JP2014053724A - Device controller, device control system, device control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently present an optimal terminal device to a user, from a plurality of terminal devices.SOLUTION: The device controller has: a control device communication section for receiving terminal information including information regarding standby start time and operation state of each terminal device, from at least one terminal device; a standby terminal estimation section for estimating a standby terminal device on the basis of the operation state; a candidate terminal selection section for selecting a candidate terminal device from the standby terminal device on the basis of the standby start time; a display section for displaying a terminal identifier of the standby terminal device; and a display control section for changing display mode of the terminal identifier of the candidate terminal device.

Description

  The present invention relates to a device control apparatus, a device control system, a device control method, and a program. In particular, the present invention relates to a device control apparatus, a device control system, a device control method, and a program for controlling one or more terminal devices.

  In recent years, electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles that run on electric power have begun to spread. For this reason, in recent years, a charger for a common electric vehicle (a so-called charging stand, hereinafter referred to as a charger for simplicity) has been added. Therefore, an increase in the number of shared chargers is expected in public spaces in the future.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for specifying a vehicle to be charged based on a user operation and displaying the state of charge of the vehicle. Furthermore, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, a technique for supplying power to a vehicle to be charged based on a user operation is disclosed.

JP 2011-061926 A

  The disclosure of the above prior art document is incorporated herein by reference. The following analysis has been made from the viewpoint of the present invention.

  In a shared charger, a charger controller (hereinafter referred to as a device control device) may be installed at a location away from the charger. In that case, after connecting a vehicle and a charger, a user moves to the installation place of an apparatus control apparatus. And a user operates an apparatus control apparatus and starts a charging process.

  By the way, if the number of shared chargers increases, there is a possibility of controlling a plurality of chargers in the device control apparatus. In that case, the user needs to select a target charger from a plurality of chargers via the device control device. At that time, as the number of selectable chargers increases, there is a possibility that a complicated operation is required. Further, when the number of selectable chargers increases, the user may select an incorrect charger.

  In the technique disclosed in Patent Literature 1, the same number of operation buttons as the charger to be controlled are required in the device control apparatus. Therefore, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, when the device control apparatus controls several tens of chargers, several tens of operation buttons are required.

  Moreover, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is assumed that a home charger is controlled. Therefore, with the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is difficult for the user to select an optimal charger from several tens of chargers, for example.

  Therefore, a device control apparatus, a device control system, a device control method, and a program that select an optimal terminal device from a plurality of terminal devices and efficiently present the optimal terminal device to a user are desired.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, a control device communication unit that receives terminal information including information on an operation state of each terminal device and a standby start time from at least one terminal device, and based on the operation state A standby terminal estimation unit that estimates the standby terminal device, a candidate terminal selection unit that selects a candidate terminal device from the standby terminal device based on the standby start time, and a display that displays a terminal identifier of the standby terminal device And a display control unit that changes a display mode of the terminal identifier of the candidate terminal device is provided.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device control system including a terminal device including a connection detection unit that detects connection or disconnection with an object, and a device control device that controls the terminal device. The terminal device includes a processing control unit that controls processing on the target object via the connection detection unit, and the device control apparatus operates from at least one terminal device on an operating state of each terminal device. And a control device communication unit that receives terminal information including information related to the standby start time, a standby terminal estimation unit that estimates a standby terminal device based on the operation state, and the standby terminal based on the standby start time A candidate terminal selection unit for selecting a candidate terminal device from the devices, a display unit for displaying a terminal identifier of the standby terminal device, and a display control unit for changing a display mode of the terminal identifier of the candidate terminal device , Device control system comprising is provided.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, a step of receiving terminal information including information related to an operation state of each terminal device and a standby start time from at least one terminal device, and standby based on the operation state A step of estimating a terminal device, a candidate terminal selection step of selecting a candidate terminal device from the standby terminal device based on the standby start time, a step of displaying a terminal identifier of the standby terminal device, and the candidate terminal device And changing the display mode of the terminal identifier. A device control method is provided.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program to be executed by a computer that controls a device control apparatus, the terminal including information on the operating state of each of the terminal devices and the standby start time from at least one terminal device. A process of receiving information, a process of estimating a standby terminal apparatus based on the operation state, a candidate terminal selection process of selecting a candidate terminal apparatus from the standby terminal apparatus based on the standby start time, and the standby A program for executing a process of displaying a terminal identifier of a terminal device and a process of changing a display mode of the terminal identifier of the candidate terminal device is provided. This program can be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium can be non-transient such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, or the like. The present invention can also be embodied as a computer program product.

  According to each aspect of the present invention, a device control device, a device control system, a device control method, and a program that efficiently present an optimal terminal device to a user from a plurality of terminal devices are provided.

It is a figure for demonstrating one Embodiment. It is a top view which shows an example of the whole structure of the apparatus control system 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the internal structure of the charger 3 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of an internal structure of the apparatus control apparatus 2 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the charger management table. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display unit 210 and an operation unit 220. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the internal structure which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the user information management table 421. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of state transition of an operation state of the charger 3. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the change operation | movement of charger information. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation | movement which authenticates a user. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation | movement which determines an object charger. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of display on a display unit 210. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation | movement which starts a charging process. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of display on a display unit 210. FIG. It is a top view which shows an example of the whole structure of the apparatus control system 1a which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a top view which shows an example of the internal structure of the apparatus control apparatus 2a which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a movement difference time. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation | movement which determines the priority of a standby charger. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of display on a display unit 210. FIG.

  First, an outline of an embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the reference numerals of the drawings attached to the outline are attached to the respective elements for convenience as an example for facilitating understanding, and the description of the outline is not intended to be any limitation.

  As described above, an increase in the number of chargers shared in public spaces is expected in the future for charging electric vehicles and the like. In that case, the more the chargers that the device control device controls, the more complicated the user is required to select the charger. Therefore, a device control apparatus that efficiently presents an optimal terminal device to a user from a plurality of terminal devices is desired.

  Therefore, the device control apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 is provided as an example. The device control apparatus 100 estimates a standby terminal device based on the control device communication unit 101 that receives terminal information including an operation state of each terminal device and a standby start time from at least one terminal device 1011 and the operation state. The standby terminal estimation unit 102, the candidate terminal selection unit 103 that selects a candidate terminal device from the standby terminal devices based on the standby start time, the display unit 104 that displays the terminal identifier of the standby terminal device, and the candidate terminal device And a display control unit 105 that changes a display mode of the terminal identifier.

  First, the device control apparatus 100 receives terminal information including information on the operation state of each terminal device and the standby start time from at least one terminal device 1011. The standby start time means the time when the terminal device is in an operating state in which a predetermined process can be executed. In the following description, an operation state in which a predetermined process can be performed is referred to as an execution standby state.

  Then, the device control apparatus 100 estimates a standby terminal device based on the operation state of the terminal device 1011. The standby terminal device means the terminal device 1011 in the execution standby state. The device control apparatus 100 displays the terminal identifier of the standby terminal device on the display unit 104. The terminal identifier means a number for identifying the terminal device 1011 or the like. Therefore, the user can grasp the terminal device 1011 in the execution standby state.

  Thereafter, the device control apparatus 100 selects a candidate terminal device from the standby terminal devices based on the standby start time of the standby terminal device. A candidate terminal device means a terminal device that is optimal for execution of a predetermined process. For example, in order to avoid that the standby start state lasts for a long time, the device control apparatus 100 may select the standby terminal device having the shortest standby start state as the candidate terminal device.

  Then, device control apparatus 100 changes the display mode (color, size, etc.) of the terminal identifier of the candidate terminal device. Therefore, the device control apparatus 100 can present the optimum terminal device 1011 from at least one terminal device 1011 to the user. Therefore, the device control apparatus 100 can efficiently present an optimal terminal device to the user from a plurality of terminal devices.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
The first embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, terminal information is referred to as charger information. The standby terminal device is called a standby charger. In the following description, the terminal identifier is referred to as a charger identifier. Further, in the following description, the candidate terminal device is referred to as a candidate charger.

  FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the overall configuration of the device control system 1 according to the present embodiment.

  The device control system 1 includes one or more device control devices 2, one or two or more chargers 3 (corresponding to the terminal device 1011 described above), and an authentication server 4. The charger 3 includes a connection detection unit (corresponding to the charging connector 5 in FIG. 2). The charger 3 is connected to an object (corresponding to the vehicle 6 in FIG. 2) via the charging connector 5.

  The device control apparatus 2 controls one or more chargers 3. Therefore, the device control apparatus 2 communicates with one or more predetermined chargers 3. When the device control apparatus 2 communicates with the charger 3, wired communication and wireless communication are not limited.

  The charger 3 controls processing for the vehicle 6 via the charging connector 5. Specifically, the charger 3 controls power supply to the vehicle 6 through the charging connector 5. The vehicle 6 preferably travels using electric power as power. For example, the vehicle 6 preferably includes an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, and the like.

  The authentication server 4 performs user authentication processing.

  In addition, as shown to Fig.2 (a), each charger 3 may communicate with the some apparatus control apparatus 2. FIG. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2B, each charger 3 may communicate with one device control device 2. Various connection configurations between the device control device 2 and the charger 3 are conceivable, but the details are not limited.

  First, the configuration of the charger 3 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the charger 3. The charger 3 includes a terminal device communication unit 310, a terminal device control unit 320, a terminal device storage unit 330, and the charging connector 5. The terminal device control unit 320 includes an operation state transition unit 321 and a processing control unit 322. FIG. 3 mainly describes modules related to the charger 3 according to the present embodiment for the sake of simplicity.

  The charging connector 5 detects connection or disconnection of the vehicle 6.

  The terminal device communication unit 310 communicates with the device control apparatus 2. Specifically, the terminal device communication unit 310 transmits the charger information to the device control device 2 when the charging connector 5 detects the connection of the vehicle 6. The charger information preferably includes information on a charger identifier and an operating state. Details of the charger identifier and the operating state will be described later.

  The terminal device control unit 320 controls the operation of the charger. The operation state transition unit 321 transitions the operation state. The process control unit 322 controls power supply to the vehicle 6 through the charging connector 5. Specifically, when the terminal device communication unit 310 receives the processing instruction signal, the processing control unit 322 starts or stops power supply to the vehicle 6 according to the processing instruction signal.

  The terminal device storage unit 330 stores information necessary for the operation of the charger 3. For example, the terminal device storage unit 330 preferably stores information such as a charger identifier and an operating state.

  Next, the charger identifier and the operation state will be described.

  The charger identifier is information for identifying each charger 3. For example, the charger identifier is preferably a number or name assigned to each charger 3. In the following description, the number assigned to each charger 3 is referred to as a charger number.

  The operation state represents the operation state of the charger 3. Specifically, the operation state preferably includes a non-connection state 71, an execution standby state 72, an execution state 73, and a completion state 74. In the following description, for the sake of simplicity, the operation state of the charger 3 according to the present embodiment will be mainly described.

  The unconnected state 71 indicates a state in which the vehicle 6 is not connected to the charging connector 5. The execution standby state 72 indicates a state in which the vehicle 6 is connected to the charging connector 5 but is not being charged. The execution state 73 indicates a state in which the vehicle 6 is connected to the charging connector 5 and is performing a charging process. The completion state 74 indicates a state where the vehicle 6 is connected to the charging connector 5 and the charging process is completed.

  In the charging connector 5, when the charging connector 5 detects the connection of the vehicle 6, the operation state transition unit 321 transitions the operation state to the execution standby state 72. When the charging connector 5 detects the disconnection of the vehicle 6, the operation state transition unit 321 transitions the operation state to the non-connection state 71.

  In the execution standby state 72, when the terminal device communication unit 310 receives a processing start instruction signal, power supply to the vehicle 6 is started. Furthermore, the operation state transition unit 321 transitions the operation state to the execution state 73.

  In the execution state 73, when the terminal device communication unit 310 receives a process stop instruction signal, the power supply to the vehicle 6 is stopped. Furthermore, the operation state transition unit 321 transitions the operation state to the completion state 74. Of course, when the processing control unit 322 supplies the target amount of power to the vehicle 6, the operation state transition unit 321 transitions the operation state to the completion state 74.

  Next, the configuration of the device control apparatus 2 will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the device control apparatus 2. The device control device 2 includes a display unit 210, an operation unit 220, a control device communication unit 260, a control unit 270, a user information acquisition unit 240, a control device storage unit 250, and a clock 230. The The control unit 270 includes a standby terminal estimation unit 271, a candidate terminal selection unit 272, a display control unit 273, and a target terminal determination unit 274. The control device storage unit 250 includes a charger management table 251. FIG. 4 mainly describes modules related to the device control apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment for the sake of simplicity.

  The user visually recognizes information (characters, images, etc.) displayed on the display unit 210. The display unit 210 is preferably a fluorescent display tube, a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel, or the like.

  The operation unit 220 includes a predetermined number of operation buttons, operation keys, and the like. The operation unit 220 detects an operation on the operation unit 220. Further, the operation button or the like may be a touch sensor. When the operation button or the like is a touch sensor, a user's contact operation or proximity operation is detected by a sensor on a flat plate. Here, there are various types of touch sensor methods including a capacitance method, but any method may be used.

  The control unit 270 refers to the clock 230 and acquires time information. For example, when an operation on the operation unit 220 is started, the control unit 270 preferably acquires the operation start time with reference to the clock 230.

  The user information acquisition unit 240 acquires user information that identifies a user. For example, the user information acquisition unit 240 may acquire user information from an IC (Integrated Circuit) card that stores user information such as a membership number. Alternatively, the user information acquisition unit 240 may acquire a password or the like input via the operation unit 220 as user information. Alternatively, the user information acquisition unit 240 may acquire biometric information such as a fingerprint as user information. There are various types of user information and acquisition methods, but the details are not limited.

  The control device storage unit 250 stores information necessary for the operation of the device control device 2. Specifically, the control device storage unit 250 stores information related to the charger 3 (corresponding to the above-described charger information) as the charger management table 251. The charger management table 251 preferably includes a charger identifier, an operation state, and a connection detection time.

  The charger information includes information regarding the operating state of the charger 3 and the standby start time. Further, the charger information may include information such as the charging power of the charger 3. Here, the standby start time is preferably the connection detection time of the charger 3. Specifically, the control device storage unit 250 may store the time when the charging connector 5 detects the connection with the vehicle 6 as the connection detection time. Or the control apparatus memory | storage part 250 may memorize | store the time when the control apparatus communication part 260 received charger information as a connection detection time.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the charger management table 251. In the case of FIG. 5, the control device storage unit 250 stores an operation state corresponding to each charger number and a correspondence relationship between connection detection times as a charger management table 251. In the case of FIG. 5, the operating state of the charger 3 with the charger number 1 indicates that it is in an execution standby state. Further, the connection detection time of the charger 3 with the charger number 1 is 9:05:35.

  The control device communication unit 260 communicates with at least one charger 3. Specifically, the control device communication unit 260 receives charger information from at least one charger 3. For example, when the charger 3 detects the connection between the vehicle and the charging connector 5, the charger 3 transmits a connection detection signal to the control device communication unit 260. On the other hand, the charger 3 may transmit a connection release signal to the control device communication unit 260 when the connection release between the vehicle 6 and the charging connector 5 is detected.

  In addition, the control device communication unit 260 transmits a processing instruction signal to the target charger. The process instruction signal is a signal for instructing the target charger to start or stop the process.

  Standby terminal estimation unit 271 estimates a standby charger based on the operating state. If the transmission source charger of the charger information is in the execution standby state 72, standby terminal estimation unit 271 estimates the transmission source charger as a standby charger.

  Candidate terminal selection unit 272 selects a candidate charger from the standby chargers based on the connection detection time. Specifically, the candidate terminal selection unit 272 selects the charger 3 as a candidate charger when the connection detection time is within a predetermined time.

  Here, it is preferable that candidate terminal selection unit 272 selects a candidate charger based on the elapsed time from the connection detection time to the operation start time for operation unit 220 (hereinafter referred to as connection elapsed time).

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the candidate terminal selection unit 272 selects a standby charger having the shortest connection elapsed time as a candidate charger. That is, it is preferable that the candidate terminal selection unit 272 selects the standby charger connected at the latest time as the candidate charger from the operation start time.

  Note that the candidate terminal selection unit 272 may change the candidate charger based on an operation on the operation unit. Thereby, in the apparatus control apparatus 2 which concerns on this embodiment, a user can change a candidate charger.

  The display control unit 273 controls the image signal displayed on the display unit 210. Specifically, the display control unit 273 displays the charger identifier of the standby charger on the display unit 210. As described above, the charger identifier is a charger number or the like. The user selects a charger that performs processing such as charging (hereinafter referred to as a target charger) from the charger number displayed on the display unit 210. In that case, it is preferable that the display control part 273 displays the charger number etc. of a standby charger.

  Moreover, the display control part 273 changes the display mode of the charger identifier of a candidate charger. For example, the display control unit 273 preferably changes the color of the charger number of the candidate charger, the size of characters, and the like. Or the display control part 273 may display the icon showing a candidate charger on the display part 210, and may emphasize the charger number etc. of a candidate charger.

  The target terminal determination unit 274 determines the candidate charger as the target charger. Specifically, when the operation unit 220 detects the determination operation, the target terminal determination unit 274 determines the candidate charger as the target charger.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display unit 210. In the case of FIG. 6, the display control unit 273 displays the standby charger number on the display unit 210. In the case of FIG. 6, the operation unit 220 includes a right button 21, a left button 22, an OK button 23, and a cancel button 24.

  Here, the display control unit 273 displays the candidate charger numbers on the display unit 210 in different display modes. Specifically, in the case of FIG. 6, the display control unit 273 changes the color of the first charger number and displays it. For example, when the right button 21 is pressed in the state of FIG. 6, the control unit 270 changes the candidate charger to the second charger. Thereafter, when the left button 22 is pressed, the control unit 270 changes the candidate charger to the first charger. In addition, when the control part 270 changes a candidate charger, the display control part 273 changes the display mode of the number of a candidate charger.

  When the OK button 23 is pressed, the target terminal determination unit 274 determines the candidate charger as the target charger. For example, when the OK button 23 is pressed in the state of FIG. 6, the target terminal determination unit 274 determines the first charger as the target charger. Here, the operation of pressing the OK button corresponds to the determination operation described above.

  On the other hand, when the cancel button 24 is pressed, the control unit 270 stops and invalidates the processing. For example, when the cancel button 24 is pressed, the control unit 270 may cancel the determination of the target charger. Alternatively, when the cancel button 24 is pressed, the charging process for the target charger may be stopped. When stopping the charging process for the target charger, the control device communication unit 260 transmits a processing instruction signal for instructing the target charger to stop the process.

  Next, the configuration of the authentication server 4 will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the authentication server 4. The authentication server 4 includes an authentication server communication unit 410, a user information storage unit 420, and an authentication server control unit 430. In FIG. 7, for simplicity, modules related to the authentication server 4 according to the present embodiment are mainly described.

  The authentication server communication unit 410 communicates with the device control device 2. Specifically, the authentication server communication unit 410 receives user information from the device control apparatus 2. Further, the authentication server communication unit 410 transmits the authentication result to the device control apparatus 2.

  The user information storage unit 420 stores information necessary for the authentication process. Specifically, the user information storage unit 420 stores information including the user information management table 421. The user information management table 421 is information including correspondence between user information and the operating state of the charger 3.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the user information management table 421. In the case of FIG. 8, the user information management table 421 shows the correspondence between user information and the operating state of the charger 3 for two users. As described above, the user information may be a number for identifying the user as shown in FIG. For example, the first line in FIG. 8 indicates whether or not the charger is used and the number of the charger being used for the user whose user information is 123456. And the user of the 1st line of FIG. 8 shows that the charger number 21 is used. On the other hand, the second line in FIG. 8 shows the presence / absence of use of the charger and the number of the charger in use for the user whose user information is 987654. And the user of the 2nd line of FIG. 8 shows that the charger 3 is not used.

  The authentication server control unit 430 performs an authentication process. Specifically, first, the authentication server control unit 430 authenticates the user information received by the authentication server communication unit 410 with reference to the user information management table 421. When the authentication server control unit 430 determines that “user information is valid”, the authentication server control unit 430 refers to the user information management table 421 and acquires the operation state of the charger 3 for the user to be authenticated. Here, when the user is not charging the vehicle 6, the authentication server control unit 430 transmits an authentication result permitting use of the charger 3 to the authentication server communication unit 410 as an authentication result. On the other hand, when the user is charging the vehicle 6, the authentication server control unit 430 transmits an authentication result that does not permit the use of the charger 3 to the authentication server communication unit 410 as the authentication result. If the authentication server control unit 430 determines that “user information is invalid”, the authentication server control unit 430 transmits an authentication result that does not permit the use of the charger 3 to the authentication server communication unit 410.

  Next, the operation of the device control system 1 will be described.

  First, an operation in which the charger 3 generates charger information will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of state transition of the operating state of the charger 3. In FIG. 9, the operation state of the charger 3 according to the present embodiment is mainly described. Since each operation state is as described above, detailed description is omitted.

  When the charging connector 5 and the vehicle 6 are connected, the operation state transitions from the non-connection state 71 to the execution standby state 72 via the path L711. On the other hand, when the connection between the charging connector 5 and the vehicle 6 is released in the execution standby state 72, the operation state transitions from the execution standby state 72 to the non-connection state 71 via the path L721. Further, when the terminal device communication unit 310 receives the charge start instruction, the operation state transitions from the execution standby state 72 to the execution state 73 via the path L722.

  Further, when the connection between the charging connector 5 and the vehicle 6 is released during the execution of charging, the operation state transitions from the execution state 73 to the non-connection state 71 via the path L732. When the charging process is completed, or when the terminal device communication unit 310 receives a process stop instruction signal, the operation state transitions from the execution state 73 to the completion state 74 via the path L731. In the completed state 74, when the connection between the charging connector 5 and the vehicle 6 is released, the operation state transitions from the completed state 74 to the non-connected state 71 via the path L741.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the charger information changing operation.

  In step S1, the charger 3 determines whether or not the connection state with the vehicle 6 has been changed. If a change in connection state is detected (Yes branch in step S1), the process proceeds to step S4. If a change in connection state is not detected (No branch in step S1), the process proceeds to step S2.

  In step S2, the charger 3 determines whether or not the charging process has started. When the charging process is started (Yes branch in step S2), the process proceeds to step S4. If the charging process is not started (No branch in step S2), the process proceeds to step S3.

  In step S3, the charger 3 determines whether or not the charging process is finished. As described above, when the charging process is completed or when a process stop instruction signal is received, the process control unit 322 determines that the charging process has been completed. When the charging process is finished (Yes branch in step S3), the process proceeds to step S4. If the charging process is not terminated (No branch in step S3), the process proceeds to step S1 and the process is continued.

  In step S4, the charger 3 changes the operating state. And the terminal device control part 320 produces | generates charger information. At that time, it is preferable that the terminal device control unit 320 refers to the terminal device storage unit 330 and acquires the charger number. For example, when the operation state transitions from the non-connection state 71 to the execution standby state 72, the charger information preferably includes a connection detection time. And it changes to step S5.

  In step S <b> 5, the charger 3 transmits charger information to the device control device 2. In step S <b> 6, the device control device 2 receives charger information from the charger 3. Thereafter, in step S7, the device control device 2 stores the charger information.

  Next, the operation | movement which authenticates a user is demonstrated.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation for authenticating a user.

  In step S101, the device control apparatus 2 determines whether user information has been acquired. When user information is acquired (Yes branch of step S101), it changes to step S102. When user information is not acquired (No branch of step S101), it changes to step S101 and continues a process.

  For example, it is assumed that a non-contact type IC card stores user information. Then, it is assumed that the user holds an IC card storing user information as a membership card. In that case, the display control unit 273 preferably displays an instruction such as “Please touch with a membership card” on the display unit 210. And when a user makes a membership card contact (proximity) in the location instruct | indicated, the user information acquisition part 240 acquires user information from a membership card.

  In step S <b> 102, the device control apparatus 2 transmits user information to the authentication server 4.

  In step S103, the authentication server 4 executes an authentication process. And it changes to step S104. Specifically, the authentication server control unit 430 compares the received user information with the user information management table 421. If the user information corresponding to the received user information exists in the user information management table 421, the authentication server control unit 430 generates an authentication result that permits the received user information. When the user information corresponding to the received user information does not exist in the user information management table 421, the authentication server control unit 430 generates an authentication result that does not permit the received user information.

  In step S <b> 104, the authentication server 4 transmits an authentication result to the device control apparatus 2.

  In step S <b> 105, the device control apparatus 2 determines whether an authentication result permitting use of the charger 3 has been received. When permitting use of the charger 3 (Yes branch in step S105), the device control apparatus 2 transitions to a state where the charger 3 can be selected (step S106). When the use of the charger 3 is not permitted (No branch in step S105), the process proceeds to step S101 and the process is continued.

  Next, the operation of determining the target charger and starting the charging process will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation for determining a target charger.

  In step S201, the device control apparatus 2 estimates a standby charger. When there is no standby charger, the display control unit 273 may display characters such as “No charger currently available” on the display unit 210.

  In step S202, the device control apparatus 2 selects a candidate charger from the standby chargers based on the connection detection time. In step S203, the device control apparatus 2 displays the charger number of the standby charger on the display unit 210. In step S204, the device control apparatus 2 changes the display mode of the candidate charger. Then, the process proceeds to step S205. Here, it is preferable that the control unit 270 cannot select a charger number other than the standby charger. In that case, the display control unit 273 may explicitly display a charger number that cannot be selected and display it on the display unit 210. Alternatively, the control unit 270 may hide the charger numbers other than the standby charger.

  In step S205, the device control apparatus 2 determines whether or not an operation for changing the candidate charger is detected. That is, the candidate terminal selection unit 272 determines whether the candidate charger has been changed based on an operation on the operation unit 220. If an operation for changing the candidate charger is detected (Yes branch in step S205), the device control apparatus 2 changes the candidate charger (step S206). When an operation for changing the candidate charger is not detected (No branch in step S205), the process proceeds to step S207.

In step S207, the device control apparatus 2 determines whether or not a target charger determining operation has been detected. When the determination operation of the target charger is detected (Yes branch of step S207), the process proceeds to step S301 shown in FIG. When the determination operation of the target charger is not detected (No branch in step S207), the process proceeds to step S205 and the process is continued.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display of the charger number. In the case of FIG. 13, the chargers with the charger numbers 1 and 4 are standby chargers. On the other hand, the chargers 3 with the charger numbers 2, 3, and 5 are assumed to be other than the standby charger. Here, it is preferable that the display control unit 273 displays the charger number of the standby charger on the display unit 210 in a display mode different from the charger numbers other than the standby charger. Therefore, in the case of FIG. 13, the charger numbers 1 and 4 of the standby charger are displayed by solid lines. On the other hand, in the case of FIG. 13, the charger numbers 2, 3, and 5 other than the standby charger are displayed by broken lines. That is, the charger number displayed with a broken line indicates that the charger number is not selectable.

  Furthermore, in FIG. 13, it is assumed that the candidate terminal selection unit 272 selects the charger 3 with the charger number 4 as a candidate charger based on the connection detection time. In this case, as shown in FIG. 13, the display control unit 273 preferably displays the charger number 4 in a color different from the charger number 1.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation for starting the charging process.

  In step S301, the device control apparatus 2 determines a target charger. Specifically, the target terminal determination unit 274 determines the candidate charger as the target charger. And it changes to step S302.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of display on the display unit 210. FIG. 15A is a diagram illustrating an example of a charging content setting screen. As illustrated in FIG. 15A, the display control unit 273 may display a charging content setting screen on the display unit 210 after determining the target charger. On the other hand, FIG.15 (b) is a figure which shows an example of the confirmation screen of a charge start. As illustrated in FIG. 15B, the display control unit 273 may display a charging start confirmation screen on the display unit 210 after determining the target charger.

  In step S302, the device control apparatus 2 transmits a charge start instruction to the target charger. In step S303, the target charger receives a charge start instruction. In step S304, the target charger performs a charging process.

  As described above, in the device control system 1 according to the present embodiment, the charger in the execution standby state is presented to the user. Further, at that time, an optimum charger is selected based on the connection detection time of the charger, the operating state, etc., and presented to the user. In the device control system 1 according to the present embodiment, the number of controllable chargers does not depend on the configuration of the operation unit. Therefore, the device control system 1 according to the present embodiment can efficiently present an optimal charger to the user from a plurality of chargers.

[Second Embodiment]
The second embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

  In the device control system 1a according to the present embodiment, a candidate charger is selected based on the travel time from the charger to the device control apparatus 2a. In the description of the present embodiment, the description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment is omitted. Further, in the description of the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 16 is a plan view showing an example of the overall configuration of the device control system 1a according to the present embodiment. The device control system 1a includes one or more device control devices 2a, one or more chargers 3, and an authentication server 4. Each charger 3 includes a charging connector 5. The charger 3 is connected to the vehicle 6 via the charger 5. Each charger 3 communicates with one or more device control devices 2a. In FIG. 16, the same components as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of the device control apparatus 2a according to the present embodiment. The device control device 2a includes a display unit 210, an operation unit 220, a control device communication unit 260, a control unit 270a, a user information acquisition unit 240, a control device storage unit 250a, and a clock 230. Is done. The control unit 270a includes a standby terminal estimation unit 271, a candidate terminal selection unit 272a, a display control unit 273a, a target terminal determination unit 274, and a priority order determination unit 275. The control device storage unit 250a includes a charger management table 251. FIG. 17 mainly describes modules related to the device control apparatus 2a according to the present embodiment for the sake of simplicity. In FIG. 17, the same components as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The control device storage unit 250a stores an average required time for moving from the installation location of the charger 3 to the installation location of the device control device 2a (referred to as a moving average time in the following description). Furthermore, the control device storage unit 250a preferably stores a minimum required time for moving from the installation location of the charger 3 to the device control device 2a (hereinafter referred to as a minimum travel time).

  The priority order determination unit 275 determines the priority order of standby chargers estimated by the standby terminal estimation unit 271. Specifically, when the control device communication unit 260 receives the charger connection information, the priority order determination unit 275 determines the difference time between the connection elapsed time and the moving average time (hereinafter referred to as the movement difference time). Based on this, the priority of the standby charger is determined. Here, the priority order determination unit 275 increases the priority order of the standby charger as the movement difference time is shorter.

  Furthermore, the priority order determination unit 275 preferably determines the priority order based on the comparison result between the connection elapsed time and the minimum travel time.

  Specifically, when the standby charger connection elapsed time exceeds the minimum movement time, the priority order determination unit 275 determines the priority order of the standby charger (in the following description, the first priority). Is called a ranking).

  On the other hand, when the standby charger connection elapsed time is equal to or shorter than the minimum movement time, the priority order determination unit 275 determines the standby charger priority order (in the following description, the second priority order) based on the connection elapsed time. It is preferable to determine. At that time, the priority determining unit 275 makes the second priority lower than the first priority.

  Candidate terminal selection unit 272a selects a candidate charger based on the priority order. Specifically, the candidate terminal selection unit 272a selects the standby charger with the highest priority as a candidate charger.

  The display control unit 273a displays the charger number of the standby charger on the display unit 210 based on the priority order. Specifically, the display control unit 273a preferably displays the charger numbers of the standby chargers on the display unit 210 in descending order of priority.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the movement difference time. FIG. 18A is a diagram showing the arrangement of the device control device 2a, the charger 3001, the charger 3002, and the charger 3003 from the top. FIG. 18B is a diagram illustrating connection elapsed time and movement difference time of the charger 3001, the charger 3002, and the charger 3003. First, time t1, time t2, and time t3 indicate connection detection times of the charger 3001, the charger 3002, and the charger 3003. Time L1 indicates the moving average time. Moreover, time L11 shows the minimum movement time. Furthermore, time T indicates an operation start time for the operation unit 220.

  First, the charger 3001 and the charger 3002 are considered. The time from the connection detection time t1 of the charger 3001 to the operation start time T exceeds the minimum movement time L11. In addition, the time from the connection detection time t2 of the charger 3002 to the operation start time T also exceeds the minimum movement time L11. Therefore, the priority order determination unit 275 determines the priority order of the charger 3001 and the charger 3002 (corresponding to the first priority order described above) based on the movement difference time D1 and the movement difference time D2. In the case of FIG. 19, the movement difference time D2 is shorter than the movement difference time D1. Therefore, the priority order determination unit 275 makes the priority order of the charger 3002 higher than the priority order of the charger 3001.

  Next, the charger 3003 is considered. The connection elapsed time from the time t3 to the operation start time T is within the minimum movement time L11. Therefore, the priority order determination unit 275 makes the priority order of the charger 3003 (corresponding to the second priority order described above) lower than the first priority order. Specifically, in the case of FIG. 18, the priority order determination unit 275 determines a higher priority order in the order of the charger 3002, the charger 3001, and the charger 3003.

  Next, the operation of the device control system 1a will be described.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation for determining the priority order of the standby charger.

  In step S401, the standby terminal estimation unit 271 estimates a standby charger. In step S402, standby terminal estimation unit 271 determines whether there are two or more standby chargers. When there are two or more standby chargers (Yes branch in step S402), the process proceeds to step S405. When two or more standby chargers are not present (No branch in step S402), the process proceeds to step S403.

  In step S403, the standby terminal estimation unit 271 determines whether or not a standby charger exists. If there is a standby charger (Yes branch in step S403), the display control unit 273 displays the charger number of the standby charger on the display unit 210 (step S404). This means that there is one standby charger. On the other hand, when there is no standby charger (No branch in step S403), the process of determining the priority of the standby charger is terminated.

  In step S405, the candidate terminal selection unit 272a selects a standby charger whose priority is to be determined, and calculates the elapsed connection time.

  In step S406, the priority determining unit 275 determines whether or not the connection elapsed time exceeds the minimum movement time. That is, in step S406, the priority determining unit 275 compares the connection elapsed time and the minimum travel time for the standby charger whose priority is to be determined. When the connection elapsed time exceeds the minimum movement time (Yes branch of step S406), the process proceeds to step S407. If the connection elapsed time does not exceed the minimum movement time (No branch in step S406), the process proceeds to step S408.

  In step S407, the priority determining unit 275 calculates the movement difference time of the standby charger. And it changes to step S409.

  In step S408, the priority order determination unit 275 determines the second priority order in ascending order of connection detection time. Then, the process proceeds to step 410.

  In step S409, the priority order determination unit 275 determines the first priority order in ascending order of movement difference time. And it changes to step S410.

  In step S410, the priority determining unit 275 determines whether or not the priority of all standby chargers has been determined. When the priority order of all the standby chargers has been determined (Yes branch of step S410), the process proceeds to step S411. If the priority order of all standby chargers has not been determined (No branch in step S410), the process proceeds to step S405 and the process is continued.

  In step S411, the display control unit 273a displays the charger number on the display unit 260 based on the priority order.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of displaying standby chargers in order of priority. First, the standby terminal estimation unit 271 estimates the chargers 3 with the charger numbers 11, 23, and 25 as standby chargers. Then, it is assumed that the priority order determination unit 275 determines that the priority order of the standby chargers is higher in the order of the charger numbers 23, 11, and 25. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 20, the display control unit 273 a displays the charger numbers on the display unit 210 in the order of the charger numbers 23, 11, and 25. Further, in FIG. 20, the charger number 23 is displayed on the display unit 210 in a different color. This is because the candidate terminal selection unit 272a selects the highest priority charger 3 as a candidate charger.

  In the above description, the movement average time and the minimum movement time are the same in each charger 3. However, the control device storage unit 250a may store different moving average times and minimum moving times for each charger 3. In that case, the priority order determination unit 275 determines the priority order based on the travel time and the minimum travel time for each charger 3.

  Further, the display control unit 273a may display a predetermined number of chargers 3 with higher priority on the display unit 210 as standby chargers. For example, it is assumed that the standby terminal estimation unit 271 estimates five chargers 3 as standby chargers. Among them, the display control unit 273a may display the top three chargers 3 on the display unit 210 as standby chargers.

  As described above, in the device control system 1a according to the present embodiment, the priority order of the standby chargers is determined based on the travel time from the charger to the device control apparatus. In the device control system 1a according to this embodiment, the standby charger with the highest priority is presented to the user as a candidate charger. Therefore, in the device control system 1a according to the present embodiment, the optimum charger among the plurality of chargers can be presented to the user even more efficiently.

  A part or all of the above embodiments can be described as in the following supplementary notes, but is not limited thereto.

  (Supplementary note 1) Estimating the standby terminal device based on the control device communication unit that receives terminal information including information on the operation state and standby start time of each terminal device from at least one terminal device A standby terminal estimation unit, a candidate terminal selection unit that selects a candidate terminal device from the standby terminal device based on the standby start time, a display unit that displays a terminal identifier of the standby terminal device, and the candidate terminal device A display control unit that changes a display mode of the terminal identifier.

  (Additional remark 2) It is provided with the operation part which receives a user's operation, The said candidate terminal selection part is an apparatus which selects the said candidate terminal apparatus based on the elapsed time from the said standby start time to the operation start time with respect to the said operation part Control device.

  (Additional remark 3) Based on the difference time of the memory | storage part which memorize | stores the moving average time from the installation place of the said terminal device to the installation place of an own apparatus, the said elapsed time, and the said moving average time, the said waiting | standby terminal A priority order determination unit that determines the priority order of the devices, wherein the candidate terminal selection unit selects the standby terminal device having the highest priority as the candidate terminal device.

  (Additional remark 4) The said control apparatus memory | storage part memorize | stores the minimum movement time from the installation place of the said terminal device to the installation place of an own apparatus, and the said priority determination part exceeds the said minimum movement time. The first priority is determined based on the difference time, and if the elapsed time is less than or equal to the minimum travel time, a second lower than the first priority is determined based on the elapsed time. A device control apparatus for determining the priority order.

  (Additional remark 5) The said candidate terminal selection part is an apparatus control apparatus which selects the said standby terminal apparatus with the said shortest elapsed time as said candidate terminal apparatus.

  (Appendix 6) A device control system including a terminal device including a connection detection unit that detects connection with or disconnection from an object, and a device control device that controls the terminal device, wherein the terminal device is Provided with a processing control unit that controls processing for the object via the connection detection unit, the device control device receives information about the operating state of each terminal device and the standby start time from at least one terminal device. A communication unit that receives terminal information including: a standby terminal estimation unit that estimates a standby terminal device based on the operation state; and a candidate that selects a candidate terminal device from the standby terminal device based on the standby start time A device control system comprising: a terminal selection unit; a display unit that displays a terminal identifier of the standby terminal device; and a display control unit that changes a display mode of the terminal identifier of the candidate terminal device. .

  (Additional remark 7) The said terminal device is a device control system provided with the said terminal device communication part which transmits the said terminal information to the said device control apparatus, when the said connection detection part detects the connection with the said target object.

  (Supplementary Note 8) The device control apparatus includes a target terminal determination unit that determines the candidate terminal device as a target terminal device, the control device communication unit transmits a processing instruction signal to the target terminal device, and the terminal device The communication unit receives the processing instruction signal from the device control device, and the processing control unit, when the terminal device communication unit receives the processing instruction signal, responds to the object according to the processing instruction signal. Equipment control system that performs processing.

  (Supplementary Note 9) The device control apparatus includes an operation unit that receives a user operation, a control device storage unit that stores a moving average time from an installation location of the terminal device to an installation location of the own device, and the terminal device A priority order determining unit that determines a priority order, and the priority order determining unit determines a difference time between the elapsed time from the standby start time to the operation start time for the operation unit and the moving average time. And determining a priority order of the standby terminal devices, and the candidate terminal selection unit selects the standby terminal device having the highest priority order as the candidate terminal device.

  (Supplementary Note 10) In the device control apparatus, the control device storage unit stores the minimum travel time from the installation location of the terminal device to the installation location of the device itself, and the priority order determination unit includes the elapsed time. If the minimum travel time is exceeded, the first priority is determined based on the difference time, and if the elapsed time is less than or equal to the minimum travel time, the first priority is determined based on the elapsed time. A device control system for determining a second priority order lower than the order.

  (Supplementary Note 11) A step of receiving terminal information including information related to an operation state of each terminal device and a standby start time from at least one terminal device; and a step of estimating a standby terminal device based on the operation state; A candidate terminal selection step of selecting a candidate terminal device from the standby terminal device based on the standby start time, a step of displaying a terminal identifier of the standby terminal device, and a display mode of the terminal identifier of the candidate terminal device And a device control method comprising:

  (Additional remark 12) The process which receives a user's operation, The process which memorize | stores the moving average time from the installation place of the said terminal apparatus to the installation place of the said apparatus control apparatus, The priority determination which determines the priority of the said terminal apparatus In the priority order determination step, including a step, based on a difference time between an elapsed time from the standby start time to an operation start time for the operation unit and the moving average time, the standby terminal device A device control method that determines priority and selects the standby terminal device having the highest priority as the candidate terminal device in the candidate terminal selection step.

  (Supplementary note 13) In the control device storage step, a minimum travel time from the installation location of the terminal device to the installation location of the device control device is stored, and in the priority determination step, the elapsed time is the minimum travel time. If the first priority is determined based on the difference time, and the elapsed time is less than or equal to the minimum travel time, the first priority lower than the first priority is determined based on the elapsed time. 2. A device control method for determining the priority of 2.

  (Additional remark 14) The program which makes the computer which controls an apparatus control apparatus perform, Comprising: The process which receives the terminal information containing the information regarding the operation state of each said terminal apparatus, and a standby start time from at least 1 terminal apparatus, A process for estimating a standby terminal device based on the operation state, a candidate terminal selection process for selecting a candidate terminal device from the standby terminal device based on the standby start time, and a terminal identifier of the standby terminal device are displayed. And a program for executing a process of changing a display mode of the terminal identifier of the candidate terminal device.

  (Additional remark 15) The process which receives a user's operation, The process which memorize | stores the moving average time from the installation place of the said terminal apparatus to the installation place of the said apparatus control apparatus, The priority determination which determines the priority of the said terminal apparatus In the priority order determination process including the process, based on the difference time between the elapsed time from the standby start time to the operation start time for the operation unit and the moving average time, the standby terminal device A program for determining priority and selecting the standby terminal device having the highest priority as the candidate terminal device in the candidate terminal selection process.

  (Supplementary Note 16) In the control device storage process, a minimum travel time from an installation location of the terminal device to an installation location of the device control device is stored, and in the priority determination process, the elapsed time is the minimum travel time. If the first priority is determined based on the difference time, and the elapsed time is less than or equal to the minimum travel time, the first priority lower than the first priority is determined based on the elapsed time. 2. A program for determining the priority of 2.

  The disclosure of the cited patent document is incorporated herein by reference. Within the scope of the entire disclosure (including claims) of the present invention, the embodiments and examples can be changed and adjusted based on the basic technical concept. In addition, various combinations of various indication elements (including each element of each claim, each element of each embodiment or example, each element of each drawing, etc.) within the scope of the claims of the present invention, Selection is possible. That is, the present invention of course includes various variations and modifications that could be made by those skilled in the art according to the entire disclosure including the claims and the technical idea. In particular, with respect to the numerical ranges described in this document, any numerical value or small range included in the range should be construed as being specifically described even if there is no specific description.

1, 1a Device control system 2, 2a, 100 Device control device 3, 3001, 3002, 3003 Charger 4 Authentication server 5 Charging connector 6 Vehicle 21 Right button 22 Left button 23 OK button 24 Cancel button 71 No connection state 72 Waiting for execution State 73 Execution state 74 Completion state 101, 260 Controller communication unit 102, 271 Standby terminal estimation unit 103, 272, 272a Candidate terminal selection unit 104, 210 Display unit 105, 273, 273a Display control unit 220 Operation unit 230 Clock 240 User Information acquisition unit 250, 250a Control device storage unit 251 Charger management table 270, 270a Control unit 274 Target terminal determination unit 275 Priority determination unit 310 Terminal device communication unit 320 Terminal device control unit 321 Operation state transition unit 322 Processing control unit 330 Terminal device storage unit 410 Ba communication unit 420 user information storage unit 421 the user information management table 430 the authentication server controller 1011 terminal equipment

Claims (10)

A control unit communication unit that receives terminal information including information on an operation state of each terminal device and a standby start time from at least one terminal device;
A standby terminal estimation unit that estimates standby terminal equipment based on the operating state;
A candidate terminal selection unit that selects a candidate terminal device from the standby terminal device based on the standby start time;
A display unit for displaying a terminal identifier of the standby terminal device;
A display control unit for changing a display mode of the terminal identifier of the candidate terminal device;
A device control apparatus comprising: It has an operation unit that accepts user operations,
The device control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the candidate terminal selection unit selects the candidate terminal device based on an elapsed time from the standby start time to an operation start time for the operation unit. A storage unit that stores a moving average time from the installation location of the terminal device to the installation location of the own device;
A priority determining unit that determines a priority of the standby terminal device based on a difference time between the elapsed time and the moving average time;
With
The device control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the candidate terminal selection unit selects the standby terminal device having the highest priority as the candidate terminal device. The control device storage unit stores the minimum travel time from the installation location of the terminal device to the installation location of the device itself,
The priority determining unit determines the first priority based on the difference time when the elapsed time exceeds the minimum travel time, and when the elapsed time is equal to or less than the minimum travel time, The device control apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second priority lower than the first priority is determined based on an elapsed time.   The device control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the candidate terminal selection unit selects the standby terminal device having the shortest elapsed time as the candidate terminal device. A terminal device including a connection detection unit for detecting connection or disconnection with an object;
A device control system including a device control device for controlling the terminal device,
The terminal device includes a processing control unit that controls processing on the object via the connection detection unit,
The device control device receives, from at least one terminal device, terminal information including information on the operation state of each terminal device and standby start time;
A standby terminal estimation unit that estimates standby terminal equipment based on the operating state;
A candidate terminal selection unit that selects a candidate terminal device from the standby terminal device based on the standby start time;
A display unit for displaying a terminal identifier of the standby terminal device;
A display control unit for changing a display mode of the terminal identifier of the candidate terminal device;
A device control system comprising:   The device control system according to claim 6, wherein the terminal device includes the terminal device communication unit that transmits the terminal information to the device control device when the connection detection unit detects a connection with the object. The device control apparatus includes a target terminal determination unit that determines the candidate terminal device as a target terminal device,
The control device communication unit transmits a processing instruction signal to the target terminal device,
The terminal device communication unit receives the processing instruction signal from the device control device;
The device control system according to claim 7, wherein when the terminal device communication unit receives the processing instruction signal, the processing control unit performs processing on the target object in accordance with the processing instruction signal. Receiving, from at least one terminal device, terminal information including information on an operation state of each terminal device and a standby start time;
Estimating a standby terminal device based on the operating state;
A candidate terminal selection step of selecting a candidate terminal device from the standby terminal device based on the standby start time;
Displaying a terminal identifier of the standby terminal device;
Changing the display mode of the terminal identifier of the candidate terminal device;
A device control method comprising: A program to be executed by a computer that controls a device control device,
A process of receiving terminal information including information on an operation state of each terminal device and a standby start time from at least one terminal device;
A process of estimating a standby terminal device based on the operating state;
Candidate terminal selection processing for selecting a candidate terminal device from the standby terminal device based on the standby start time;
Processing to display a terminal identifier of the standby terminal device;
A process of changing a display mode of the terminal identifier of the candidate terminal device;
A program that executes.

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