a data table D08 for the lighting device 303. That is, the data table D08 is a data table used when the home controller 20 controls the lighting device 303. Hereinafter, a case where the lighting device 303 has a configuration using an LED (Light Emitting Diode) capable of multi-level control of brightness will be described as an example.

  Referring to FIG. 8, when the presence of a person is detected by human sensor 601, home controller 20 refers to data table D <b> 08, and the reduction ratio in reduction instruction DRα increases as lighting device 303 increases. Control to reduce the illuminance. In addition, when the reduction instruction DRα indicates a reduction ratio from 10% to 90%, the home controller 20 indicates that the sensor output of the human sensor 601 is an output indicating that the presence of a person has been detected. A different reduction instruction DRβ-3 is transmitted to the illuminating device 303 when the output indicates that the presence of the light is not detected. More specifically, the home controller 20 generates a reduction instruction DRβ-3 for reducing the power consumption of the lighting device 303 when the presence of a person is not detected as compared with the case where the presence of a person is detected. The generated reduction instruction DRβ-3 is transmitted to the lighting device 303.

  The reason why the home controller 20 does not control to turn off the lighting device 303 even when there is no person in the room is that the reduction instruction DRα indicating that the power consumption is reduced by 10% to 30%. This is to cause the home controller 20 to execute control in consideration of a person returning to the room when received.

  In addition, when the home controller 20 receives the reduction instruction DRα indicating that power consumption is reduced by 100%, the home controller 20 issues a reduction instruction DRβ-3 that turns off the lighting device 303 regardless of whether or not a person is detected. Transmit to the lighting device 303.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a data table D09 for the television 304. That is, the data table D09 is a data table used when the home controller 20 controls the television 304. Hereinafter, a case where the television 304 has a configuration using a liquid crystal television capable of multistage control of the luminance of the backlight will be described as an example.

  Referring to FIG. 9, when the presence of a person is detected by human sensor 601, home controller 20 refers to data table D09 and the back ratio of television 304 increases as the reduction ratio in reduction instruction DRα increases. Control to lower the brightness of the light. In addition, when the home controller 20 receives a reduction instruction DRα indicating a predetermined reduction ratio (40% in FIG. 9), the home controller 20 controls to lower the volume in addition to lowering the luminance of the backlight. To do.

  In addition, when the reduction instruction DRα indicates a reduction ratio from 10% to 40%, the home controller 20 detects that the sensor output of the human sensor 601 is an output indicating that the presence of a person has been detected. A different reduction instruction DRβ-4 is transmitted to the television 304 when it is an output indicating that the presence of is not detected. More specifically, the home controller 20 generates a reduction instruction DRβ-4 that reduces the power consumption of the television 304 when the presence of a person is not detected as compared to when the presence of a person is detected. The reduction instruction DRβ-4 is transmitted to the television 304.

  When the home controller 20 receives the reduction instruction DRα indicating that the power consumption is reduced by 50%, the reduction instruction DRβ-4 for turning off the power of the television 304 regardless of whether or not a person is detected. Is transmitted to the television 304.

  The reason why the home controller 20 does not control to turn off the TV 304 even when there is no person in the room is that the home controller 20 receives the reduction instruction DRα indicating that the power consumption is reduced by 10%. This is to cause the home controller 20 to execute control in consideration of a person returning to the room. For example, since it takes time until the TV 304 is turned on again and a TV image is displayed, when receiving the reduction instruction DRα indicating that the power consumption is reduced by 10%, the home controller 20 Control that prioritizes user comfort is performed. On the other hand, when receiving a reduction instruction DRα indicating that the power consumption is reduced by 20% or more, the home controller 20 performs control giving priority to the reduction of the power consumption.

(D3. Illuminance sensor)
Next, the case where the sensor 601 installed in the room A is not a human sensor but an illuminance sensor that measures the illuminance of the room A will be described. In the following, operations of the lighting device 303 and the television 304 installed in the room A will be described as an example.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a data table D10 for the lighting device 303. That is, the data table D10 is a data table used when the home controller 20 controls the lighting device 303.

  Referring to FIG. 10, home controller 20 refers to data table D10 when the illuminance less than a predetermined illuminance (100 lux) is detected by illuminance sensor 601, and the reduction ratio in reduction instruction DRα is large. The closer the illumination is, the lower the illuminance of the lighting device 303 is. Further, when the reduction instruction DRα indicates a reduction ratio from 10% to 90%, the home controller 20 has a case where the sensor output of the illuminance sensor 601 is an output indicating an illuminance of less than 100 lux and 100 lux or more Different reduction instructions DRβ-3 are transmitted to the lighting device 303 depending on the output indicating the illuminance. More specifically, the home controller 20 generates a reduction instruction DRβ-3 that reduces the power consumption of the lighting device 303 when illuminance of 100 lux or more is detected, compared to when illuminance of less than 100 lux is detected. The generated reduction instruction DRβ-3 is transmitted to the lighting device 303.

  When the home controller 20 receives the reduction instruction DRα indicating that the power consumption is reduced by 100%, the reduction instruction DRβ that turns off the lighting device 303 regardless of the output of the illuminance sensor 601 is received. -3 is transmitted to the lighting device 303.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a data table D11 for the television 304. As shown in FIG. That is, the data table D11 is a data table used when the home controller 20 controls the television 304.

  Referring to FIG. 11, when the illuminance sensor 601 detects an illuminance equal to or higher than a predetermined illuminance (50 lux), the home controller 20 refers to the data table D11 and the reduction ratio in the reduction instruction DRα is large. The closer the brightness is, the lower the brightness of the backlight of the television 304 is controlled. Further, when the reduction instruction DRα indicates a reduction ratio from 10% to 40%, the home controller 20 outputs when the sensor output of the illuminance sensor 601 is an output indicating that illuminance of 50 lux or more is detected. A different reduction instruction DRβ-4 is transmitted to the television 304 when the output indicates that an illuminance of 50 lux or more has not been detected. More specifically, the home controller 20 generates a reduction instruction DRβ-4 that reduces the power consumption of the television 304 when an illuminance of less than 50 lux is detected than when an illuminance of 50 lux or more is detected. The generated reduction instruction DRβ-4 is transmitted to the television 304.

  When the home controller 20 receives the reduction instruction DRα indicating that the power consumption is reduced by 50%, the reduction instruction DRβ-4 for turning off the power of the television 304 regardless of the output of the illuminance sensor 601 is received. Is transmitted to the television 304.

<E. Control structure>
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the home controller 20. Referring to FIG. 12, in step S1202, home controller 20 receives reduction instruction DRα from smart meter 10. In step S1204, the home controller 20 acquires a sensor output from the sensor 600 (sensors 601 and 602).

  In step S1206, the home controller 20 sets the control contents corresponding to the reduction instruction DRα and the sensor output from the data table set for each home appliance 300 (for example, the data tables D07 to D11 in FIGS. 7 to 11) for each home appliance 300. And a reduction instruction DRβ (DRβ-1 to DR-6) representing the control content is generated for each home appliance 300. For example, when step S1206 is described focusing on the air conditioner 301, when the sensor 601 is a human sensor, the home controller 20 determines the control content of the air conditioner 301 corresponding to the reduction instruction DRα and the sensor output. Read from the data table D07, and generate a reduction instruction DRβ representing the control content as a reduction instruction DRβ-1 for the air conditioner 301.

  In step S1208, home controller 20 transmits a corresponding reduction instruction DRβ to each home appliance 300. For example, the home controller 20 transmits a reduction instruction DRβ-1 for the air conditioner 301 to the air conditioner 301, and transmits a reduction instruction DRβ-3 for the lighting device to the lighting device 303.

  Note that the timing of obtaining the sensor output by the home controller 20 is not limited to the above. For example, the home controller 20 may be configured to acquire the sensor output periodically and use the latest sensor output when the reduction instruction DRα is received.

<F. Modification>
(F1. Smart meter built-in home controller)
FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a communication system 1 </ b> A that is a modification of the communication system 1. With reference to FIG. 13, the communication system 1 </ b> A includes a home controller 20 </ b> A incorporating a smart meter and each home appliance 300 (301 to 306) of the home appliance group 30. That is, the home controller 20 includes a measuring device for measuring power consumption in the home.

  The communication system 1A is different from the communication system 1 in which the smart meter 10 and the home controller 20 are separated in that the smart meter and the home controller are integrated. The home controller 20 </ b> A has functions of the home controller 20 and the smart meter 10.

  The home controller 20A is not different from the configuration including the smart meter 10 and the home controller 20 except that the home controller 20A is integrated. Therefore, the details of the processing in home controller 20A will not be repeated here. The communication system 1 </ b> A can achieve the same effects as the communication system 1.

(F2. Reduction instruction)
In the above description, a configuration in which the home controller 20 receives a reduction ratio instruction from the power company 8 via the smart meter 10 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The reduction instruction from the electric power company 8 may be a reduction amount instead of the reduction ratio. In the case of this configuration, the home controller 20 converts the reduction amount indicated in the reduction instruction DRα into a reduction rate, and uses the reduction rate reduction instructions DRβ (DRβ-1 to DR-6) obtained by the conversion for each home appliance. 300 may be transmitted. Specifically, the home controller 20 refers to the data table for each home appliance 300 and generates the reduction instruction DRβ from the designated reduction amount and the power consumption in the home before transmitting the reduction instruction DRβ. Good.

  With the configuration of the home controller 20, the communication system 1 can obtain the same effect as when the reduction ratio is instructed from the power company 8 even when the reduction amount is instructed from the power company 8.

(F3. Data table)
When the sensors 601 and 602 are illuminance sensors, as an example of a data table used by the home controller 20, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the illuminance threshold value (for example, 100 lux in FIG. ) Has been described as an example. However, the number of thresholds related to illuminance is not limited to one.

(F4. Communication adapter)
The communication system 1 is configured so that each home appliance 300 includes a communication adapter for connecting the home controller 20 and the home appliance 300 so that the home controller 20 can communicate with each other, and the home controller 20 controls each home appliance 300 via the communication adapter. The controller 20 may be configured. That is, the home controller 20 may be configured to transmit the reduction instruction DRβ to the home appliance 300 via a communication adapter that is communicably connected to the home controller 20 and the home appliance 300.

(F5. Sensor)
(1) The sensors 601 and 602 may be configured as sensors having a human sensor function and an illuminance sensor function. In this case, the home controller 20 may use a data table (not shown) having control contents according to the presence / absence of a person and the value of illuminance when controlling each home appliance 300. Sensors 601 and 602 are not limited to human sensors and / or illuminance sensors.

  (2) A plurality of types of sensors 600 (for example, a human sensor and an illuminance sensor) may be arranged in each of the room A and the room B.

  (3) In each of the room A and the room B, any one of the plurality of home appliances 300 may be equipped with the sensor 600. For example, when the sensor 600 is a human sensor, in the room A, the lighting device 303 located at the center of the room A is excellent as a device on which the sensor 600 is mounted. The human sensor is preferably mounted on the home appliance 300 installed at a position that is not easily affected by an obstacle (for example, furniture).

(F6. Number of people detected)
When the sensor 600 is a human sensor and is configured to further detect the number of people, when the presence of a person is detected, the reduction instruction DRβ is set according to the number of people detected. The home controller 20 may be configured.

[Embodiment 2]
In the first embodiment, the configuration in which the home controller 20 controls each home appliance has been described. In the present embodiment, a configuration in which each communication adapter connected to home controller 20 controls corresponding home appliance 300 will be described.

<G. System configuration>
FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a schematic configuration of the communication system 1B. Referring to FIG. 14, communication system 1 </ b> B includes smart meter 10, home controller 20 </ b> B, household appliance group 30, and communication adapter group 40. The communication adapter group 40 includes a plurality of communication adapters 401 to 406. Home controller 20B, home appliance group 30, and communication adapter group 40 are installed in building 9 (inside the house). In the following, for convenience of explanation, when the communication adapters 401 to 406 included in the communication adapter group 40 are expressed without distinction, they are expressed as “communication adapter 400”.

  The smart meter 10 transmits the received reduction instruction DRα to the home controller 20B.

  The home controller 20B is connected to the smart meter 10, the communication adapters 400, and the sensors 600 so that they can communicate with each other. The home controller 20B generates a reduction instruction DRα ′ usable by the communication adapter group 40 by performing a predetermined protocol conversion on the reduction instruction DRα received from the smart meter 10. The home controller 20B transmits a reduction instruction DRα ′ to each communication adapter 400. In the present embodiment, there is a one-to-one relationship between the reduction ratio in the reduction instruction DRα and the reduction ratio in the reduction instruction DRα ′. That is, the reduction ratio of the reduction instruction DRα ′ does not change. Specifically, the reduction ratio in the reduction instruction DRα and the reduction ratio in the reduction instruction DRα ′ are always the same.

  Each communication adapter 400 is communicably connected to the home controller 20B. Each communication adapter 400 receives the reduction instruction DRα ′ from the home controller 20B. Communication adapters 401 to 406 in the communication adapter group are communicably connected to one home appliance 301 to 306, respectively. For example, the communication adapter 401 is communicably connected to the air conditioner 301.

  Each communication adapter 400 controls the operation of the home appliance 300 connected thereto. Specifically, each communication adapter 400 controls the operation of home appliances connected thereto by transmitting a reduction instruction DRβ (control signal, command) for controlling the operation of home appliances to the home appliances. As an example, when the communication adapter 401 receives the reduction instruction DRα ′, the communication adapter 401 refers to the data table stored in the communication adapter 401 to reduce the power consumption of the reduction ratio indicated in the reduction instruction DRα ′. The reduction instruction DRβ-1 is generated and the generated reduction instruction DRβ-1 is transmitted to the air conditioner 301 connected to the communication adapter 401.

  For example, the data table referred to by the communication adapter 403 corresponding to the lighting device 303 is the data table D08 of FIG. 8 when the sensor 601 is a human sensor, and the data table D10 of FIG. 10 when the sensor 601 is an illuminance sensor. It is. More precisely, the communication adapter 403 refers to the data table in which the “reduction instruction DRα” is “reduction instruction DRα ′” in the data tables D08 and D10.

  Each communication adapter 400 uses the sensor output from the sensor 600 when generating the reduction instruction DRβ. Specifically, the communication adapter 401 corresponding to the air conditioner 301, the communication adapter 403 corresponding to the lighting device 303, and the communication adapter 404 corresponding to the television 304 are reduced using the sensor output from the sensor 601. An instruction DRβ (DRβ-1, DRβ-3, DRβ-4) is generated. The communication adapter 402 corresponding to the refrigerator 302, the communication adapter 405 corresponding to the washing machine 305, and the communication adapter 406 corresponding to the microwave oven 306 use the sensor output from the sensor 602 to reduce instructions DRβ (DRβ-2 , DRβ-5, DRβ-6).

  Similarly to the first embodiment, home controller 20 changes the content of reduction instruction DRβ when the first output is acquired from sensor 600 and when the second output is acquired. Since the generation method of reduction instruction DRβ is the same as the generation method of reduction instruction DRα ′ in the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11, description of the generation method will not be repeated here.

  Each home appliance 300 receives power via the smart meter 10 and the communication adapter 400. Each home appliance 300 receives the reduction instruction DRβ from each communication adapter 400. Each home appliance 300 changes the operation state based on the reduction instruction DRβ.

<H. Overview of operation>
FIG. 15 is a sequence chart for explaining an outline of processing in the communication system 1B. Referring to FIG. 15, in sequence SQ1502, power company 8 transmits a reduction instruction DRα to smart meter 10. In sequence SQ1504, smart meter 10 transmits reduction instruction DRα received from electric power company 8 to home controller 20. In sequence SQ1506, the home controller 20 generates a reduction instruction DRα ′ by performing protocol conversion on the reduction instruction DRα. In sequence SQ1508, home controller 20 transmits the generated reduction instruction DRα ′ to each communication adapter 400. In sequence SQ1510, each communication adapter 400 acquires the sensor output from the corresponding sensor 600.

  In FIG. 15, for simplification of explanation, one communication adapter 400 (for example, communication adapter 401), home appliance 300 (for example, air conditioner 301) corresponding to the communication adapter 400, and the home appliance 300 are supported. Only the sensor 600 (for example, the sensor 601) is described.

  In sequence SQ1512, each communication adapter 400 generates a reduction instruction DRβ based on the reduction instruction DRα ′ and the acquired sensor output. Specifically, the communication adapter 401 generates a reduction instruction DRβ-1 for the air conditioner 301 based on the reduction instruction DRα ′ and the sensor output from the sensor 601. The communication adapter 402 generates a reduction instruction DRβ-2 for the refrigerator 302 based on the reduction instruction DRα ′ and the sensor output from the sensor 602. The communication adapter 403 generates a reduction instruction DRβ-3 for the lighting device 303 based on the reduction instruction DRα ′ and the sensor output from the sensor 601. The communication adapter 404 generates a reduction instruction DRβ-4 for the television 304 based on the reduction instruction DRα ′ and the sensor output from the sensor 601. The communication adapter 405 generates a reduction instruction DRβ-5 for the washing machine 305 based on the reduction instruction DRα ′ and the sensor output from the sensor 602. The communication adapter 406 generates a reduction instruction DRβ-6 for the microwave oven 306 based on the reduction instruction DRα ′ and the sensor output from the sensor 602.

  In sequence SQ1514, each communication adapter 400 transmits each generated reduction instruction DRβ to the corresponding home appliance 300. For example, the communication adapter 401 transmits a reduction instruction DRβ-1 for the air conditioner 301 to the air conditioner 301. In sequence SQ1516, each home appliance 300 operates based on the reduction instruction DRβ received from the corresponding communication adapter 400.

  As described above, in the communication system 1B, the control device controls the home appliance 300 corresponding to each communication adapter 400 based on the corresponding sensor output. Disappear. Therefore, in the communication system 1B, it is possible to reduce the burden on the control device as compared with a configuration in which one control device controls a plurality of sensors and home appliances. That is, in the communication system 1B, the load of data processing can be distributed in the communication system, rather than a configuration in which one control device controls a plurality of sensors and home appliances.

<I. Hardware configuration>
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the communication adapter 400. Referring to FIG. 16, communication adapter 400 includes CPU 41, memory 42, watt-hour meter 480, socket 490, home communication interface 416, and home appliance communication interface 408.

  The memory 42 includes the memory 446 shown in FIG. The memory 42 is realized by various types of RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, hard disk, and the like. The memory 42 stores an OS (Operation System) executed by the CPU 41, various control programs, and various data read by the CPU 41.

  The CPU 41 executes various types of information processing by executing various programs stored in the memory 42. In other words, the processing in the communication adapter 400 is realized by each hardware and software executed by the CPU 41. Such software may be stored in the memory 42 in advance. The software may be stored in a storage medium and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a program product that can be downloaded by an information provider connected to the so-called Internet.

  Such software is read from the storage medium by using a reading device (not shown), or downloaded by using the communication interface 416 and temporarily stored in the memory 42. The CPU 41 stores the software in an executable program format in the memory 42 and then executes the program.

  As storage media, CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk-Read Only Memory), USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, memory card, FD (Flexible Disk), hard disk , Magnetic tape, cassette tape, MO (Magnetic Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), IC (Integrated Circuit) card (excluding memory card), optical card, mask ROM, EPROM, EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) ) And the like (non-temporary medium) for storing the program in a nonvolatile manner.

  The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU but also a program in a source program format, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

<J. Control structure>
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a process flow in the communication adapter 400. Referring to FIG. 17, in step S1702, communication adapter 400 receives reduction instruction DRα ′ based on reduction instruction DRα from home controller 20. In step S1704, the communication adapter 400 acquires the sensor output from the corresponding sensor 600.

  In step S1706, the communication adapter 400 reads the control content corresponding to the reduction instruction DRα ′ and the acquired sensor output from the data table stored in advance in the communication adapter 400, and generates the reduction instruction DRβ representing the control content. . In step S1708, the communication adapter 400 transmits the generated reduction instruction DRβ to the corresponding home appliance 300.

  Note that the sensor output acquisition timing by the communication adapter 400 is not limited to the above. For example, the communication adapter 400 may be configured to periodically acquire the sensor output and use the latest sensor output when the reduction instruction DRα ′ is received.

<K. Modification>
(K1. Power feeding method)
In FIG. 14, the home appliance 300 is supplied with power via the communication adapter 400, but the method of supplying power to the home appliance 300 is not limited to this. For example, the communication system 1B may be configured such that the home appliances 301 to 306 are fed via the smart meter 10 without using the communication adapters 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, and 406, respectively.

(K2. Home controller with built-in smart meter)
FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a communication system 1C which is a modification of the communication system 1B. Referring to FIG. 18, the communication system 1 </ b> C includes a home controller 20 </ b> C incorporating a smart meter, each home appliance 300 (301 to 306) of the home appliance group 30, and a communication adapter group 40. That is, the home controller 20C includes a measuring device for measuring the power consumption in the home.

  The communication system 1C is different from the communication system 1B (see FIG. 14) in which the smart meter 10 and the home controller 20B are separated in that the smart meter and the home controller are integrated. The home controller 20C has the functions of the home controller 20B and the smart meter 10.

  The home controller 20C is not different from the configuration including the smart meter 10 and the home controller 20B, except that the home controller 20C is integrated. Therefore, the details of the processing in home controller 20C will not be repeated here. The communication system 1C can achieve the same effects as the communication system 1B.

(K3. Other)
Also in the present embodiment, the description content of “(f2. Reduction instruction)”, the description content of “(f3. Data table)” of “<F. The description content of “Configuration)” and the description content of “(f6. Number of detected persons)” are applicable.

[Embodiment 3]
In the first embodiment, the configuration in which the home controller 20 controls each home appliance has been described. In the second embodiment, the configuration in which each of the communication adapters connected to the home controller 20 controls the corresponding home appliance 300 has been described. In the present embodiment, each home appliance 300 refers to a data table stored in advance in home appliance 300, and includes a reduction instruction DRα from power system 81 (more precisely, a reduction instruction DRα ′ based on reduction instruction DRα) and sensor 600. The structure which operates based on the sensor output from will be described.

<L. System configuration>
FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a schematic configuration of the communication system 1D. Referring to FIG. 19, communication system 1 </ b> D includes smart meter 10, home controller 20, household appliance group 30, and sensor group 60. In the communication system 1 (see FIG. 1) according to the first embodiment, the home controller 20 acquires the sensor output from the sensor 600, whereas in the communication system 1D, the home appliance 300 acquires the sensor output from the sensor 600. 1D is different from the communication system 1.

  Specifically, the air conditioner 301, the lighting device 303, and the television 304 acquire the sensor output from the sensor 601 without using the home controller 20. The refrigerator 302, the washing machine 305, and the microwave oven 306 acquire the sensor output from the sensor 601 without going through the home controller 20.

<M. Overview of operation>
FIG. 20 is a sequence chart for explaining an outline of processing in the communication system 1D. Referring to FIG. 20, in sequence SQ2002, electric power company 8 transmits a reduction instruction DRα to smart meter 10. In sequence SQ2004, smart meter 10 transmits reduction instruction DRα received from electric power company 8 to home controller 20. In sequence SQ2006, the home controller 20 generates a reduction instruction DRα ′ by performing protocol conversion on the reduction instruction DRα. In sequence SQ2008, home controller 20 transmits the generated reduction instruction DRα ′ to each home appliance 300. In sequence SQ2010, each home appliance 300 acquires a sensor output from the corresponding sensor 600.

  In FIG. 20, as in FIG. 15, for simplification of description, one communication adapter 400 (for example, communication adapter 401), home appliance 300 (for example, air conditioner 301) corresponding to the communication adapter 400, Only the sensor 600 (for example, sensor 601) corresponding to the home appliance 300 is described.

  In sequence SQ2012, each home appliance 300 refers to the data table and operates based on the reduction instruction DRα ′ and the acquired sensor output. For example, the air conditioner 301 operates based on the reduction instruction DRα ′ and the sensor output from the sensor 601 with reference to a data table stored in advance in the air conditioner 301. The data table referred to by the air conditioner 301 is the data table D07 in FIG. 7 when the sensor 601 is a human sensor, and the data table D10 in FIG. 10 when the sensor 601 is an illuminance sensor. More precisely, the air conditioner 301 refers to the data table in which the “reduction instruction DRα” is “reduction instruction DRα ′” in the data tables D07 and D10.

  As described above, in the communication system 1D, each home appliance 300 operates autonomously based on the corresponding sensor output, so that it is not necessary for the control device to give a reduction instruction to each home appliance in consideration of the sensor output. Therefore, in the communication system 1D, the burden on the control device is reduced compared to a configuration in which one control device controls a plurality of sensors and home appliances. That is, in the communication system 1D, as in the communication system 1B and the like of the second embodiment, the data processing load can be distributed in the communication system, rather than the configuration in which one control device controls a plurality of sensors and home appliances.

<N. Hardware configuration>
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an air conditioner 301 as an example of the home appliance 300. Referring to FIG. 21, the air conditioner 301 includes a control device 3010 and an air conditioning mechanism 3020. The control device 3010 includes a CPU 3011, a memory 3012, and a communication interface 3013.

  The memory 3012 stores various programs and the data table for the air conditioner 301 described above. The communication interface 3013 is an interface for communicating with the home controller 20 and the sensor 601.

  The CPU 3011 receives the reduction instruction DRα ′ from the home controller 20 using the communication interface 3013. Further, the CPU 3011 acquires a sensor output from the sensor 601 using the communication interface 3013. The CPU 3011 operates based on the reduction instruction DRα ′ and the sensor output from the sensor 601 with reference to a data table stored in advance in the memory 3012.

  The air conditioning mechanism 3020 includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The air conditioning mechanism 3020 operates based on an instruction from the control device 3010.

<O. Control structure>
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in home appliance 300. Referring to FIG. 22, in step S2202, home appliance 300 receives a reduction instruction DRα ′ based on reduction instruction DRα from home controller 20. In step S <b> 2204, the home appliance 300 acquires a sensor output from the corresponding sensor 600. In step S2206, the home appliance 300 reads the control content corresponding to the reduction instruction DRα ′ and the sensor output from the data table stored in the memory 3012, and operates based on the control content.

  Note that the timing of acquisition of sensor output by the home appliance 300 is not limited to the above. For example, the home appliance 300 may be configured to periodically acquire sensor output and use the latest sensor output when the reduction instruction DRα ′ is received.

<P. Modification>
(P1. Sensor built-in home appliance)
The home appliance 300 may have the function of the sensor 600. That is, the sensor 600 may be built in the home appliance 300. Note that not all home appliances 300 need to have a sensor function. At least one of the plurality of home appliances 300 installed in the room A may have the function of the sensor 601, and one of the plurality of home appliances 300 installed in the room B may have the function of the sensor 602.

(P2. Smart meter built-in home controller)
Also in the present embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments, the home controller 20 may be configured as a home controller incorporating a smart meter (see FIGS. 13 and 18).

(P3. Communication adapter)
Each home appliance 300 may configure the communication system 1D to receive a reduction instruction DRα ′ from the home controller 20 via a communication adapter (not shown).

(P4. Other)
Also in the present embodiment, the description content of “(f2. Reduction instruction)”, the description content of “(f3. Data table)” of “<F. The description content of “Configuration)” and the description content of “(f6. Number of detected persons)” are applicable.

  In the above description, the case where the reduction instruction DRα is directly received from the electric power company has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the reduction instruction DRα may be received from a relay company that manages the reduction instruction DRα from the power company. Or, if the power consumption is managed not in each household but in the whole area by the local energy management system using the smart grid, the reduction instruction DRα is issued from the local energy management system in view of the power supply / demand situation in the whole area. You may receive it. Thus, the present invention can be suitably applied when receiving the reduction instruction DRα from the power system outside the home.

  The embodiment disclosed this time is an exemplification, and the present invention is not limited to the above contents. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D communication system, 8 electric power company, 9 building, 10 smart meter, 12, 42, 209, 446, 3012 memory, 15 system communication interface, 16,480 watt-hour meter, 17,416 Home communication interface, 20, 20A, 20B, 20C Home controller, 30 home appliance group, 40 communication adapter group, 60 sensor group, 80 power plant, 81 power system, 202 display, 203 tablet, 205, 416, 3013 communication interface, 206 touch screen, 300 home appliance, 301 air conditioner, 302 refrigerator, 303 lighting device, 304 TV, 305 washing machine, 306 microwave oven, 400, 401-406 communication adapter, 408 home appliance communication interface 600, 601, 602 sensor, D07～D11 data table, DRα, DRα ', DRβ decrease command.

Claims (34)

A communication device that is communicably connected to a home appliance installed in a room in the house and a watt-hour meter with communication function,
A processor;
A communication interface connected to the processor,
The processor is
Using the communication interface, a first reduction instruction for reducing the power consumption in the house is received from the power system outside the house via the watt-hour meter,
Obtain the output from the sensor installed in the room,
Based on the first reduction instruction and the output from the sensor, generate a second reduction instruction for reducing power consumption of the home appliance,
A communication device that transmits the generated second reduction instruction to the home appliance using the communication interface.   The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the processor makes the content of the second reduction instruction different depending on whether the first output is acquired from the sensor or the second output. The sensor is a human sensor,
The first output is an output indicating that the presence of a person has been detected,
The communication device according to claim 2, wherein the second output is an output indicating that the presence of the person is not detected.   The said processor produces | generates the instruction | indication which reduces the power consumption of the said household appliance as a said 2nd reduction instruction | indication compared with the case where the presence of the said person is detected when the presence of the said person is not detected. 3. The communication device according to 3. The human sensor further detects the number of people,
The communication device according to claim 4, wherein when the presence of the person is detected, the processor sets the second reduction instruction according to the detected number of persons. The sensor is an illuminance sensor,
The first output is an output indicating that the illuminance is not less than a predetermined value,
The communication device according to claim 2, wherein the second output is an output indicating that the illuminance is less than the predetermined value.   The processor, as the second reduction instruction, when the illuminance of the predetermined value or more is detected, the power consumption of the home appliance is more than when the illuminance of less than the predetermined value is detected. The communication device according to claim 6, wherein an instruction to reduce is generated. The communication device communicates with the watt-hour meter via a controller capable of controlling the home appliance,
The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the processor receives the first reduction instruction from the watt-hour meter via the controller. Home appliances installed in a room in the house,
A processor;
A communication interface connected to the processor,
The processor is
Using the communication interface, receiving a reduction instruction for reducing the power consumption in the house from a power system outside the house via a watt-hour meter with a communication function,
Obtain the output from the sensor installed in the room,
A home appliance that controls power consumption of the home appliance based on the reduction instruction and an output from the sensor.   The household appliance according to claim 9, wherein the processor makes the content of the second reduction instruction different depending on whether the first output is acquired from the sensor or the second output. The sensor is a human sensor,
The first output is an output indicating that the presence of a person is detected;
The household appliance according to claim 10, wherein the second output is an output indicating that the presence of the person is not detected.   The said processor produces | generates the instruction | indication which reduces the power consumption of the said household appliance as a said 2nd reduction instruction | indication compared with the case where the presence of the said person is detected when the presence of the said person is not detected. 11. Home appliances according to 11. The human sensor further detects the number of people,
The home appliance according to claim 12, wherein when the presence of the person is detected, the processor sets the second reduction instruction according to the detected number of persons. The sensor is an illuminance sensor,
The first output is an output indicating that the illuminance is not less than a predetermined value,
The household appliance according to claim 10, wherein the second output is an output indicating that the illuminance is less than the predetermined value.   The processor, as the second reduction instruction, when the illuminance of the predetermined value or more is detected, the power consumption of the home appliance is more than when the illuminance of less than the predetermined value is detected. The household appliance of Claim 14 which produces | generates the instruction | indication to reduce.   The household appliance according to any one of claims 9 to 15, further comprising the sensor. The home appliance communicates with the watt-hour meter via a controller capable of controlling the home appliance,
The household appliance according to any one of claims 9 to 16, wherein the processor receives the reduction instruction from the watt-hour meter via the controller. A controller for controlling a first home appliance installed in a first room in a home and a second home appliance installed in the second room in the home,
A processor;
A communication interface connected to the processor,
The processor is
Using the communication interface, a first reduction instruction for reducing power consumption in the house is received from a power system outside the house,
Obtaining an output from a first sensor installed in the first room and an output from a second sensor installed in the second room;
Based on the first reduction instruction and the output from the first sensor, a second reduction instruction for reducing power consumption of the first home appliance is generated,
Based on the first reduction instruction and the output from the second sensor, a third reduction instruction for reducing power consumption of the second home appliance is generated,
A controller that transmits the generated second reduction instruction to the first home appliance and transmits the generated third reduction instruction to the second home appliance using the communication interface.   19. The controller according to claim 18, wherein the processor makes the content of the second reduction instruction different between when the first output is acquired from the first sensor and when the second output is acquired. The first sensor is a human sensor,
The first output is an output indicating that the presence of a person is detected;
The controller according to claim 19, wherein the second output is an output indicating that the presence of the person is not detected.   The said processor produces | generates the instruction | indication which reduces the power consumption of the said household appliance as a said 2nd reduction instruction | indication compared with the case where the presence of the said person is detected when the presence of the said person is not detected. The controller according to 20. The human sensor further detects the number of people,
The controller according to claim 21, wherein when the presence of the person is detected, the processor sets the second reduction instruction according to the detected number of persons. The first sensor is an illuminance sensor,
The first output is an output indicating that the illuminance is not less than a predetermined value,
The controller according to claim 19, wherein the second output is an output indicating that the illuminance is less than the predetermined value.   The processor, as the second reduction instruction, when the illuminance of the predetermined value or more is detected, the power consumption of the home appliance is more than when the illuminance of less than the predetermined value is detected. 24. The controller of claim 23, wherein the controller generates an instruction to reduce.   The controller according to any one of claims 18 to 24, wherein the processor transmits the second reduction instruction to the home appliance via a communication device that is communicably connected to the controller and the home appliance. . A communication system comprising a home appliance installed in a room in a house, a watt-hour meter with a communication function, and a communication device that is communicably connected to the home appliance and the watt-hour meter,
The communication device is:
A processor;
A communication interface connected to the processor,
The processor is
Using the communication interface, a first reduction instruction for reducing the power consumption in the house is received from the power system outside the house via the watt-hour meter,
Obtain the output from the sensor installed in the room,
Based on the first reduction instruction and the output from the sensor, generate a second reduction instruction for reducing power consumption of the home appliance,
Using the communication interface, the generated second reduction instruction is transmitted to the home appliance,
The said household appliance is a communication system which receives the said 2nd reduction instruction | indication from the said controller, and performs the operation | movement based on the said 2nd reduction instruction | indication. A communication system comprising a watt-hour meter with a communication function and a home appliance installed in a room in the house,
The home appliance is
A processor;
A communication interface connected to the processor,
The processor is
Using the communication interface, a reduction instruction for reducing power consumption in the home is received from the power system outside the home via the watt-hour meter,
Obtain the output from the sensor installed in the room,
A communication system that controls power consumption of the home appliance based on the reduction instruction and an output from the sensor. A controller that controls the first home appliance installed in the first room of the home and the second home appliance installed in the second room of the home; the first home appliance; and the second home appliance; A communication system comprising:
The controller is
A processor;
A communication interface connected to the processor,
The processor is
Using the communication interface, a first reduction instruction for reducing power consumption in the house is received from a power system outside the house,
Obtaining an output from a first sensor installed in the first room and an output from a second sensor installed in the second room;
Based on the first reduction instruction and the output from the first sensor, a second reduction instruction for reducing power consumption of the first home appliance is generated,
Based on the first reduction instruction and the output from the second sensor, a third reduction instruction for reducing power consumption of the second home appliance is generated,
Using the communication interface, the generated second reduction instruction is transmitted to the first home appliance, the generated third reduction instruction is transmitted to the second home appliance,
The first home appliance receives the second reduction instruction from the controller, performs an operation based on the second reduction instruction,
The second home appliance is a communication system that receives the third reduction instruction from the controller and executes an operation based on the third reduction instruction. A home appliance control method in a communication device that is communicably connected to a home appliance installed in a room in a house and a watt-hour meter with a communication function,
The communication device receives a first reduction instruction for reducing power consumption in the house from the power system outside the house via the watt-hour meter using the communication interface;
The communication device obtaining an output from a sensor installed in the room;
The communication device generates a second reduction instruction for reducing power consumption of the home appliance based on the first reduction instruction and the output from the sensor;
The communication device includes the step of transmitting the generated second reduction instruction to the home appliance using the communication interface. A method for controlling power consumption in home appliances installed in a room in a house,
The home appliance receives a reduction instruction for reducing power consumption in the house from a power system outside the house via a watt-hour meter with a communication function using a communication interface;
The home appliance obtaining an output from a sensor installed in the room;
A power consumption control method, comprising: the home appliance controlling power consumption of the home appliance based on the reduction instruction and an output from the sensor. A home appliance control method in a controller for controlling a first home appliance installed in a first room in a home and a second home appliance installed in the second room in the home,
The controller receives a first reduction instruction for reducing power consumption in the house from a power system outside the house using a communication interface;
The controller obtaining an output from a first sensor installed in the first room and an output from a second sensor installed in the second room;
The controller generating a second reduction instruction for reducing power consumption of the first home appliance based on the first reduction instruction and an output from the first sensor;
The controller generating a third reduction instruction for reducing power consumption of the second home appliance based on the first reduction instruction and the output from the second sensor;
The controller transmits the generated second reduction instruction to the first home appliance using the communication interface, and transmits the generated third reduction instruction to the second home appliance; A home appliance control method. A program for controlling a communication device that is communicably connected to a home appliance installed in a room in a house and a watt-hour meter with a communication function,
Receiving a first reduction instruction for reducing power consumption in the house from a power system outside the house via the watt-hour meter using a communication interface;
Obtaining an output from a sensor installed in the room;
Generating a second reduction instruction for reducing power consumption of the home appliance based on the first reduction instruction and the output from the sensor;
A program for causing a processor of the communication device to execute the step of transmitting the generated second reduction instruction to the home appliance using the communication interface. A program for controlling home appliances installed in a room in a house,
Receiving a reduction instruction for reducing power consumption in the house from a power system outside the house via a watt-hour meter with a communication function using a communication interface;
Obtaining an output from a sensor installed in the room;
The program which makes the processor of the said household appliance perform the step which controls the power consumption of the said household appliance based on the said reduction instruction | indication and the output from the said sensor. A program for controlling a controller that controls a first home appliance installed in a first room in a home and a second home appliance installed in the second room in the home,
Receiving a first reduction instruction for reducing power consumption in the house from a power system outside the house using a communication interface;
Obtaining an output from a first sensor installed in the first room and an output from a second sensor installed in the second room;
Generating a second reduction instruction for reducing power consumption of the first home appliance based on the first reduction instruction and an output from the first sensor;
Generating a third reduction instruction for reducing power consumption of the second home appliance based on the first reduction instruction and the output from the second sensor;
Using the communication interface to transmit the generated second reduction instruction to the first home appliance and transmitting the generated third reduction instruction to the second home appliance; Program to be executed by any processor.

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