JP2015033122A - Communication system, server device, control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication system capable of selecting a control command if control commands are competed.SOLUTION: A communication system comprises: a server device 100; and a controller 300 for controlling a control object device. The controller 300 inquires of the server device 100 at designated timing whether or not a command for controlling the control object device exists in the server device 100. The server device 100 receives a command from each of a smart phone 501 and a smart phone 502. If there has been an inquiry after receiving each command, the server device 100 selects any command among the respective commands received from both smart phone 501 and smart phone 502 on the basis of a predetermined rule. The server device 100 transmits the selected command to the controller 300 in response to the inquiry.

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 unit receives control information, the allocating unit follows the second time slot after the first time slot by a time obtained by reducing 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

  However, in Patent Document 1, when a plurality of control commands are received before the next polling, it is not considered which control command is used to control the controlled device. That is, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, when a control instruction conflict occurs, it is not possible to perform a process of selecting one control instruction from a plurality of control instructions.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and its object is to provide a communication system capable of selecting a control command when the control commands compete, a server device constituting the communication system, and a control method in the communication device. Another object of the present invention is to provide a control method in the 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 a command for controlling the controlled device exists in the server device. The server device receives a command from each of the first electronic device and the second electronic device, and when there is an inquiry after receiving each command, the server device is based on a predetermined first rule, Selection means for selecting one of the instructions received from each of the first electronic device and the second electronic device; and transmission means for transmitting the selected instruction to the control device in response to an inquiry. including.

  Preferably, the server device has a period when the receiving unit further receives a command from each of the first electronic device and the second electronic device during a period from when the command is transmitted to the control device until the inquiry is received again. And determining means for determining whether or not the transmission source of one command selected based on the first rule among the commands received in step S1 is the same as the transmission source of the command transmitted to the control device. . When it is determined that the transmission source is the same, the transmission unit further transmits a command selected from the commands received in the period to the control device.

  Preferably, when it is determined that the transmission source is not the same, the transmission unit receives each command received in the period after a predetermined time has elapsed since the reception unit received the command transmitted to the control device. Of the commands received during the period, the selected command is further transmitted to the control device on condition that the selected command is received by the receiving means.

  Preferably, the first rule stipulates that the oldest command among a plurality of unsent commands is selected, or selects the newest command among a plurality of unsent commands. doing.

  Preferably, the receiving means further receives a command from the first electronic device during a period from when the command is received from the first electronic device to when an inquiry is received. The selection means selects any one of the commands received from the first electronic device based on a predetermined second rule, and selects the command based on the first rule after the selection. One of the received command and the command received from the second electronic device is selected. In response to the inquiry, the transmission unit transmits a command selected from the command selected based on the first rule and the command received from the second electronic device to the control device.

  Preferably, the first rule stipulates that the oldest command among a plurality of unsent commands is selected, or selects the newest command among a plurality of unsent commands. doing. The second rule is to select the command received later from the two untransmitted commands when the difference between the two times when the two untransmitted commands are received is larger than the threshold value. If not, it is specified that the command received earlier is selected from the two untransmitted commands.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the server device communicates with the first electronic device, the second electronic device, and a control device that controls the controlled device. Whether the server device has a command for controlling the controlled device is inquired from the control device to the server device at a designated timing. The server device receives a command from each of the first electronic device and the second electronic device, and when there is an inquiry after receiving each command, the server device performs the first based on a predetermined rule. Selection means for selecting one of the commands received from each of the electronic device and the second electronic device, and transmission means for transmitting the selected command to the control device in response to an inquiry.

  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. The control method includes a step in which the control device inquires to the server device at a designated timing whether or not a command for controlling the controlled device exists in the server device, and the server device includes the first electronic device and Receiving a command from each of the second electronic devices, and when there is an inquiry after the server device receives each command, the first electronic device and the second electronic device are based on a predetermined rule. A step of selecting any one of the commands received from each of the devices, and a step in which the server device transmits the selected command to the control device in response to the inquiry.

  If the further another situation of this invention is followed, the control method is performed in the server apparatus which communicates with the control apparatus which controls a 1st electronic device and a 2nd electronic device, and a to-be-controlled device. Whether the server device has a command for controlling the controlled device is inquired from the control device to the server device at a designated timing. The control method includes a step of receiving a command from each of the first electronic device and the second electronic device, and when there is an inquiry after receiving each command, the first electronic device is based on a predetermined rule. Selecting one of the commands received from each of the device and the second electronic device, and transmitting the selected command to the control device in response to the inquiry.

  If the further another situation of this invention is followed, a program will control the server apparatus which communicates with the control apparatus which controls a 1st electronic device and a 2nd electronic device, and a to-be-controlled device. Whether the server device has a command for controlling the controlled device is inquired from the control device to the server device at a designated timing. The program receives a command from each of the first electronic device and the second electronic device, and when there is an inquiry after receiving each command, the first electronic device is based on a predetermined rule. And a step of selecting any one of the commands received from each of the second electronic devices, and a step of transmitting the selected command to the control device in response to the inquiry to the processor of the server device. Let it run.

  According to the present invention, a control instruction can be selected when the control instructions compete.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a communication system 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a typical example of a hardware configuration of a server apparatus 100. 3 is a diagram illustrating a typical example of a hardware configuration of a controller 300. FIG. 3 is a sequence chart showing a flow of processing executed in a communication system different from the communication system 1. It is a figure showing data table D5 stored in server apparatus 100. 3 is a sequence chart showing the flow of processing executed in the communication system 1. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the detail of the process of step S156 in FIG. 3 is a sequence chart showing a flow of processing further executed in the communication system 1; It is a flowchart for demonstrating the detail of step S256 of FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram for explaining a functional configuration of a server apparatus 100. FIG. It is a figure showing schematic structure of communication system 1A.

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 300, an air conditioner 401, and a plurality of smartphones 501, 502, and 503. In the present embodiment, the air conditioner 401 is exemplified as the controlled device, but is not limited to this, and may be another device such as a television or a lighting device. Hereinafter, when the smartphones 501, 502, and 503 are not distinguished, they are described as “smart phone 500”. That is, any one of the three smartphones 501, 502, and 503 is represented as “smart phone 500”.

  The controller 300 and the air conditioner 401 are installed in the house. Server apparatus 100 is installed outside the house. In the present embodiment, smartphones 501, 502, and 503 are described as being carried by different users (for example, father, mother, and child) who are outside the home.

  Smartphones 501, 502, and 503 are connected to server device 100 so that they can communicate with each other. The server device 100 is connected to the controller 300 through a router (not shown) so as to be communicable. The controller 300 is communicably connected to the server device 100 and the air conditioner 401.

  The server apparatus 100 communicates with the controller 300 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 (WebSocket) as a communication system using a continuous 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 300 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 300 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.

  The controller 300 interprets a control command using a markup language and controls the air conditioner 401. In the two-way communication method using polling, the controller 300 inquires of the server apparatus 100 at a designated timing as to whether there is a control command for controlling the air conditioner 401 (that is, polling). 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 300, and a command is transmitted to the controller 300 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 300, 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 300 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.

  Also, in the following, for the sake of simplicity, the controller 300 performs the 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 300, random elements are taken into consideration. However, in the following description, in order to simplify the description and facilitate understanding, the description will be given without considering the random element.

  Smartphones 501, 502, and 503 accept input of a control command for controlling the air conditioner 401 based on each user operation. Smartphones 501, 502 and 502 transmit 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 300 as a response to polling. In this case, the controller 300 controls the air conditioner 401 based on the received control command. More specifically, the controller 300 extracts data necessary for controlling the air conditioner 401 from a control command using a markup language. The controller 300 controls the air conditioner 401 by transmitting the extracted data to the air conditioner 401 that is a control target.

<B. Hardware configuration>
(B1. Server apparatus 100)
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a typical example of the hardware configuration of the server apparatus 100. Referring to FIG. 2, 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. 2). 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 300 and processing for receiving data transmitted from the controller 300, 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.

(B2. Controller 300)
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a typical example of the hardware configuration of the controller 300. Referring to FIG. 3, 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.

<B. Comparative Example>
FIG. 4 is a sequence chart showing the flow of processing executed in a communication system different from the communication system 1 of the present embodiment. That is, FIG. 4 is a sequence chart showing a comparative example for processing performed in the communication system 1 of the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the server device of the comparative example is referred to as “server device 900”. In addition, the server device 900 includes a CPU 951 and an HDD 954. The communication system of the comparative example is the same as that of the communication system 1 except that the server apparatus 900 is provided instead of the server apparatus 100.

  Referring to FIG. 4, in sequence SQ902, smartphone 501 transmits a device control command for changing the operation state of the controlled apparatus to server apparatus 900. In step S952, the CPU 951 performs a command check. That is, the CPU 951 checks what type and content of instruction it has received. In step S954, if the CPU 951 has received a command, it executes a lock process. “Lock processing” refers to temporarily restricting access and update to predetermined data. That is, the lock process is synonymous with exclusive control.

  In sequence SQ904, smartphone 502 transmits a device control command to server apparatus 900. In sequence SQ906, the CPU 951 stores the device control command from the smartphone 501 received before the lock process in the HDD 954. In sequence 908, the CPU 951 transmits a polling request command to the controller 300 using web socket communication. In addition, the CPU 951 transmits a response signal (OK signal) indicating that the device control command is received and control based on the device control command is performed to the smartphone 501.

  In step S956, the CPU 951 releases the lock. In step S958, the CPU 951 performs a command check. Since the device control command is received from the smartphone 502 during locking, the CPU 951 indicates that the device 502 has received the device control command and cannot perform control based on the device control command in sequence SQ912. A response signal (NG signal) is transmitted.

  In sequence SQ914, controller 300 polls server apparatus 900. In other words, the controller 300 transmits a confirmation signal for confirming the instruction to the server apparatus 900. Based on the polling, in sequence SQ 916, CPU 951 reads out device control command from smartphone 501 stored in HDD 954 from HDD 954.

  In sequence SQ918, the CPU 951 transmits the read device control command to the controller 300 as a request signal for polling. In other words, the server apparatus 900 transmits a request signal for requesting control to the controller 300. 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 SQ920, controller 300 transmits, to server apparatus 900, a response signal indicating that processing based on the control command has been executed. In sequence SQ922, based on the reception of the response signal, server apparatus 900 transmits to controller 300 an end notification indicating that a series of communication processing G9 including polling transmission is to end.

  As described above, the server device 900 in the comparative example needs to execute the lock process (step S954) and the lock release process (step S956).

<C. Selection control>
Next, details of control in the communication system 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

(C1. Data)
FIG. 5 shows a data table D5 stored in the server apparatus 100. Referring to FIG. 5, the data table D5 stores data related to the device control command. Specifically, in the data table D5, a command ID is associated with a command content, a date and time when the command is received, a device ID of the command transmission source, and a flag indicating whether or not the command has been executed. Yes.

  In the device ID column, SMF001 is the device ID of the smartphone 501, SMF002 is the device ID of the smartphone 502, and SMF003 is the device ID of the smartphone 503. In the flag column, “1” indicates that the control command has been executed, and “0” indicates that the control command has not been executed by the selection process described later.

(C2. Processing for each control command from multiple smartphones)
FIG. 6 is a sequence chart showing the flow of processing executed in the communication system 1. Specifically, FIG. 6 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 4 shown as a comparative example. Specifically, FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing processing executed when a control command is transmitted from each of a plurality of smartphones.

  Referring to FIG. 6, in sequence SQ <b> 102, smartphone 501 transmits a device control command to server device 100. In step S152, the CPU 151 performs a command check. In sequence SQ104, the smartphone 502 transmits a device control command to the server apparatus 100. In step S154, the CPU 151 performs a command check.

  In sequence SQ <b> 106, the CPU 151 stores the device control command (previous command) received from the smartphone 501 in the HDD 154. In sequence SQ108, the CPU 151 transmits a polling request command to the controller 300 using web socket communication. In sequence SQ110, server device 100 transmits a response signal indicating that the device control command has been received to smartphone 501.

  In sequence SQ112, CPU 151 stores the device control command (later command) received from smartphone 502 in HDD 154. In sequence SQ114, CPU 151 transmits a polling request command to controller 300 again using web socket communication. In sequence SQ110, server device 100 transmits a response signal indicating that the device control command has been received to smartphone 502.

  In sequence SQ118, controller 300 polls server device 100. In other words, the controller 300 transmits a confirmation signal for confirming the instruction to the server apparatus 100. Based on the polling, a selection process is executed in step S156. Specifically, in step S156, CPU 151 selects the previously received device control command (in other words, the device control command previously stored in HDD 154). Details of the selection process will be described later (FIG. 7).

  In sequence SQ918, the CPU 951 transmits the selected device control command to the controller 300 as a polling request signal. In other words, the server device 100 transmits a request signal for requesting control to the controller 300.

  In sequence SQ122, controller 300 transmits to server device 100 a response signal indicating that processing based on the control command has been executed. In sequence SQ124, based on the reception of the response signal, server apparatus 100 transmits to controller 300 an end notification indicating that a series of communication processing G1 including transmission of polling is to end.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining details of the process in step S156 in FIG. Referring to FIG. 7, in step S <b> 2, CPU 151 of server device 100 acquires the last executed control command (hereinafter referred to as “control command X”) from data table D <b> 5. In step S4, the CPU 151 determines whether there is an unexecuted control command in the data table D5.

  When CPU 151 determines that a control command exists (YES in step S4), CPU 151 obtains the oldest unexecuted control command (hereinafter referred to as “control command Y_old”) from data table D5 in step S6. When CPU 151 determines that there is no control command (NO in step S4), CPU 151 ends the process without transmitting the control command to controller 300 in step S14.

  In step S8, the CPU 151 determines whether or not the smartphone that has transmitted the control command X and the smartphone that has transmitted the control command Y_old are the same. When CPU 151 determines that they are the same (YES in step S8), CPU 151 cancels the unexecuted control command remaining in data table D5 in step S14. That is, the CPU 151 ignores the control instruction by deleting the unexecuted control instruction from the data table D5 or treating it as useless data.

  In step S <b> 16, the CPU 151 transmits a control command Y_old to the controller 300. As described above, when a negative determination is made in step S8, the server apparatus 100 starts from the same transmission source (for example, the smartphone 501) as the transmission source of the control command X transmitted most recently to the controller 300. The transmitted unexecuted and oldest control command Y_old (the control command previously received by the server apparatus 100) is transmitted to the controller 300 in order to cause the controller 300 to control the air conditioner 401.

  If it is determined that they are not the same (NO in step S8), CPU 151 determines in step S10 whether or not control command Y_old has been received after elapse of a predetermined time after receiving the control command. When CPU 151 determines that control command Y_old has been received after elapse of a predetermined time or longer (YES in step S10), the process proceeds to step S16. Thus, when the transmission source of the control command Y_old is different from the transmission source of the control command X transmitted most recently to the controller 300, the CPU 151 is not executed on the condition that a certain amount of time has passed. The oldest control command Y_old (the control command received first by the server apparatus 100) is transmitted to the controller 300.

  When CPU 151 determines that control command Y_old has been received before the predetermined time has elapsed (NO in step S10), CPU 151 deletes control command Y_old from one or more unexecuted control commands in step S12. . Specifically, the control command Y_old is deleted from the data table D5. After step S12, the CPU 151 returns the process to step S4. At this time, an unexecuted control command that is next to the deleted control command Y_old is treated as a control command Y_old in subsequent processing.

  As described above, according to the communication system 1, the control command can be selected when the control commands compete. Further, according to the communication system 1, it is not necessary to lock the data table D5 stored in the server device 100. For this reason, according to the communication system 1, even when a conflict occurs, the data table D5 can be referred to from another device.

(C3. Processing for multiple control commands from one smartphone)
Next, processing further executed in the communication system 1 will be described. Specifically, a process when a plurality of control commands are transmitted from one smartphone will be described. That is, a process when a control command from the same smartphone competes will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a sequence chart showing the flow of processing further executed in the communication system 1. Referring to FIG. 8, in sequence SQ202, smartphone 501 transmits a device control command to server device 100. In step S252, the CPU 151 of the server apparatus 100 performs a command check. In sequence SQ204, the CPU 151 stores the received device control command in the data table D5 of the HDD 154. In sequence SQ206, CPU 151 transmits a polling request command to controller 300 using web socket communication. In sequence SQ208, CPU 151 transmits a response signal indicating that the device control command has been received to smartphone 501.

  In sequence SQ210, smartphone 501 further transmits a device control command. In step S254, the CPU 151 performs a command check. In step S256, the server apparatus 100 performs a selection process. Details of the selection process will be described later (FIG. 9). In sequence SQ212, CPU 151 transmits a response signal corresponding to the device control command based on sequence SQ210 to smartphone 501.

  In sequence SQ214, controller 300 polls server device 100. Based on the polling, in sequence SQ 216, CPU 151 reads out device control command from smartphone 501 stored in data table D 5 of HDD 154 from HDD 154.

  In sequence SQ218, CPU 151 transmits the read device control command to controller 300 as a request signal for polling. In sequence SQ220, controller 300 transmits to server device 100 a response signal indicating that processing based on the control command has been executed. In sequence SQ222, based on the reception of the response signal, server device 100 transmits to controller 300 an end notification indicating that a series of communication processing G2 including polling transmission is to end.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining details of step S256 in FIG. Referring to FIG. 9, in step S <b> 52, CPU 151 receives the latest control command (hereinafter referred to as “control command Q” for convenience of explanation), and executes the unexecuted control sent from the same smartphone. It is determined whether or not a command (hereinafter referred to as “control command P”) is already stored in data table D5.

  When CPU 151 determines that it is stored (YES in step S52), CPU 151 receives control command Q after a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed since receiving control command P in step S54. Determine whether or not. If CPU 151 determines that it is not stored (NO in step S52), it stores control command Q in data table D5 in step S60.

  If CPU 151 determines that control command Q has been received after a predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S54), CPU 151 cancels control command P in step S58. That is, the CPU 151 deletes the control command P in the data table D5 or handles it as useless data. The reason for deleting the control command P is that the control command P is too old and it is not appropriate to perform control based on the control command P.

  When CPU 151 determines that a control command has been received before a predetermined time has elapsed (NO in step S54), CPU 151 cancels control command Q in step S56. That is, the CPU 151 deletes the control command Q in the data table D5 or handles it as useless data. As described above, when a negative determination is made in step S54, the CPU 151 selects the previously received device control command from the control commands transmitted from the same smartphone.

<D. Functional configuration>
FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram for explaining the functional configuration of the server apparatus 100. Referring to FIG. 10, server apparatus 100 includes a reception unit 111, a storage unit 112, a transmission unit 113, a reception unit 114, a selection unit 115, and a determination unit 116. The storage unit 112 stores a data table D5.

  (1) As described above, the controller 300 inquires of the server apparatus 100 at a specified timing whether or not the server apparatus 100 has a control command for controlling the air conditioner 401 that is the controlled apparatus. . That is, the controller 300 performs polling at a designated timing.

  The receiving unit 111 of the server device 100 receives various control commands from the smartphone 501, the smartphone 502, and the smartphone 503. Specifically, the receiving unit 111 receives, as control commands, for example, a state update command for instructing acquisition of the latest state of the controlled device and a device control command for changing the operating state of the controlled device. The storage unit 112 stores control commands received from the smartphones 501 to 503.

  When the reception unit 114 receives polling after receiving each control command, the selection unit 115 is one of the commands received from each of the smartphones 501 to 503 based on a first predetermined rule. Select the command. Specifically, the first rule stipulates that, in this embodiment, the oldest control command is selected from among a plurality of untransmitted control commands. That is, the selection unit 115 executes the selection process of step S156 in FIG.

  The transmission unit 113 transmits the selected control command to the controller 300 in response to polling.

  Therefore, in the communication system 1, the control command can be selected when the control command conflicts. Further, according to the communication system 1, it is not necessary to lock the database (data table D5) storing the control command. For this reason, according to the communication system 1, even if a conflict occurs, the database can be referred to from another device.

  (2) The determination unit 116 receives the control command from each of the smartphones 501 to 503 during a period from when the control command is transmitted to the controller 300 until the polling is received again (hereinafter referred to as “period T1”). When further received, the transmission source of one control command selected based on the first rule among the control commands received during the period T1 and the transmission source of the control command transmitted to the controller 300 are Determine whether they are the same.

  When it is determined that the transmission sources are the same, the transmission unit 113 further transmits the selected control command among the control commands received in the period T1 to the controller 300.

  Specifically, when a positive determination is made in step S8 of FIG. 7 (in the case of YES), server device 100 transmits control command Y_old to controller 300 in step S16.

  Thus, when the transmission source of the control command is the same smartphone, if the controller 300 has already received the control command, the server device 100 continues the next control command sent from the smartphone. Can be executed. That is, the server apparatus 100 can accept continuous operations of the same user of the smartphone.

  (3) When the determination unit 116 determines that the transmission source is not the same, the transmission unit 113, after a predetermined time or more has elapsed since the reception unit 111 received the control command transmitted to the controller 300, On the condition that the receiving unit 111 receives the selected control command among the control commands received during the period T1, the controller selects the selected control command among the control commands received during the period T1. Further transmit to 300.

  Specifically, when a positive determination is made in step S10 of FIG. 7 (in the case of YES), server device 100 transmits a control command Y_old to controller 300 in step S16. More specifically, if the smartphone that has transmitted the selected control command Y_old is different from the smartphone that has transmitted the control command X immediately before the control command Y_old, it is determined in advance from when the immediately preceding control command X is received. The server device 100 transmits the control command Y_old to the controller 300 only when the control command Y_old is received after a lapse of a predetermined time.

  Therefore, according to the communication system 1, when the transmission source of the control command X and the control command Y_old is different, the remote operation of the air conditioner 401 by the user of the transmission source is restricted until a predetermined time has elapsed. Can do.

  (4) For example, the receiving unit 111 further receives a control command from the smartphone 501 during a period from when the control command is received from the smartphone 501 to when there is polling.

  In this case, the selection unit 115 selects any one of the control commands received from the smartphone 501 based on a predetermined second rule. After the selection, the selection unit 115 selects one of the selected control command and the control command received from the smartphone 502 (or the smartphone 503) based on the first rule described above. .

  Specifically, the second rule selects the command received later from the two untransmitted control commands when the difference between the times when the two untransmitted control commands are received is greater than the threshold. However, when the difference is not larger than the threshold value, it is specified that the command received earlier is selected from the two untransmitted control commands. That is, the selection unit 115 executes the selection process in step S256 of FIG. More specifically, when a negative determination is made in step S54 of FIG. 8 (in the case of NO), the selection unit 115 cancels the latest control command Q in step S56, and a positive determination is made in step S54. If YES (YES), the control command P is canceled in step S58.

  In response to the polling, the transmission unit 113 sends, to the controller 300, a command selected from the control command selected based on the first rule and the control command received from the smartphone 502 (or the smartphone 503). Send.

As described above, in the communication system 1, when the server device 100 competes with a control command from the same smartphone, the polling is performed before the polling is performed (that is, as illustrated in FIG. 8, a series including polling transmission). The control command selection control can be performed before the communication process G2).
[Embodiment 2]
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the communication system 1A according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 11, the communication system 1A includes a server device 100, a home server 200, an air conditioner 401, a television 402, a lighting device 403, and a plurality of smartphones 501, 502, and 503. The communication system 1A differs from the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment in that the communication system 1A includes a home server 200 instead of the controller 300, and further includes a television 402 and a lighting device 403 as controlled devices.

  Home server 200 and household appliances 401 to 403 are installed in the house.

  For example, the server apparatus 100 communicates with the home server 200 based on a communication specification using a markup language such as XML (Extensible Markup Language). Note that the server device 100 may communicate with the home server 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.

  More specifically, the home server 200 inquires the server apparatus 100 at a designated timing as to whether or not there is a command for controlling the home appliance, and receives the command based on the query. That is, the home server 200 polls the server device 100. The polling performed by the home server 200 is the same as the polling performed by the controller 300 of the first embodiment, and therefore the description regarding the polling by the home server 200 will not be repeated here.

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

  Smartphones 501, 502, and 503 accept input of control commands for controlling each of household appliances 401 to 403 based on user operations. Smartphones 501, 502, and 503 transmit the received control command to server device 100.

  Based on the received control command, home server 200 controls one household appliance (for example, air conditioner 401) indicated by the control command. More specifically, the home server 200 interprets a control command using a markup language and extracts data necessary for ECHONET LITE communication. The home server 200 controls the home appliance by transmitting the extracted data to the home appliance that is the control target.

The relationship between home server 200 and air conditioner 401 is the same as the relationship between controller 300 and air conditioner 401 in the first embodiment. The home server 200 executes the same process as the controller 300 in relation to the air conditioner 401. Specifically, the home server 200 executes the same processing as that of the controller 300 described based on FIG. 6, FIG. 8, and FIG. For this reason, also in the present embodiment, the effect (advantage) described in the first embodiment can be obtained.
[Embodiment 3]
In the first embodiment, server device 100 selects the previously received device control command in step S156 of FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in step S156, the server apparatus 100 may be configured to select a device control command received later. Even with this configuration, the communication system and the server device according to the present embodiment have the same effects as those of the first embodiment.
[Embodiment 4]
In the first embodiment, server device 100 selects the previously received device control command in step S156 of FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the communication system 1 is configured to execute a demand response, the server device 100 may be configured to select a device control command created according to the demand response in step S156. Even with this configuration, the communication system and the server device according to the present embodiment have the same effects as those of the first embodiment.
[Embodiment 5]
In the first embodiment, server device 100 selects the previously received device control command in step S156 of FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the server device 100 may be configured as follows.

  That is, the server apparatus 100 stores in advance rank information that represents the priority order of the smartphones 501 to 503. For example, the ranking information indicates that the smartphone 501 is first, the smartphone 502 is second, and the smartphone 503 is third. When the control commands conflict, the server apparatus 100 selects the transmission source control command having the highest priority from the conflicting control commands. Even with this configuration, the communication system and the server device according to the present embodiment have the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

<Summary>
(1) The communication systems 1 and 1A include the server device 100 and a control device (the controller 300 or the home server 200) that controls the controlled device (such as the air conditioner 401). The control device inquires of the server device 100 at a designated timing whether or not the server device 100 has a control command for controlling the controlled device. The server device 100 receives various control commands from the first electronic device and the second electronic device (for example, the smartphones 501 and 502), and when there is an inquiry after receiving each control command, In response to the inquiry, a selection unit 115 that selects one of the commands received from each of the first electronic device and the second electronic device based on a predetermined first rule, And a transmission unit 113 that transmits the selected control command to the control device.

  Therefore, in the communication system 1, the control command can be selected when the control command conflicts. Further, according to the communication system 1, it is not necessary to lock the database (data table D5) storing the control command. For this reason, according to the communication system 1, even if a conflict occurs, the database can be referred to from another device.

  (2) Preferably, in the communication systems 1 and 1A, the receiving unit 111 controls each of the first electronic device and the second electronic device during a period from when the control command is transmitted to the control device until the inquiry is received again. When the command is further received, the source of one control command selected based on the first rule among the control commands received during the period, and the source of the control command transmitted to the control device, Are further included. When it is determined that the transmission source is the same, the transmission unit 113 further transmits the selected control command among the control commands received during the period to the control device.

  As described above, when the transmission source of the control command is the same electronic device, the server device 100 transmits the next control command sent from the electronic device if the control device has already received the control command. Can be executed continuously. That is, the server apparatus 100 can accept continuous operations of the same user of the electronic device.

  (3) Preferably, when the transmission unit 113 determines that the transmission source is not the same by the determination unit 116, a predetermined time or more has elapsed since the reception unit 111 received the control command transmitted to the control device. After that, on the condition that the receiving unit 111 has received the selected control command among the control commands received during the period, the selected control command is received among the control commands received during the period. Further transmission to the control device.

  Therefore, according to the communication system 1, when the transmission sources of the two control commands (specifically, the control command X and the control command Y_old) are different, until the predetermined time elapses, Remote control of the control device can be restricted.

  (4) Preferably, the first rule defines that the oldest control command is selected from among a plurality of untransmitted control commands, or the newest control command among a plurality of untransmitted control commands. It stipulates that a directive is selected.

  (5) Preferably, the receiving unit 111 further receives a control command from the electronic device during a period from when the control command is received from the electronic device (for example, the smartphone 501) until an inquiry is received. In this case, the selection unit 115 selects any one of the control commands received from the electronic device based on a predetermined second rule. After the selection, the selection unit 115 selects any one of the selected control command and a control command received from another electronic device (for example, the smartphone 502 or the smartphone 503) based on the first rule described above. Select a control command. In response to the inquiry, the transmission unit 113 transmits, to the control device, a command selected from the control command selected based on the first rule and the control command received from the other electronic device. .

  Thus, in the communication system 1, when the control command from the same smart phone competes, the server apparatus 100 can perform control control of selection of the control command before the inquiry is made.

  (6) Preferably, the first rule specifies that the oldest control command is selected from among a plurality of untransmitted control commands, or the newest control among a plurality of untransmitted control commands. It stipulates that a directive is selected. When the difference between the times when two untransmitted control commands are received is larger than the threshold, the second rule selects a control command received later from the two untransmitted control commands, and When the difference is not larger than the threshold value, it is specified that the control command received earlier is selected from the two untransmitted control commands.

  (7) The server device 100 communicates with the first electronic device (for example, the smartphone 501) and the second electronic device (for example, the smartphone 502), and the control device (the controller 300 or the home server 200) that controls the controlled device. .

  Whether the server apparatus has a control command for controlling the controlled apparatus is inquired from the control apparatus to the server apparatus 100 at a designated timing. The server device 100 receives a control command from each of the first electronic device and the second electronic device, and when there is an inquiry after receiving each control command, the server device 100 is based on a predetermined rule. The selection unit 115 that selects one of the control commands received from each of the first electronic device and the second electronic device, and transmits the selected command to the control device in response to the inquiry. A transmission unit 113.

  Therefore, the server device 100 can select a control command when the control commands conflict. Moreover, according to the server apparatus 100, it is not necessary to lock the database (data table D5) which stores the control command. For this reason, according to the server apparatus 100, even if a conflict occurs, the database can be referred to from another device.

  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 communication system, 100,900 server device, 111 receiving unit, 112 storage unit, 113 transmitting unit, 114 receiving unit, 115 selecting unit, 116 determining unit, 151,351,951 CPU, 152,352 ROM, 153 353 RAM, 154, 954 HDD, 200 home server, 300 controller, 401 air conditioner, 402 TV, 403 lighting device, 501, 502, 503 smartphone.

Claims (10)

A communication system comprising a server device and a control device for controlling a controlled device,
The control device inquires to the server device at a specified timing whether or not a command for controlling the controlled device exists in the server device,
The server device
Receiving means for receiving the command from each of the first electronic device and the second electronic device;
If there is an inquiry after receiving each of the commands, any one of the commands received from each of the first electronic device and the second electronic device based on a predetermined first rule. A selection means for selecting the command,
A communication system comprising: transmission means for transmitting the selected command to the control device in response to the inquiry. In the server device, the receiving unit further receives the command from each of the first electronic device and the second electronic device in a period from when the command is transmitted to the control device until the inquiry is received again. In this case, whether the source of one command selected based on the first rule among the commands received during the period is the same as the source of the command transmitted to the control device A judgment means for judging
2. The communication according to claim 1, wherein, when it is determined that the transmission source is the same, the transmission unit further transmits the selected command among the commands received in the period to the control device. system.   When the transmission unit determines that the transmission source is not the same, each of the received units in the period after the elapse of a predetermined time from when the reception unit receives the command transmitted to the control device. 3. The selected command among the commands received in the period is further transmitted to the control device on condition that the receiving unit receives the selected command among the commands. The communication system according to 1.   The first rule stipulates that the oldest command among a plurality of untransmitted commands is selected, or selects the newest command among a plurality of untransmitted commands. The communication system according to claim 3. The receiving means further receives the command from the first electronic device in a period from when the command is received from the first electronic device until the inquiry is received,
The selection means selects one of the commands received from the first electronic device based on a predetermined second rule, and after the selection, selects the first rule. Selecting any one of the selected instruction and the instruction received from the second electronic device based on
In response to the inquiry, the transmitting means transmits a command selected from the command selected based on the first rule and a command received from the second electronic device to the control device. The communication system according to claim 1. The first rule stipulates that the oldest command among a plurality of untransmitted commands is selected, or selects the newest command among a plurality of untransmitted commands. And
When the difference between each time when the two untransmitted commands are received is larger than a threshold, the second rule selects a command received later from the two untransmitted commands, and the difference 6. The communication system according to claim 5, wherein when the value is not larger than the threshold value, the command received earlier is selected from the two untransmitted commands. A server device that communicates with a first electronic device, a second electronic device, and a control device that controls the controlled device,
Whether the server device has a command for controlling the controlled device is inquired from the control device to the server device at a designated timing,
The server device
Receiving means for receiving the command from each of the first electronic device and the second electronic device;
If there is an inquiry after receiving each of the instructions, any one of the instructions received from each of the first electronic device and the second electronic device based on a predetermined rule A selection means for selecting
In response to the inquiry, a server device comprising: a transmission unit that transmits the selected command 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 to the server device at a specified timing whether or not a command for controlling the controlled device exists in the server device; and
The server device receiving the command from each of the first electronic device and the second electronic device;
When the server device receives the inquiry after receiving each command, the command received from each of the first electronic device and the second electronic device based on a predetermined rule. Selecting one of the commands,
The server device includes a step of transmitting the selected command to the control device in response to the inquiry. A control method in a server device that communicates with a first electronic device, a second electronic device, and a control device that controls a controlled device,
Whether the server device has a command for controlling the controlled device is inquired from the control device to the server device at a designated timing,
The control method is:
Receiving the command from each of the first electronic device and the second electronic device;
If there is an inquiry after receiving each of the instructions, any one of the instructions received from each of the first electronic device and the second electronic device based on a predetermined rule A step of selecting
And a step of transmitting the selected command to the control device in response to the inquiry. A program for controlling a server device that communicates with a first electronic device, a second electronic device, and a control device that controls a controlled device,
Whether the server device has a command for controlling the controlled device is inquired from the control device to the server device at a designated timing,
The program is
Receiving the command from each of the first electronic device and the second electronic device;
If there is an inquiry after receiving each of the instructions, any one of the instructions received from each of the first electronic device and the second electronic device based on a predetermined rule A step of selecting
A program for causing the processor of the server device to execute a step of transmitting the selected command to the control device in response to the inquiry.

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