JP2014149115A - Home energy management system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a home energy management system which provides function capable of securing comfort of a resident incapable of satisfactorily indicating one's intention or a resident difficult to take control of one's own healthcare even in such circumstances that a parent or a caregiver cannot cancel automatic change of preset temperature according to power-saving demand.SOLUTION: A portable apparatus which stores a temperature or humidity sensor, a communication unit, a memory, a calculation device and a power feeding part and a position specification part for specifying a living room in which the portable apparatus exists are added to a home energy management system having an information processing device which on/off controls a power source while monitoring power consumption in home and/or controls an operation state of an objective instrument and an information display device which displays information informed from the information processing device. Further, such a function that an operation state of air-conditioning equipment and instrument related to the living room in which the portable apparatus exists is feed-back controlled based on temperature or humidity information gained from the portable apparatus is provided to the information processing device.

Description

  The present invention relates to a home energy management system.

  Currently, a system that supports improvement of energy use efficiency in the home through visualization of energy consumed in the home and remote operation of the corresponding device has been proposed. This system is known by the name of Home Energy Management System and is generally called “HEMS”. Although the service content provided by HEMS varies depending on the provider, visualization of gas / electricity / hot water consumption and remote operation of corresponding devices are assumed. The HEMS also has a function of automatically changing the target temperature of a room in response to a power saving request from a community energy management system (CEMS).

  By the way, in the automatic change of the room temperature by HEMS resulting from the power-saving request | requirement from CEMS, consideration to a resident's comfort is requested | required. For example, HEMS is provided with a function of excluding a corresponding device from a target of automatic control caused by a power saving request when a resident changes the set temperature manually after the automatic change of the set temperature by a power saving request from the CEMS.

  However, the room temperature is automatically adjusted while parents and caregivers are temporarily away from the room of a resident who cannot express their intention, such as a child, elderly person, sick person, etc. In some cases, the set temperature cannot be manually changed immediately. In addition, there may be a difference between the room temperature felt by parents and caregivers and the room temperature felt by children, elderly people, sick people, and the like. In such a case, the automatic change of the target temperature may impair the occupant's comfort.

  Although it is possible to conserve electricity while maintaining comfort by taking in outside air or changing the ventilation volume, it is generally difficult for a resident to judge. In order to more accurately evaluate the comfort of the occupants, it is conceivable to arrange a large number of sensors in the air conditioner / equipment, but the installation of a large number of sensors is generally costly.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above technical problems, and is an information processing apparatus that monitors power consumption in a home, controls power on / off, and / or controls the operating state of a target device. In a home energy management system having an information display device that displays information notified from an information processing device, (a) housing a temperature or humidity sensor, a communication unit, a memory, a computing device, and a power feeding unit A portable device, (b) a position identifying unit that identifies a room where the portable device is present, and (c) the information processing device is based on temperature or humidity information acquired from the portable device. It has a function to feedback control the operation state of the air conditioner / equipment related to the living room.

  According to the present invention, since the temperature or humidity sensor is arranged in a portable device that is used or arranged close to the occupant, the local temperature or humidity information around the occupant can be accurately measured. . In addition, by identifying the location of the occupant by the room where the portable device exists, and by performing feedback control on the operating state of the air conditioner / equipment related to the room based on the temperature or humidity information measured by the portable device The comfort of the residents in the corresponding room can be ensured. Further, by incorporating the temperature or humidity sensor in the portable device, it is possible to achieve the same performance at a lower cost than when a large number of sensors are arranged in the air conditioning equipment / equipment of each room.

The figure which shows the structural example 1 of HEMS which has a position specific part in a portable apparatus. The figure which shows the structural example 2 of HEMS which has a position specific part in a subscriber | terminal server. The figure which shows the structural example 3 of HEMS which has a position specific part in a subscriber | terminal server. The figure explaining the position specific procedure performed in the structural example 1 (FIG. 1). The figure explaining the position specific procedure performed in the structural example 2 (FIG. 2). The figure explaining the position specific procedure performed in the structural example 3 (FIG. 3). The figure which shows the process operation example corresponding to the usage condition example 1. FIG. The figure which shows the process operation example corresponding to the usage condition example 2. FIG. The figure which shows the example of a processing operation corresponding to the usage condition example 3. The figure which shows the process operation example corresponding to the usage condition example 4. FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the examples and usage modes described later are merely examples for explaining the invention, and the invention should not be construed as being limited to the examples.

  First, main terms used in the description of the embodiments will be described. In the following description, “HEMS” is used to mean a system having a function capable of managing the amount of energy consumed in all or a part of equipment / equipment existing in the house or their attached equipment / equipment. Therefore, “HEMS” assumed in the embodiment is not intended only for the management of the amount of energy consumed by the air conditioning equipment / equipment. In addition, “HEMS” assumed in the embodiment is not only the amount of electric power supplied and consumed from a commercial power supply, but also the amount of electric power supplied and consumed from a solar cell panel attached to a house, supplied from a fuel cell / vehicle battery It is also possible to manage the amount of power consumed, the amount of gas consumed by gas equipment, the consumption of hot water, and the like. However, it is not necessary to be able to manage all the energy amounts described above, and the management target is determined according to the construction system of each house.

  1 to 3 show a configuration example of the HEMS according to the embodiment. The configuration of the HEMS illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 is an example, and does not require all the devices illustrated.

(Configuration example 1)
(overall structure)
The HEMS shown in FIG. 1 includes a portable device 100, a home system 200, and an information display device 300, and has a cooperation function with the CEMS 400. In this embodiment, the portable device 100 is in the vicinity of a specific resident or pet, and is used to acquire environmental information and position information. For this reason, the portable apparatus 100 assumes an apparatus having a portable size and weight. For example, a toy (for example, a stuffed animal, a robot), a portable accessory (for example, a wristwatch, an accessory), a pet article (for example, a collar, a food container), or the like is assumed. The portable device 100 constitutes a sensor node of a sensor network.

(Configuration of portable device 100)
The portable device 100 includes an arithmetic device 101, a memory 102, a power feeding unit 103, a communication unit 104, a target setting switch 105, a subjective input switch 106, a sensing device 107, a position identification signal receiving unit 108, a display device 109, an actuator 110, and a speaker. 111, a microphone 112, and the like.

  The arithmetic unit 101 is constituted by a microprocessor, for example, and operates based on a control program or the like corresponding to the system configuration. The control program is stored in the memory 102 or the like. The memory 102 is a rewritable storage device, and is preferably a nonvolatile memory. In the case of this configuration example, the memory 102 has a position identification signal (modulation pattern) and a room or a specific range in the room (a plurality of air conditioners are installed in one room, and the range to be mainly air-conditioned is set. The correspondence table) is registered. The memory 102 is also used as an execution area for the control program. The arithmetic unit 101 in FIG. 1 operates as a position specifying unit with reference to this correspondence table.

  The power supply unit 103 is a battery that supplies power to a system that constitutes the portable device 100, and is, for example, a dry cell or a button cell. The communication unit 104 is a module for wirelessly communicating with the home server 201 of the home system 200. The communication unit 104 only needs to be able to communicate with the home server 201 via the wireless network on the home system 200 side, and the communication method is not limited.

  The target setting switch 105 is a switch used for setting an energy saving target of an individual resident who is associated with the portable device 100 by a child or a parent in accordance with the energy consumption status collected by the HEMS. However, the target may be set through an operation GUI prepared on the in-home system 200 side.

  The subjective input switch 106 is a switch used for inputting subjective information for comfort at room temperature (for example, temperature is too high / low, humidity is too high / low).

  The sensing device 107 is a sensor for acquiring information on the surrounding environment of a resident who uses the portable device 100. The sensing device 107 detects the presence of, for example, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an air quality sensor, an acceleration sensor (vibration sensor) that measures acceleration applied to the portable device 100, an imaging sensor (so-called imaging device), a person or a pet. Infrared sensor, activity sensor, thermometer. In practice, any one or more of these sensors are mounted on the portable device 100.

  The position identification signal receiver 108 is a device that receives a position identification signal from the position identification signal transmitter 202 arranged in each room. The position identification signal is modulated by a pattern that specifies a room in the house or a specific range in the room, and is given from the home system 200. As the position identification signal, for example, an infrared signal, a visible light signal, or a short-range wireless communication signal modulated according to the position information is used. For the position identification signal receiving unit 108, a device corresponding to a signal form used for communication is used. For example, when using light, a light receiver corresponding to the band of light is used, and when using electromagnetic waves, an antenna corresponding to the band of electromagnetic waves is used. The received position detection signal is given to the arithmetic unit 101 that functions as a position specifying unit. The arithmetic device 101 collates the received position identification signal with a correspondence table registered in advance, and specifies the position of the room where the device (portable device 100) exists.

  The display device 109 displays environment information around the portable device 100 and information received from the home system 200 using characters, images, and the like. The actuator 110 is a drive mechanism for expressing the measured ambient environment information through movement of the movable part and vibration. For example, an actuator that changes the facial expression of a stuffed animal or robot, and an actuator that moves the stuffed animal or robot's limbs are assumed. The actuator 110 can be driven and controlled for purposes other than notification of environmental information.

  The speaker 111 outputs environmental information around the portable device 100 as sound. The microphone 112 is used when performing target setting, subjective input, etc. by voice, or when detecting the presence of a user, etc. by sound.

(Configuration of home system 200)
The home system 200 includes a home server 201, a position identification signal transmission unit 202, an energy measuring device 203, a sensing device 204, a window opening / closing device 205, a vent opening / closing / air volume control device 206, an air conditioner 207, a floor heating control unit 208, a mist sauna. A control unit 209, an information display device (not shown), and the like are included. The home system 200 is a narrowly-defined HEMS.

  The in-home server 201 has a function of collecting information (environment information, operation information, energy consumption, etc.) from devices (including the portable device 100) constituting the HEMS through the in-home network, and controlling the operation of the target device. ing. Further, the in-home server 201 has a function of communicating with the portable device 100 through a communication unit (wireless communication unit) (not shown). Information measured by the portable device 100, information input through a switch, and Also receives location information and the like. In the case of this configuration example, the correspondence table in which the position identification signal (modulation pattern) necessary for specifying the position where the portable device 100 exists is associated with the room is created and registered in advance in the home server 201. The portable device 100 is notified.

  The in-home server 201 also has a correspondence table in which the room in the house is associated with the devices and facilities that make up the in-home system 200. The in-home server 201 uses the correspondence table in which the room is associated with the equipment / equipment, identifies the equipment / equipment in the room where the portable device 100 exists, and receives the operation of the device / equipment from the portable device 100. Feedback control based on environmental information. By mounting the feedback control function, the environment around the portable device 100 (the indoor environment where the resident or the like is present) can be kept in a comfortable state for the resident or the like.

  Of course, the in-home server 201 also has basic functions of a general HEMS. For example, the function of notifying the information display device 300 of the energy consumption collected through the sensing device 204 and the achievement level of the power saving target, and the operation of the corresponding device are controlled based on the operation instruction input through the GUI displayed on the information display device 300. It also has a function to do.

  The position identification signal transmission unit 202 is a device that is arranged in each room and transmits a position identification signal that identifies the room. In addition, if the communication range of the position identification signal transmission unit 202 is wide, it is not possible to accurately specify the living room position where the portable device 100 exists. Therefore, it is necessary that the transmission distance of the position identification signal by the position identification signal transmission unit 202 is short or the transmission range is limited, and it is necessary to receive position identification signals of different modulation patterns in different rooms. For this reason, for example, a visible light signal is used for transmitting the position identification signal. When a visible light signal is used, for example, an LED lighting device that can set a modulation pattern of illumination light for each room is used.

  The energy measuring device 203 is a device that measures, for example, the amount of power supplied through power wiring, the amount of gas supplied through a gas pipe, the amount of hot water supplied from a water heater, and the like. The apparatus is also used in existing HEMS.

The sensing device 204 is composed of various sensors provided in the house or outdoors. The sensing device 204 includes, for example, an outdoor temperature sensor, an outdoor humidity sensor, an indoor temperature sensor, an indoor humidity sensor, an indoor air quality sensor, an outdoor air quality sensor, an indoor human sensor, an indoor CO ₂ sensor, a fire detection sensor, and a gas leak detection sensor. Etc. However, it is not necessary to provide all the sensors described above.

  The window opening / closing device 205 is a driving device for automatically opening / closing a window, and its operation can be controlled by the home server 201. The ventilation opening / closing / air volume control device 206 is an apparatus for automatically adjusting the air volume to be ventilated through opening / closing and angle adjustment of an air volume adjusting plate attached to a ventilation opening or a duct. It can be controlled by. The air conditioner 207 is a device that can automatically adjust the temperature and humidity in the installed room to target values, and its operation can be controlled by the home server 201. The floor heating control unit 208 is a unit that controls a gas type or electric type floor heating system, and its operation can be controlled by the home server 201. The mist sauna control unit 209 is a unit that controls a mist sauna installed in a bathroom, and its operation can be controlled by the home server 201.

(Configuration of Information Display Device 300)
The information display device 300 displays various information notified from the portable device 100 (for example, temperature and humidity around the device, subjective information input through the subjective input switch 106, etc.) and various information collected by the home server 201. It is a device that displays (for example, gas, hot water, electricity usage, power saving target achievement level, etc.). The information display device 300 is assumed to be, for example, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a personal computer, and the like, and all can communicate with the in-home server 201. Further, the information display device 300 is used not only for displaying received information but also for inputting instructions for operation / control to devices constituting the home system 200 and displaying advice for energy saving / power saving.

(Configuration of CEMS400)
The CEMS 400 is a system that integrates and manages energy demand and supply in units of regions, and realizes power saving and the like of the entire region through cooperation with the HEMS.

(Configuration example 2)
The HEMS shown in FIG. 2 is different from the HEMS shown in FIG. 1 in that the identification processing of the living room position where the portable device 100 exists is executed in the home server 201. For this reason, in the HEMS illustrated in FIG. 2, the position specifying unit 210 is provided in the home server 201. In the case of this configuration example, the arithmetic device 101 of the portable device 100 notifies (transfers) the received position identification signal (modulation pattern) to the position specifying unit 210 of the home server 201 as it is. In the case of the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 2, the position specifying unit 210 checks the correspondence table in which the position identification signal (modulation pattern) is associated with the room or the specific range of the room based on the notified position identification signal. The position where the portable device 100 exists is specified.

(Configuration example 3)
In the HEMS shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the position identification signal transmission unit 202 is arranged on the in-home system 200 side, and the portable device 100 receives the position identification signal. However, in the HEMS shown in FIG. The position confirmation signal transmission unit 113 that transmits the position confirmation signal is provided in the portable device 100, and the position confirmation signal reception unit 211 that receives the position confirmation signal is disposed on the in-home system 200 side. The position confirmation signal is a signal used for specifying the position of the portable device 100.

  The position confirmation signal transmission unit 113 may operate by receiving power supply from the power supply unit 103 built in the portable device 100, or may operate by extracting power from the electromagnetic wave received from the position confirmation signal reception unit 211. good. In addition, if the communication range of the position confirmation signal transmission unit 113 is wide and received in a plurality of rooms, the room position where the portable device 100 exists cannot be accurately specified. Therefore, the transmission distance of the position confirmation signal by the position confirmation signal transmitter 113 is short or the transmission range is limited, and it is necessary that the position confirmation signal is not received simultaneously in a plurality of rooms.

  The position confirmation signal receiving unit 211 is arranged in each room. Note that the position confirmation signal receiving unit 211 does not need to be installed in each room as a dedicated device, and is built in equipment / equipment installed in the room (for example, the air conditioner 207, the floor heating control unit 208, etc.). Also good. The position confirmation signal receiving unit 211 notifies the home server 201 of the detection of the position confirmation signal. At the time of this notification, the location confirmation signal receiving unit 211 also notifies the location specifying unit 212 of the in-home server 201 of information for identifying the own device.

  The position identifying unit 212 collates the position confirmation signal receiving unit 211 that has received the position confirmation signal or the identification information of the device / equipment with a correspondence table (a correspondence table in which the device / equipment and the room are associated), and the portable device 100 Identify an existing room.

(Processing when positioning)
Here, the position specifying process of the portable device 100 executed in the HEMS having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. The position specifying process of the portable device 100 is executed by the position specifying unit constantly or periodically. 4 is a processing procedure executed in the HEMS shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is a processing procedure executed in the HEMS shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 6 is a processing executed in the HEMS shown in FIG. It is a procedure.

  In any case of FIGS. 4 to 6, the stuffed toy portable device 100 (with the portable device 100 housed inside the stuffed toy; hereinafter also referred to as “stuffed toy terminal”) is a living room. It is assumed that it will be brought into the factory. The reason why the stuffed toy terminal is illustrated is that it is expected that the surrounding environment and location can be measured and detected more accurately without giving a psychological burden to the child.

  Of course, the location specifying process for the resident is not limited to the example. For example, the resident carrying the portable device 100 is not limited to a child, but may be a pet such as a dog or a cat. Moreover, it is not necessary to be a stuffed toy terminal, and the portable device 100 may be mounted on other toys, accessories, pet supplies, and the like. Further, the process of specifying the living room in which the portable device 100 exists (position specifying process) may be executed not only when the portable device 100 moves in the living room but also periodically regardless of whether the portable device 100 moves. However, it may be appropriately executed in response to a request from a resident or a request from the home server 201.

  First, the case of FIG. 4 will be described. The processing procedure illustrated in FIG. 4 assumes that the position identification signal transmission unit 202 is built in a lighting device such as a ceiling light or a table lamp. For example, the case where LED is used as a light source is assumed. When visible light (illumination light) is used as the transmission medium for the position identification signal, the frequency of the modulation signal is set to a frequency at which a person does not feel flicker. In addition, a human sensor is mounted on the position identification signal transmission unit 202, and a position detection signal is transmitted when the human sensor detects a person entering the room (when visible light is used as a transmission medium for the position identification signal). It may be a mechanism that turns on the lighting).

  The position identification signal receiving unit 108 (for example, an image sensor) mounted on the stuffed toy terminal receives the position identification signal transmitted in this way (step S101). In FIG. 4, since the position identification signal is illumination light, the position identification signal receiver 108 needs to be in a state where it can detect the illumination light (for example, exposed on the surface of the stuffed toy terminal). The position identification signal receiving unit 108 gives the modulation pattern of the received illumination light to the arithmetic device 101.

  The arithmetic unit 101 collates the modulation pattern of the received illumination light with a correspondence table (correspondence table in which the modulation pattern and the room are associated with each other), and identifies the room where the device exists (step S102).

  Thereafter, the arithmetic unit 101 transmits the information on the specified room (location information) to the in-home server 201 through the communication unit 104 (step S103). Based on the notification of the room information (position information), the in-home server 201 can execute various processes limited to the specified room. Details of the processing operation will be described later.

  Next, the case of FIG. 5 will be described. The processing procedure shown in FIG. 5 also assumes a case where the position identification signal transmission unit 202 is built in a lighting device such as a ceiling light or a table lamp. Therefore, the position identification signal receiving unit 108 mounted on the stuffed toy terminal receives illumination light modulated with a modulation pattern unique to the room as a position identification signal (step S201). The position identification signal receiving unit 108 gives the modulation pattern of the received illumination light to the arithmetic device 101. In the case of FIG. 5, the arithmetic unit 101 transmits the modulation pattern of the received illumination light or the identification information thereof to the home server 201 through the communication unit 104 (step S202).

  The location specifying unit 210 of the in-home server 201 collates the modulation pattern of illumination light received from the stuffed toy terminal or its identification information with a correspondence table (correspondence table in which the modulation pattern or the like is associated with the room), and is a stuffed toy type. The room where the terminal exists is specified (step S203).

  Finally, the case of FIG. 6 will be described. In the processing procedure shown in FIG. 6, the position confirmation signal transmission unit 113 is built in the stuffed toy terminal, and the parent or caregiver brings the stuffed toy terminal into the room of the infant or the person receiving care. However, the child may bring it into the room.

  The position confirmation signal transmission unit 113 of the stuffed toy terminal transmits a position confirmation signal to the air conditioner 207, the floor heating control unit 208, etc. installed in the living room (step S301). Here, the position confirmation signal may be transmitted constantly or periodically.

  The position confirmation signal is received by a position confirmation signal receiving unit 211 built in the air conditioner 207 or the floor heating control unit 208. The air conditioner 207, floor heating control unit 208, or the like that has received the position confirmation signal sends a signal indicating the reception of the position confirmation signal (a detection signal indicating the presence or entry of the portable device 100) to the position confirmation signal receiving unit 211 or the equipment / equipment. Is transmitted to the position specifying unit 212 of the in-home server 201 (step S302).

  The position specifying unit 212 compares the identification information of the devices / equipment (including the position confirmation signal receiving unit 211) notifying the reception of the position confirmation signal with the correspondence table (the correspondence table in which the device / equipment is associated with the room). The living room where the stuffed toy terminal exists is specified (step S303).

(Processing operation according to usage mode)
Below, the main example of an aspect is demonstrated among the various use aspects which can be implement | achieved using the structural example (FIGS. 1-3) of HEMS which concerns on an Example. In addition, the use aspect mentioned later is an example. Therefore, the processing operations shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 are also examples, and it is not necessary to execute all of them, only a part of them is executed, or processing operations combined with the processing operations shown in other drawings are executed. Also good. In addition to the processing shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, appropriate processing operations necessary for realizing processing functions to be described later are also executed as appropriate. In addition, although description is abbreviate | omitted in the below-mentioned usage example, suppose that the specific process of the position of the stuffed toy terminal mentioned above has already been performed.

(Usage example 1)
FIG. 7 shows an example of processing operation executed in the case of usage mode example 1. Here, it is assumed that a child plays with a stuffed toy terminal, carries it, and sleeps together. In this case, the sensor in the stuffed toy terminal always or sequentially measures the surrounding environmental information (step S401). The measured environmental information depends on the sensor mounted on the stuffed toy terminal. For example, the body temperature of the child, the humidity of the air around the child, the quality of the air around the child, playing with a stuffed toy terminal (in the room), the amount of activity of the child, etc. are measured. Since the measured value here can be measured near the child rather than the sensor installed on the wall or ceiling in the house, there is a high probability that it accurately reflects the surrounding environment of the child.

  The environmental information measured by the built-in sensor is recorded in the memory 102 in the stuffed toy terminal (step S402). The computing device 101 in the stuffed toy terminal processes the environmental information individually collected from each sensor to obtain terminal measurement information (step S403). The computing device 101 in the stuffed toy terminal transmits terminal measurement information to the home server 201, and the home server 201 receives the terminal measurement information (steps S404 and S405).

  In general HEMS, environmental information and the like are collected from sensors and devices fixed to walls and ceilings. In this embodiment, the terminal measurement information collected from the stuffed toy terminal is linked. The attached room location changes at the time of measurement. This is the difference from the conventional HEMS.

  The home server 201 feedback-controls the air conditioner or the like in the room where the stuffed toy terminal is present according to a preset mode (step S406). The feedback control here includes, for example, priority application of a preset temperature set for a room where a stuffed toy terminal is present, release from a control target by a power-saving request from CEMS, and the like. By incorporating the portable device 100 in the “stuffed toy” that the child carries on a daily basis as in this example of use, even if the child moves in the room, the comfort in the room where the child is located can be maintained. it can. The exclusion setting / exclusion cancellation from the automatic control function according to the power saving request from the CEMS can be set through the information display device 300 or the information display device of the home system 200.

  The in-home server 201 executes processing for transmitting the received terminal measurement information to the tablet terminal (step S407). At this time, it is desirable that information specifying the room where the child is located (the room where the stuffed toy terminal exists) is also transmitted to the tablet terminal. In this case, the parent can check the room where the child is located on the screen of the tablet terminal together with the contents of the terminal measurement information (the child's home, the child's activity status, body temperature, temperature, humidity, etc.) (step S408). In addition, if it is determined that the current living room environment is not appropriate or comfortable for the child, the parent operates the tablet terminal to set information on the air conditioner in the living room where the child is located (setting temperature, humidity, ventilation volume, etc.) ) Can also be entered.

  This setting information is transmitted from the tablet terminal to the home server 201 (step S409). On the other hand, the home server 201 that has received the setting information from the tablet terminal controls the target device based on the received setting information (step S410).

(Usage example 2)
FIG. 8 shows an example of processing operations executed in the case of usage mode example 2. In FIG. 8, parts corresponding to those in FIG. Usage example 2 mainly expresses the simple communication of the environment of the living room where the stuffed toy terminal exists to children and parents. For this reason, like the usage example 1, the feedback control by the home server 201 and the input of setting information through the tablet terminal are omitted.

  The processing operation characteristic of the usage mode example 2 is a function in which the computing device 101 in the stuffed toy terminal controls the actuator in the stuffed toy terminal based on the measured environment information to change the expression of the stuffed toy ( Step S501). Note that conditions (for example, temperature, humidity, body temperature, and their combined conditions) for the computing device 101 to determine whether the measured environment information is comfortable for children are registered in advance in the memory 102 or the like. Has been.

  For example, when the temperature or humidity measured by a temperature or humidity sensor exceeds a preset numerical range, the arithmetic unit 101 determines that the living room environment has changed. In this case, the arithmetic unit 101 changes the stuffed toy expression to a painful expression or a crying face. If the stuffed toy looks painful, it can be understood by the child and communicated to the parents. In addition, parents can be aware of changes in the environment that cannot be understood by adults from the look of stuffed animals. In addition, it is desirable that the comfort display by the facial expression can be confirmed on the screen of the tablet terminal. In addition, for example, when the measured environment information indicates a comfortable environment, the arithmetic unit 101 may change the stuffed toy expression to a smile.

  Furthermore, when a speaker is mounted on the stuffed toy terminal, comfort can be notified by voice. For example, whether or not the current environmental temperature is comfortable for the child may be expressed by crying or laughing.

(Usage example 3)
FIG. 9 shows an example of processing operation executed in the case of usage mode example 3. Here, it is assumed that the child himself / herself presses the subjective input switch 106 of the stuffed toy terminal and inputs whether or not the current environment is comfortable. For example, assume a child who is sleeping due to illness.

  When the child presses the subjective input switch 106 of the stuffed toy terminal, the arithmetic unit 101 records operation information in the memory 102 (step S601). Thereafter, the arithmetic unit 101 transmits the operation information of the subjective input switch 106 to the in-home server 201, and the in-home server 201 receives the operation information (steps S602 and S603).

  In the case of this usage mode, the home server 201 feedback-controls the air conditioner in the room where the stuffed toy terminal exists based on the operation information of the subjective input switch 106 (step S604). When the operation information of the subjective input switch 106 indicates that the current environment is uncomfortable, for example, the in-home server 201 is set in a predetermined mode so that the living room environment where the stuffed toy terminal is present becomes a more comfortable environment. Execute feedback control according to Further, when the operation information of the subjective input switch 106 indicates that the current environment is comfortable, for example, the home server 201 consumes power while maintaining the environment of the living room where the stuffed toy terminal is present in order to respond to the power saving request. Execute feedback control that reduces For example, feedback control is performed so as to positively take in outside air by controlling opening and closing of windows and vents and maintain the comfort of the indoor environment.

  In addition, the home server 201 executes processing for transmitting the received operation information to the tablet terminal (step S605). The tablet terminal displays the received operation information (step S606). By this display, the parent can confirm the indoor environment that the child feels. At this time, it is desirable that information specifying the room where the child is present (the room where the stuffed toy terminal exists) is also transmitted to the tablet terminal.

  If the child feels uncomfortable with the current room environment, the parent must operate the tablet device and enter the setting information (setting temperature, humidity, ventilation, etc.) for the air conditioner in the room where the child is. You can also.

  When the setting information is received from the tablet terminal, the setting information is transmitted from the tablet terminal to the home server 201 (step S607). On the other hand, the home server 201 controls the corresponding device based on the received setting information (step S608).

(Usage example 4)
FIG. 10 shows an example in which usage mode example 1 is combined with another usage mode example. Also in FIG. 10, the same reference numerals are given to the portions corresponding to FIG. 7. In this example, it is assumed that information input to the home server 201 is a stuffed toy terminal, a sensing device 204 of the home system, and the CEMS 400.

  Among these, the process (steps S401 to S404) until the environmental measurement information is transmitted from the stuffed toy terminal 201 to the home server 201 is the same as in the usage example 1. In the case of FIG. 10, the outside air temperature sensor which is one of the sensing devices 204 transmits the measured outside air temperature information to the home server 201 (step S701). Not only the outside air temperature information but also measurement information of other sensing devices installed outdoors and measurement information of other sensing devices installed indoors may be transmitted. Also, the CEMS 400 transmits a power saving request to the home server 201 (step S702). Accordingly, the in-home server 201 receives environment measurement information from the stuffed toy terminal, outside air temperature information from the in-home system 200, and a power saving request from the CEMS 400 (step S703).

  In the case of FIG. 10, the home server 201 comprehensively determines these pieces of information, and calculates the difference between the appropriate environment around the stuffed toy terminal and the current value (step S704). For example, the in-home server 201 maintains the comfort of a room with a stuffed toy terminal, and in addition to feedback control to reduce the power consumption of the air conditioner in the room with the stuffed toy terminal in order to respond to a power saving request, the opening / closing and ventilation of the window Feedback control including opening and closing of the mouth is executed (step S705). For example, when there is a request for power saving in the summer, and the outside air temperature is lower than the room temperature, both power saving and comfort are taken into account, including the intake of outside air.

  In FIG. 10, a comprehensive countermeasure method including the intake of the outside air is transmitted to the tablet terminal as a proposal (step S706). The parent confirms the proposed information on the screen of the tablet terminal (step S707). When a parent accepts a proposal or controls an air conditioner or the like with reference to the proposal, the parent sets setting information for each device in the tablet terminal. When setting information is input to the tablet terminal, the setting information is transmitted from the tablet terminal to the home server 201 (step S708). On the other hand, the home server 201 controls the corresponding device based on the received setting information (step S709).

(Other usage examples)
Stuffed toys are more likely to be placed by children at all times. Therefore, in some usage modes, the points given based on incentive provision rules in the home using actuators (for stuffed facial expressions and limb movements), display devices, speakers, etc. mounted on stuffed toys Can also be notified to children. As a premise of this function, the in-home server 201 needs to have a function of giving points to a child who uses the stuffed toy terminal and a function of counting the given points. These functions can be realized by applying the functions adopted in the existing HEMS. Note that a new function is added to the home server 201 to notify the stuffed toy terminal of the counting result and the like. Examples of incentive provision rules include, for example, a rule that gives points when the forgetting to turn off the lighting or heating of a child's room is within the target time, and points are given when helping with garbage disposal or bath cleaning. Rules can be considered.

  In addition to the points granted based on the incentive grant rules, actuators mounted on the stuffed toy terminal (for facial expressions and limb movements) according to the power consumption measurement results and / or the power saving target achievement level, You may control a display apparatus, a speaker, etc. Note that the home server 201 knows the power consumption measurement result and / or the power saving target achievement level. In this case, the home server 201 transmits a control signal to the stuffed toy terminal.

  In the above-described usage example, feedback control is performed on an air conditioner or the like attached to the room where the stuffed toy terminal exists based on the terminal measurement information received from the stuffed toy terminal. Alternatively, a feedback control may be executed only when the presence of a person or pet is confirmed by an infrared sensor or an acceleration sensor.

  In addition, although not specified in the above-described usage example, the terminal measurement information notified to the tablet terminal by the home server 201 includes the air environment measured by the air quality sensor built in the stuffed toy terminal. Also good. Further, the in-home server 201 may perform feedback control of the air conditioning equipment / equipment in the room where the stuffed toy terminal exists based on the air environment measured by the air quality sensor built in the stuffed toy terminal.

  In the above description, the presence of the user of the stuffed toy terminal is detected by the infrared sensor. However, the user of the stuffed toy terminal is based on one or more of the output from the acceleration sensor, the activity sensor, and the thermometer. Or the presence of a pet may be determined. Moreover, you may determine the physical condition of a user or a pet based on these sensor outputs. Of course, based on these determination results, the air-conditioning equipment corresponding to the living room where the stuffed toy terminal exists may be feedback-controlled, or the information may be notified to the tablet terminal.

(Summary)
If the HEMS is constructed using the portable device 100 described above, the following usage and advantages can be expected.

  Environmental information (temperature, humidity, etc.) around the resident can be easily measured without incurring costs. In addition, the resident's subjectivity can be easily fed back to the home server 201. In addition, through these functions, it is possible to provide a monitoring service for residents and to be aware of the living environment.

  In addition, since the subjective information input to the portable device 100 can be transmitted to the information display device 300 through the in-home server 201, the subjectivity about the comfort felt by the person using the portable device 100 can be changed to other residences. Can be informed. In this case, the resident who has received the notification can determine whether the user can respond to the power saving while maintaining the comfort after confirming the current comfort. As a result, satisfaction and achievement of power saving behavior can be enhanced.

  Moreover, if an active mass sensor and a thermometer are mounted on the portable device 100, the health of the child can be constantly measured and recorded. Moreover, since the health of the child can be confirmed in real time, a sense of security can be given to the parents.

  Moreover, in HEMS which concerns on a present Example, not only the temperature of the living room with the portable apparatus 100 but the state of external air can also be known simultaneously. In this case, it can be seen that the temperature can be lowered by taking in outside air without cooling the room. In this case, it is possible to reduce power consumption by eliminating cooling waste.

  In addition, in the HEMS according to the present embodiment, as long as the resident moves with the portable device 100, the location of the staying room can be specified. Therefore, even when the CEMS requests a power saving, only the living room where the portable device 100 exists. Can be excluded from the target of automatic temperature control by power saving request. For example, when it is necessary to maintain the air-conditioning state, such as a room where children, pets, sick persons, elderly people, etc. are present, simply placing the portable device 100 in the corresponding room, Safety can be maintained.

  Further, in the HEMS according to the present embodiment, since the resident's subjectivity and the resident's more accurate environment can be grasped, the user-centered HEMS is provided in contrast to the conventional energy-input / output-centered HEMS. Can do.

  Moreover, in HEMS which concerns on a present Example, living environment information and the target achievement level with respect to power saving can be conveyed through the change of the design of a toy, etc. For this reason, it is also possible to give children awareness of living environment information and the degree of achievement of power saving goals.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Portable apparatus 101 ... Arithmetic apparatus 102 ... Memory 103 ... Power feeding part 104 ... Communication unit 105 ... Target setting switch 106 ... Subjective input switch 107 ... Sensing device 108 ... Position identification signal receiving part 109 ... Display apparatus 110 ... Actuator 111 ... Speaker 112 ... Microphone 113 ... Position confirmation signal transmission unit 200 ... Home system 201 ... Home server 202 ... Position identification signal transmission unit 203 ... Energy measurement device 204 ... Sensing device 205 ... Window opening / closing device 206 ... Ventilation opening / closing / air volume control device 207 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Air conditioner 208 ... Floor heating control unit 209 ... Mist sauna control unit 210 ... Position specifying part 211 ... Position confirmation signal receiving part 212 ... Position specifying part 300 ... Information display device 400 ... CEMS

Claims (16)

An information processing device that monitors power consumption in the home and controls power on / off and / or controls the operating state of the target device, and an information display device that displays information notified from the information processing device In a home energy management system with
A temperature or humidity sensor, a communication unit, a memory, a computing device, a portable device that houses a power supply unit, and
A position specifying unit for specifying a living room where the portable device exists,
The information processing device feedback-controls the operating state of air-conditioning equipment / facility related to a living room where the portable device is present based on temperature or humidity information acquired from the portable device.・ Management system. The home energy management system according to claim 1,
The information processing apparatus notifies the information display apparatus of information collected from the portable apparatus. A home energy management system, wherein: The home energy management system according to claim 1,
The location specifying unit is mounted on the portable device, acquires location information from a device installed or arranged in a living room, and notifies the information processing device of the location information. The home energy management system according to claim 1,
The position specifying unit is mounted on the information processing apparatus, and specifies the position of the portable device based on a correspondence relationship between a device that has established communication with the portable device and position information. Home energy management system. The home energy management system according to claim 1,
The information processing apparatus has a function of excluding air-conditioning equipment / equipment related to a living room where the portable device exists from a control target for a power saving request from an external system. The home energy management system according to claim 1,
The portable device further comprises an infrared sensor for detecting the presence of a person or pet,
The information processing apparatus executes the feedback control only when the presence of a person or a pet can be confirmed based on an output signal of the infrared sensor. The home energy management system according to claim 1,
The portable device further includes an air quality sensor,
The information processing device receives a sensor output of the air quality sensor from the portable device, determines an indoor air environment where the portable device is present based on the sensor output, and displays a determination result as the information display device And / or feedback control of the air conditioning equipment / equipment based on the determination result. The home energy management system according to claim 1,
The portable device further includes at least one of a vibration sensor, an activity amount sensor, and a thermometer,
The information processing device determines occupancy and / or physical condition information of a user of the portable device based on sensor outputs from the vibration sensor, activity sensor, and body temperature sensor, and notifies the information display device of the information. A home energy management system characterized by The home energy management system according to claim 1,
The information processing device compares the sensor output from an outside air temperature sensor and the sensor output from the portable device to determine whether the intake of outside air into the room contributes to power saving, and the determination result is the information. A home energy management system characterized by notifying a display device and / or feedback-controlling the air conditioner / facility based on a determination result. The home energy management system according to claim 1,
The portable device has a subjective input switch for an indoor environment,
The information processing device receives a state signal of the subjective input switch from the portable device, and notifies the display terminal of a user's operation content for the subjective input switch based on the state signal, and / or A home energy management system characterized by feedback control of air conditioning equipment / equipment according to the operation content of the subjective input switch. The home energy management system according to claim 1,
The portable device has any one of a display unit, a speaker, a facial expression / motion actuator, or a combination thereof,
When the temperature or humidity measured by the temperature or humidity sensor exceeds a preset numerical range, the arithmetic device detects a change in the living room environment by any one or more of the display unit, the speaker, and the facial expression actuator. And / or notifying the information display device through the information processing device. The home energy management system according to claim 1,
The portable device has any one of a display unit, a speaker, a facial expression / motion actuator, or a combination thereof,
The information processing apparatus is configured to display at least display content of the display unit mounted on the portable device, output of the speaker, and operation of the facial expression / motion actuator according to a power consumption measurement result and / or a power saving target achievement level. A home energy management system characterized by controlling either. The home energy management system according to claim 1,
The information processing device has a function of assigning points to an individual associated with the portable device based on an incentive provision rule, and a function of summing up the given points, and based on the summation result, A home energy management system that controls at least one of display contents of the display unit mounted on a portable device, output of the speaker, and operation of the facial expression / motion actuator. The home energy management system according to claim 1,
The portable energy management system is a stuffed animal or a robot. The home energy management system according to claim 1,
The portable energy management system, wherein the portable device is an accessory. The home energy management system according to claim 1,
The portable energy management system is a pet product.

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