JP2015033034A - Communication system, server device, control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication system capable of transmitting a control command earlier than a conventional one while using communication processing by use of polling.SOLUTION: A controller 200 inquires of a server device 100 at designated timing whether or not a control command for controlling a control object device exists in the server device 100. That is, the controller 200 performs polling. The server device 100 receives the control command from a smart phone 500. The server device 100 transmits the control command to the controller 200 in response to the polling. If the control command has been received, the server device 100 transmits a polling request command to have the controller 200 perform polling to the controller 200 in order to transmit the control command to the controller 200. The controller 200 performs polling earlier than the designated timing on the basis of the reception of the polling request command.

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication system, a server device, a control method, and a program. In particular, the present invention relates to a communication system for controlling a controlled device such as a home appliance, a server device constituting the communication system, a control method for the communication device, a control method for the server device, and a program for controlling the server device.

  Conventionally, a remote control system that transmits a control command received from a user terminal to a household electric appliance based on a polling signal received from the household electric appliance is known.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration including a control information storage unit, a determination unit, and an allocation unit as the remote control system. The determination means refers to the control information storage means in response to receiving the polling signal including the device identification information and the initial polling interval in the first time slot from the information home appliance, and determines predetermined control information. It is determined whether or not control information for the information home appliance has been received within the presence / absence determination time. In addition, when the control information is received, the allocating unit follows the second time slot after the first time slot by a time obtained by shortening the initial polling interval by a predetermined time length. Is assigned to the information home appliance as a time slot for sending a polling signal.

JP 2011-166626 A JP 2009-110300 A

  However, in the communication processing using polling, real-time remote control cannot be performed. That is, it takes time until the control command is executed. In addition, although it has been technically possible to transmit a control command using an always-connected communication method, communication is frequently disconnected in the always-connected communication method. In this case, it is difficult to say that the control command can be transmitted reliably.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a communication system and a communication system capable of transmitting a control command earlier than before while using communication processing using polling. The present invention provides a server device, a control method in a communication device, a control method in a server device, and a program for controlling the server device.

  According to an aspect of the present invention, a communication system includes a server device and a control device that controls a controlled device. The control device inquires of the server device at a designated timing whether or not the first command for controlling the controlled device exists in the server device. The server device includes a receiving unit that receives the first command from the electronic device, and a transmission unit that transmits the first command to the control device in response to the inquiry. When the first command is received by the receiving unit, the transmission unit transmits a second command for causing the control device to execute an inquiry to the control device in order to transmit the first command to the control device. The control device makes an inquiry at a timing earlier than the designated timing based on the reception of the second command.

  Preferably, the transmission means transmits the second command to the control device by data communication based on a constant connection with the control device.

  Preferably, when the first command is a first type command, the transmission means transmits the second command once to the control device. The transmitting means transmits the second command to the control device a plurality of times when the first command is a second type command.

  Preferably, the transmission means transmits the second command to the control device twice when the first command is of the second type. The transmission means transmits the second command for the second time to the control device after the transmission of the first command in response to the inquiry based on the second command for the first time is completed.

Preferably, the inquiry timing is specified by the server device.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the server device communicates with an electronic device and a control device that controls the controlled device. Whether the first command for controlling the controlled device exists in the server device is inquired from the control device to the server device at a designated timing. The server device includes a receiving unit that receives the first command from the electronic device, and a transmission unit that transmits the first command to the control device in response to the inquiry. When the first command is received by the receiving unit, the transmission unit transmits a second command for causing the control device to execute an inquiry to the control device in order to transmit the first command to the control device.

  When the further another situation of this invention is followed, the control method is performed in a communication system provided with the server apparatus and the control apparatus which controls a to-be-controlled device. In the control method, the control device inquires of the server device at a designated timing whether or not the first command for controlling the controlled device exists in the server device, and the server device A step of receiving a command from the electronic device; and a second command for causing the control device to execute an inquiry in order for the server device to transmit the first command to the control device when the first command is received. A step of transmitting to the device, and a step of making an inquiry at a timing earlier than the designated timing based on the reception of the second command by the control device.

  If the further another situation of this invention is followed, the control method is performed in the server apparatus which communicates with an electronic device and the control apparatus which controls a to-be-controlled device. Whether the first command for controlling the controlled device exists in the server device is inquired from the control device to the server device at a designated timing. The control method includes a step of receiving a first command from the electronic device, and a second method of causing the control device to execute an inquiry in order to transmit the first command to the control device when the first command is received. Transmitting a command to the control device.

  When the further another situation of this invention is followed, a program controls the server apparatus which communicates with an electronic device and the control apparatus which controls a to-be-controlled apparatus. Whether the first command for controlling the controlled device exists in the server device is inquired from the control device to the server device at a designated timing. The program includes a step of receiving a first command from the electronic device, and a second command for causing the control device to execute an inquiry in order to transmit the first command to the control device when the first command is received. Is transmitted to the control device by the processor of the server device.

  According to the present invention, a control command can be transmitted earlier than in the past while using communication processing using polling.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a communication system 1. FIG. 3 is a sequence chart for explaining an overview of processing in the communication system 1; 2 is a diagram illustrating a typical example of a hardware configuration of a server apparatus 100. 2 is a diagram illustrating a typical example of a hardware configuration of a controller 200. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the detail of the communication process G1 shown in FIG. It is a sequence chart for demonstrating a state update process. It is a sequence chart for demonstrating apparatus control processing. It is a sequence chart for demonstrating the communication process G1 between the server apparatus 100 and the controller 200, and an example of the communication between the controller 200 and the air conditioner 401 based on the said communication process G1. It is a sequence chart for demonstrating the other communication process G1 'between the server apparatus 100 and the controller 200, and the communication process between the controller 200 and the air conditioner 401 based on the said communication process G1'. 10 is a sequence chart for explaining details of an example of a communication process G1 ′ in FIG. 9. It is a sequence chart for demonstrating the detail of an example of the communication process G1 in FIG. It is a sequence chart for demonstrating the detail of the other example of the communication process G1 in FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining details of a first determination process in FIGS. 10 to 12; 13 is a flowchart for explaining details of a second determination process in FIGS. 3 is a diagram for describing a functional configuration of a server apparatus 100. FIG. It is a figure showing schematic structure of communication system 1A. 3 is a diagram illustrating a typical example of a hardware configuration of a controller 300. FIG. It is a figure showing the schematic structure of the communication system 1B.

The communication system according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same members. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.
[Embodiment 1]
<A. System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a communication system 1 according to the present embodiment. With reference to FIG. 1, the communication system 1 includes a server device 100, a controller 200, a household electric appliance group 400, a smartphone 500 as a terminal device, and a router 600. The household appliance group 400 includes an air conditioner 401, a lighting device 402, and a television 403 as a plurality of household appliances (controlled devices). Note that the air conditioner 401, the lighting device 402, and the television 403 are examples of controlled devices, and are not limited thereto.

  The router 600, the controller 200, and the home appliances 401 to 403 are installed in the house. Server apparatus 100 is installed outside the house. In the present embodiment, description will be given assuming that smartphone 500 is possessed by a user outside the home.

  Smartphone 500 is connected to server device 100 so as to be communicable. The server device 100 is connected to the controller 200 via the router 600 so as to be communicable. The controller 200 is communicably connected to the server device 100 and each household appliance 401-403.

  The server apparatus 100 communicates with the controller 200 via the router 600 by selectively using bidirectional communication using polling and bidirectional communication using always-on connection. In the communication system 1, bidirectional communication can be performed without performing polling by using always-on connection. Below, the example which uses a web socket (Web Socket) as a communication system using constant connection is demonstrated.

  For example, in each of bidirectional communication using polling and bidirectional communication using a web socket, the server apparatus 100 is connected to the controller 200 based on a communication specification using a markup language such as XML (Extensible Markup Language). connect. Note that the server device 100 may communicate with the controller 200 based on communication specifications using non-markup words such as JSON (JavaScript (registered trademark) Object Notation). The format of data used for communication is not particularly limited.

  In the two-way communication method using polling, the controller 200 inquires of the server device 100 at a designated timing (that is, polling) as to whether or not there is a control command for controlling household appliances. The control command is received based on the inquiry.

  In the following, the default value of the inquiry timing is designated (determined) in advance in the controller 200, and a command is sent to the controller 200 so that the server apparatus 100 makes an inquiry at a timing other than the default value as necessary. The configuration to be described will be described as an example. Specifically, a time interval for polling transmission is defined in the controller 200, and the server apparatus 100 executes polling by communication using a web socket in order to execute polling at a timing other than the default value. A configuration for transmitting a command (polling request command) to the controller 200 will be described as an example. A trigger or the like for transmitting the polling request command will be described later.

  In addition, the timing of the next inquiry may be designated every time by the server apparatus 100, including the case where polling is performed by transmitting a polling request command. That is, the polling timing may be designated by the server device 100 each time. The inquiry timing can be specified by, for example, a time interval or a time.

  In the following, for the sake of simplification of description, the controller 200 uses a server at a predetermined time interval as an example of designated timing except when polling is performed by transmitting a polling request command. The description will be made assuming that the device 100 is polled. In other words, in practice, the polling time interval includes a certain range of random elements, and thus is not accurately determined in advance. For example, in a configuration in which the timing of the next inquiry is specified every time by the server device 100, the time specified by the server device 100 is not a fixed value such as an interval of 15 minutes, but a load on the server device 100. Taking this into account, the value takes into account a random factor such as around 15 minutes. Further, as described above, even if the default value of the inquiry timing is specified in advance in the controller 200, random elements are considered. However, in the following description, in order to simplify the description and facilitate understanding, the description will be given without considering the random element.

  The controller 200 communicates with the home appliances 401 to 403 using a communication protocol including a control protocol for a smart house and a sensor net protocol. The controller 200 communicates with each household electric appliance 401-403 by ECHONET Lite (trademark), for example. However, the communication between the controller 200 and the household electric appliances 401 to 403 may be realized not by a general-purpose communication protocol like ECHONET Lite but by an original communication protocol. Note that the controller 200 is a home server to give a specific example.

  In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that each of the household electric appliances 401 to 403 has a function that enables communication using ECHONET Lite. If the home appliance does not have a function that enables communication using ECHONET Lite, an adapter for realizing the function may be connected to the home appliance so as to be communicable.

  The smartphone 500 receives an input of a control command for controlling each of the household appliances 401 to 403 based on a user operation. Smartphone 500 transmits the received control command to server device 100.

  When the server apparatus 100 receives a control command from the smartphone 500, the server apparatus 100 transmits the control command to the controller 200 as a response to polling. In this case, based on the received control command, the controller 200 controls one household appliance designated by the control command among the air conditioner 401, the lighting device 402, and the television 403. More specifically, the controller 200 extracts data necessary for ECHONET Lite communication from a control command using a markup language. The controller 200 controls the household appliance by transmitting the extracted data to the household appliance that is a control target.

  More specifically, the server device 100 generates a control command for the controlled device based on the control command received from the smartphone 500, and transmits the generated control command to the controlled device via the controller 200. Therefore, the controller 200 does not need to perform a process of generating a control command, and only needs to extract the data. Therefore, the process in the controller 200 can be simplified.

  In the following description, for convenience of explanation, the description will be given mainly focusing on the aspect of controlling the air conditioner 401 from the smartphone 500. However, the processing described later performed in the communication system 1 is not applied only to the air conditioner 401 but can be applied to various controlled devices such as the lighting device 402 and the television 403.

<B. Outline of processing>
FIG. 2 is a sequence chart for explaining an outline of processing in the communication system 1. Referring to FIG. 2, in sequence SQ2, controller 200 polls (inquires) server apparatus 100.

  Controller 200 polls server apparatus 100 again in sequence SQ4 after time T1 after polling in sequence SQ2 (that is, at a designated timing). Controller 200 polls server apparatus 100 again in sequence SQ6 after time T1 from polling in sequence SQ4. In addition, time T1 is 15 minutes as an example.

  When time T1 has not elapsed since polling was performed in sequence SQ6, server device 100 receives a control command for controlling air conditioner 401 from smartphone 500 (sequence SQ8). In sequence SQ10, the server device 100 is configured to cause the controller 200 to execute polling by always-on communication using a web socket in order to transmit the control command to the controller 200 based on the reception of the control command. A polling request command is transmitted to the controller 200.

  When the server apparatus 100 transmits a polling request command to the controller 200, a series of communication processing G1 including polling transmission is executed in the communication system 1. Specifically, in sequence SQ12, controller 200 polls server device 100. In sequence SQ <b> 14, server device 100 transmits the control command received from smartphone 500 to controller 200 based on accepting the polling.

  As described above, when receiving a control command from the smartphone 500, the server device 100 transmits a polling request command to the controller 200 via the web socket without waiting for the next polling. Further, the server device 100 can transmit a control command to the controller 200 as a response to polling.

  Therefore, in the communication system 1, the control command can be transmitted to the controller 200 and the air conditioner 401 earlier than the case where the polling is performed at the conventional timing while using the communication processing using the polling.

  Moreover, in the communication system 1, since the polling process performed regularly (for example, every 15 minutes) can be diverted, the process of the controller 200 can be simplified compared with the case where the polling process is not diverted. Furthermore, since only the polling request command is transmitted through the web socket, the load of communication processing in the web socket can be reduced as compared with the configuration in which the control command is transmitted using the web socket.

<C. Hardware configuration>
(C1. Server apparatus 100)
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a typical example of the hardware configuration of the server apparatus 100. Referring to FIG. 3, server apparatus 100 includes, as main components, CPU 151 that executes a program, ROM 152 that stores data in a nonvolatile manner, data generated by execution of the program by CPU 151, or an input device (see FIG. 3). RAM 153 for volatile storage of data input via the HDD, 154 for storing data in a nonvolatile manner, LED 155, switch 156, communication IF (Interface) 157, power supply circuit 158, monitor 159 and operation keys 160. Each component is connected to each other by a data bus.

  The power supply circuit 158 is a circuit that steps down the voltage of the commercial power received via the outlet and supplies power to each part of the server device 100. The switch 156 is a main power switch for switching whether or not to supply power to the power circuit 158 and other various push button switches. The monitor 159 is a device for displaying various data.

  The communication IF 157 performs processing for transmitting data to the controller 200 and processing for receiving data transmitted from the controller 200, processing for transmitting data to the smartphone 500, and processing for receiving data transmitted from the smartphone 500.

  The LED 155 is various display lamps that indicate the operating state of the server apparatus 100. For example, the LED 155 represents an on / off state of the main power supply of the server apparatus 100, a read / write state to the HDD 154, and the like. The operation key 160 is a key (keyboard) used for the user of the server apparatus 100 to input data to the server apparatus 100.

  The processing in the server device 100 is realized by each hardware and software executed by the CPU 151. Such software may be stored in the HDD 154 in advance. The software may be stored in other storage media and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a program product that can be downloaded by an information provider connected to the so-called Internet. Such software is read from the storage medium by the reading device or downloaded via the communication IF 157 or the like and then temporarily stored in the HDD 154. The software is read from the HDD 154 by the CPU 151 and stored in the RAM 153 in the form of an executable program. CPU 151 executes the program.

  Each component which comprises the server apparatus 100 shown by the figure is a general thing. Therefore, it can be said that the essential part of the present invention is the RAM 153, the HDD 154, software stored in a storage medium, or software downloadable via a network. Since the operation of each hardware of server device 100 is well known, detailed description will not be repeated.

  The recording medium is not limited to a DVD-RAM, and a fixed program such as a semiconductor memory such as a DVD-ROM, a CD-ROM, an FD, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, a cassette tape, an optical disk, an EEPROM, and a flash ROM is supported. It may be a medium to be used. The recording medium is a non-temporary medium that can be read by the computer. The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU but also a program in a source program format, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

(C2. Controller 200)
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a typical example of the hardware configuration of the controller 200. Referring to FIG. 4, the controller 200 includes, as main components, a CPU 251 that executes a program, a ROM 252 that stores data in a nonvolatile manner, data generated by execution of the program by the CPU 251, or an input device (not shown). RAM 253 for volatile storage of data input via H.), HDD 254 for storing data in a nonvolatile manner, LED 255, switch 256, communication IF (Interface) 257, power supply circuit 258, and monitor 259. And an operation key 260. Each component is connected to each other by a data bus.

  The power supply circuit 258 is a circuit that steps down the voltage of the commercial power received via the outlet and supplies power to each part of the server device 100. The switch 256 is a main power switch for switching whether or not to supply power to the power circuit 258 and other various push button switches. The monitor 259 is a device for displaying various data.

  Communication IF 257 performs processing for transmitting data to server device 100 and each of household appliances 401 to 403, and processing for receiving data transmitted from server device 100 and each of household appliances 401 to 403.

  The LED 255 is various display lamps that indicate the operating state of the server apparatus 100. For example, the LED 255 represents an on or off state of the main power supply of the server apparatus 100, a read or write state to the HDD 254, and the like. The operation key 260 is a key (keyboard) used for the user of the server apparatus 100 to input data to the server apparatus 100.

  The processing in the server device 100 is realized by each hardware and software executed by the CPU 251. Such software may be stored in the HDD 254 in advance. The software may be stored in other storage media and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a program product that can be downloaded by an information provider connected to the so-called Internet. Such software is read from the storage medium by a reading device or downloaded via the communication IF 257 or the like and then temporarily stored in the HDD 254. The software is read from the HDD 254 by the CPU 251 and stored in the RAM 253 in the form of an executable program. The CPU 251 executes the program.

  Each component which comprises the server apparatus 100 shown by the figure is a general thing. Therefore, it can be said that the essential part of the present invention is RAM 253, HDD 254, software stored in a storage medium, or software that can be downloaded via a network. Since the operation of each hardware of server device 100 is well known, detailed description will not be repeated.

  The recording medium is not limited to a DVD-RAM, and a fixed program such as a semiconductor memory such as a DVD-ROM, a CD-ROM, an FD, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, a cassette tape, an optical disk, an EEPROM, and a flash ROM is supported. It may be a medium to be used. The recording medium is a non-temporary medium that can be read by the computer. The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU but also a program in a source program format, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

<D. Details of processing>
(D1. Communication processing G1)
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the details of the communication process G1 shown in FIG. Specifically, FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a series of processes performed by starting polling.

  Referring to FIG. 5, in sequence SQ <b> 12, controller 200 polls server device 100. In other words, the controller 200 transmits a confirmation signal for confirming the instruction to the server apparatus 100.

  In sequence SQ <b> 14, server device 100 transmits the control command received from smartphone 500 to controller 200. In other words, the server device 100 transmits a request signal for requesting control to the controller 200. The control command includes a state update command for instructing acquisition of the latest state of the controlled device, a device control command for changing the operating state of the controlled device, and the like. With respect to the air conditioner 401, the operation state includes operation or stop, operation type (cooling, dehumidification, ventilation, heating), set temperature, air volume, and the like.

  In sequence SQ16, controller 200 transmits to server device 100 a response signal indicating that processing based on the control command has been executed. In sequence SQ18, based on the reception of the response signal, server apparatus 100 transmits an end notification indicating that communication process G1 is to end to controller 200.

  As described above, polling of sequence SQ12 is performed at a predetermined time interval (for example, every 15 minutes). Specifically, the communication process G1 is executed at the predetermined time interval unless a polling request command is transmitted from the server apparatus 100 to the controller 200.

(D2. Status update)
FIG. 6 is a sequence chart for explaining the state update process. Specifically, FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a flow of processing for the user of the smartphone 500 to acquire the state of the air conditioner 401.

  Referring to FIG. 6, in sequence SQ <b> 102, smartphone 500 transmits a control command based on an operation of the user of smartphone 500. Specifically, the smartphone 500 transmits a state update command. In sequence SQ104, server device 100 transmits a polling request command to controller 200 through web socket communication. In sequence SQ106, server device 100 transmits to smartphone 500 a confirmation notification indicating that server device 100 has received the control command, and a command ID for specifying the control command in server device 100.

  A series of communication processing G21 is performed in the communication system 1 based on the controller 200 receiving the polling request command. First, in sequence SQ108, controller 200 polls server apparatus 100. In sequence SQ110, server apparatus 100 transmits a control command (state update command) received from smartphone 500 to controller 200. That is, the server apparatus 100 transmits a state request signal for requesting notification of what state the controlled apparatus (air conditioner 401) is to the controller 200. In sequence SQ112, the controller 200 transmits a response signal representing the state of the air conditioner 401 to the server apparatus 100. In sequence SQ <b> 114, server apparatus 100 transmits an end notification to controller 200.

  In sequence SQ116, the smartphone 500 makes a device state acquisition request based on the operation of the user of the smartphone 500. That is, the smartphone 500 instructs the server device 100 to transmit the state of the air conditioner 401 acquired from the controller 200 by the server device 100 using the command ID received in SQ106. In sequence SQ118, server device 100 transmits the device status of air conditioner 401 to smartphone 500. Thereby, the user of the smartphone 500 can grasp the current state of the air conditioner 401.

(D3. Control instruction)
FIG. 7 is a sequence chart for explaining the device control process. Specifically, FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a flow of processing for the user of the smartphone 500 to control the operation of the air conditioner 401.

  Referring to FIG. 7, in sequence SQ202, smartphone 500 transmits a control command based on the operation of the user of smartphone 500. Specifically, the smartphone 500 transmits a device control command. In sequence SQ204, server device 100 transmits a polling request command to controller 200 through web socket communication. In sequence SQ206, server device 100 transmits, to smartphone 500, a confirmation notification indicating that server device 100 has accepted the control command, and a command ID for specifying the control command in server device 100.

  A series of communication processing G31 is performed in the communication system 1 based on the controller 200 receiving the polling request command. First, in sequence SQ208, controller 200 polls server apparatus 100. In sequence SQ210, server device 100 transmits a control command (device control command) received from smartphone 500 to controller 200. That is, the server apparatus 100 transmits a control request signal for requesting to control the operation of the controlled apparatus (air conditioner 401) based on the device control command to the controller 200. In sequence SQ212, the controller 200 transmits a response signal indicating that the operation of the air conditioner 401 has been controlled to the server apparatus 100. In sequence SQ214, server device 100 transmits an end notification to controller 200.

  In sequence SQ216, server device 100 again transmits a polling request command to controller 200 through web socket communication. Server device 100 transmits the polling request command to controller 200 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the control command was transmitted in sequence SQ210. The predetermined time can be set to 200 ms, for example.

  The reason why the polling request instruction is transmitted to the controller 200 after a predetermined time has elapsed is that the state of the air conditioner 401 may not be changed immediately after the transmission of the control instruction. In the communication system 1, if the above problem does not occur even if the polling request command is transmitted immediately after the sequence SQ214, the polling request command is transmitted without waiting for the elapse of a predetermined time. In addition, the server device 100 may be configured.

  Based on the controller 200 receiving the polling request command, a series of communication processing G22 is performed in the communication system 1. First, in sequence SQ218, controller 200 polls server apparatus 100. In sequence SQ220, server device 100 transmits a state update command to controller 200. That is, the server apparatus 100 transmits to the controller 200 a state request signal for requesting notification of what state the air conditioner 401 is in. Specifically, the server device 100 requests the controller 200 to transmit all items for specifying the state of the air conditioner 401, including items for which control is instructed by the device control command. Note that the server apparatus 100 may be configured to request the controller 200 to transmit only items for which control has been instructed.

  In sequence SQ222, the controller 200 transmits a response signal representing the state of the air conditioner 401 to the server apparatus 100. In sequence SQ224, server device 100 transmits an end notification to controller 200.

  In sequence SQ226, smartphone 500 makes a device state acquisition request based on the operation of the user of smartphone 500. That is, the smartphone 500 instructs the server device 100 to transmit the state of the air conditioner 401 acquired from the controller 200 by the server device 100 using the command ID received in SQ206. In sequence SQ228, server device 100 transmits the device state of air conditioner 401 to smartphone 500. Thereby, the user of the smartphone 500 can grasp the current state of the air conditioner 401 (the state after the operation is controlled).

  As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the server apparatus 100 transmits a polling request command having the same content to the controller 200 regardless of the type of control command from the smartphone 500. Therefore, the controller 200 performs polling without determining the type of control command. Therefore, the processing in the controller 200 can be simplified as compared with the configuration in which it is necessary to determine the type of the control command.

  Also, since there is only one polling type, it is not necessary to specify the polling type even in the polling request command. Therefore, the controller 200 does not need to determine the type of polling. Therefore, the processing in the controller 200 can be simplified as compared with the configuration in which the type of polling needs to be determined.

(D4. Mode of communication among controlled device, controller and server device)
FIG. 8 is a sequence chart for explaining a communication process G1 between the server apparatus 100 and the controller 200 and an example of a communication between the controller 200 and the air conditioner 401 based on the communication process G1. Referring to FIG. 8, in sequence SQ12, controller 200 polls server device 100 as described above. After sequence SQ12, a series of communication processes g11 (sequences SQ14, SQ302, SQ304, SQ16) are executed.

  First, in sequence SQ <b> 14, server apparatus 100 transmits a control command received from smartphone 500 to controller 200. In sequence SQ302, the controller 200 sends the control command received from the server apparatus 100 to the air conditioner 401. Specifically, the controller 200 extracts data (description) used for control of the air conditioner 401 from the control command received from the server apparatus 100, and controls the air conditioner 401 using the extracted data. More specifically, the controller 200 generates a control command for ECHONET Lite from a control command described in a markup language or the like. In sequence SQ304, the air conditioner 401 transmits a response signal (a signal indicating a state, a signal indicating a control result, etc.) according to a control command to the controller 200.

  In sequence SQ16, as described above, controller 200 transmits a response signal indicating that the processing based on the control command has been executed, to server device 100. In sequence SQ18, based on the reception of the response signal, server apparatus 100 transmits an end notification indicating that communication process G1 is to end to controller 200.

  FIG. 9 is a sequence chart for explaining another communication process G1 ′ between the server apparatus 100 and the controller 200 and a communication process between the controller 200 and the air conditioner 401 based on the communication process G1 ′. It is.

  Referring to FIG. 9, in sequence SQ12, controller 200 polls server apparatus 100 as described above. After sequence SQ12, a series of communication processes g12 (sequences SQ14A, SQ302A, SQ304A, SQ16A) and a series of processes g11 (sequences SQ14, SQ302, SQ304, SQ16) are executed in this order.

  In sequence SQ14A, server device 100 transmits a designated control command (for example, a control command for requesting attribute information described later) to controller 200. In sequence SQ302A, as described above, controller 200 sends the control command received from server apparatus 100 to air conditioner 401. In sequence SQ304A, air conditioner 401 transmits a response signal (for example, a signal representing attribute information) according to the control command to controller 200. In sequence SQ16A, controller 200 transmits a response signal based on the received response signal to server apparatus 100.

  In sequence SQ <b> 14, server device 100 transmits the control command received from smartphone 500 to controller 200. In sequence SQ302, the controller 200 sends the control command received from the server apparatus 100 to the air conditioner 401. In sequence SQ304, the air conditioner 401 transmits a response signal (a signal indicating a state, a signal indicating a control result, etc.) according to a control command to the controller 200. In sequence SQ18, based on the reception of the response signal, server apparatus 100 transmits an end notification indicating that communication process G1 is to end to controller 200.

  FIG. 8 illustrates a sequence including the communication process g11, and FIG. 9 illustrates a sequence including the communication process g12 in addition to the communication process g11. However, the mode of communication among the controlled device, the controller, and the server device is not limited to these. Further, in addition to the communication processes g11 and g12, another series of communication processes (for example, communication processes g13, g14,... Not shown) may be included.

  FIG. 10 is a sequence chart for explaining details of an example of the communication process G1 'in FIG. Specifically, FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a communication process G41 which is a typical example of the communication process G1 '.

  Referring to FIG. 10, in sequence SQ404, controller 200 polls CPU 151 of server device 100. After sequence SQ404, in step S2, CPU 151 executes a first determination process. Details of the first determination process will be described later (FIG. 13). After step S2, in sequence SQ406, CPU 151 executes processing for transmitting a control command (attribute request signal) for requesting attribute information to controller 200.

  In sequence SQ408, controller 200 transmits a response signal (a signal indicating attribute information) according to the control command to CPU 151. After sequence SQ408, in step S4, CPU 151 executes a second determination process. Details of the second determination process will be described later (FIG. 14). After step S4, the CPU 151 stores the attribute information received from the controller 200 in the HDD 154.

  The attribute information is information about the controlled device and is information that is not changed. Specifically, in the case of the present embodiment, the attribute information includes a manufacturer name, a product name, a controllable property, a part of a state obtainable property, and the like included in the properties of the ECHONET Lite. The “controllable property” is information representing an item that can be controlled. The “state obtainable property” is information representing an obtainable item among items representing a plurality of states.

  In sequence SQ412, the CPU 151 transmits a control command (state request signal) for requesting transmission of the state of the air conditioner 401 to the controller 200. After sequence SQ412, in step S6, CPU 151 executes the second determination process again. After step S6, the CPU 151 stores the state information received from the controller 200 in the HDD 154. In sequence SQ418, CPU 151 transmits an end notification indicating that communication process G41 is to end to controller 200 based on the reception of the response signal in sequence SQ414.

  The state information is information that represents the operating state of the controlled device. Specifically, the information represents the state of the controlled device acquired along the state acquisition property. In the present embodiment, the state information is information obtained by excluding information related to attribute information from the above-described state obtainable properties.

  FIG. 11 is a sequence chart for explaining details of an example of the communication process G1 in FIG. Specifically, FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a communication process G31 that is a typical example of the communication process G1. Further, FIG. 11 is a diagram showing details of the communication process G31 shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 11, in sequence SQ208, controller 200 polls CPU 151 of server device 100. After sequence SQ208, CPU 151 executes a first determination process in step S12.

  After step S12, in sequence SQ252, CPU 151 reads a control command (device control command) from HDD 154. That is, the CPU 151 reads a device control command received in advance from the smartphone 500 and stored in the HDD 154. In sequence SQ210, server device 100 transmits a control command (device control command) received from smartphone 500 to controller 200. That is, the server apparatus 100 transmits a control request signal for requesting to control the operation of the air conditioner 401 based on the device control command to the controller 200.

  In sequence SQ212, the controller 200 transmits to the CPU 151 a response signal indicating that the operation of the air conditioner 401 has been controlled. After sequence SQ212, in step S14, CPU 151 executes a second determination process. After step S14, in sequence SQ214, CPU 151 transmits an end notification to controller 200.

  FIG. 12 is a sequence chart for explaining details of another example of the communication process G1 in FIG. Specifically, FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a communication process G22 which is another typical example of the communication process G1. Further, FIG. 12 is a diagram showing details of the communication process G22 shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 12, in sequence SQ218, controller 200 polls CPU 151 of server device 100. After sequence SQ218, in step S22, CPU 151 executes a first determination process. After step S22, in sequence SQ220, CPU 151 transmits a state update command to controller 200 as a control command. That is, the CPU 151 transmits a state request signal for requesting notification of what state the air conditioner 401 is to the controller 200.

  In sequence SQ222, the controller 200 transmits a response signal (state information) indicating the state of the air conditioner 401 to the server apparatus 100. After sequence SQ222, in step S24, CPU 151 executes a second determination process. After step S24, in sequence SQ262, CPU 151 stores the status information received from controller 200 in HDD 154. In sequence SQ224, CPU 151 transmits an end notification to controller 200.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining details of the first determination processing in FIGS. 10 to 12. Referring to FIG. 13, in step S <b> 102, CPU 151 of server device 100 determines whether or not a device control command is stored in HDD 154. When CPU 151 determines that the device control command is stored (YES in step S102), CPU 151 sets the control request signal as a transmission target in step S108, and ends the first determination process. When it is determined that the device control command is not stored (NO in step S102), the CPU 151 determines whether or not the attribute information of the air conditioner 401 has been acquired in step S104. Specifically, the CPU 151 determines whether or not attribute information is already stored in the HDD 154.

  When CPU 151 determines that the attribute information has been acquired (YES in step S104), it sets the status request signal as a transmission target in step S110, and ends the first determination process. When CPU 151 determines that the attribute information has not yet been acquired (NO in step S104), CPU 151 sets the attribute request signal as a transmission target in step S106, and ends the first determination process.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining details of the second determination processing in FIGS. 10 to 12. Referring to FIG. 14, in step S202, CPU 151 determines whether or not attribute information has been received. When CPU 151 determines that the attribute information has been received (YES in step S202), CPU 151 stores the received attribute information in HDD 154 in step S208. After step S208, in step S210, the CPU 151 sets the state request signal as a transmission target and ends the second determination process.

  When CPU 151 determines that attribute information has not been received (NO in step S202), CPU 151 determines whether or not status information has been received in step S204. When CPU 151 determines that the attribute information has been received (YES in step S204), CPU 151 stores the received status information in HDD 154 in step S212. After step S212, in step S214, the CPU 151 ends the second determination process with the end notification as a transmission target. When CPU 151 determines that the status information has not been received (NO in step S204), CPU 151 sets the end notification as a transmission target in step S206, and ends the second determination process.

<E. Functional configuration>
FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a functional configuration of the server apparatus 100. Referring to FIG. 15, server apparatus 100 includes a reception unit 111, a storage unit 112, a transmission unit 113, and a reception unit 1114.

  (1) As described above, the controller 200 inquires of the server apparatus 100 at a designated timing whether or not the server apparatus 100 has a control command for controlling the controlled apparatus. That is, the controller 200 performs polling at a designated timing.

  The receiving unit 111 of the server device 100 receives a control command from the smartphone 500. Specifically, the receiving unit 111 receives a device control command and a state update command as a control command. The storage unit 112 stores the control command received from the smartphone 500.

  When the receiving unit 111 receives a control command, the transmitting unit 113 sends a command (that is, a polling request command) for causing the controller 200 to execute polling (inquiry) to the controller 200 in order to transmit the control command to the controller 200. Send to.

  In this case, the controller 200 performs polling at a timing earlier than the designated timing based on the reception of the polling request command. Specifically, polling is started immediately after receiving a polling request command.

  The transmission unit 113 transmits a control command to the controller 200 in response to polling. That is, based on the reception unit 114 receiving polling from the controller 200, the transmission unit 113 transmits the control command received in advance from the smartphone to the controller 200.

  Therefore, in the communication system 1, the control command can be transmitted to the controller 200 and the controlled device earlier than when polling is performed at the conventional timing while using communication processing using polling.

  (2) Specifically, the transmission unit 113 transmits a polling request command to the controller 200 by data communication through constant connection with the controller 200. Specifically, the transmission unit 113 transmits a polling request command to the controller 200 through a web socket. Therefore, the server apparatus 100 can transmit a control command to the controller 200 in real time.

  (3) When the control command is a first type command (for example, a state update command), the transmission unit 113 transmits a polling request command to the controller 200 once. Further, when the control command is a second type command (for example, a device control command), the transmission unit 113 transmits a polling request command to the controller 200 a plurality of times. Therefore, the server apparatus 100 can determine the number of transmissions of the polling request command by determining the type of the control command.

  (4) In a certain situation, when the control command is the second type, the transmission unit 113 transmits a polling request command to the controller 200 twice. The transmission unit 113 transmits the second polling request command to the controller 200 after the transmission of the control command corresponding to the polling based on the first polling request command is completed.

  More specifically, the transmission unit 113 transmits a second polling request command to the controller 200 after a series of communication processes related to polling based on the first polling request command is completed. This will be described with reference to FIG. 7. After the communication process G31 related to polling based on the polling request command in sequence SQ204 is completed, the transmission unit 113 sends the next polling request command to the controller 200 in sequence SQ216. Send.

Therefore, the server device 100 can immediately transmit the next control command to the controller 200 after the transmission of the control command based on the first polling is completed.
[Embodiment 2]
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of communication system 1A according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 16, communication system 1 </ b> A includes server device 100, a plurality of controllers 300, a household appliance group 400, a smartphone 500 as a terminal device, and a router 600. The communication system 1A is different from the communication system 1 of the first embodiment in that it includes a plurality of controllers 300 instead of the controller 200.

  The server device 100 is connected to each controller 300 via the router 600 so as to be communicable. Specifically, the server apparatus 100 communicates with each controller 300 via the router 600 by selectively using bidirectional communication using polling and bidirectional communication using always-on connection. Each controller 300 is connected to the server apparatus 100 and one corresponding household appliance via the router 600 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

  Each controller is installed in the house. Each controller 300 controls the operation of household appliances connected to the controller. That is, each controller 300 functions as a device that controls a corresponding household appliance. Each controller 300 polls the server apparatus 100 in the same manner as the controller 200 of the first embodiment. Specifically, each controller 300 performs a polling process similar to that described for controller 200. Therefore, the description regarding the polling of each controller 300 is not repeated here.

  In addition, each controller 300 may be installed in the position away from the corresponding household electrical appliance, or may be installed in the household electrical appliance. Each controller 300 may be provided inside a corresponding home appliance.

  In the communication system 1A, the server device 100 communicates with each controller 300 based on a communication specification using a markup language such as XML or a communication specification using non-markup language such as JSON. The format of data used for communication is not particularly limited.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a typical example of the hardware configuration of the controller 300. Referring to FIG. 17, the controller 300 includes, as main components, a CPU 351 that executes a program, a ROM 352 that stores data such as a flash ROM in a nonvolatile manner, and data generated by execution of the program by the CPU 351 or input. It includes a RAM 353 that volatilely stores data input via a device (not shown), a switch 356, a communication IF 357, and a power supply circuit 358. Each component is connected to each other by a data bus.

  The power supply circuit 358 is a circuit that steps down the voltage of the commercial power received via the outlet and supplies power to each part of the controller 300. The switch 356 is a main power switch for switching whether or not to supply power to the power circuit 358 and other various push button switches. The communication IF 357 performs data transmission / reception processing in order to perform communication between the server apparatus 100 and the air conditioner 401.

  Processing in the controller 300 is realized by each hardware and software executed by the CPU 351. Such software may be stored in the ROM 352 in advance. The software may be stored in other storage media and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a program product that can be downloaded by an information provider connected to the so-called Internet. Such software is read from the storage medium by the reading device or downloaded via the communication IF 357 or the like and then temporarily stored in the ROM 352. The software is read from the ROM 352 by the CPU 351 and stored in the RAM 353 in the form of an executable program. The CPU 351 executes the program.

  Each component constituting the controller 300 shown in the figure is a general one. Therefore, it can be said that the essential part of the present invention is RAM 353, ROM 352, software stored in a storage medium, or software that can be downloaded via a network. Since the operation of each hardware of controller 300 is well known, detailed description will not be repeated.

  The recording medium is not limited to a DVD-RAM, and a fixed program such as a semiconductor memory such as a DVD-ROM, a CD-ROM, an FD, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, a cassette tape, an optical disk, an EEPROM, and a flash ROM is supported. It may be a medium to be used. The recording medium is a non-temporary medium that can be read by the computer. The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU but also a program in a source program format, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

Also in the present embodiment, the same effect as the effect (advantage) obtained by the communication system 1 in the first embodiment can be obtained.
[Embodiment 3]
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of communication system 1B according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 18, the communication system 1B includes a server device 100, a controller 200, a controller 300, a household appliance group 400, a smartphone 500 as a terminal device, and a router 600. The communication system 1C is different from the communication system 1 of the first embodiment in that it further includes a controller 300.

  The server device 100 is communicably connected to the controller 200 (home server) and the controller 300 (communication device). The controller 200 is communicably connected to the server device 100 and each household appliance 401-403. The controller 300 is communicably connected to the server device 100 and the air conditioner 401. As described above, in the communication system 1 </ b> C, the server device 100 is communicably connected to the air conditioner 401 via the controller 200 and is communicably connected to the air conditioner 401 via the controller 300. .

  When the received control command is a command for controlling the air conditioner 401, the server device 100 has one of the controller 200 and the controller 300 as a main body that controls the air conditioner 401 based on a predetermined rule. Select. In this case, the device (the controller 200 or the controller 300) selected by the server device 100 controls the air conditioner 401 based on the received control command. For example, when the controller 300 is selected, the controller 300 interprets a control command using a markup language and controls the air conditioner 401. Further, when the controller 200 is selected, the home appliance is controlled by transmitting the data extracted from the control command to the air conditioner 401 that is the control target in the same manner as described above.

  Thus, the controller 200 functions as a control device for controlling each of the household electric appliances 401 to 403. Further, the controller 300 functions as a control device for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 401. That is, in the communication system 1C, it is possible to control the air conditioner 401, which is one controlled device, by two control devices (the controller 200 and the controller 300).

  As described in the second embodiment, the controller 300 polls the server apparatus 100 as in the controller 200 of the first embodiment. Specifically, the controller 300 performs a polling process similar to that described for the controller 200. Therefore, the description regarding the polling of the controller 300 will not be repeated here.

Also in the present embodiment, the same effect as the effect (advantage) obtained by the communication system 1 in the first embodiment can be obtained.
[Embodiment 4]
In Embodiment 1, the structure which controls the several household appliances 401-403 by the one controller 200 was demonstrated. In the communication system according to the present embodiment, home appliances 401 to 403 are controlled by a plurality of controllers (specifically, home servers). As an example, a controller different from the controller 200 controls at least one of the plurality of household appliances 401 to 403. As described above, the processing described in the first embodiment can be applied to a configuration in which home appliances are individually controlled by a plurality of home servers.
[Embodiment 5]
The communication system according to the present embodiment includes a database server device separately from the server device 100. The server apparatus 100 stores the attribute information and state information acquired via the controller 200 and various control commands received from the smartphone 500 in the database server apparatus. That is, the server apparatus 100 uses a database server apparatus instead of the HDD 154. Even with such a system configuration, the same effects as those described in the first embodiment can be obtained.

<Summary>
(1) The communication system 1 includes the server device 100 and a control device (controller 200) that controls the controlled devices (home appliances 401 to 403).

  The control device inquires of the server device at a designated timing whether or not the first command for controlling the controlled device exists in the server device.

  The server device includes a receiving unit 111 that receives the first command from the electronic device (smart phone 500), and a transmission unit 113 that transmits the first command to the control device in response to the inquiry (polling). including. When the first command is received by the receiving unit 111, the transmission unit 113 transmits a second command that causes the control device to execute the inquiry to transmit the first command to the control device. Sent to the control device.

  The control device makes the inquiry at a timing earlier than the designated timing based on the reception of the second command.

  Therefore, in the communication system 1, the control command can be transmitted to the control device and the controlled device earlier than the case where the polling is performed at the conventional timing while using the communication processing using polling.

  (2) The transmission unit 113 transmits the second command to the control device through data communication based on a constant connection with the control device. Therefore, the server device 100 can transmit the control command to the control device in real time.

  (3) When the first command is a first type command, the transmission unit 113 transmits the second command once to the control device. When the first command is a second type command, the transmission unit 113 transmits the second command to the control device a plurality of times. Therefore, the server apparatus 100 can determine the number of transmissions of the polling request command by determining the type of the control command.

  (4) When the first command is the second type, the transmission unit 113 transmits the second command to the control device twice. The transmission unit 113 transmits the second command for the second time to the control device after transmission of the first command in response to the inquiry based on the second command for the first time is completed. Therefore, the server device 100 can immediately transmit the next control command to the control device after the transmission of the control command based on the first polling is completed.

  (5) The inquiry timing is specified by the server device. In this case, the control device does not need to set the inquiry timing in advance.

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

  1, 1A, 1B, 1C Communication system, 100 server device, 111 reception unit, 112 storage unit, 113 transmission unit, 114 reception unit, 151, 251, 351 CPU, 152, 252, 352 ROM, 153, 253, 353 RAM 154,254 HDD, 200,300 controller, 400 household appliance group, 401 air conditioner, 402 lighting device, 403 television, 500 smartphone, 600 router, 157,257,357 communication IF.

Claims (9)

A communication system comprising a server device and a control device for controlling a controlled device,
The control device inquires the server device at a designated timing as to whether or not a first command for controlling the controlled device exists in the server device,
The server device
Receiving means for receiving the first command from the electronic device;
A transmission means for transmitting the first command to the control device in response to the inquiry;
The transmitting means, when the first instruction is received by the receiving means, sends a second instruction that causes the control apparatus to execute the inquiry in order to transmit the first instruction to the control apparatus. Sent to the control unit,
The communication system, wherein the control device makes the inquiry at a timing earlier than the designated timing based on the reception of the second command.   The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit transmits the second command to the control device by data communication based on a constant connection with the control device. The transmission means includes
When the first command is a first type command, the second command is transmitted once to the control device;
The communication system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the first command is a second type command, the second command is transmitted to the control device a plurality of times. The transmission means includes
When the first command is the second type, the second command is transmitted twice to the control device,
The second command is transmitted to the control device for the second time after the transmission of the first command in response to the inquiry based on the first command is completed for the first time. Communication system.   The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the inquiry timing is specified by the server device. A server device that communicates with an electronic device and a control device that controls the controlled device,
Whether or not a first command for controlling the controlled device exists in the server device is inquired from the control device to the server device at a designated timing,
The server device
Receiving means for receiving the first command from the electronic device;
A transmission means for transmitting the first command to the control device in response to the inquiry;
The transmitting means, when the first instruction is received by the receiving means, sends a second instruction that causes the control apparatus to execute the inquiry in order to transmit the first instruction to the control apparatus. A server device that transmits to the control device. A control method in a communication system comprising a server device and a control device for controlling a controlled device,
The control device inquires of the server device at a designated timing whether or not the server device has a first command for controlling the controlled device; and
The server device receiving the first command from an electronic device;
When the first command is received, the server device issues a second command to the control device to cause the control device to execute the inquiry in order to transmit the first command to the control device. Sending and
And a step of making the inquiry at a timing earlier than the designated timing based on the control device receiving the second command. A control method in a server device that communicates with an electronic device and a control device that controls a controlled device,
Whether or not a first command for controlling the controlled device exists in the server device is inquired from the control device to the server device at a designated timing,
The control method is:
Receiving the first command from the electronic device;
Transmitting a second command to the control device to cause the control device to execute the inquiry to transmit the first command to the control device when the first command is received; A control method comprising: A program for controlling a server device that communicates with an electronic device and a control device that controls a controlled device,
Whether or not a first command for controlling the controlled device exists in the server device is inquired from the control device to the server device at a designated timing,
The program is
Receiving the first command from the electronic device;
Transmitting a second command to the control device to cause the control device to execute the inquiry to transmit the first command to the control device when the first command is received; Is executed by the processor of the server device.

Images