JP2015053585A - Communication system, server device, mobile terminal device, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication system that allows a person outside a house to learn a result of control to a control object device performed by a controller that controls the control object device on the basis of increase in the amount of power consumption in the house.SOLUTION: A communication system comprises: a controller for controlling a control object device installed in a house; a server device capable of communicating with the controller; and a smart phone 500 to be communicatively connected with the server device. The controller transmits a first control command to reduce power consumption of the control object device to the control object device on the basis that the amount of power consumption in the house has exceeded a preset value, and transmits a first control result based on the first control command to the server device. The smart phone 500 receives the first control result from the server device and outputs the received first control result.

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication system, a server device, a mobile terminal device, an information processing method, and a program for controlling a controlled device such as a home appliance.

  Conventionally, systems for controlling home appliances are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an electric equipment control system as the system. In the electrical equipment control system, the home gateway is wirelessly connected to a power supply device such as a power strip, a wall outlet and a wall switch, an infrared learning remote controller, a home appliance control device such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) adapter and a JEM-A adapter. Perform data communication. The home gateway manages status data indicating the state of power supply to home appliances connected to the power supply device and the state of home appliances controlled by the home appliance control device. When a user displays a Web page distributed from a home gateway using a PC (Personal Computer), and the user gives an instruction to change the status of the desired home appliance on the Web page, the home gateway is connected to a power supply device or a home appliance control device. The control data according to the user's instruction is transmitted.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a home network system as the above system. The home network system includes a plurality of home appliances connected to the home network and a home control device that controls some home appliances based on input data obtained from a plurality of input units. Some of the input units are input in association with a living state that is a routine action of the user's daily life. The home control device includes a storage unit that stores input data and home appliance control content associated with a living state, and a selection unit that selects home appliance control content that matches input data obtained from some input units, And a control unit that remotely controls some home appliances through the home network based on the home appliance control content.

  Patent Document 3 discloses a home appliance control system as the above system. When the home appliance control system controls a home appliance by a terminal device such as a mobile phone or a management terminal device, the home appliance manufacturer name of the home appliance to be controlled and a signal format suitable for the control of the home appliance And stored in the table in association with the user-specific information of the home appliance. The main processing unit of the home appliance control system receives a control signal of the home appliance to which the user specific information is added from the terminal device. When the user-specific information in the received control signal matches the user-specific information stored in the table, the main processing unit receives the control received from the terminal device according to the format associated with the matching user-specific information. Convert the signal.

JP 2011-182344 A JP 2005-31735 A JP 2002-335586 A

  However, in the conventional system, a resident outside the home knows the result of the control performed on the controlled device by the controller that controls the controlled device such as home appliances based on the increase in power consumption in the home. I can't.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and the purpose thereof is control executed by a controller that controls a controlled device on the controlled device based on an increase in power consumption in a home. Is to provide a communication system, a server device, a mobile terminal device, an information processing method, and a program capable of knowing the results from outside the house.

  According to an aspect of the present invention, a communication system includes a controller that controls a controlled device installed in a home, a server device that can communicate with the controller, and a mobile terminal device that is communicably connected to the server device. . The controller transmits a first control command for reducing the power consumption of the controlled device to the controlled device based on the fact that the power consumption amount in the home becomes larger than a preset value. The controller transmits a first control result based on the first control command to the server device. The mobile terminal device receives the first control result from the server device. The portable terminal device outputs the received first control result.

  Preferably, the server device receives a notification requesting power saving from a provider supplying power to the home based on the fact that the power consumption amount in the home becomes larger than a preset value. The controller transmits a first control command to the controlled device based on the notification requesting power saving. The server device transmits to the portable terminal device that the notification of the power saving request has been received. The mobile terminal device outputs a notification.

  Preferably, the communication system includes a plurality of portable terminal devices. The server device receives a second control command for controlling the operation of the controlled device from each of the plurality of mobile terminal devices. When the second control command conflicts, the server device selects one second control command from the plurality of conflicting second control commands according to a predetermined rule. The controller receives the selected second control command via the server device. The controller controls the operation of the controlled device based on the selected second control command. The controller transmits a second control result based on the second control command to the server device. Each portable terminal device receives the second control result from the server device. Each mobile terminal device displays the history of the received second control result on the display of the mobile terminal device.

  Preferably, the server device transmits the content of the second control command not selected due to the competition to each mobile terminal device. Each portable terminal device displays the content of the second control command that was not selected due to the competition on the display together with the history of the second control result.

  Preferably, the communication system includes a plurality of controlled devices. The second control command transmitted by each mobile terminal device includes identification information for identifying any one of the controlled devices. Each portable terminal device receives the second control result of each controlled device and displays the history of the second control result on the display.

  Preferably, each mobile terminal device receives an instruction for designating one controlled device from among a plurality of controlled devices. Each portable terminal device displays the first control result and the second control result of the designated controlled device on the display based on receiving the instruction.

  Preferably, each mobile terminal device accepts an instruction to specify one mobile terminal device from among a plurality of mobile terminal devices. Each mobile terminal device displays the second control result transmitted by the designated mobile terminal device on the display based on the reception of the instruction.

  Preferably, each mobile terminal device receives a plurality of contents of the second control command that are not selected due to competition. Each mobile terminal device, when receiving a predetermined instruction, displays the content of the second control command not selected due to competition on the display as a history.

  Preferably, the server device further receives a notification of canceling power saving from the business operator. The controller returns the operation state of the controlled device to the state before the power saving is requested based on the reception of the notification for canceling the power saving.

  Preferably, the controller notifies the portable terminal device that the operation state of the controlled device has been returned to the state before power saving is requested. The mobile terminal device outputs information indicating that the mobile terminal device has returned to the state before power saving was requested.

  When the other situation of this invention is followed, a server apparatus is connected to the controller which controls the to-be-controlled device installed in the house, and a portable terminal device so that communication is possible. The server device includes a reception unit that receives a control result based on the control command from the controller, and a transmission unit that transmits the control result to the mobile terminal device. The control command is a command for reducing the power consumption of the controlled device, and is a command transmitted from the controller to the controlled device based on the fact that the power consumption amount in the house is larger than a preset value. is there.

  When the further another situation of this invention is followed, a portable terminal device will be connected so that communication is possible with the server apparatus comprised so that it may communicate with the controller which controls the to-be-controlled device installed in the house. The portable terminal device includes a receiving unit that receives a control result based on the control command from the server device, and an output unit that outputs the received control result. The control command is a command for reducing the power consumption of the controlled device, and is a command transmitted from the controller to the controlled device based on the fact that the power consumption amount in the house is larger than a preset value. is there.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, an information processing method includes a controller that controls a controlled device installed in a home, a server device that can communicate with the controller, and a mobile terminal device that is communicably connected to the server device. And executed in a communication system. The information processing method includes a step in which the controller transmits a control command for reducing the power consumption of the controlled device to the controlled device based on the fact that the power consumption amount in the home is larger than a preset value. A step in which the controller transmits a control result based on the control command to the server device, a step in which the mobile terminal device receives the control result from the server device, and a step in which the mobile terminal device outputs the received control result. Is provided.

  If the further another situation of this invention is followed, the information processing method will be performed in the server apparatus connected to the controller which controls the to-be-controlled device installed in the house, and a portable terminal device so that communication is possible. The information processing method includes a step of receiving a control result based on the control command from the controller, and a step of transmitting the control result to the mobile terminal device. The control command is a command for reducing the power consumption of the controlled device, and is a command transmitted from the controller to the controlled device based on the fact that the power consumption amount in the house is larger than a preset value. is there.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the information processing method is executed in a mobile terminal device communicably connected to a server device configured to communicate with a controller that controls a controlled device installed in a home. The The information processing method includes a step of receiving a control result based on the control command from the server device, and a step of outputting the received control result. The control command is a command for reducing the power consumption of the controlled device, and is a command transmitted from the controller to the controlled device based on the fact that the power consumption amount in the house is larger than a preset value. is there.

  When the further another situation of this invention is followed, a program controls the server apparatus connected to the controller which controls the to-be-controlled device installed in the house, and a portable terminal device so that communication is possible. The program causes the processor of the server device to execute a step of receiving a control result based on the control command from the controller and a step of transmitting the control result to the mobile terminal device. The control command is a command for reducing the power consumption of the controlled device, and is a command transmitted from the controller to the controlled device based on the fact that the power consumption amount in the house is larger than a preset value. is there.

  When the further another situation of this invention is followed, a program controls the portable terminal device connected so that communication is possible with the server apparatus comprised so that it may communicate with the controller which controls the to-be-controlled device installed in the house. The program causes the processor of the mobile terminal device to execute a step of receiving a control result based on the control command from the server device and a step of outputting the received control result. The control command is a command for reducing the power consumption of the controlled device, and is a command transmitted from the controller to the controlled device based on the fact that the power consumption amount in the house is larger than a preset value. is there.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the controller which controls a to-be-controlled device based on the increase in the power consumption amount in a house can know the result of the control which performed with respect to the said to-be-controlled device from the outside of a house.

It is a figure showing the schematic structure of the communication system. It is a sequence chart for demonstrating the flow of the process performed in a communication system. It is a sequence chart for demonstrating the flow of the other process performed in a communication system. It is a figure showing the user interface displayed with each smart phone. It is a figure showing the typical example of the hardware constitutions of a server apparatus. It is a figure showing the typical example of the hardware constitutions of a controller. It is a figure showing the hardware constitutions of the smart phone. It is a figure for demonstrating the log | history data D8 memorize | stored in common in each smart phone. It is the figure showing the screen displayed on each smart phone based on the history data D8 of FIG. It is the figure showing the screen of the smart phone 500 displayed when a user performs predetermined operation in the state of FIG. It is a figure showing the screen displayed on a display after an object is selected in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the application which the smart phone has memorize | stored. It is a functional block diagram for demonstrating the functional structure of a server apparatus, a controller, and a smart phone. It is a sequence chart showing the flow of processing in the case of transmitting a control command from a smartphone. It is a sequence chart showing the flow of processing when transmitting a control command from a remote controller. It is a sequence chart showing the flow of processing in the case of transmitting a control command by user operation to a controller. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a screen that is displayed on the display after an object is selected in FIG. 10 and is different from the screen shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 10 is a screen displayed on each smartphone based on history data D <b> 8 in FIG. 8, and represents a screen different from FIG. 9.

  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. Referring to FIG. 1, a communication system 1 includes a server device 100, a controller 200, an air conditioner 401, a television 402, a lighting device 403, a plurality of remote controllers 411, 412, 413, and a plurality of smartphones. 501, 502, 503, a smart meter 600, and a server device 700.

  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”. Further, when the air conditioner 401, the television 402, and the lighting device 403 are not distinguished, they are described as “home appliance 400”. That is, any one of the three home appliances is referred to as “home appliance 400”. Moreover, although the communication system 1 has given the example containing the three household appliances 400, it is not limited to these. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the communication system 1 will be described as further including a refrigerator and an air purifier. When the remote controllers 411, 412, and 413 are not distinguished, they are expressed as “remote controller 410”.

  The controller 200 and each home appliance 400 are installed in the house. The smart meter 600 is installed, for example, on the outer wall surface of a building where the controller is installed.

  Each smartphone 500 is communicably connected to the server apparatus 100. In the present embodiment, smartphones 501, 502, and 503 are described as being carried by different users (for example, father, mother, and child). Moreover, although the case where each smart phone 500 is located outside the home is taken as an example in FIG. 1, each smart phone 500 appropriately moves from outside the home into the home as the user moves. When the smartphone 500 is located in the house, the smartphone 500 can communicate with the controller 200 without using the server device 100.

  The server device 100 is connected to the controller 200 via a router (not shown) so as to be communicable. Server device 100 is connected to server device 700 and smart meter 600 in a communicable manner. Server device 700 is a device operated by an electric power company.

  As an example, the controller 200 is a home server for HEMS. The controller 200 may be configured with a tablet terminal. The controller 200 is communicably connected to the server device 100, each home appliance 400, and the smart meter 600. The controller 200 controls the operation of each home appliance 400. Moreover, the controller 200 acquires the current state (ON, OFF, set temperature, operation type, illuminance setting, etc.) of each home appliance based on a control command from each smartphone 500.

  The server device 100 communicates with the controller 200 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. As a communication method using always-on connection, for example, a web socket can be used. Communication between the server apparatus 100 and the controller 200 is not limited to the above-described communication, and is not particularly limited as long as bidirectional communication can be performed.

  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.

  The controller 200 interprets a control command using a markup language and controls each home appliance 400. Specifically, the controller 200 inquires the server apparatus 100 at a designated timing as to whether or not a command for controlling the home appliance exists, and receives the command based on the query. That is, the controller 200 polls the server device 100.

  The controller 200 communicates with each home appliance 400 using a communication protocol including a control protocol for a smart house and a sensor net protocol. The controller 200 communicates with each home appliance 400 by, for example, ECHONET Lite (registered trademark). However, the communication between the controller 200 and each home appliance 400 may be realized not by a general-purpose communication protocol like ECHONET Lite but by a unique communication protocol.

  Each smartphone 500 receives an input of a control command for controlling each home appliance 400 based on a user operation. Each smartphone 500 transmits the received control command to server device 100.

  Based on the received control command, the controller 200 controls one home appliance 400 (for example, the air conditioner 401) indicated by the control command. More specifically, the controller 200 interprets a control command using a markup language and extracts data necessary for ECHONET LITE communication. The controller 200 controls the home appliance 400 by transmitting the extracted data to the home appliance 400 that is a control target. Although details will be described later, the controller 200 controls the operation of one or more home appliances 400 when receiving a power saving request notification from the server device 700.

  Smart meter 600 measures the power consumption in the home. Smart meter 600 notifies server device 100 and controller 200 of the measurement result. The server device 100 notifies the server device 700 of the measurement result. Note that the communication system 1 may be configured such that the smart meter 600 transmits the measurement result to the server device 700 without going through the server device 100.

  The server device 700 transmits a predetermined notification to the smart meter 600 in order to realize a demand response via the server device 100. Specifically, the server device 700 determines whether the power consumption in the house is larger than a preset value (hereinafter also referred to as “threshold value T”). A notification requesting power saving from the company) is transmitted to the controller 200 via the server device 100. Note that the transmission path of the notification is not particularly limited.

  The remote controller 411 is a device for remotely controlling the air conditioner 401. The remote controller 412 is a device for remotely controlling the television 402. The remote controller 413 is a device for remotely controlling the lighting device 403.

  The controller 200 can also control the operation of each home appliance 400 by a direct user operation on the controller 200 (hereinafter simply referred to as “user operation on the controller 200”). In this way, in the communication system 1, each home appliance 400 can be controlled by a control operation based on a user operation on each smartphone 500, a user operation on each remote controller 411, 412, 413, and a user operation on the controller 200. Furthermore, although mentioned later in detail, each household appliance 400 can also be controlled by the process of the controller 200 based on the notification of the power-saving request | requirement from the server apparatus 700. FIG.

<B. Outline of processing>
Below, the outline | summary of the process performed in the communication system 1 is demonstrated. First, a configuration in which the controller 200 controls the home appliance 400 without receiving a power saving request notification from the power company will be described. Next, a configuration in which the controller 200 controls the home appliance 400 based on receiving a power saving request from an electric power company will be described.

(B1. Control home appliances without notification of power saving request)
FIG. 2 is a sequence chart for explaining the flow of processing executed in the communication system 1. Specifically, FIG. 2 is a diagram for describing a configuration in which the controller 200 controls the home appliance 400 without receiving a notification of a power saving request from the power company.

  Referring to FIG. 2, in step S <b> 2, controller 200 detects that the in-home power consumption exceeds threshold value T. The controller 200 performs the detection by comparing the power consumption amount sent from the smart meter 600 with the threshold value T stored in advance in the controller 200.

  In sequence SQ2, controller 200 transmits a control command to home appliance 400. Specifically, the controller 200 transmits a control command for changing the operation state in order to reduce the power consumption of all or some of the home appliances. For example, when the air conditioner 401 is in a cooling operation, the controller 200 transmits a control command for increasing the set temperature to the air conditioner 401.

  The controller 200 changes the control target (home appliance) and the control content (on, off, temperature, humidity, illuminance, etc.) according to the content of the power saving request notification according to the power consumption in the house. For example, if the amount of power that must be saved is greater than a predetermined value, the controller 200 controls the operation of all the home appliances 400 that are operating, thereby reducing the amount of power consumption. What kind of control command is transmitted is determined in advance in the controller 200 based on the excess amount from the threshold T of the power consumption.

  In sequence SQ4, home appliance 400 that has received the control command transmits a response signal indicating acceptance of the control command to controller 200. Note that the response signal may be a signal indicating that home appliance 400 has changed the operating state.

  In sequence SQ6, controller 200 transmits a control result to server apparatus 100 based on the reception of the response signal from home appliance 400. That is, controller 200 transmits a control result based on the control command transmitted in sequence SQ2 to server device 100. More specifically, the controller 200 transmits information indicating that the power consumption amount exceeds the threshold T and the control result to the server apparatus 100 in a state in which the information is associated with each other.

  In sequence SQ8, server device 100 transmits the control result received from controller 200 to each smartphone 500. More specifically, the controller 200 transmits the information indicating that the power consumption amount exceeds the threshold T and the control result to each smartphone 500 in a state where the information is associated with the control result. In step S <b> 4, each smartphone 500 outputs information indicating that the power consumption exceeds the threshold T and the control result in association with each other. For example, each smartphone 500 displays information indicating that the amount of power consumption exceeds the threshold T and a control result in association with each other on the display.

  As described above, the controller 200 transmits a control command for reducing the power consumption of the home appliance 400 to the home appliance 400 based on the fact that the power consumption amount in the home is larger than the threshold value T. In addition, the controller 200 transmits a control result based on the control command to the server device 100. Each smartphone 500 receives the control result from the server device 100 and outputs the control result.

  According to said structure, each user of each smart phone can confirm the control result of the household appliance 400 of the controller 200 by the power consumption amount in the house becoming larger than the threshold value T with his smart phone 500. FIG.

(B2. Control home appliances based on notification of power saving request)
FIG. 3 is a sequence chart for explaining the flow of other processing executed in the communication system 1. Specifically, FIG. 3 is a diagram for mainly explaining processing when a notification of a power saving request from an electric power company is received.

  Referring to FIG. 3, in sequence SQ <b> 102, power company server apparatus 700 transmits a power saving request notification to server apparatus 100. Note that the notification of the power saving request is a notification addressed to the controller 200. The notification of the power saving request may be addressed to the smart meter 600. In sequence SQ104, server device 100 transmits a notification of a power saving request to controller 200.

  In sequence SQ106, controller 200 transmits a control command based on the notification of the power saving request to home appliance 400. Specifically, the controller 200 transmits a control command for changing the operation state in order to reduce the power consumption of all or some of the home appliances. The controller 200 changes the control target and the control content according to the content of the power saving request notification. For example, the controller 200 determines in advance what kind of power saving request notification is sent and what kind of control command is sent.

  In sequence SQ108, home appliance 400 that has received the control command transmits a response signal indicating acceptance of the control command to controller 200. Note that the response signal may be a signal indicating that home appliance 400 has changed the operating state.

  In sequence SQ110, controller 200 transmits a control result to server apparatus 100 based on the reception of the response signal from home appliance 400. That is, controller 200 transmits a control result based on the control command transmitted in sequence SQ106 to server device 100.

  In sequence SQ112, server device 100 transmits the control result received from controller 200 to each smartphone 500. More specifically, the server device 100 associates the power saving request, the time when the power saving request is made, and the control result with each other, and transmits them to each smartphone 500. In step S102, each smartphone 500 outputs the control result in a state associated with the time when the power saving request is made. For example, each smartphone 500 displays on the display a state in which the time when the power saving request is made and the control result are associated with each other.

  In sequence SQ114, server device 700 transmits to server device 100 a cancellation notification for canceling the power saving request. In sequence SQ <b> 116, server apparatus 100 transmits information indicating that the cancellation notification has been received to each smartphone 500. In step S104, each smartphone 500 outputs a cancellation notification. For example, each smartphone 500 displays the received release notification on the display.

  As described above, the server device 100 receives a notification requesting power saving from an electric power company (a company that supplies power to the home) based on the fact that the power consumption in the home is larger than the threshold value T. The controller 200 transmits a control command for reducing power consumption of the home appliance 400 to the home appliance 400 based on the notification requesting power saving. The server apparatus 100 transmits to each smartphone 500 that the notification of the power saving request has been received. Each smartphone 500 outputs the notification.

  According to the above configuration, each user of each smartphone can know that there has been a power saving request notification and a power saving request release notification from the power company. Moreover, each user can confirm the control result of the household appliance 400 of the controller 200 by the power-saving request | requirement from an electric power company with the own smart phone 500. FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a user interface displayed on each smartphone 500. Referring to FIG. 4, each smartphone 500 displays a list of screens representing the control history of household appliances in the house accompanying the power saving request on display 5191. Each smartphone 500 displays the screen based on the data acquired from the server device 100 by requesting the control history from the server device 100. Each smartphone 500 may be configured to display the screen by arranging the control results sequentially received in time series. The method of generating and acquiring the control history data is not particularly limited.

  Each user of each smartphone 500 can grasp what kind of control is performed on the home appliance 400 based on the power saving request by checking the control history. Each user can also know that the power saving request has been canceled and the cancellation time.

  By the way, in the above, as an example of the process performed when the in-home power consumption exceeds the threshold value T, the process when the server apparatus 100 receives a notification of the power saving request from the power company is taken as an example. explained. Hereinafter, a configuration including at least a case where the server device 100 receives a power saving request notification from the power company and a case where the server device 100 receives a control command for the home appliance 400 by each smartphone 500 will be described.

<C. Hardware configuration>
(C1. Server apparatus 100)
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a typical example of the hardware configuration of the server apparatus 100. Referring to FIG. 5, 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. 5). 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 each 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. 6 is a diagram illustrating a typical example of the hardware configuration of the controller 200. Referring to FIG. 6, 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 home appliance 400, and processing for receiving data transmitted from server device 100 and each home appliance 400.

  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.

(C3. Smartphone 500)
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the smartphone 500. Referring to FIG. 7, smartphone 500 includes an antenna 511, an RF (Radio Frequency) circuit 512, a baseband circuit 513, a GPS receiver 514, an application processor 515 that executes a program, and a ROM (Read Only Memory). ) 516, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 517, a NAND flash memory 518, a touch screen 519, a camera 520, a microphone 521, a speaker 522, and an operation key 523 for receiving an instruction input by the user, A communication IF (Interface) 524, an IC (Integrated Circuit) card reader / writer 525, and a power supply unit 526 are provided. The touch screen 519 includes a display 5191 and a touch panel 5192.

  The GPS receiver 514 includes an antenna 541, an RF circuit 542, and a baseband circuit 543. The GPS receiver 514 receives a GPS satellite signal using the antenna 541. Further, the GPS receiver 514 outputs the processing results (that is, current location information) in the RF circuit 512 and the baseband circuit 543 to the application processor 515. The current location information is information indicating latitude, longitude, and altitude.

The antenna 511, the RF circuit 512, and the baseband circuit 513 are used for wireless communication with another mobile terminal, a fixed telephone, and a PC (Personal Computer) via a base station. Specifically, the antenna 511, the RF circuit 512, and the baseband circuit 513 are used for the smartphone 500 to perform communication using a mobile phone network.

  The flash memory 518 is a nonvolatile semiconductor memory. The flash memory 518 volatilely stores various programs for controlling the smartphone 500 and various data such as data generated by the smartphone 500 and data acquired from an external device of the smartphone 500.

  The components 513 to 526 are connected to each other by a data bus. A memory card 1151 is attached to the IC card reader / writer 525.

  The processing in the smartphone 500 is realized by software executed by each hardware and the application processor 515. Such software may be stored in advance in the flash memory 518. The software may be stored in a memory card 1151 or other storage medium and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a program product that can be downloaded by an information provider connected to the so-called Internet. Such software is read from the storage medium by an IC card reader / writer 525 or other reading device, or downloaded via the antenna 511, the RF circuit 512, the baseband circuit 513, or the communication IF 524, Once stored in the flash memory 518. The software is read from the flash memory 518 by the application processor 515 and further stored in the flash memory 518 in the form of an executable program. The application processor 515 executes the program.

  Each component which comprises the smart phone 500 shown by the figure is a general thing. Accordingly, it can be said that the essential part of the present invention is software stored in the flash memory 518, the memory card 1151, or other storage medium, or software that can be downloaded via a network. In addition, since the operation | movement of each hardware of the smart phone 500 is known, detailed description is not repeated.

The recording medium is not limited to DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, FD, and hard disk, but is fixed such as semiconductor memory such as magnetic tape, cassette tape, optical disk, optical card, mask ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, and flash ROM. A medium carrying a program may 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. Data>
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining history data D8 stored in common in each smartphone 500. FIG. The history data D8 is composed of information received from the server device 100. Referring to FIG. 8, history data D8 includes, as items to be stored, the transmission source of a control command or notification, the transmission date and time of the control command, the content of notification, the control result based on the control command, and the reception of the control command Including state.

  In the transmission source column, in the communication system 1 according to the present embodiment, each smartphone 500 (501, 502, 503), the server device 700 of the electric power company, the controller 200, and each remote controller 411, 412, 413 Is stored. The notification content column stores a power saving request notification and a power saving request release notification. Information based on the control command is stored in the control result column. The control command acceptance status column stores information indicating whether each control command is accepted or rejected when the control commands compete. When a control command is received, control based on the control command is executed.

  Specifically, server device 100 receives a control command for controlling the operation of home appliance 400 from each of a plurality of smartphones 500. When the control command conflicts, the server apparatus 100 selects one control command from a plurality of the conflicting control commands according to a predetermined rule. Server device 100 controls home appliance 400 based on the selected control command. Information (for example, reception) indicating reception is stored in the column of the reception state of the control command corresponding to the selected control command. Information (for example, rejection) indicating rejection is stored in the column of the acceptance state of the control instruction corresponding to the control instruction that has not been selected. Control command conflicts include not only competition between control commands from a plurality of smartphones 500, but also control commands (or controllers based on control commands from smartphones 500 and notifications of power saving requests from server devices 700 of power companies). There is also a conflict with a control command based on a user operation to 200).

  The controller 200 has a function of returning to the state before the power saving request when the power saving request is canceled. That is, the controller 200 has received from the power company server device 700 a function to store the setting state of the controlled device such as the air conditioner 401 before receiving a notification requesting power saving and a notification to cancel power saving. In this case, a function of returning the operating state of the controlled device to a state before power saving is requested (that is, automatically returning) based on the stored setting state is provided. The history data D8 shown in FIG. 8 is data when the controller 200 is turning on the function as shown in the control result of “10:00 on August 30” by the controller 200. When the controller 200 is turned off, the control result is not recorded in the history data D8.

  Further, the communication system 1 is configured so that when the request for power saving is canceled, the user of the smartphone 500 is inquired whether to return to the state before the power saving request, and whether the user returns. May be.

<E. User interface>
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on each smartphone 500 based on the history data D8 of FIG. Referring to FIG. 9, the control history is displayed in time series on display 5191 of smartphone 500. Each smartphone 500 stores information on the user of each smartphone 500, and displays the smartphone identification information by replacing the identification information of the smartphone with the user identification information (father, mother, etc.). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the history data D8 may be configured such that identification information of a user such as a father is stored instead of the smartphone 501 or the like.

  For example, each smart phone 500 displays the rejected control command together with the accepted control command in, for example, the display column regarding the air conditioner application. Further, each smartphone 500 controls the control result related to the power saving request shown in FIG. 4 and the notification of the cancellation of the power saving request based on the control result based on the control command from the smartphone 500 and the user operation (HEMS control) to the controller 200. The control result based on the command and the control result based on the control command by the remote controller are displayed on the display 5191 in a combined state.

  Each user of each smartphone 500 can check a list of control histories by each control subject. Furthermore, each user can confirm the operation history that has not been accepted together.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen of smartphone 500 displayed when the user performs a predetermined operation in the state of FIG. Referring to FIG. 10, when the user performs a predetermined operation (for example, selection of a software button not shown) in the state of FIG. 9, pop-up image 590 used when performing a filter operation on the control history is displayed. The Pop-up image 590 includes a plurality of objects 591, 592, 593, and 594. The user can select home appliances that display a history by selecting these objects. For example, when the user selects the object 591, the smartphone 500 extracts (filters) the control history of only the air conditioner 401.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on display 5191 after object 591 is selected in FIG. Referring to FIG. 11, smartphone 500 extracts items related to control of air conditioner 401 (living air conditioner) in history data D8. The smartphone 500 displays the extracted items on the display 5191.

  Therefore, the user of the smartphone 500 can check the control history of the home appliance 400 selected by the user in a state where the control history of the other home appliances 400 is not included.

  17 is a screen displayed on the display 5191 after the object 591 is selected in FIG. 10, and shows a screen different from the screen shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 17, smartphone 500 extracts items related to control of air conditioner 401 (living air conditioner) in history data D8.

  The smartphone 500 displays the extracted items on the display 5191. At that time, the smartphone 500 also displays an operation rejected during a power saving request (in the case of FIG. 8, from 11:15 to 15:00 on August 30). Specifically, the smartphone 500 displays that the control command (see FIG. 8) from the smartphone 501 issued at 12:00 on August 30 is rejected in association with the display of the power saving request.

  According to the said structure, the user of the smart phone 500 can know also about operation rejected during power saving. Whether to perform the display shown in FIG. 11 or the display shown in FIG. 17 is determined by a user operation, for example.

  18 is a screen displayed on each smartphone 500 based on the history data D8 of FIG. 8, and is a diagram showing a screen different from FIG. Specifically, FIG. 18 is a screen displayed on each smartphone 500 when the controller 200 is on the function of returning to the state before the power saving request.

  Referring to FIG. 18, the control history is displayed in time series on display 5191 of smartphone 500. At that time, the smartphone 500 displays that the control to return (return) to the state (setting) before the power saving request is performed after the power saving is canceled in association with the display of the power saving request cancellation. According to the configuration, the user of the smartphone 500 can know that the control for returning to the state before the power saving request has been performed.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an application stored in the smartphone 500. Referring to FIG. 12, smartphone 500 displays a screen for accepting selection of an application by performing an operation for displaying a screen for selecting an application by a user of smartphone 500. The smartphone 500 includes, for example, an application icon 581 for controlling the air conditioner 401, an application icon 582 for controlling the television 402, an application icon 583 for controlling the lighting device 403, and a refrigerator. Application icon 584, an application icon 585 for controlling the air purifier, and the like are displayed.

  For example, when the user selects the icon 581, the smartphone 500 displays an operation screen for controlling the air conditioner 401.

  In addition, when the smartphone 500 receives the control result, the smartphone 500 displays the received control result on the display 5191. For example, when the user (mother) of the smartphone 502 sets the preset temperature of the air conditioner 401 to 20 degrees, the smartphone 500 displays information 570 indicating that the mother has set the preset temperature of 20 degrees on the display 5191 in advance. Display in real time in a defined area. With this display, each user can know operations performed by others.

<E. Functional configuration>
FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram for explaining functional configurations of the server device 100, the controller 200, and the smartphone 500. Referring to FIG. 13, server apparatus 100 includes a control unit 101, a storage unit 102, and a communication IF unit 103. Communication IF unit 103 includes a transmission unit 131 and a reception unit 132.

(E1. Overview)
The controller 200 includes a control unit 201, a storage unit 202, an out-of-home communication IF unit 203, and a home appliance IF unit 204. The communication IF unit 203 includes a transmission unit 231 and a reception unit 232. Home appliance IF unit 204 includes a transmission unit 241 and a reception unit 242.

  The smartphone 500 includes a control unit 551, a storage unit 552, a communication IF unit 553, and an output unit 554. Communication IF unit 553 includes a transmission unit 5531 and a reception unit 5532.

  The storage unit 102 of the server apparatus 100 stores various data such as history data D8 (FIG. 8), programs, and operating systems. The control unit 101 controls the operation of the server device 100 based on the operating system and program stored in the storage unit 102. Communication IF unit 103 is an interface for communicating with controller 200, each smartphone 500, and server device 700.

  The storage unit 202 of the controller 200 stores various data, programs, and operating systems. The control unit 201 controls the operation of the controller 200 based on the operating system and program stored in the storage unit 202. Communication IF unit 203 is an interface for communicating with server device 100 and smart meter 600. The home appliance IF unit 204 is an interface for communicating with each home appliance 400 (401, 402, 403, etc.).

  The storage unit 552 of the smartphone 500 stores various data, programs, and operating systems. The storage unit 552 stores history data D8 sent from the server device 100. The storage unit 552 may be configured to acquire only a part of the history data D8 (for example, data for the latest one week) from the server device 100. The control unit 551 controls the operation of the smartphone 500 based on the operating system and program stored in the storage unit 552. The communication IF unit 553 is an interface for communicating with the server device 100. Note that when the smartphone 500 is in the house, the communication IF unit 553 functions as an interface for communicating with the controller 200 without using the server device 100.

  The power saving request notification and the power saving request release notification transmitted from the server device 700 are received by the receiving unit 132 of the server device 100. Further, the control command and the control history request signal transmitted by the transmission unit 5531 of the smartphone 500 are also received by the reception unit 132 of the server device 100. The power saving request notification, the power saving request release notification, the control result, and the history data D8 based on the transmission of the control history request signal transmitted by the transmitting unit 131 of the server device 100 are the receiving unit of the smartphone 500. 5532 is received.

(E2. Details)
Below, the process of each functional block in various aspects will be described with examples.

  (1) The transmission unit 231 of the controller 200 controls the power consumption of the home appliance 400 based on the fact that the power consumption amount in the house is larger than a preset value (threshold value T) (hereinafter, referred to as “control command”). (Also referred to as “control command C1”). Specifically, when the power consumption amount sent from smart meter 600 exceeds threshold value T stored in controller 200 in advance, controller 200 transmits control command C1 to the home appliance. Further, the transmission unit 231 transmits a control result based on the control command C1 (hereinafter also referred to as “control result R1”) to the server device 100.

  The receiving unit 5532 of the smartphone 500 receives the control result R1 from the server device 100. The output unit 554 of the smartphone 500 outputs the received control result R1. Typically, the output unit 554 displays the control result R1 on the display 5191.

  According to said structure, each user of each smart phone 500 can confirm the control result of the household appliance 400 of the controller 200 by the power consumption amount in the house becoming larger than the threshold value T with his own smart phone 500. .

  (2) The receiving unit 132 of the server device 100 receives a notification requesting power saving from the electric power company (more precisely, the server device 700) based on the fact that the power consumption in the home is larger than the threshold value T. The transmission unit 241 of the controller 200 transmits a control command C1 to the home appliance 400 based on the notification requesting power saving. The transmission unit 131 of the server device 100 transmits to the smartphone 500 that the notification of the power saving request has been received. The receiving unit 5532 of the smartphone 500 receives the power saving request notification transmitted from the server device 100. The output unit 554 of the smartphone 500 outputs the received notification.

  According to said structure, each user of each smart phone 500 can know that there was a notification of a power-saving request | requirement from the electric power company. Moreover, each user can confirm the control result of the household appliance 400 of the controller 200 by the power-saving request | requirement from an electric power company with the own smart phone 500. FIG.

  (3) The receiving unit 132 of the server device 100 receives a control command (hereinafter also referred to as “control command C2”) for controlling the operation of the home appliance 400 from each of the plurality of smartphones 500. The control command C2 is transmitted from the transmission unit 5531 of the smartphone 500. When the control command C2 competes, the control unit 101 of the server device 100 selects one control command C2 from the plurality of conflicting control commands C2 according to a predetermined rule.

  The receiving unit 232 of the controller 200 receives the selected control command C2 via the server device 100. The controller 200 controls the operation of the home appliance 400 based on the selected control command C2. Specifically, the controller 200 controls the home appliance 400 by transmitting the selected control command C2 to the home appliance 400 by the transmission unit 241 of the home appliance IF unit 204. The transmission unit 231 transmits a control result based on the control command C <b> 2 (hereinafter, also referred to as “control result R <b> 2”) to the server device 100. The receiving unit 5532 of each smartphone 500 receives the control result R2 from the server device 100. The output unit 554 displays the history of the received control result R2.

  According to said structure, each user of each smart phone 500 can know the control result of the household appliance 400 based on the control command C2 from all the smart phones 500. FIG.

  (4) The transmission part 131 of the server apparatus 100 transmits the content of the control command C2 which was not selected by competition to each smart phone 500. The receiving unit 5532 of each smartphone 500 receives the content of the control command C2 transmitted from the server device 100 and not selected due to competition. The output unit 554 displays the contents of the control command C2 that was not selected due to the competition, together with the history of the control result R2.

  According to the above configuration, each user of each smartphone 500 can know the control command C2 rejected by the server device 100 when a conflict occurs.

  (5) The control command C2 transmitted by each smartphone 500 includes identification information for identifying any one of the home appliances 400. The receiving unit 5532 of each smartphone 500 receives the control result R2 of each home appliance 400. The output unit 554 displays the history of the control result R2.

  According to said structure, each user of each smart phone 500 can know the control result of the some household appliance 400 based on control instruction | command C2 from all the smart phones 500. FIG.

  (6) Each smartphone 500 receives an instruction (user operation) for designating one home appliance 400 from among the plurality of home appliances 400. The output unit 554 displays the control result R1 and the control result R2 of the designated home appliance 400 based on receiving the instruction.

  According to said structure, each user of each smart phone 500 can see only the control result of the designated household appliance 400 among the control results of the some household appliance 400 by designating the household appliance 400. FIG.

<F. Control structure>
(F1. Control by smartphone 500)
FIG. 14 is a sequence chart showing the flow of processing when a control command is transmitted from the smartphone 500. Referring to FIG. 14, in step S202, smartphone 500 receives a control command (control command C2) based on a user operation. In sequence SQ202, smartphone 500 transmits the received control command to server device 100. In sequence SQ204, server device 100 transmits the control command received from smartphone 500 to controller 200. In sequence 206, the controller 200 transmits the control command received from the server device 100 to the home appliance 400.

  In sequence SQ208, home appliance 400 that has received the control command transmits a response signal indicating acceptance of the control command to controller 200. Note that the response signal may be a signal indicating that home appliance 400 has changed the operating state.

  In sequence SQ210, controller 200 transmits a control result (control result R2) to server device 100 based on the reception of the response signal from home appliance 400. That is, controller 200 transmits a control result based on the control command transmitted in sequence SQ206 to server device 100.

  In sequence SQ212, server device 100 transmits the control result received from controller 200 to each smartphone 500. In step S204, each smartphone 500 outputs a control result. For example, each smartphone 500 displays the control result on the display.

  In sequence SQ214, smartphone 500 transmits a request signal for requesting history data D8 (control result history) to server apparatus 100. In sequence SQ216, server device 100 transmits history data D8 to smartphone 500 that has requested history data D8. In step S206, the history (FIG. 4 etc.) based on the history data D8 is output.

(F2. Control by remote controller 410)
FIG. 15 is a sequence chart showing the flow of processing when a control command is transmitted from the remote controller 410. Referring to FIG. 15, in step S512, remote controller 410 receives a control command based on a user operation. In sequence SQ512, remote controller 410 transmits the received control command to corresponding home appliance 400. In sequence SQ514, home appliance 400 that has received the control command transmits a control result to controller 200.

  In sequence SQ516, controller 200 transmits the control result received from home appliance 400 to server apparatus 100. In sequence SQ518, server device 100 transmits the control result received from controller 200 to each smartphone 500. In step S514, each smartphone 500 outputs a control result. For example, each smartphone 500 displays the control result on the display.

  In sequence SQ520, smartphone 500 transmits a request signal for requesting history data D8 (control result history) to server apparatus 100. In sequence SQ522, server device 100 transmits history data D8 to smartphone 500 that has requested the history data D8. In step S516, the history (FIG. 4 etc.) based on the history data D8 is output.

(F3. Control by user operation to the controller 200 (HEMS control))
FIG. 16 is a sequence chart showing the flow of processing when a control command by a user operation to the controller 200 is transmitted. Referring to FIG. 16, in step S402, controller 200 accepts a control command based on a user operation. In sequence SQ402, controller 200 transmits the received control command to home appliance 400.

  In sequence SQ404, home appliance 400 that has received the control command transmits a response signal indicating acceptance of the control command to controller 200. Note that the response signal may be a signal indicating that home appliance 400 has changed the operating state.

  In sequence SQ406, controller 200 transmits a control result to server apparatus 100 based on the reception of the response signal from home appliance 400. That is, controller 200 transmits a control result based on the control command transmitted in sequence SQ402 to server device 100.

  In sequence SQ408, server device 100 transmits the control result received from controller 200 to each smartphone 500. In step S406, each smartphone 500 outputs a control result. For example, each smartphone 500 displays the control result on the display.

  In sequence SQ410, smartphone 500 transmits a request signal for requesting history data D8 (control result history) to server apparatus 100. In sequence SQ412, server apparatus 100 transmits to smartphone 500 that requested history data D8. In step S408, the history (FIG. 4 etc.) based on the history data D8 is output.

[Embodiment 2]
In Embodiment 1, the structure which can select the household appliance 400 which displays a log | history was demonstrated as demonstrated based on FIG. 10 and FIG. In addition to the configuration, each smartphone 500 may be configured to extract a control command that is rejected due to the occurrence of a conflict and display the extracted control command on a display (for example, a list display). That is, each smartphone 500 may be configured to extract a rejected control command from the control history (specifically, history data D8).

  If it demonstrates concretely, the receiving part 5532 of each smart phone 500 will receive two or more contents of the control command C2 which was not selected by competition. When the output unit 554 receives a predetermined instruction, the output unit 554 displays the content of the control command C2 that has not been selected due to competition as a history.

  According to the said structure, each user of each smart phone 500 can confirm only the control command rejected by the server apparatus 100 among the control commands to the some household appliance 400. FIG.

[Embodiment 3]
In Embodiment 1, the structure which can select the household appliance 400 which displays a log | history was demonstrated as demonstrated based on FIG. 10 and FIG. In addition to the said structure, you may comprise each smart phone 500 so that the control result by the smart phone 500 designated by designating the smart phone 500 may be displayed. That is, you may comprise each smart phone 500 so that the control result by the designated smart phone 500 may be extracted from a control history.

  More specifically, each smartphone 500 receives an instruction to specify one smartphone 500 from among the plurality of smartphones 500. The output unit 554 displays the control result R2 transmitted by the designated smartphone 500 based on the reception of the instruction.

  According to the said structure, each user of each smart phone 500 can confirm only the control result based on the control command transmitted by the designated smart phone 500 among the control commands to the some household appliance 400. FIG.

[Embodiment 4]
Each smartphone 500 may be configured to extract a control result of a home appliance installed in a designated place (living room, bedroom, kitchen, study room, etc.) from the control history. According to the said structure, each user of each smart phone 500 can confirm only the control result with respect to the household appliance 400 installed in the designated place among the control commands to the some household appliance 400. FIG. In the case of the configuration, the server device 100 or the controller 200 needs to store the installation location of the home appliance 400 in association with the identification information of the home appliance 400.

[Embodiment 5]
Each smartphone 500 may be configured to extract an operation for increasing power consumption from the control history. According to the said structure, each user of each smart phone 500 can confirm only the control command which increases electric power consumption among several control commands among the control commands to the some household appliance 400. FIG.

[Embodiment 6]
Each smartphone 500 may be configured to extract a control result by the specified remote controller 410 from the control history. According to the said structure, each user of each smart phone 500 can confirm only the control result based on the control command transmitted by the designated remote controller among the control commands to the some household appliance 400. FIG.

  In addition, you may comprise each smart phone 500 so that the control result by all the remote controllers 410 (411,412,413) may be extracted from a control history.

[Embodiment 7]
Each smartphone 500 may be configured to extract a control result by a user operation (HEMS operation) on the controller 200 from the control history. According to the said structure, each user of each smart phone 500 can confirm only the control result based on the user operation with respect to the controller 200 among the control commands to the some household appliance 400. FIG.

[Embodiment 8]
In each of the first to seventh embodiments described above, the configuration in which each smartphone 500 executes the process of extracting data from the control history has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of each smartphone 500, the server device 100 may execute the extraction process.

[Embodiment 9]
When a conflict occurs, a control command based on a power saving request from an electric power company, a control command based on a user operation on the controller 200, a control command based on a user operation on the remote controller 410, a control command based on a user operation on the smartphone 500 It is preferable to configure the server device 100 so that priority is given in the order of and the control commands with higher priority are selected. The priority order is preferably configured to be changeable in the communication system 1 from the viewpoint of user convenience.

[Embodiment 10]
The processing described in the second to ninth embodiments may be combined with the first embodiment. Further, instead of the extraction process of the first embodiment, the extraction process of the second to seventh embodiments may be performed. You may comprise the smart phone 500 (or server apparatus 100) so that two or more extraction processes may be performed among said several extraction processes.

<Summary>
(1) The communication system 1 includes a controller 200 that controls a home appliance 400 installed in a home, a server device 100 that can communicate with the controller 200, and a smartphone 500 that is communicably connected to the server device 100.

  The controller 200 sends a control command C1 (first control command) for reducing the power consumption of the home appliance 400 based on the fact that the power consumption amount in the home is larger than a preset value (threshold value T). 400. Further, the controller 200 transmits a control result R1 (first control result) based on the control command C1 to the server device 100. The smartphone 500 receives the control result R1 from the server device 100. The smartphone 500 outputs the received control result R1.

  According to said structure, each user of each smart phone 500 can confirm the control result of the household appliance 400 of the controller 200 by the power consumption amount in the house becoming larger than the threshold value T with his own smart phone 500. .

  (2) The server device 100 receives a notification requesting power saving from a business operator (server device 700 of a power company) that supplies power to the home based on the fact that the power consumption in the home is greater than the threshold T. . The controller 200 transmits a control command C1 to the home appliance 400 based on the notification requesting power saving. The server apparatus 100 transmits to the smartphone 500 that the notification of the power saving request has been received. The smartphone 500 outputs the received notification. According to said structure, each user of each smart phone 500 can know that there was a notification of a power-saving request | requirement from the electric power company. Moreover, each user can confirm the control result of the household appliance 400 of the controller 200 by the power-saving request | requirement from an electric power company with the own smart phone 500. FIG.

  (3) The server apparatus 100 receives a control command C2 (second control command) for controlling the operation of the home appliance 400 from each of the plurality of smartphones 500. When the control command C2 competes, the control unit 101 of the server device 100 selects one control command C2 from the plurality of conflicting control commands C2 according to a predetermined rule. The controller 200 receives the selected control command C2 via the server device 100. The controller 200 controls the operation of the home appliance 400 based on the selected control command C2. The controller 200 transmits a control result R2 (second control result) based on the control command C2 to the server device 100. The receiving unit 5532 of each smartphone 500 receives the control result R2 from the server device 100. The output unit 554 displays the history of the received control result R2. According to said structure, each user of each smart phone 500 can know the control result of the household appliance 400 based on the control command C2 from all the smart phones 500. FIG.

  (4) The server apparatus 100 transmits the content of the control command C2 that has not been selected due to competition to each smartphone 500. The output unit 554 displays the contents of the control command C2 that was not selected due to the competition, together with the history of the control result R2. According to the above configuration, each user of each smartphone 500 can know the control command C2 rejected by the server device 100 when a conflict occurs.

  (5) The communication system 1 includes a plurality of smartphones 500. The control command C <b> 2 transmitted by each smartphone 500 includes identification information for identifying any of the home appliances 400. Each smartphone 500 receives the control result R2 of each home appliance 400. The output unit 554 displays the history of the control result R2. According to said structure, each user of each smart phone 500 can know the control result of the some household appliance 400 based on control instruction | command C2 from all the smart phones 500. FIG.

  (6) Each smartphone 500 receives an instruction to specify one home appliance 400 from among the plurality of home appliances 400. The output unit 554 displays the control result R1 and the control result R2 of the designated home appliance 400 based on receiving the instruction. According to said structure, each user of each smart phone 500 can see only the control result of the designated household appliance 400 among the control results of the some household appliance 400 by designating the household appliance 400. FIG.

  (7) Each smartphone 500 receives an instruction for designating one smartphone 500 from the plurality of smartphones 500. The output unit 554 displays the control result R2 transmitted by the designated smartphone 500 based on the reception of the instruction. According to the said structure, each user of each smart phone 500 can confirm only the control result based on the control command transmitted by the designated smart phone 500 among the control commands to the some household appliance 400. FIG.

  (8) The receiving unit 5532 of each smartphone 500 receives a plurality of contents of the control command C2 that has not been selected due to competition. When the output unit 554 receives a predetermined instruction, the output unit 554 displays the content of the control command C2 that has not been selected due to competition as a history. According to the said structure, each user of each smart phone 500 can confirm only the control command rejected by the server apparatus 100 among the control commands to the some household appliance 400. FIG.

  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.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Communication system, 100,700 server apparatus, 101,201,551 control part, 102,202,552 storage part, 131,231,241,5531 transmission part, 132,232,242,5532 reception part, 151,251 CPU , 152,252 ROM, 153,253 RAM, 154,254 HDD, 160, 260, 523 operation keys, 200 controller, 515 application processor, 518 flash memory, 5191 display, 401 air conditioner, 402 TV, 403 lighting device, 411, 412, 413 Remote controller, 501, 502, 503 Smartphone, 554 output unit, 581, 582, 583, 584 Icon, 590 Pop-up image, 591, 592, 593, 594, 591 Object, 600 Smart meter, 1151 Memory card.

Claims (17)

A communication system comprising a controller that controls a controlled device installed in a home, a server device that can communicate with the controller, and a mobile terminal device that is communicably connected to the server device,
The controller is
Based on the fact that the power consumption amount in the house is larger than a preset value, a first control command for reducing the power consumption of the controlled device is transmitted to the controlled device,
Transmitting a first control result based on the first control command to the server device;
The portable terminal device
Receiving the first control result from the server device;
A communication system that outputs the received first control result. The server device receives a notification requesting power saving from a provider supplying power to the home based on the fact that the power consumption in the home is greater than the preset value,
The controller transmits the first control command to the controlled device based on the notification requesting the power saving,
The server device transmits to the portable terminal device that the notification of the request for power saving is received,
The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the mobile terminal device outputs the notification. The communication system includes a plurality of the mobile terminal devices,
The server device
From each of the plurality of portable terminal devices, a second control command for controlling the operation of the controlled device is received,
When the second control command competes, one second control command is selected according to a predetermined rule from the plurality of conflicting second control commands,
The controller is
Receiving the selected second control command via the server device;
Controlling the operation of the controlled device based on the selected second control command;
A second control result based on the second control command is transmitted to the server device;
Each of the mobile terminal devices
Receiving the second control result from the server device;
The communication system according to claim 2, wherein the received history of the second control result is displayed on a display of the mobile terminal device. The server device transmits the content of the second control command that was not selected due to the conflict to each mobile terminal device,
4. The communication system according to claim 3, wherein each of the mobile terminal devices displays, on the display, the content of the second control command that has not been selected due to the competition, together with the history of the second control result. The communication system includes a plurality of the controlled devices,
The second control command transmitted by each portable terminal device includes identification information for identifying any of the controlled devices,
5. The communication system according to claim 3, wherein each of the mobile terminal devices receives the second control result of each of the controlled devices and displays a history of the second control result on the display. Each of the mobile terminal devices
Receiving an instruction to designate one controlled device from the plurality of controlled devices;
The communication system according to claim 5, wherein the first control result and the second control result of the designated controlled device are displayed on the display based on receiving the instruction. Each of the mobile terminal devices
Receiving an instruction to designate one mobile terminal device from the plurality of mobile terminal devices;
The communication system according to claim 5, wherein the second control result transmitted by the designated mobile terminal device is displayed on the display based on receiving the instruction. Each of the mobile terminal devices
Receiving a plurality of contents of the second control command not selected due to the conflict;
The communication system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein when a predetermined instruction is received, the content of the second control command not selected due to the competition is displayed on the display as a history. The server device further receives a notification of canceling power saving from the operator,
The said controller returns the operation state of the said controlled apparatus to the state before the said power saving was requested | required based on having received the notification which cancels | releases the said power saving. Communications system. The controller notifies the portable terminal device that the operation state of the controlled device has been returned to the state before power saving is requested,
The communication system according to claim 9, wherein the mobile terminal device outputs information indicating that the mobile terminal device has returned to a state before the power saving is requested. A controller that controls a controlled device installed in a home, and a server device that is communicably connected to a mobile terminal device,
Receiving means for receiving a control result based on the control command from the controller;
Transmission means for transmitting the control result to the mobile terminal device,
The control command is a command for reducing the power consumption of the controlled device, and when the power consumption amount in the home becomes larger than a preset value, the controller instructs the controlled device. A server device that is a command to be transmitted. A mobile terminal device communicably connected to a server device configured to communicate with a controller that controls a controlled device installed in a house,
Receiving means for receiving a control result based on the control command from the server device;
Output means for outputting the received control result,
The control command is a command for reducing the power consumption of the controlled device, and when the power consumption amount in the home becomes larger than a preset value, the controller instructs the controlled device. A mobile terminal device that is a command to be transmitted. An information processing method in a communication system comprising a controller that controls a controlled device installed in a home, a server device that can communicate with the controller, and a mobile terminal device that is communicably connected to the server device. ,
The controller transmits a control command for reducing the power consumption of the controlled device to the controlled device based on the fact that the power consumption amount in the house is larger than a preset value;
The controller transmitting a control result based on the control command to the server device;
The portable terminal device receiving the control result from the server device;
The mobile terminal device includes a step of outputting the received control result. An information processing method in a server device communicably connected to a controller that controls a controlled device installed in a house and a mobile terminal device,
Receiving a control result based on the control command from the controller;
Transmitting the control result to the mobile terminal device,
The control command is a command for reducing the power consumption of the controlled device, and when the power consumption amount in the home becomes larger than a preset value, the controller instructs the controlled device. An information processing method that is a command to be transmitted. An information processing method in a mobile terminal device communicably connected to a server device configured to communicate with a controller that controls a controlled device installed in a house,
Receiving a control result based on a control command from the server device;
Outputting the received control result,
The control command is a command for reducing the power consumption of the controlled device, and when the power consumption amount in the home becomes larger than a preset value, the controller instructs the controlled device. An information processing method that is a command to be transmitted. A program for controlling a controller that controls a controlled device installed in a house and a server device that is communicably connected to a mobile terminal device,
Receiving a control result based on the control command from the controller;
Transmitting the control result to the mobile terminal device, causing the processor of the server device to execute,
The control command is a command for reducing the power consumption of the controlled device, and when the power consumption amount in the home becomes larger than a preset value, the controller instructs the controlled device. A program that is a command to be sent. A program for controlling a mobile terminal device communicably connected to a server device configured to communicate with a controller that controls a controlled device installed in a house,
Receiving a control result based on a control command from the server device;
Outputting the received control result to the processor of the mobile terminal device,
The control command is a command for reducing the power consumption of the controlled device, and when the power consumption amount in the home becomes larger than a preset value, the controller instructs the controlled device. A program that is a command to be sent.

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